The Best Filipino Restaurants in Melbourne To Try ASAP

Are you craving a taste of the Philippines in Melbourne? You're in luck! This city is no stranger to diverse cuisine offerings, and the mouthwatering dishes served at the best Filipino restaurants further prove that.

Known for its sweet, salty, tangy and sour flavour-packed dishes - particularly adobo - Filipino food delights with influence from China, Spain and America to create meals that are good for the soul. Let's dig in!

Askal

Discover the vibrant essence of Filipino cuisine at Askal, where chef John River (co-owner of Kariton Sorbetes) presents an exquisite range of dishes. From oxtail kare-kare-filled doughnuts to sizzling pork jowl and abalone sisig, each creation delivers authentic flavours with a sophisticated touch.

Don't miss the dessert—Tanduay rum caramel leche flan and a unique canelé version of pan de coco are simply exceptional. Set in a warm, welcoming ambiance in the heart of Melbourne, Askal stands out as a must-visit destination for an elevated Filipino dining experience.

167 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 

Serai 

Serai shines a spotlight on traditional Filipino dishes, with an open kitchen where diners at the Omakase table can watch chefs create magic over fire.

Start with some crispy bites of Kare Kare hash brown and Spanish bread before moving on to bigger dishes like Fraser Island Spanner Crab with chicharron and wood-roasted pig's head (sisig) tacos with egg butter.

Save room for dessert - the Cassava cake with smoked brown butter ice cream is divine. 

Racing Club Lane, Melbourne

Mama Lor

Mama Lor is a beloved family-owned restaurant in Melbourne, offering a delightful array of traditional Filipino dishes, freshly baked bread, and cakes. Established by a family from Cebu, this eatery is dedicated to bringing the authentic taste of the Philippines to both locals and visitors.

Named after the family’s mother and grandmother, Mama Lor serves standout dishes such as crispy water spinach chips, golden fried pork hock, a hearty Kare Kare beef stew in peanut curry, and crispy fried chicken. Don’t miss their tempting desserts like ube layer caked and halo-halo, a refreshing sundae-style delicacy of shaved ice and sweet treats. For an authentic Filipino dining experience, Mama Lor is a must-visit.

187 Watton Street, Werribee

Enelssie Cafe & Grill

Tucked away in Melbourne’s outer western suburbs, Enelssie shines as the ultimate destination for authentic Filipino cuisine. Balancing traditional dishes with Western influences, this family-friendly gem offers a delectable array of options, from sizzling bulalo to grilled pork liempo to the standout Mang Inasal chicken. Their breakfast bilao, ideal for a fun little morning date, is a standout with its combination of must-have breakfast items made for sharing. The lively atmosphere, enhanced by live music on Friday nights, and the welcoming staff make each visit memorable. 

102 Tenterfield Drive, Burnside Heights 

Joy's BBQ & Grill

Joy's BBQ & Grill is a hidden gem in Melbourne, offering an authentic taste of Filipino street food. It's a cosy spot serving up mouthwatering BBQ, from glistening skewers to tender pork belly that has been perfectly charred and paired with a zesty and spicy vinegar dip.

The Mary Chicken combo is a standout, praised for being as close to the real thing in the Philippines. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and friendly service, Joy’s makes every guest feel like family.

For a genuine culinary experience, Joy’s BBQ & Grill is a must-visit Filipino restaurant in Melbourne.

72 Hampstead Road, Maidstone

Baraka Pinoy Streetfood

Doing what Filipinos do best, Baraka Pinoy brings authentic and delicious street food and desserts to Melbourne.

This is the sort of place you might stumble across by happy accident only to be blown away by the food. From pork siomai dim sims, grilled pork belly, meat skewers marinated to perfection, refreshing teas and mango floats, it's a delicious ode to the Philippines.

Before you go, stock up on Filipino candy and snacks at the tiny grocery store on site!

Melbourne & Highpoint

Sisig Mix

Sisig is a traditional Filipino breakfast dish, but Sisig Mix is giving it some extra spice - by combining their dishes with flavours inspired by Persian cuisine. 

The fusion restaurant uses fresh ingredients to create dishes you may not find anywhere else, with the likes of a Pork Sisig burrito with adobo rice, bell peppers and a special yoghurt garlic sauce, or loaded fries topped with soy lemon beef or chicken. 

And if you're attempting to get your littles to try something new - kids eat free on Sundays!

362 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

CEREE

Half restaurant, half Filipino grocery, there's always a good excuse to visit CEREE on Spring Street. Browse the market stalls in the courtyard and stock up on snacks for home, stop for a coffee and cake (like the Ube coconut tart from Pastry Plus) or make a booking for dinner.

Try BBQ skewers, garlic rice, Silog with your choice of vegetables or meat, noodles served with crackling and stews filled with rich flavour. From savoury to sweet, it's all here. 

285 Spring Street, Melbourne

Migrant Coffee

Opened by two best friends and dedicated to their mothers, Migrant Coffee celebrates the flavours of the Philippines and Thailand fused with New York-style bagels. 

Putting a regular cream cheese bagel to shame (though you can order that too if you like), expect to find fillings like Filipino chicken salad, halloumi chunks marinated in calamansi juice or freshly sliced banana and salted caramel coconut jam for something sweet.

Add a fresh juice or a Thai iced tea to the order and you're set for a satisfying breakfast or lunch in the courtyard!

3/576 Barkly Street, West Footscray

Kariton Sorbetes

You may not have expected to find an ice cream store on this list, but Kariton Sorbetes deserves a moment. The first Filipino ice cream shop in Melbourne, every flavour has been inspired by a traditional dessert from the islands.

Each variety is made in small batches, with gelato, soft serve and sorbet available. From the Ube Halaya purple yam gelato to the Leche Flan enriched flan gelato with spiced rum caramel, this is ice cream like you've never experienced it!

Footscray, Chinatown, Glen Waverley & Burwood

Has our list of the best Filipino restaurants in Melbourne inspired you to try more cuisines from around the world? A culinary hot pot, try everything from the best French to the best Japanese in town.