Local Review of Filipino Restaurants in Melbourne Central
This author is a firm believer that Filipino food is an underrated cuisine that more people need to start talking about.
Inspired by the flavours of Spain, China, America and Southeast Asia, there is something comforting and bold about the flavours in every dish. With 7,641 islands that make this beautiful archipelago, there are just so many flavours, dishes and cultures that inspire these dishes, and Melbourne has a handful of them to choose from! With several Filipino restaurants near Melbourne Central!
FINE DINING
Serai
Opened by ex-Rice Paper Scissors chef Ross Magnaye, Serai does not at all claim to be authentic. However, the menu is based on the chef’s Filipino heritage.
Together with Shane Stafford, their vision for this restaurant was to create a space that would fit perfectly in the Philippines, to allow their customers to feel that Serai as a home away from home.
Dubbed as one of the best new restaurants of 2023, and in 2025 Gordon Ramsay even declared their Tacos Sisig one of the best dishes he’s had in years!
Address: 7 Racing Club Lane, Melbourne
Opening Hours:
Tuesday & Wednesday: 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Thursday – Sunday: 12:00pm – 3:00pm & 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Website: https://seraikitchen.com.au/
Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 6-min walk
Askal
Askal is a Filipino colloquial term, and is short for “asong kalye” or “street dog”. The founders of this restaurant chose this word to represent resilience, resourcefulness and adaptability which this restaurant aspires to embody.
Their menu is a tribute to their roots with elevated traditional dishes that showcase the flavours of different parts of the Philippines. With must try dishes such as the pan de Melbourne and latik butter, ox tail kare-kare doughnut, peanut curry, and bagoong butterscotch and so much more, this place will bring you a different understanding of Filipino flavours.
They also have a sister bar called Inuman just upstairs that is Melbourne’s first Filipino cocktail bar with special cocktails and food inspired by the flavours of the Philippines. They also have karaoke on Thursday nights!
Address: 167 Exhibition St., Melbourne
Opening Hours:
ASKAL
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday Friday & Sunday: 5:30pm – 10:30pm
Saturday: 11:30am – 3:00pm & 5:30pm – 10:30pm
INUMAN
Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 4:00pm – 11:00pm
Friday: 4:00pm – 12:30am
Saturday: 12:30pm – 12:30am
Website: https://www.askalmelbourne.com/ / https://www.inumanmelbourne.com/
Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 17-min walk or 12-min via tram
CASUAL DINING
Barkada
Barkada means “group of friends”, the kind of friends that you go to for everything, including having a delicious meal with.
This restaurant brings people in Melbourne a taste of very classic Filipino dishes and street food. Such as chicken inasal, chicken isaw (large intestines) and kwek-kwek (deep fried quail eggs) just to name a few of the things you can find here.
Their dishes are made to make you feel like you’re in the streets of Manila having some delicious food with friends.
They also have a small storefront set-up at the entrance that looks like a classic sari-sari store (convenience store), which sells Filipino goodies for all those who want a taste of the Philippines.
Address: Level 1/ 6 Sutherland St., Melbourne
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am-9pm
Website: https://www.instagram.com/barkadapinoy/?hl=en
Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 2-min walk
Inasal Express
Just a few steps away from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central, you find yourself in Melbourne Central Shopping centre where you can find this gem.
If you haven’t guessed, food is its own love language in the Philippines and Inasal Express is a restaurant inspired by the founders’ love of food and a goal to share home-cooked meals with their customers. Serving classics such as Chicken Inasal, Lechon Kawali, Crispy Pata, and some delicious Filipino breakfasts.
And of course, you can’t forget about the desserts such as halo-halo.
Address: Shop GD 09, Ella Precinct corner Elizabeth St, La Trobe St., Melbourne
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:30am – 8:30pm
Website: https://www.inasalexpress.com/
Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 5-min walk
DESSERT
Kariton Sorbetes
You’ve probably never had gelato like this. Kariton Sorbetes is artisanal gelato with flavours that are inspired by Filipino desserts, cocktails or produce mixed with their team’s own creative flair. And everything is made from scratch!
With their owner also part owner of Askal, the Kariton Sorbetes team puts twists on classic desserts such as their taho soft serve which is traditionally a silken tofu dessert sold by street vendors, made into a soft serve with their own delicious concoction.
They also have traditional Filipino flavours such as keso (cheese-flavoured), ube halaya (sweetened purple yam flavoured) and abukado condensada (a mix of avocado and condensed milk).
Their interior is also unique, quirky, and a little out of this world, then brings you back down to earth when you see the chairs that are traditional used in stores back in the Philippines.
Address: 177 Russell Street, Melbourne
Opening Hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 1:00pm – 10:00pm
Thursday & Friday: 1:00pm – 11:00pm
Saturday: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Website: https://www.karitonsorbetes.com/
Distance from Novotel & Ibis Melbourne Central: 14-min walk or 9-min via tram
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Filipino food vegetarian/vegan friendly?
A lot of Filipino dishes usually contain meat, such as chicken or pork, so please ensure you do your research before going to one.
Do you need to make a booking for these restaurants?
For Askal and Serai, bookings are highly recommended as these restaurants fill up pretty quickly. For the casual dining options, bookings are not necessary and they are very happy to accept walk-ins.
Are Filipino Restaurants suitable for families or group dining?
Absolutely! Filipinos are all about communal eat, sharing dishes and spending time with family.