The 5 Best Filipino Restaurants in Melbourne Worth Every Bite
A few years ago, a Filipino friend of mine cooked me chicken adobo. Honestly, it was so good I still can’t get it out of my head. That one meal made me curious about the rest of Filipino cuisine.
That’s why I asked my team to join me in hunting down the best Filipino restaurants in Melbourne. During our research, we considered authenticity, menu, and overall customer service. We had a lot of fun, and our taste buds are very happy.
If you’ve never tried Filipino food, this list is your sign and guide. These are the spots we’d happily recommend to anyone and go back to anytime the craving hits.
How much does dining in a Filipino restaurant cost in Melbourne?
Dining in a Filipino restaurant in Melbourne can cost A$15–$25 for a casual meal, and up to A$40–$60 at more upscale restaurants.
1. Serai
Address: Racing Club Ln
Phone: +61 3 9600 0016
Business hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 5:30 PM – 10 PM
- Thursday to Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Serai is an upscale Filipino restaurant in Melbourne that mixes traditional Filipino flavours with Australian twists.
We heard a lot of positive feedback around the wood-roasted pig head “sisig” tacos and seared kangaroo “kilawin.”
Traditionally, sisig isn’t served on tacos, and kilawin is usually made with pork. This just shows that they’re really creative.
The drinks also attract attention. They have especially the cocktails and even ube mocktails for those who are skipping alcohol.
Service is consistently described as friendly, warm, and attentive. Customers appreciate that the staff is happy to recommend dishes for the indecisive ones.
The atmosphere also complements the food and service. They have a stylish concrete-floored interior, shared tables, and outside seating. Several people loved the open kitchen too.
On the flip side, Serai’s menu leans heavily on modern interpretations of Filipino cuisine. It might not appeal to those seeking traditional flavours.
Hands down the best meal I had in Melbourne
“Hands down the best meal I had in Melbourne. The hype surrounding Serai is all warranted. Starting with the decor of the restaurant it really ed you into that Melbourne vibe, with the open kitchen taking you straight into the serious stuff which is the food of course. The servers were wonderful we went during Thursday lunch so not the busiest time but none the less were attended to with the upmost attention. Recommend the clay pot rice it is to die for as well as the seared kangaroo”
Food Finds, Google review
Great upscale restaurant serving Filipino based food
“Great upscale restaurant serving Filipino based food. If you are wanting to try Filipino food, THIS is the place to go. Beautiful atmosphere, friendly service and delicious food with tastes that remind me of home and childhood. Portion sizes were good for the price and we were definitely full by the end. We tried their non alcoholic cocktails, the ube drink and the pandan mocktail. The ube mocktail was a bit watery to our finding but the pandan one was nice.”
Isabel, Google review
2. Barkada Pinoy
Address: Level 1/6 Sutherland St
Phone: +61 432 433 249
Business hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 9 PM
For those who want authentic Filipino flavours, Barkada Pinoy is a great choice. They stick closely to Filipino flavours without trying to fuse them with other cuisines.
Skewers and small bites are a big part of what makes them interesting. They have options ranging from chicken and pork to offal like pigs’ ears, chicken feet, and pork belly. It’s not for everyone, but those who’ll get it, get it.
For larger plates, the Inasal chicken is the most recommended. Customers said it’s delicious and slightly crisp.
We also loved that they have occasional treats like balut, puto bumbong, halo-halo, and more.
The simplicity of the menu seems to be its charm. Everything is done well, without overcomplicating it. Online ordering via QR code also got great feedback.
That said, the location is tricky to find. It’s tucked upstairs in a laneway off Lt Lonsdale. The signage is subtle, so it takes a careful eye to find it.
Once inside, though, it’s worth it. The small sari-sari store (small store selling a variety of stuff) style pantry adds nostalgia. Visitors can also browse Filipino snacks there while waiting.
If you’re craving authentic Filipino food and great service, Barkada is the place
“Had such a great time at Barkada in Melbourne CBD 🇵🇭✨ The vibe was welcoming from the moment we walked in, and Kent was especially amazing — super friendly, attentive, and genuinely helpful. The food was incredible as always 🤍 I’m obsessed with their halo-halo (perfectly refreshing and not too sweet!) and the crispy pata was next-level crispy and flavorful. If you’re craving authentic Filipino food and great service, Barkada is the place. Can’t wait to come back!”
Gazel Thompson, Google review
Essential eating for fans of Filipino food in Melbourne
“Essential eating for fans of Filipino food in Melbourne. It’s quite hidden down a side street and then up some stairs. The menu is quite simple and everything is done well. The online ordering (QR code) is great. The chicken inasal should probably be the first thing in your cart and go from there.”
Paul Richards, Google review
3. Enelssie Cafe CBD
Address: Entrance via Godfrey, G Floor/673 Bourke St
Phone: +61 433 826 118
Business hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11 AM – 8 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Enelssie Cafe leaves heavily on home-style Filipino dishes. It’s built around the simple but satisfying meal plus rice “silog” concept.
There are rice meals with chicken, beef, or pork. Many of the plates are designed to be shared, with large portions that easily feed two to three people.
Signature items include sisig, chicken inasal, palabok, and fresh lumpia. They also have simple drinks like coffee, which complement the rich and savory dishes.
We noticed that the food consistently impresses with both flavour and presentation. Dishes are well-seasoned, portion sizes are generous, and the variety encourages trying a bit of everything. They even have boodle fights from time to time.
The staff also does a great job in making the dining experience here feel relaxed and welcoming. Simple gestures, like assisting with group photos or offering guidance on the menu, add to teh overall warmth of the experience.
On the downside, occasional service issues appear, particularly with online orders. There was a case of double-charging and a delayed refund.
Very convenient, perfect ambiance and amazing service
“We the most delicious filo lunch at Enelssie CBD. Very convenient, perfect ambiance and amazing service. The food was mouthwatering. Lastly, Chef Anthony was so kind and very pleasant. Highly recommended and its just walkimg distance from Southern Cross Station.”
Francis Antoque, Google review
The food didn’t disappoint at all
“Very exciting to come to the city location. The food didn’t disappoint at all. We ordered at the Merienda menu and we chose the Palabok and Fresh Lumpia. The serving was generous, though if hungry enough it can be finished eaten solo, and so delicious. The staff are very friendly, helpful and even took photos for us. Very happy to find another great Filipino restaurant in the CBD!!! I’ll definitely come back to taste more from the menu!”
Rita Neria, Google review
4. Inasal Express
Address: Melbourne Central Shopping Centre, Shop GD 079, Ella Precinct corner Elizabeth Street, La Trobe St
Phone: +61 3 9639 9882
Business hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Inasal Express has carved out a solid reputation for their grilled dishes. The menu caters heavily to grilled proteins like chicken, pork, and fish.
They’re usually served with jasmine or garlic rice and simple sides like chips or salad.
The real star of the show is the chicken inasal, particularly the paa (thigh). It’s juicy, tender, and perfectly smoky every time.
Their grilled pork lineup offers variety. They offer ribs, liempo, and BBQ skewers, all in generous portions and with satisfying flavours.
We also like that they went all out by offering desserts, like leche flan, halo-halo, and taho.
For their service, they come across as warm and welcoming. We didn’t have any complaints when we visited, nor did we hear many from the regulars we spoke with.
The main drawback, though, is the seating. Indoor space is limited. The restaurant might feel cramped during busy periods, like lunch and dinner time.
Food was massive and that pork belly is divine!
“Second time having Filipino food. Service was quick and friendly. Food was massive and that pork belly is divine! Their homemade fries were pretty good too. You get a buzzer so you can sit anywhere at the food court area and pick up your food when it is ready. Will return”
Nita, Google review
The food is flavorful, service is quick, and it’s a convenient spot
“Inasal Express in central Melbourne offers delicious Filipino grilled dishes inside the mall. The food is flavorful, service is quick, and it’s a convenient spot for a tasty meal while shopping.”
Paul Garcia, Google review
5. Kumbira Cafe and Grill
Address: 51A Blyth St, Altona
Phone: +61 402 200 819
Business hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 9 AM – 9 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 9 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 9 PM
Kumbira Cafe and Grill is a perfect spot to eat out Filipino food after swimming in Altona Beach. The place has a relaxed cafe vibe during the day that turns into a lively grill scene at night.
Their Filipino dishes here are perfect for sharing. Some of their dishes are chicken adobo rillettes with pandesal, sisig, chicken inasal, and bone marrow fried rice.
According to our Filipino friend who came with us to try the restaurant, the flavours taste familiar and comforting. It’s also great that they’re plated in a way that makes the cuisine easy to showcase to non-Filipino friends.
Drinks and desserts are also amazing. The ube latte and ube milkshake are commonly ordered and have received positive comments from those who’ve tried them.
We also loved that the service is quick. The staff gives warm smiles and genuine Filipino hospitality. Even where there are small hiccups, it’ll all be handled quickly and professionally.
In terms of pricing, most dishes feel fair for the portion size and presentation. However, some specialty desserts or ice cream can be a bit expensive.
Highly recommended!
“We flew in from Alice Springs to Melbourne for a quick vacation and we came across Kumbira when we were looking for Filipino restaurants. They did not disappoint! It was so good that I think it gave a totally new look at Filipino cuisine while maintaining the real essence of it. The braised pork belly was so soft that it melts in our mouth. The laing is flavorful. The beef brisket is just top notch. And no one should sleep around their halo-halo. Highly recommended!”
Gabriel Lorenzo Santos, Google review
All in all, a great experience and definitely would come back here
“Visited this place last Saturday and really impressed with the food and the vibe here. Great portion servings was the first thing we noticed here. The sisig was not oily and crispy, the bone marrow garlic fried rice was delectable with a hint of umami, the chicken chicharon was nicely complemented by the dried mango bits and the honey truffle and the torta paired nicely with the salted egg sauce. The staff were very friendly too but not in an overbearing way that they kept hovering around you. All in all, a great experience and definitely would come back here.”
Ken E., Google review