Our Guide to the Best Restaurants in Box Hill

Melbourne’s suburbs can be divided into cultural foodie pockets, with each bringing something unique to offer to our city’s diverse dining scene. Carlton is iconically known for its plethora of Italian food, Oakleigh is known for boasting some of the best Greek food in Melbourne, and Caulfield and Balaclava for their Jewish culinary offerings. Box Hill is one of the ‘burbs best known for the incredible Asian cuisine at its fingertips. While it traditionally is best known for Chinese food, it has since expanded to become an Asian foodie hub, with multiple cuisines and fusion spots.

We’ve rounded up the best cafes and restaurants in Box Hill, so you can discover all the hidden gems this flavourful suburb has to offer.

Tien Dat

This family-owned and run Vietnamese restaurant is the very first that opened in Box Hill over 40 years ago. Tien Dat is serving up traditional northern Vietnamese dishes with spices and flavours influenced by the south, bringing the best of both worlds to the table. From crisp spring rolls served with refreshing iceberg lettuce to piping hot bowls of sliced rare beef pho and vermicelli salad, every dish at Tien Dat is made using the freshest ingredients. What's not to love?!

3 Carrington Road, Box Hill

Katori

For an elevated Japanese dining experience with a playful twist, make your way to Katori in Box Hill. This Yakiniku-style gem invites you to cook bite-sized pieces of premium meat and vegetables right at your table on a sizzling grill. Experience Japanese BBQ at its finest, where you can handpick your choice of meats and sashimi à la carte, or dive into one of their indulgent set menu options for a true feast.

If you're craving an unforgettable, fine dining Japanese BBQ experience, Katori is hands down one of the best restaurants in Box Hill.

G01/850 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill

Simon's Peiking Duck

If you're craving duck in the eastern suburbs, Simon’s Peiking Duck is the place to go—no questions asked. Simon Lay, the founder of Simon’s Peiking Duck, earned his reputation for creating some of the finest Peking Duck in Melbourne at Collingwood’s Old Kingdom before opening his own restaurant in 2010. Although he sadly passed away in 2020, his restaurant continues to serve some of the best Beijing Imperial Duck in Melbourne.

When you book at Simon’s Peiking Duck (and bookings are essential if you want a guaranteed table), don’t expect a flashy location or venue. You’re coming here for the food. The menu isn’t extensive, because Simon’s Peiking Duck knows what it does, and it does it well. Choose from two duck options with handmade pancakes and assorted toppings, handmade noodles or crispy egg noodles, rice, and extra sides. Every dish is packed with flavour and will leave you craving more.

197B Middleborough Road, Box Hill South

David's Master Pot

David’s Master Pot is serving up delicious Sichuan Malatang across Melbourne, with one of their restaurant locations being in Box Hill. Don’t confuse David’s Master Pot with David’s Hot Pot, its sister restaurant. Both are fantastic, but they each have their own unique flair.

David’s Master Pot lets you customise your soup exactly how you like it. Choose from a selection of fresh ingredients, your preferred soup base, and an array of condiments to create the perfect steaming bowl every time. The team at David’s stir-fry over 20 aromatic Chinese herbs and spices before adding their rich pork bone broth, which is simmered for over 12 hours to achieve an authentic Sichuan flavour. It’s the ultimate winter warmer, packed with depth and warmth in every bite.

606 Station Street, Box Hill

DooBoo

We all know and love hotpot, but have you ever tried Korean tofu hot pot? Known as soondubu jjigae, this beloved Korean stew features soft, uncurdled tofu (soondubu), vegetables, and often a variety of proteins like pork, beef, or seafood. And no one does it better in Box Hill than DooBoo.

Offering a variety of tofu soups and combo dishes alongside other dry options, it’s the perfect spot to gather with friends for a casual meal and catch-up. The broth is flavourful and spicy, pairing perfectly with boneless fried chicken or wagyu beef bulgogi. This is undoubtedly one of the best–and most unique–restaurants in Box Hill!

1 Main Street, Box Hill

Haidilao Hotpot Box Hill

For an immersive and entertaining dining experience, Haidilao Hotpot is a must-visit. This renowned Chinese hot pot chain has gained global acclaim for its high-quality ingredients, customisable broths, and exceptional service. From their signature tomato and spicy Sichuan broths to unique dipping sauces, Haidilao allows you to tailor each dish to your taste.

The experience goes beyond the food; Haidilao is famous for its impeccable customer service, offering fun extras like aprons and phone covers to protect your belongings, and even a noodle dance performance where hand-pulled noodles are freshly made right at your table. With an endless selection of fresh meats, seafood, vegetables, and tofu, it’s an interactive meal that’s perfect for both hotpot enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Level 2/545-563 Station Street, Box Hill 

Zero Mode

Everything on the menu at Zero Mode is dangerously delicious. Serving Asian fusion brunch fare, each dish and drink is a feast for both the stomach and the eyes. With so many tempting options, it's hard to choose just one, so we recommend going with a group to share a variety of dishes.

For breakfast, you can't go past the truffle mushroom or crab chilli scrambled eggs. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try the Wild West waffle—crispy chicken, a fried egg, sriracha maple bacon, and chilli sauce on a house-made charcoal waffle. Our personal favourite is the 'King Salmon Mode', a poke bowl with fresh salmon sashimi, pickled radish, edamame, seaweed, bean curd, and your choice of rice, mixed coleslaw, or kale and quinoa.

Be sure to book ahead, as Zero Mode is usually packed, and wait times can be long.

Sitchu Tip: Zero Mode is also open for dinner, but the menu is more limited, so visit during the day to get the full experience.

G03/850 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill

The Penny Drop

The Penny Drop is another one of the best cafes in Box Hill that’s not only serving up magnificent coffee, but an amazing breakfast and lunch spread worth its weight in gold. Think modern Australian cafe classics with a fun Japanese twist, from savoury sensations to delicious, sweet treats.

Originally starting out as a tiny cafe pop-up in Box Hill, The Penny Drop eventually transformed into the magnificent all-day eatery that it is today after seeing the community’s overwhelmingly positive response to its coffee.

Sitchu Tip: Order their divine tiramisu French toast if you’re feeling extra indulgent – it’s incredible!

913 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill

Red Cup Cafe

Red Cup Cafe is a staple when it comes to the best cafes in Box Hill. This licensed cafe is serving up craft beer, local wines, delicious food and Industry Beans coffee, making it the perfect place to dine al fresco and sip on an afternoon wine in the summer. Or, if it’s a rainy day, warm your hands on a mug of piping hot coffee and some comforting cafe food indoors.

This community hub is serving up classic cafe fare with their own unique spin. We recommend ordering the fried calamari if you’re coming in for lunch. Light and refreshing, served alongside a cabbage salad, tomato, shredded apple, cucumber, lettuce, pickled carrot, fresh herbs, tartar, wine and lemon dressing, this dish will leave you feeling content.

1124 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill

Can't get enough of all the hidden gems in Melbourne and want to uncover more? Now you're done reading about the best restaurants in Box Hill, take a drive slightly closer to the city and brunch at the best cafes in Camberwell. Or, if you're westside, check out these incredible Footscray restaurants.