Kew’s restaurant scene is polished without being pretentious. High Street carries most of the weight, with a mix of Italian, Vietnamese, modern Australian, and the kind of reliable neighbourhood joints that survive on repeat business rather than hype. You will not stumble into a life-changing meal here, but you are extremely unlikely to have a bad one.
Best for a Proper Dinner
Centonove — 109 High Street
Centonove is Kew’s best Italian and one of the better neighbourhood Italian restaurants in Melbourne’s east. Handmade pasta is the strength — the pappardelle ragu and the cacio e pepe are both executed with care. The wine list leans Italian with enough local options to keep things interesting. The room is warm, the service is knowledgeable, and it fills up on weekends without feeling rushed. Book for Friday or Saturday. Walk in on a Tuesday.
Price: Two courses with wine for two: $140-$180.
Hanoi Hannah — 186 High Street
Contemporary Vietnamese that has become a Kew institution. The rice paper rolls are a staple, the pho is proper, and the coconut-braised pork belly brings people back. The cocktail list works — lychee martinis and Vietnamese-inspired spritzes that complement the food rather than competing with it. The fit-out is modern and moody. Good for groups, good for dates, good for a weeknight dinner when you want something with more energy than the local pub.
Price: Two mains, sides, and drinks for two: $100-$130.
Hanoi Rose — 178 High Street
The casual sibling of Hanoi Hannah, a few doors down. Same kitchen DNA but in a more relaxed, quicker-service format. Banh mi, bao buns, noodle bowls, and the kind of snack plates that work for a fast dinner or a long share-table session with friends. BYO wine on certain nights brings the bill down. This is where Kew locals eat when they want something good without the occasion.
Price: Two mains and a drink each: $60-$80.
Best for a Quick Weeknight Feed
Rice Paper Scissors — 196 High Street
Fast-casual Asian that does not cut corners. The laksa is rich and properly spiced, the pad thai avoids the sweet-sauce trap, and the portions are honest. Counter service keeps things moving. This is the Tuesday night option when cooking feels like too much effort but Uber Eats feels like a cop-out.
Price: Main and a drink: $22-$28.
Kew Kebab House — 156 High Street
Late-night kebabs that have fed Kew for years. The lamb is properly seasoned, the garlic sauce is generous, and the chips are hot. Not a restaurant in any formal sense, but it fills an essential role in the suburb’s food ecosystem. Open later than almost everything else on the strip.
Price: Kebab and chips: $16-$20.
FAQ
What is the best restaurant in Kew for a date? Centonove for Italian romance, or Hanoi Hannah for something with more buzz. Both reward a Friday night booking.
Is Kew good for family dining? The Postmaster Hotel bistro handles families well, and Hanoi Rose’s share-plate format works for groups with kids. Most High Street restaurants are tolerant of well-behaved children.
Do I need to book in Kew? Friday and Saturday nights at Centonove and Hanoi Hannah, yes. Weeknights and most other venues, walk-ins are fine.
More on Kew: Kew Suburb Guide · [Best Cafes in Kew](/kew/best-cafes/) · Best Bars in Kew
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