Box Hill is Melbourne’s go-to destination for authentic Asian cuisine. Steaming dumplings, roast Peking duck and hand-pulled noodles are all on the menu in this neighbourhood. While the long-loved staples remain, the suburb’s growing student population and rapid renewal have sparked a wave of cafes, cocktail bars and modern restaurants to join the mix, giving locals a melting pot of options to eat and drink their way through all within proximity to build-to-rent Box Hill developments like Local.
Perfect for a relaxed brunch or catch-up with friends, Red Cup brews silky lattes with Industry Beans coffee and serves hearty breakfasts, fresh salads and even local craft beers and wines for those lingering weekends.
Once a little coffee pop-up for weary commuters, The Penny Drop has grown into a 100-seat all day eatery serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with all the ‘brekkie’ classics alongside share plates with a distinct Asian twist.
A local legend tucked away in Box Hill South, Simon Lay’s restaurant is renowned across Melbourne for its perfectly crisp Peking duck, carved at your table. Expect generous portions and old-school service that makes every diner feel special.
Panda Hot Pot has made a name for itself in Carlton and Carnegie with its sizzling hot pots and live evening performances. Now, Box Hill locals have the chance to dine in its brand new restaurant in Sky Square (SKYSQR) which is located on the ground floor of Local: Box Hill serving as a thriving hub of fresh produce, specialty food stalls, and retail under one roof.
Created by the team behind Dainty Sichuan, Tina’s Noodle Kitchen is always packed with spice-lovers chasing its signature fiery broths and chewy noodles. The aroma alone is worth the visit.
Tien Dat was Box Hill’s very first Vietnamese restaurant, introducing locals to the vibrant flavours of Hanoi. It’s been family-owned since its doors first opened in 1983 and offers a relaxed setting with authentic dishes including bùn, pho, and hu tieu kho.
Located on Whitehorse Road, this intimate cocktail bar is ideal for post-lecture or after-work drinks. Think natural wines, inventive cocktails, and weekly events such as paint-and-sip nights, quizzes and live music.
Want to live walking distance from Box Hill’s food scene instead of “thinking about it” and never going? Local: Box Hill is a build-to-rent (BTR) apartment community in Box Hill, Melbourne, made for renters who value convenience, flexibility, and a professionally managed home base. With Box Hill Central, public transport, and late-night eats close by, it’s easy to bounce from dumplings to cocktails without planning your life around commuting. Plus, SKYSQR (Sky Square) on the ground floor of Local: Box Hill brings fresh produce, specialty food stalls and retail right to your doorstep, so dinner plans can be as ambitious or lazy as you are.
