Chef’s Guide: Where to eat and drink in Preston
Dumplings, wood-fired pizzas and noodles that pack an almighty spice punch — there’s plenty of delicious places to eat and drink in Preston.
Food
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Longrain head chef Arté Assavakavinvong shares his favourite places to eat and drink in Preston in Melbourne’s north.
GOLD LEAF CHINESE RESTAURANT
A big, bustling Chinese restaurant with something for everyone on the menu.
Great for yum cha, they have a big variety of dumplings and a range of banquet options.
It can get pretty busy but with big tables and plenty of parking, it’s the perfect spot for the family for a Sunday yum cha.
419 High St, Preston
TINA’S NOODLE KITCHEN
I love Sichuan food, and Tina’s is some of the best you’ll find in the north.
The noodles are very elastic-y and super tasty, and the broth is rich and full of flavour.
The serves are generous, but make sure you let the staff know not to make the dishes too hot if you aren’t a fan of spicy foods!
352 High St, Preston
PRESTON MARKET
Preston Market has a great variety fresh and well-priced Asian vegetables and produce.
It is much cheaper compared with other Melbourne food markets, and the seafood and meat selection is particularly impressive. Go on the weekend to catch some live music and activities for the kids.
30A The Centreway
TONDA ITALIAN
Great pizza! I like the Carciofi 21 pizza with sun-dried tomato, olives, buffalo mozzarella and artichoke — I am always drawn to anything on the menu that has artichokes.
During lockdown, they were selling locally made masks with their takeaway orders.
The owners are lovely, and the chef gives my daughter ice cream!
445 Plenty Rd, Preston
GROUNDS OF EDEN
Grounds of Eden is a new cafe that just opened after Melbourne’s lockdown lifted.
When I drove past and saw the decorations from outside, I just had to get in to try their coffee and food. My favourite dish is Gochujang burger, a Korean style glazed fried chicken
burger with Asian slaw. It is relatively simple but delicious.
Good coffee and good latte art, as well.
350 Sydney Rd, Coburg
PRIOR THORNBURY
A relatively new addition to High Street that opened just weeks before the pandemic hit Melbourne, Prior is my go-to brunch spot. After a difficult year, I’m glad to see Prior back open and thriving. It has a sleek, minimalist fit out, heaps of seating inside and out, and the staff are always so accommodating. Try the chilli scrambled eggs with piped black garlic, or grab a sandwich to go.
637 High St, Thornbury
Longrain and Longsong are new additions to chef-restaurateur Scott Pickett’s stable of venues, offering indoor banquet and outdoor a la carte dining at 44 Lt Bourke St, city.