Example embodiments relate to asset browsing and restoration over a network using on demand staging. A method may include accessing a compound asset in the storage system and restoring it as a staged asset in a staging area of the storage access system before receiving an indication from a client device to browse at least a portion of the compound asset. The method may include accessing the internal structure of the staged asset to generate an asset directory, wherein the asset directory indicates discrete items within the compound asset. The method may include storing the asset directory in the storage access system. The method may include providing the stored asset directory or a portion of the stored asset directory to the client device over a network in response to an indication from the client device to browse the compound asset.