Things to Do in Aintree This Weekend — 2026
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Press | | Best with kids | Otto Union | | Hidden spot | Max Post | | Bad weather pick | Nico’s |
Aintree doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The things to do this weekend scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Nina Mill and Pantry are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Aintree sits 28km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Master-planned community in the western growth corridor between Deer Park and Melton.
1. Little Corner — 107 Market Place, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: A local institution Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
2. Northern Table — 91 George Crescent, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
3. Mabel’s — 326 Market Place, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
Capacity is around 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on William Lane is usually fine.
4. The Honest Mill — 183 Market Place, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-32 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The room holds 55 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
5. Archive — 215 William Lane, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: A local institution Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: dates
Capacity is around 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($15) — solid
What Aintree Actually Is
6. The Good Store — 126 George Crescent, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
7. Assembly — 239 Queen Drive, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($15) — solid
8. The Half Works — 196 Market Place, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The space seats about 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Aintree farmers market when it runs.
9. Rosa’s — 277 Market Place, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Capacity is around 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
10. Oliver — 72 George Crescent, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The space seats about 35 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
11. The Common Cellar — 194 Queen Drive, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Smith Road is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
12. The New Lane — 107 Queen Drive, Aintree VIC 3253
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The space seats about 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Explore More
- Craigieburn South Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
- Aintree Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Aintree Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Fraser Rise Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Aintree stacks up
- All Aintree Guides — everything we’ve written about Aintree
FAQ
Yes. The things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Aintree known for?
Master-planned community in the western growth corridor between Deer Park and Melton.
What is there to do in Aintree on a Sunday?
Table is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Aintree from Melbourne CBD?
Aintree is 28km, no direct train, 30min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.