Best Burgers in Airport West Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best burgers scene in Airport West is growing every year. Start at River’s, then check out Ivy’s. Located near Essendon Airport. Located 30-40km from the CBD, Airport West is part of Melbourne’s Outer West region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Airport West locals actually recommend.

1. Lena Kitchen — 40 Elizabeth Place, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (burgers) No-frills excellence Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Lena Kitchen has been operating in Airport West for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($25) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Plenty Street is usually fine.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — the best version in Airport West Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. The Common Table — 76 River Street, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (burgers) Worth the detour Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: solo diners

The Common Table has been operating in Airport West for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($9) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Victoria Parade is usually fine.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($13) — the best version in Airport West Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. The Tall Works — 3 River Street, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (burgers) A solid local spot Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Tall Works has been operating in Airport West for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 45 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The fish special ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Airport West farmers market when it runs.

4. The Tall Standard — 359 Pine Grove, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (burgers) The one that surprised us Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Tall Standard has been operating in Airport West for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 36 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Plenty Street is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

What Nobody Tells You About Airport West

Located near Essendon Airport. Westfield Airport West is the main retail centre. The best burgers options here reflect Airport West’s character. Whether you’re based in Airport West or visiting from nearby, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

5. Lucky House — 42 Pine Grove, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (burgers) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: groups

Lucky House has been operating in Airport West for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($26) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

6. Long Union — 220 Pine Grove, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (burgers) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Long Union has been operating in Airport West for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 45 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Plenty Street is usually fine.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. The High Press — 178 River Street, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (burgers) No-frills excellence Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The High Press has been operating in Airport West for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($18) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Little Union — 22 Elizabeth Place, Airport West VIC 3077

What it is: (burgers) A quiet achiever Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Little Union has been operating in Airport West for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($20) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 55 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Victoria Parade is usually fine.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the best version in Airport West Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Airport West roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

• Taylors Lakes Best Burgers — same vibe, different suburb
• Airport West Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Airport West Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Airport West Complete Guide — everything about Airport West
• Compare Suburbs — see how Airport West stacks up
• All Airport West Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best burgers options in Airport West?

The Green Press is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Airport West good for best burgers?

Yes. Airport West has 8+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Airport West known for?

Located near Essendon Airport.

How far is Airport West from Melbourne CBD?

Airport West is 30-40km, 40-55min train, 35-45min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Airport West is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026