Things to Do in Aspendale This Weekend — 2026

Aspendale 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. Humble Corner and Lena Post are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Aspendale sits 18-41km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Quiet bayside suburb with Aspendale Gardens reserve.

1. Ada Store — 173 Barkly Lane, Aspendale VIC 3193

What it is: A local institution Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: families

Ada Store has been operating in Aspendale for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($25) 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 55 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The daily soup ($26) — the best version in Aspendale Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Max’s — 182 Queen Drive, Aspendale VIC 3193

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $17-31 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Max’s has been operating in Aspendale for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

The room holds 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Plenty Lane is usually fine.

Try this: The fish special ($20) — the best version in Aspendale Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. Rosa Kitchen — 119 Barkly Lane, Aspendale VIC 3193

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Rosa Kitchen has been operating in Aspendale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($16) 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 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Barkly Lane is usually fine.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Max’s — 317 Queen Drive, Aspendale VIC 3193

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Max’s has been operating in Aspendale for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

Capacity is around 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($15) — the best version in Aspendale Insider tip: Parking is free on Plenty Street after 6pm.

5. Mabel Mill — 262 Queen Drive, Aspendale VIC 3193

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Mabel Mill has been operating in Aspendale for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Barkly Lane is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

What Makes Aspendale Different

Quiet bayside suburb with Aspendale Gardens reserve. Direct beach access via Aspendale station. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Aspendale’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. Whether you’re based in Aspendale or visiting from nearby, you’ll find that this history shapes everything from the food culture to the community events. The locals who’ve been here longest will tell you the suburb has changed dramatically, but the bones are still good.

6. Oliver’s — 251 Thomas Avenue, Aspendale VIC 3193

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Oliver’s has been operating in Aspendale for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($24) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Thomas Avenue is usually fine.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($24) — the best version in Aspendale Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Bright Press — 184 Thomas Avenue, Aspendale VIC 3193

What it is: A local institution Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Bright Press has been operating in Aspendale for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($13) 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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($17) — the best version in Aspendale Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Sunny Local — 303 Smith Drive, Aspendale VIC 3193

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: families

Sunny Local has been operating in Aspendale for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($23) 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 space seats about 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Rosa — 261 Queen Drive, Aspendale VIC 3193

What it is: A local institution Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Rosa has been operating in Aspendale for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($22) 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 space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Aspendale roaster — ask which one.

10. Old Store — 43 Smith Drive, Aspendale VIC 3193

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Old Store has been operating in Aspendale for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The fish special ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Plenty Street after 6pm.

11. Mabel — 231 Thomas Avenue, Aspendale VIC 3193

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Mabel has been operating in Aspendale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($22) 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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Queen Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Aspendale roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

• Mordialloc Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
• Aspendale Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Aspendale Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Edithvale Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Aspendale stacks up
• All Aspendale Guides — everything we’ve written about Aspendale

FAQ

Is Aspendale worth visiting?

Yes. Aspendale has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Aspendale known for?

Quiet bayside suburb with Aspendale Gardens reserve.

What is there to do in Aspendale on a Sunday?

The Southern Kitchen is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Aspendale from Melbourne CBD?

Aspendale is 18-41km, 32-55min train, 25-47min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Aspendale: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026