Things to Do in Aspendale This Weekend — 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | The Southern Kitchen |
| Best free option | Half Yard |
| Best for families | Zara Bench |
| Best local secret | Green Table |
| Best for rainy days | Nina’s |
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
The room holds 55 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Plenty Lane is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Barkly Lane is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Barkly Lane is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
What Makes Aspendale Different
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
The room holds 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Thomas Avenue is usually fine.
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
The room holds 33 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.
8. Sunny Local — 303 Smith Drive, Aspendale VIC 3193
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Queen Drive is usually fine.
Order this: The mushroom pasta ($23) — solid 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
Yes. 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.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
