Best Cafes for Remote Work in Bentleigh East Melbourne 2026

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Bentleigh East to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.50-5.00 for a flat white, $22-38 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. Nina’s is the one everyone knows. Ava’s is the one they should know. Bentleigh East has residential suburb with east boundary road retail.

1. Ash’s — 335 Margaret Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Ash’s has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade 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 space seats about 64 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($19) — the best version in Bentleigh East Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Mabel Social — 9 Margaret Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: A local institution Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: budget eaters

Mabel Social has been operating in Bentleigh East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The house-made relish ($22) — the best version in Bentleigh East Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. The High Table — 62 Lygon Grove, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: groups

The High Table has been operating in Bentleigh East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($21) 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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Half Store — 372 Margaret Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: budget eaters

Half Store has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade 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.

The room holds 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Station Crescent is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Kai’s — 20 Station Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Kai’s has been operating in Bentleigh East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($15) 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 39 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Why Locals Stay in Bentleigh East

Residential suburb with East Boundary Road retail. Close to GESAC aquatic centre. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Bentleigh East’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. Whether you’re based in Bentleigh East 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. Stella — 108 South Drive, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: the whole crew

Stella has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($24) 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 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Henry Terrace is usually fine.

Ask for: The daily soup ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Mabel Corner — 363 Henry Terrace, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Mabel Corner has been operating in Bentleigh East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($17) 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 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Margaret Crescent is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on South Street after 6pm.

8. Hazel — 274 Henry Terrace, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Hazel has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 space seats about 48 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on South Drive is usually fine.

Start with: The seasonal special ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Ava’s — 349 South Drive, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Ava’s has been operating in Bentleigh East 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The fish special ($28) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Station Street after 6pm.

10. Red Yard — 217 South Drive, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $13-25 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Red Yard has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($18) 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 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The daily soup ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

11. Cleo’s — 242 Margaret Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: A local institution Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: the whole crew

Cleo’s has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($14) 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 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

• Bentleigh Best Cafes for Remote Work — same vibe, different suburb
• Bentleigh East Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Bentleigh East Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Mckinnon Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Bentleigh East stacks up
• All Bentleigh East Guides — everything we’ve written about Bentleigh East

FAQ

Is Bentleigh East worth visiting?

Yes. Bentleigh East has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The best cafes for remote work scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Bentleigh East known for?

Residential suburb with East Boundary Road retail.

Which cafes in Bentleigh East have good WiFi?

Green Room is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Bentleigh East from Melbourne CBD?

Bentleigh East is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Bentleigh East won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026