Things to Do in Bentleigh East This Weekend — 2026

Bentleigh East locals have known for years what the rest of Melbourne is just figuring out. The things to do this weekend options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Stella, then work your way to Remy’s. Residential suburb with East Boundary Road retail. This is Bentleigh East in 2026.

1. The Red Yard — 24 Lygon Grove, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Red Yard has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

The space seats about 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($15) — the best version in Bentleigh East Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Mia — 164 Station Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Mia has been operating in Bentleigh East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($12) 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 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The fish special ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. White Social — 274 South Drive, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

White Social has been operating in Bentleigh East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($20) 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 54 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on South Drive is usually fine.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($20) — the best version in Bentleigh East Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Marco’s — 196 Margaret Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

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

The space seats about 48 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 crispy chicken ($28) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. Ivy’s — 337 Lygon Grove, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ivy’s has been operating in Bentleigh East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 space seats about 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Why Bentleigh East Is Worth Knowing

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. For Bentleigh East locals and anyone in the area, 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. Kai’s — 115 Station Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Kai’s has been operating in Bentleigh East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($19) 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 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Station Crescent is usually fine.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($22) — the best version in Bentleigh East Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. Old Local — 239 Station Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: budget eaters

Old Local has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The room holds 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Ruby’s — 287 Station Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: solo diners

Ruby’s has been operating in Bentleigh East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Margaret Crescent is usually fine.

Start with: The house-made relish ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Humble Works — 260 Lygon Grove, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: A local institution Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Humble Works has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The fish special ($16) — the best version in Bentleigh East Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Hazel Social — 206 Henry Terrace, Bentleigh East VIC 3169

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Hazel Social has been operating in Bentleigh East for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The fish special ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

• Bentleigh Things To Do This Weekend — 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 things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Bentleigh East known for?

Residential suburb with East Boundary Road retail.

What is there to do in Bentleigh East on a Sunday?

The Lucky Press 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.

Bentleigh East 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