Things to Do in Bentleigh East This Weekend — 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | The Lucky Press |
| Best free option | Pearl Corner |
| Best for families | Ruby’s |
| Best local secret | Works |
| Best for rainy days | Canvas |
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 space seats about 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 54 and fills on weekends. Street parking on South Drive is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($28) — solid 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
The space seats about 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
Why Bentleigh East Is Worth Knowing
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
Capacity is around 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Station Crescent is usually fine.
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
The room holds 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — solid
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
Capacity is around 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Margaret Crescent is usually fine.
Start with: The house-made relish ($19) — solid 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
The space seats about 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The space seats about 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Yes. 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
