Best Family Restaurants in Blackburn North Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Theo Store |
| Free highlight | The Tall Local |
| Family-friendly | The Northern Works |
| Locals only | Leo’s |
| Indoor option | The Little Mill |
Blackburn North doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The best restaurants for families scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Little Pantry and Cleo Works are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Blackburn North sits 24-35km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Residential suburb with Blackburn North Shopping Centre on Springfield Road.
1. Remy — 46 Bourke Road, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The room holds 43 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Cecil Street is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
2. The Green Cellar — 238 Chapel Road, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The space seats about 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Chapel Road is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
3. Quarter — 378 Thomas Grove, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The room holds 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
4. Marco’s — 102 Chapel Road, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: groups
Capacity is around 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
5. The Blue Depot — 268 Chapel Road, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: budget eaters
The space seats about 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
The Reality of Blackburn North
6. Long Bench — 95 Thomas Grove, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: A local institution Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The space seats about 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
7. Ada Post — 104 Chapel Road, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
Capacity is around 34 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. Ava’s — 202 High Terrace, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: A local institution Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The room holds 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Chapel Road is usually fine.
Start with: The daily soup ($22) — solid
9. Ivy’s — 236 Bourke Road, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
10. Collective — 93 High Terrace, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: budget eaters
Capacity is around 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Blackburn North roaster — ask which one.
11. Marco’s — 189 Bourke Road, Blackburn North VIC 3143
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
Capacity is around 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Explore More
- Blackburn Best Restaurants for Families — same vibe, different suburb
- Blackburn North Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Blackburn North Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Ringwood Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Blackburn North stacks up
- All Blackburn North Guides — everything we’ve written about Blackburn North
FAQ
Yes. The best restaurants for families scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Blackburn North known for?
Residential suburb with Blackburn North Shopping Centre on Springfield Road.
What is the most family-friendly restaurant in Blackburn North?
Theo Store is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Blackburn North from Melbourne CBD?
Blackburn North is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Blackburn North isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.
Last updated: March 2026
