Things to Do in Boronia This Weekend — 2026

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Boronia to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.00-4.50 for a flat white, $18-32 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. Humble Yard is the one everyone knows. The Golden Corner is the one they should know. Boronia has located at the foot of the dandenong ranges.

1. The Northern Cellar — 18 Victoria Street, Boronia VIC 3149

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Northern Cellar has been operating in Boronia for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($21) 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 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Chapel Parade is usually fine.

Order this: The seasonal special ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Rex’s — 132 Victoria Street, Boronia VIC 3149

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Rex’s has been operating in Boronia for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($17) 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 32 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The house-made relish ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Max — 201 King Avenue, Boronia VIC 3149

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Max has been operating in Boronia for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($11) 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 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Oliver — 110 King Avenue, Boronia VIC 3149

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: the whole crew

Oliver has been operating in Boronia for over a decade 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.

Capacity is around 55 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 ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Boronia roaster — ask which one.

5. Nico’s — 165 Victoria Street, Boronia VIC 3149

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: families

Nico’s has been operating in Boronia for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($15) 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 64 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Victoria Street is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

What Nobody Tells You About Boronia

Located at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges. Boronia Junction is the main retail strip. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Boronia’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For Boronia 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. Rex’s — 208 Chapel Parade, Boronia VIC 3149

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Rex’s has been operating in Boronia for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($9) 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 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on High Crescent is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Max Works — 80 Chapel Parade, Boronia VIC 3149

What it is: A local institution Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Max Works has been operating in Boronia for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($10) 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 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on High Crescent is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($13) — the best version in Boronia Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Rosa — 48 Chapel Parade, Boronia VIC 3149

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: solo diners

Rosa has been operating in Boronia for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($25) 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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The house-made relish ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Anchor — 305 Albert Road, Boronia VIC 3149

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: dates

Anchor has been operating in Boronia for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($13) 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 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Chapel Street after 6pm.

10. Theo House — 279 Chapel Parade, Boronia VIC 3149

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Theo House has been operating in Boronia 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 49 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 lamb shoulder ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

11. Red Press — 228 Victoria Street, Boronia VIC 3149

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Red Press has been operating in Boronia for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 51 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 crispy chicken ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

12. Golden Lane — 28 Chapel Parade, Boronia VIC 3149

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Golden Lane has been operating in Boronia for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($19) 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 44 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

• Bayswater Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
• Boronia Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Boronia Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Ferntree Gully Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Boronia stacks up
• All Boronia Guides — everything we’ve written about Boronia

FAQ

Is Boronia worth visiting?

Yes. Boronia 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 Boronia known for?

Located at the foot of the Dandenong Ranges.

What is there to do in Boronia on a Sunday?

Ash’s is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Boronia from Melbourne CBD?

Boronia is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Boronia 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