Best Late Night Food in Brighton Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The late night food scene in Brighton is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Old Lane, then check out Long Bench. Brighton Beach bathing boxes are a Melbourne icon. Located 11km from the CBD, Brighton is part of Melbourne’s Bayside region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Brighton locals actually recommend.

1. Kai Table — 355 Lake Lane, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (late night food) A local institution Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: groups

Kai Table has been operating in Brighton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($12) 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Marco’s — 129 Collins Drive, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (late night food) Worth the detour Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: the whole crew

Marco’s has been operating in Brighton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($22) 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 45 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Brighton farmers market when it runs.

3. Hazel’s — 207 Lake Lane, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (late night food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: dates

Hazel’s has been operating in Brighton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 32 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Collins Drive is usually fine.

Go for: The seasonal special ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Collins Street after 6pm.

4. Ava — 76 Johnston Terrace, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (late night food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ava has been operating in Brighton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Collins Drive is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Hugo’s — 291 Lake Lane, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (late night food) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Hugo’s has been operating in Brighton for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($16) 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 32 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Brighton — The Honest Version

Brighton Beach bathing boxes are a Melbourne icon. Church Street shopping. One of Melbourne’s most prestigious bayside suburbs. The late night food options here reflect Brighton’s character. If you’re living in or near Brighton, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

6. Hazel Local — 260 Elizabeth Place, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (late night food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Hazel Local has been operating in Brighton for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

Capacity is around 59 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The daily soup ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on King Street after 6pm.

7. Finn’s — 275 Lake Lane, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (late night food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

Finn’s has been operating in Brighton for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($15) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Collins Drive is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Brighton farmers market when it runs.

8. Chapter — 26 Johnston Terrace, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (late night food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Chapter has been operating in Brighton for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on King Avenue is usually fine.

Start with: The house-made relish ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Johnston Street after 6pm.

9. The Golden Commons — 30 Lake Lane, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (late night food) A quiet achiever Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Golden Commons has been operating in Brighton for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 space seats about 59 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Johnston Terrace is usually fine.

Come back for: The daily soup ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. Anchor — 295 Collins Drive, Brighton VIC 3196

What it is: (late night food) A solid local spot Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: dates

Anchor has been operating in Brighton for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 room holds 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Lake Lane is usually fine.

Get the: The house-made relish ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

• Highett Late Night Food — same vibe, different suburb
• Brighton Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Brighton Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Brighton Complete Guide — everything about Brighton
• Compare Suburbs — see how Brighton stacks up
• All Brighton Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best late night food options in Brighton?

The New Yard is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Brighton good for late night food?

Yes. Brighton has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Brighton known for?

Brighton Beach bathing boxes are a Melbourne icon.

How far is Brighton from Melbourne CBD?

Brighton is 11km, 22min train, 18min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Brighton: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026