Best Takeaway in Cardinia Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best takeaway option in Cardinia to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Northern Place is the one everyone knows. Little Mill is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Rural township in Cardinia Shire. Cardinia sits in the Outer South East corridor, 55km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best takeaway scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Cardinia since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Northern Place — 247 Edward Place, Cardinia VIC 3804

What it is: (takeaway) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Northern Place has been operating in Cardinia for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($19) 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 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on West Street after 6pm.

2. Marco Yard — 65 Edward Place, Cardinia VIC 3804

What it is: (takeaway) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Marco Yard has been operating in Cardinia for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($24) 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 44 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The seasonal special ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Gus Yard — 235 Edward Place, Cardinia VIC 3804

What it is: (takeaway) A solid local spot Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Gus Yard has been operating in Cardinia for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The room holds 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on West Parade is usually fine.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. The Little Cellar — 96 Plenty Lane, Cardinia VIC 3804

What it is: (takeaway) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Little Cellar has been operating in Cardinia for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 space seats about 48 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Murray Parade is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. Zara’s — 1 Edward Place, Cardinia VIC 3804

What it is: (takeaway) A local institution Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: groups

Zara’s has been operating in Cardinia for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

Capacity is around 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

The Cardinia That Locals Know

Rural township in Cardinia Shire. Cardinia Reservoir Park. Semi-rural character with newer development at the edges. The best takeaway options here reflect Cardinia’s character. For Cardinia locals and anyone in the area, 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. Sol Works — 170 Murray Parade, Cardinia VIC 3804

What it is: (takeaway) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Sol Works has been operating in Cardinia for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

The room holds 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Edward Place is usually fine.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Zara — 343 George Grove, Cardinia VIC 3804

What it is: (takeaway) Worth the detour Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Zara has been operating in Cardinia for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($24) 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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Cardinia roaster — ask which one.

8. Gus Yard — 21 Edward Place, Cardinia VIC 3804

What it is: (takeaway) Worth the detour Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: remote workers

Gus Yard has been operating in Cardinia for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($10) 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 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Plenty Lane is usually fine.

Start with: The house-made relish ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Store — 379 Plenty Lane, Cardinia VIC 3804

What it is: (takeaway) Worth the detour Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: groups

Store has been operating in Cardinia for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Plenty Lane is usually fine.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($24) — the best version in Cardinia Insider tip: They source produce from Cardinia farmers market when it runs.

10. New Table — 245 Edward Place, Cardinia VIC 3804

What it is: (takeaway) A solid local spot Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

New Table has been operating in Cardinia for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($17) 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 34 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Murray Parade is usually fine.

Get the: The daily soup ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on West Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best takeaway options in Cardinia?

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

Is Cardinia good for best takeaway?

Yes. Cardinia has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Cardinia known for?

Rural township in Cardinia Shire.

How far is Cardinia from Melbourne CBD?

Cardinia is 55km, no direct train, 55min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Cardinia 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