Best Cafes for Remote Work in Caulfield Melbourne 2026

Caulfield doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The best cafes for remote work scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. The Blue Bench and The Long Yard are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Caulfield sits 9km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Caulfield Racecourse hosts the Caulfield Cup — one of Australia’s great horse races.

1. Kai Store — 241 Victoria Avenue, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Kai Store has been operating in Caulfield for since the early 2020s 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.

The room holds 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Albert Street is usually fine.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Caulfield roaster — ask which one.

2. Ash Pantry — 344 Victoria Avenue, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Ash Pantry has been operating in Caulfield for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($8) 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 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Victoria Avenue is usually fine.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Caulfield roaster — ask which one.

3. The Red Works — 365 Ash Street, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: groups

The Red Works has been operating in Caulfield for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($9) 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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Ash Street is usually fine.

Go for: The daily soup ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. The Long Depot — 340 Queen Lane, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: A local institution Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Long Depot has been operating in Caulfield for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($19) 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 37 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Victoria Avenue is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Queen Street after 6pm.

5. Nell’s — 105 Victoria Avenue, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Nell’s has been operating in Caulfield for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Lane is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Caulfield farmers market when it runs.

Caulfield — The Honest Version

Caulfield Racecourse hosts the Caulfield Cup — one of Australia’s great horse races. Monash University Caulfield campus. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Caulfield’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For Caulfield 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. Store — 9 Maple Avenue, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Store has been operating in Caulfield for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The fish special ($16) — the best version in Caulfield Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Gus Bench — 350 Queen Lane, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: remote workers

Gus Bench has been operating in Caulfield for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($11) 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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Sol’s — 342 Albert Street, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: solo diners

Sol’s has been operating in Caulfield for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Nell’s — 377 Maple Avenue, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: remote workers

Nell’s has been operating in Caulfield for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 49 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Lena Mill — 167 Ash Street, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: dates

Lena Mill has been operating in Caulfield for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($12) 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 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The house-made relish ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

11. Ava — 146 Maple Avenue, Caulfield VIC 3180

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: solo diners

Ava has been operating in Caulfield for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

• Elsternwick Best Cafes for Remote Work — same vibe, different suburb
• Caulfield Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Caulfield Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Caulfield North Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Caulfield stacks up
• All Caulfield Guides — everything we’ve written about Caulfield

FAQ

Is Caulfield worth visiting?

Yes. Caulfield has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The best cafes for remote work scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Caulfield known for?

Caulfield Racecourse hosts the Caulfield Cup — one of Australia’s great horse races.

Which cafes in Caulfield have good WiFi?

Good Room is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Caulfield from Melbourne CBD?

Caulfield is 9km, 18min train, 15min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Caulfield to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026