Best Late Night Food in Chelsea Heights Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Chelsea Heights has genuine late night food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Leo Local and Pearl lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 18-41km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Bayside region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Residential suburb between Chelsea and Edithvale. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Chelsea Heights resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Rex Room — 264 Cecil Avenue, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (late night food) Worth the detour Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Rex Room has been operating in Chelsea Heights for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($16) 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 56 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Lygon Terrace is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($16) — the best version in Chelsea Heights Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. The Long Post — 222 Johnston Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (late night food) Worth the detour Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Long Post has been operating in Chelsea Heights 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 32 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Northern Lane — 162 Plenty Place, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (late night food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: groups

Northern Lane has been operating in Chelsea Heights for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The fish special ($13) — the best version in Chelsea Heights Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. The Red Cellar — 12 Johnston Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (late night food) Worth the detour Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Red Cellar has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($22) 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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Lygon Street after 6pm.

5. Blue Mill — 92 Cecil Avenue, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (late night food) A local institution Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: dates

Blue Mill has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

Capacity is around 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Main Grove is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

What Makes Chelsea Heights Different

Residential suburb between Chelsea and Edithvale. Chelsea Heights Hotel is a local landmark. The late night food options here reflect Chelsea Heights’s character. For Chelsea Heights 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. Hazel’s — 328 Lygon Terrace, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (late night food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Hazel’s has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($13) 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 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Johnston Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Mia Social — 69 Main Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (late night food) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Mia Social has been operating in Chelsea Heights for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Remy’s — 291 Cecil Avenue, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (late night food) A solid local spot Cost: $13-25 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Remy’s has been operating in Chelsea Heights for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Plenty Place is usually fine.

Start with: The seasonal special ($19) — the best version in Chelsea Heights Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Chelsea Heights roaster — ask which one.

9. Ava — 45 Plenty Place, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (late night food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Ava has been operating in Chelsea Heights for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Chapter — 226 Plenty Place, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (late night food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: families

Chapter has been operating in Chelsea Heights for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 room holds 51 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Main Grove is usually fine.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Main Street after 6pm.

11. Stella’s — 55 Johnston Grove, Chelsea Heights VIC 3198

What it is: (late night food) Worth the detour Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: the whole crew

Stella’s has been operating in Chelsea Heights for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The seasonal special ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Chelsea Heights roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best late night food options in Chelsea Heights?

Lucky Pantry is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Chelsea Heights good for late night food?

Yes. Chelsea Heights has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Chelsea Heights known for?

Residential suburb between Chelsea and Edithvale.

How far is Chelsea Heights from Melbourne CBD?

Chelsea Heights is 18-41km, 32-55min train, 25-47min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Chelsea Heights 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