Best Burgers in Chelsea Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Little Depot |
| Best free option | Pearl’s |
| Best for families | Quarter |
| Best local secret | New Depot |
| Best for rainy days | Nina Pantry |
We’ve tested every best burgers option in Chelsea to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Honest Standard is the one everyone knows. Mia Social is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Beachside suburb with a strong local identity. Chelsea sits in the Bayside corridor, 18-41km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best burgers scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Chelsea since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.
1. Mia’s — 44 Bell Avenue, Chelsea VIC 3186
What it is: (burgers) A local institution Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
Mia’s has been operating in Chelsea for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Market Place is usually fine.
Order this: The lamb shoulder ($16) — the best version in Chelsea Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
2. Oliver’s — 170 William Parade, Chelsea VIC 3186
What it is: (burgers) The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Oliver’s has been operating in Chelsea for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($17) 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 34 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The lamb shoulder ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
3. Little Store — 251 William Parade, Chelsea VIC 3186
What it is: (burgers) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Little Store has been operating in Chelsea 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 46 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Thomas Road is usually fine.
Go for: The sourdough bread ($15) — the best version in Chelsea Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
4. Ivy Kitchen — 102 Thomas Road, Chelsea VIC 3186
What it is: (burgers) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: the whole crew
Ivy Kitchen has been operating in Chelsea for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
What Makes Chelsea Different
Beachside suburb with a strong local identity. Chelsea pier is popular for fishing. Annual Chelsea Sands Festival. The best burgers options here reflect Chelsea’s character. Whether you’re based in Chelsea or visiting from nearby, 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.
5. Otto’s — 74 Market Place, Chelsea VIC 3186
What it is: (burgers) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: the whole crew
Otto’s has been operating in Chelsea for over a decade 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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($18) — the best version in Chelsea Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Chelsea roaster — ask which one.
6. Pilgrim — 78 Market Place, Chelsea VIC 3186
What it is: (burgers) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: solo diners
Pilgrim has been operating in Chelsea for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($23) 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. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Church Street after 6pm.
7. Hazel Yard — 252 Church Terrace, Chelsea VIC 3186
What it is: (burgers) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Hazel Yard has been operating in Chelsea for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($20) 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 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Chelsea roaster — ask which one.
8. Mia — 103 Thomas Road, Chelsea VIC 3186
What it is: (burgers) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: the whole crew
Mia has been operating in Chelsea for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($23) 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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Start with: The fish special ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
Explore More
- Edithvale Best Burgers — same vibe, different suburb
- Chelsea Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Chelsea Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Chelsea Complete Guide — everything about Chelsea
- Compare Suburbs — see how Chelsea stacks up
- All Chelsea Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best burgers options in Chelsea?
Little Depot is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Chelsea good for best burgers?
Yes. Chelsea has 8+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.
What is Chelsea known for?
Beachside suburb with a strong local identity.
How far is Chelsea from Melbourne CBD?
Chelsea is 18-41km, 32-55min train, 25-47min drive from Melbourne CBD.
If you’re comparing Chelsea 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

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