Things to Do in Cheltenham This Weekend — 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Old Mill |
| Free highlight | Theo Place |
| Family-friendly | Hugo’s |
| Locals only | Nina Depot |
| Indoor option | Standard |
Cheltenham locals have known for years what the rest of Melbourne is just figuring out. The things to do this weekend options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Marco, then work your way to Good Kitchen. IKEA anchors it as a retail destination. This is Cheltenham in 2026.
1. The Blue Kitchen — 337 Victoria Crescent, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The Blue Kitchen has been operating in Cheltenham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 59 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Collins Lane is usually fine.
Order this: The crispy chicken ($20) — the best version in Cheltenham Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
2. Tall Commons — 365 Bourke Terrace, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Tall Commons has been operating in Cheltenham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.
The room holds 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Victoria Crescent is usually fine.
3. Chapter — 191 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: solo diners
Chapter has been operating in Cheltenham for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The mushroom pasta ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
4. Mabel — 373 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Mabel has been operating in Cheltenham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($18) 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 64 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Don’t miss: The daily soup ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
5. Half Kitchen — 308 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
Half Kitchen has been operating in Cheltenham 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.
Capacity is around 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
What Makes Cheltenham Different
IKEA anchors it as a retail destination. Southland shopping centre nearby. Bayside beach access close. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Cheltenham’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. Whether you’re based in Cheltenham or visiting from nearby, 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. Nell — 79 Park Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: budget eaters
Nell has been operating in Cheltenham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($13) 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 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Ask for: The crispy chicken ($19) — the best version in Cheltenham Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
7. Red Cellar — 97 Church Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Red Cellar has been operating in Cheltenham for since 2019 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 quarterly 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.
Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($22) — the best version in Cheltenham Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
8. The Humble Yard — 269 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The Humble Yard has been operating in Cheltenham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.
Capacity is around 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
9. Rose’s Bistro — 172 Bourke Terrace, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Rose’s Bistro has been operating in Cheltenham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 space seats about 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
10. Charlie House — 65 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: dates
Charlie House has been operating in Cheltenham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 58 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Victoria Crescent is usually fine.
11. Stella House — 179 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: remote workers
Stella House has been operating in Cheltenham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($26) 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 60 — 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 house-made relish ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
12. Sunny Corner — 133 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: the whole crew
Sunny Corner has been operating in Cheltenham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 space seats about 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The daily soup ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bourke Street after 6pm.
Explore More
- Mentone Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
- Cheltenham Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Cheltenham Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Mordialloc Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Cheltenham stacks up
- All Cheltenham Guides — everything we’ve written about Cheltenham
FAQ
Is Cheltenham worth visiting?
Yes. Cheltenham has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Cheltenham known for?
IKEA anchors it as a retail destination.
What is there to do in Cheltenham on a Sunday?
Old Mill is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Cheltenham from Melbourne CBD?
Cheltenham is 18km, 32min train, 25min drive from Melbourne CBD.
If you’re comparing Cheltenham 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
Check venue websites for current menus and hours.
