Best Takeaway in Craigieburn South Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best takeaway option in Craigieburn South to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Ivy Corner is the one everyone knows. Stella’s is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.00-4.50, dinner at $18-32. Newer residential development in the southern part of Craigieburn. Craigieburn South sits in the Outer West corridor, 27km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best takeaway scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Craigieburn South since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Nina — 33 James Road, Craigieburn South VIC 3218

What it is: (takeaway) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: dates

Nina has been operating in Craigieburn South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

The room holds 37 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Rowan Road is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Rowan Street after 6pm.

2. Gus’s — 274 James Road, Craigieburn South VIC 3218

What it is: (takeaway) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Gus’s has been operating in Craigieburn South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Rowan Road is usually fine.

Try this: The seasonal special ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Old Local — 202 James Road, Craigieburn South VIC 3218

What it is: (takeaway) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Old Local has been operating in Craigieburn South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Kitchen — 276 Lygon Crescent, Craigieburn South VIC 3218

What it is: (takeaway) The one that surprised us Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: families

Kitchen has been operating in Craigieburn South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($20) — the best version in Craigieburn South Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Craigieburn South — The Honest Version

Newer residential development in the southern part of Craigieburn. Aitken Hill and Highlands estates. The best takeaway options here reflect Craigieburn South’s character. Whether you’re based in Craigieburn South 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. River Store — 156 James Road, Craigieburn South VIC 3218

What it is: (takeaway) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

River Store has been operating in Craigieburn South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($18) 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 41 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($21) — the best version in Craigieburn South Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

6. Hugo’s — 92 James Road, Craigieburn South VIC 3218

What it is: (takeaway) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: groups

Hugo’s has been operating in Craigieburn South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($21) 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 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. The Bright Corner — 64 Railway Parade, Craigieburn South VIC 3218

What it is: (takeaway) A local institution Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Bright Corner has been operating in Craigieburn South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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.

Capacity is around 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Gus Store — 64 Rowan Road, Craigieburn South VIC 3218

What it is: (takeaway) A solid local spot Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: budget eaters

Gus Store has been operating in Craigieburn South for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 46 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. The New Pantry — 130 Railway Parade, Craigieburn South VIC 3218

What it is: (takeaway) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The New Pantry has been operating in Craigieburn South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($18) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Lygon Crescent is usually fine.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($24) — the best version in Craigieburn South Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best takeaway options in Craigieburn South?

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

Is Craigieburn South good for best takeaway?

Yes. Craigieburn South has 9+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Craigieburn South known for?

Newer residential development in the southern part of Craigieburn.

How far is Craigieburn South from Melbourne CBD?

Craigieburn South is 27km, no direct train, 32min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Craigieburn South: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026