in Deepdene Melbourne Locals Love
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Mia’s | | Best with kids | The Tall Union | | Hidden spot | The Little Quarter | | Bad weather pick | Good Table |
1. Bright Cellar — 337 Bell Place, Deepdene VIC 3126
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The room holds 50 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Chapel Street is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
2. Blue Room — 79 Smith Terrace, Deepdene VIC 3126
What it is: A local institution Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The room holds 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
3. River’s — 273 Pine Street, Deepdene VIC 3126
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 41 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Pine Street is usually fine.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
4. Kai Cellar — 90 Bell Place, Deepdene VIC 3126
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The room holds 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
5. The White Union — 57 Cecil Parade, Deepdene VIC 3126
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-27 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
Why Locals Stay in Deepdene
6. The Lucky Room — 171 Smith Terrace, Deepdene VIC 3126
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 58 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
7. Marco Commons — 235 Smith Terrace, Deepdene VIC 3126
What it is: A local institution Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: budget eaters
Capacity is around 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
8. Kai’s — 114 Bell Place, Deepdene VIC 3126
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
Capacity is around 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Pine Street is usually fine.
9. Max Pantry — 283 Bell Place, Deepdene VIC 3126
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
10. Rex’s — 142 Pine Street, Deepdene VIC 3126
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 57 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Deepdene farmers market when it runs.
11. The Northern Quarter — 347 Smith Terrace, Deepdene VIC 3126
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Bell Place is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
12. Kai’s — 369 Pine Street, Deepdene VIC 3126
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: remote workers
Capacity is around 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The lamb shoulder ($23) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
Explore More
- Deepdene Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Deepdene Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Melbourne Cbd Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Deepdene stacks up
- All Deepdene Guides — everything we’ve written about Deepdene
FAQ
What is Deepdene known for?
Deepdene is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
What are the most underrated spots in Deepdene?
Nell Store is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Deepdene from Melbourne CBD?
Deepdene is 15-30km, 25-45min by public transport from Melbourne CBD.
Deepdene is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.
Last updated: March 2026
