Things to Do in Donnybrook This Weekend — 2026
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Marco Lane | | Best with kids | New Bench | | Hidden spot | Kai Post | | Bad weather pick | Sol Quarter |
Donnybrook doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The things to do this weekend scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Ada and Vera House are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Donnybrook sits 22-33km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Suburb gazetted only in 2016.
1. Nico — 237 Lygon Road, Donnybrook VIC 3093
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 55 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The fish special ($16) — solid Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
2. Pearl Table — 70 Lygon Road, Donnybrook VIC 3093
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: budget eaters
The room holds 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
3. Ada Union — 13 Anderson Avenue, Donnybrook VIC 3093
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
4. Mia — 264 Lygon Road, Donnybrook VIC 3093
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
5. The Tall Table — 95 Chapel Terrace, Donnybrook VIC 3093
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: budget eaters
The space seats about 54 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
Donnybrook — The Honest Version
6. Cleo Quarter — 319 Lygon Road, Donnybrook VIC 3093
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Capacity is around 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Chapel Terrace is usually fine.
Ask for: The charcuterie board ($16) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
7. Leo Commons — 179 Oak Crescent, Donnybrook VIC 3093
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Capacity is around 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Chapel Terrace is usually fine.
8. Finn — 96 Bourke Lane, Donnybrook VIC 3093
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
9. The New Yard — 234 Oak Crescent, Donnybrook VIC 3093
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The room holds 50 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
10. Sol Cellar — 236 Anderson Avenue, Donnybrook VIC 3093
What it is: A local institution Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: budget eaters
Capacity is around 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Donnybrook roaster — ask which one.
Explore More
- Mickleham Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
- Donnybrook Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Donnybrook Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Roxburgh Park Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Donnybrook stacks up
- All Donnybrook Guides — everything we’ve written about Donnybrook
FAQ
Yes. The things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Donnybrook known for?
Suburb gazetted only in 2016.
What is there to do in Donnybrook on a Sunday?
Ruby Press is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Donnybrook from Melbourne CBD?
Donnybrook is 22-33km, 40-50min train, 30-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
