Things to Do in Elsternwick This Weekend — 2026

Elsternwick 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. The Bright Lane and Iris’s are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Elsternwick sits 8km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Glen Huntly Road has a vibrant cafe and restaurant strip.

1. Hugo Social — 217 Collins Lane, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Hugo Social has been operating in Elsternwick for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($14) 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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Collins Lane is usually fine.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($15) — the best version in Elsternwick Insider tip: Parking is free on Lygon Street after 6pm.

2. Mabel Works — 32 William Place, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Mabel Works has been operating in Elsternwick for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

The space seats about 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The house-made relish ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Elsternwick farmers market when it runs.

3. Little Works — 128 West Street, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: dates

Little Works has been operating in Elsternwick for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Green Bench — 108 Collins Lane, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: budget eaters

Green Bench has been operating in Elsternwick for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 59 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Remy Place — 325 Collins Lane, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Remy Place has been operating in Elsternwick for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($11) 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 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on William Place is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($15) — the best version in Elsternwick Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

What Nobody Tells You About Elsternwick

Glen Huntly Road has a vibrant cafe and restaurant strip. Elsternwick Village has strong Jewish community heritage. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Elsternwick’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Elsternwick, 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. Southern Mill — 358 William Place, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Southern Mill has been operating in Elsternwick for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($8) 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 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($10) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Cleo Room — 59 Swan Place, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: remote workers

Cleo Room has been operating in Elsternwick for several years 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.

The room holds 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($16) — the best version in Elsternwick Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. River’s — 52 West Street, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: budget eaters

River’s has been operating in Elsternwick for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($12) 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 62 — 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 charcuterie board ($13) — the best version in Elsternwick Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Elsternwick roaster — ask which one.

9. Vera’s — 302 William Place, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Vera’s has been operating in Elsternwick for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 45 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. Nell’s — 282 Collins Lane, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: A local institution Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Nell’s has been operating in Elsternwick for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

The room holds 61 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Lygon Drive is usually fine.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

11. The Little House — 43 William Place, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Little House has been operating in Elsternwick for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 54 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on West Street is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

12. Long Quarter — 316 Lygon Drive, Elsternwick VIC 3118

What it is: A local institution Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Long Quarter has been operating in Elsternwick for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($8) 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 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The seasonal special ($10) — the best version in Elsternwick Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

• Caulfield Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
• Elsternwick Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Elsternwick Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Caulfield North Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Elsternwick stacks up
• All Elsternwick Guides — everything we’ve written about Elsternwick

FAQ

Is Elsternwick worth visiting?

Yes. Elsternwick 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 Elsternwick known for?

Glen Huntly Road has a vibrant cafe and restaurant strip.

What is there to do in Elsternwick on a Sunday?

Pearl Store is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Elsternwick from Melbourne CBD?

Elsternwick is 8km, 16min train, 14min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Elsternwick isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026