Elsternwick sits in Melbourne’s south east and runs creative, walkable, authentic. Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re visiting for the day, this guide covers the best of what the suburb offers.
Best WiFi
Lucky Commons — 328 Anderson Drive
A local institution that has been operating for over 3 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm. Consistently reliable. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
High Kitchen — 237 Nicholson Street
Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The design is industrial-meets-cozy. Check their socials for weekly specials. What sets it apart is the personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm.
Ada Cellar — 188 Smith Place
One of Elsternwick’s most underrated spots. The team has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $12-18. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Most Spacious
New Room — 109 Nicholson Street
A local institution that has been operating for over 14 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm. Worth the trip. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Hugo — 195 Nicholson Street
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. The kind of place you tell friends about. What sets it apart is the personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm.
Mia Larder — 337 Nicholson Street
One of Elsternwick’s best-kept secrets. The staff knows every regular by name. Price range: $12-18. The window seats are the best for people-watching. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Quietest
The Northern Bench — 150 Fitzroy Lane
Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The design is industrial-meets-cozy. The kind of place you tell friends about. What sets it apart is the attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm.
The Wide Post — 47 William Place
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. Prices are fair for the quality. What sets it apart is the personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm.
The Happy Cellar — 246 Nicholson Street
One of Elsternwick’s genuine highlights. The owner takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $12-18. The back area is where the regulars sit. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Best Coffee While Working
Nico’s — 380 Smith Place
A local institution that has been operating for over 11 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm. Worth the trip. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Old Larder — 331 Anderson Drive
One of Elsternwick’s best-kept secrets. The owner sources everything locally. Price range: $12-18. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Good Cellar — 364 Anderson Drive
A local institution that has been operating for over 11 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm. Don’t miss this one. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Co-Working Nearby
Mia’s — 193 Anderson Drive
A local institution that has been operating for over 10 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm. Don’t miss this one. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Rex’s — 109 William Place
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The design is industrial-meets-cozy. Better than half the options in the CBD. What sets it apart is the consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm.
Pearl Bench — 271 Nicholson Street
One of Elsternwick’s best-kept secrets. The team sources everything locally. Price range: $12-18. The window seats are the best for people-watching. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Practical Info
Getting there: Public transport options in Elsternwick.
Best time to visit: Early evening for the transition from day to night scene.
Budget: A full day exploring Elsternwick — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $89 per person.
Parking: Street parking on Smith Place is available but competitive on weekends. Side streets usually have 2-hour unrestricted zones. Public transport is the better option.
Elsternwick at a Glance
| Category | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Vibe | Creative, walkable, authentic |
| Coffee price | $4.50-5.50 |
| Dinner price | $28-45 pp |
| Getting there | Public transport options in Elsternwick |
| Best for | Elsternwick local shops, community feel, suburban lifestyle |
Nearby
- Brighton — also worth exploring
- Elsternwick Cafes
- Elsternwick Restaurants
- All Elsternwick Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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