Things to Do in Eltham This Weekend — 2026

Eltham locals have known for years what the rest of Melbourne is just figuring out. The things to do this weekend options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Hazel’s, then work your way to Marco. Mud-brick architecture and arts community define Eltham. This is Eltham in 2026.

1. The Sunny Room — 144 Railway Road, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Sunny Room has been operating in Eltham 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 35 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The house-made relish ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Eltham farmers market when it runs.

2. Anchor — 323 Rowan Place, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Anchor has been operating in Eltham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

Capacity is around 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — the best version in Eltham Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Blue Kitchen — 273 Anderson Grove, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Blue Kitchen has been operating in Eltham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($15) 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 47 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 sourdough bread ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Otto — 283 Henry Road, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Otto has been operating in Eltham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($14) 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 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Railway Road is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Eltham farmers market when it runs.

5. Nell’s — 193 Railway Road, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: A local institution Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Nell’s has been operating in Eltham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($17) 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 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Why Locals Stay in Eltham

Mud-brick architecture and arts community define Eltham. Montsalvat artists’ colony since 1934. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Eltham’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Eltham, 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. Mia’s — 143 Anderson Grove, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Mia’s has been operating in Eltham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($26) 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 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Anderson Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($28) — the best version in Eltham Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Golden Quarter — 285 Anderson Grove, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: budget eaters

Golden Quarter has been operating in Eltham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($11) 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 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Eltham farmers market when it runs.

8. Luna Works — 290 West Place, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: the whole crew

Luna Works has been operating in Eltham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($16) 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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — the best version in Eltham Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Place — 45 Henry Road, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Place has been operating in Eltham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($11) 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 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($16) — the best version in Eltham Insider tip: Parking is free on Anderson Street after 6pm.

10. Iris Cellar — 233 Anderson Grove, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Iris Cellar has been operating in Eltham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($15) 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 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

11. Marco — 312 Henry Road, Eltham VIC 3074

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Marco has been operating in Eltham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($21) 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 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Eltham worth visiting?

Yes. Eltham 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 Eltham known for?

Mud-brick architecture and arts community define Eltham.

What is there to do in Eltham on a Sunday?

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

How far is Eltham from Melbourne CBD?

Eltham is 24km, 45min train, 32min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Eltham to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026