Moving to Glen Huntly Melbourne — What to Know in 2026

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Glen Huntly to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.50-5.00 for a flat white, $22-38 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. Felix’s is the one everyone knows. Mia is the one they should know. Glen Huntly has glen huntly road has a small but characterful strip.

1. The Golden Local — 77 Railway Drive, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: families

The Golden Local has been operating in Glen Huntly for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($13) 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 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bourke Crescent is usually fine.

Order this: The house-made relish ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Kitchen — 170 Bourke Crescent, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: A local institution Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Kitchen has been operating in Glen Huntly for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($9) 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 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bourke Crescent is usually fine.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — the best version in Glen Huntly Insider tip: Parking is free on Railway Street after 6pm.

3. Hazel — 156 Swan Grove, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: families

Hazel has been operating in Glen Huntly for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bourke Crescent is usually fine.

Go for: The fish special ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Rosa’s — 58 Railway Drive, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Rosa’s has been operating in Glen Huntly for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($27) 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 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Queen Crescent is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Ada — 215 Swan Grove, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: solo diners

Ada has been operating in Glen Huntly for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Why Locals Stay in Glen Huntly

Glen Huntly Road has a small but characterful strip. Caulfield Racecourse is adjacent. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Glen Huntly’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Glen Huntly, 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. Cleo Depot — 154 Swan Grove, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Cleo Depot has been operating in Glen Huntly for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($10) 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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Church Avenue is usually fine.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Glen Huntly farmers market when it runs.

7. Long Union — 264 Railway Drive, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: solo diners

Long Union has been operating in Glen Huntly for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($9) 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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($11) — the best version in Glen Huntly Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Max’s — 336 Queen Crescent, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Max’s has been operating in Glen Huntly for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($18) 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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Church Street after 6pm.

9. Room — 263 Bourke Crescent, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Room has been operating in Glen Huntly for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Railway Drive is usually fine.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Glen Huntly farmers market when it runs.

10. Ash — 98 Swan Grove, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ash has been operating in Glen Huntly for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Railway Drive is usually fine.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — the best version in Glen Huntly Insider tip: Parking is free on Railway Street after 6pm.

11. Nell’s — 151 Church Avenue, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Nell’s has been operating in Glen Huntly for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($12) 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 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The seasonal special ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

12. The Blue Bench — 110 Queen Crescent, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: remote workers

The Blue Bench has been operating in Glen Huntly for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bourke Crescent is usually fine.

Try this: The fish special ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

13. Rex’s — 265 Church Avenue, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Rex’s has been operating in Glen Huntly for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($18) 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 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Swan Street after 6pm.

Explore More

• Ormond Moving To — same vibe, different suburb
• Glen Huntly Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Glen Huntly Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Murrumbeena Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Glen Huntly stacks up
• All Glen Huntly Guides — everything we’ve written about Glen Huntly

FAQ

Is Glen Huntly worth visiting?

Yes. Glen Huntly has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The moving to scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Glen Huntly known for?

Glen Huntly Road has a small but characterful strip.

What are the pros and cons of living in Glen Huntly?

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

How far is Glen Huntly from Melbourne CBD?

Glen Huntly is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Glen Huntly: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026