Glen Huntly Melbourne — Complete Local Guide 2026

Glen Huntly doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The suburb guide scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Stella’s and Otto’s are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Glen Huntly sits 12-18km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Glen Huntly Road has a small but characterful strip.

1. High Store — 89 Bourke Crescent, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

High Store has been operating in Glen Huntly for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

The space seats about 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Railway Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($28) — the best version in Glen Huntly Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. River Store — 319 Queen Crescent, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

River Store has been operating in Glen Huntly for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($20) 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 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Railway Drive is usually fine.

Try this: The seasonal special ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. Quarter — 197 Bourke Crescent, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: A local institution Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: the whole crew

Quarter has been operating in Glen Huntly for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($23) 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 31 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 ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Glen Huntly roaster — ask which one.

4. The Southern Depot — 6 Church Avenue, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Southern Depot has been operating in Glen Huntly for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($17) 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 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. Cleo Lane — 54 Queen Crescent, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: dates

Cleo Lane has been operating in Glen Huntly for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Queen Crescent is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Glen Huntly roaster — ask which one.

What Nobody Tells You About 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. Northern Corner — 234 Queen Crescent, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Northern Corner has been operating in Glen Huntly for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Swan Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Finn Kitchen — 182 Railway Drive, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: budget eaters

Finn Kitchen has been operating in Glen Huntly for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

Capacity is around 50 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

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

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Nina’s has been operating in Glen Huntly for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 31 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The seasonal special ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Sol’s — 316 Bourke Crescent, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: groups

Sol’s has been operating in Glen Huntly for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($19) 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. New Quarter — 22 Queen Crescent, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

New Quarter has been operating in Glen Huntly for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 room holds 64 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Church Avenue is usually fine.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Glen Huntly roaster — ask which one.

11. Bright House — 154 Queen Crescent, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: the whole crew

Bright House has been operating in Glen Huntly for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($17) 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 62 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The daily soup ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

12. The Blue Works — 111 Swan Grove, Glen Huntly VIC 3164

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Blue Works has been operating in Glen Huntly for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 65 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

• Ormond Suburb Guide — 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 suburb guide scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Glen Huntly known for?

Glen Huntly Road has a small but characterful strip.

Is Glen Huntly a good suburb to live in?

The Long Room 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