Best Burgers in Hawthorn Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best burgers option in Hawthorn to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Remy’s is the one everyone knows. Red Store is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Glenferrie Road is a major shopping and dining strip, anchored by Swinburne University. Hawthorn sits in the Middle East corridor, 6km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best burgers scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Hawthorn since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Cleo House — 197 Maple Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (burgers) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Cleo House has been operating in Hawthorn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($18) 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 34 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The house-made relish ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Sol’s — 227 Young Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (burgers) A solid local spot Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: groups

Sol’s has been operating in Hawthorn for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

Capacity is around 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. The Sunny Depot — 127 William Avenue, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (burgers) A local institution Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Sunny Depot has been operating in Hawthorn for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

The space seats about 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.

Go for: The seasonal special ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. High Standard — 146 William Avenue, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (burgers) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: solo diners

High Standard has been operating in Hawthorn for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($10) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Lena Works — 120 Young Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (burgers) A solid local spot Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Lena Works has been operating in Hawthorn for several years 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 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Hawthorn — The Honest Version

Glenferrie Road is a major shopping and dining strip, anchored by Swinburne University. Hawthorn Arts Centre. The best burgers options here reflect Hawthorn’s character. For Hawthorn locals and anyone in the area, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

6. Iris’s — 146 Young Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (burgers) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: remote workers

Iris’s has been operating in Hawthorn 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 55 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Hugo’s — 6 Bay Terrace, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (burgers) A solid local spot Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

Hugo’s has been operating in Hawthorn for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 57 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Cleo Room — 283 William Avenue, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (burgers) Worth the detour Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: solo diners

Cleo Room has been operating in Hawthorn for several years 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 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

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

9. The Tall Union — 263 Elm Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (burgers) The one that surprised us Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Tall Union has been operating in Hawthorn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 space seats about 53 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Elm Street is usually fine.

Come back for: The fish special ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Bench — 64 William Avenue, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (burgers) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Bench has been operating in Hawthorn for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($19) 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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The house-made relish ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

11. The Red Yard — 304 Young Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: (burgers) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Red Yard has been operating in Hawthorn for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($19) 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 38 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 ($17) — the best version in Hawthorn Insider tip: They source produce from Hawthorn farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

• Camberwell Best Burgers — same vibe, different suburb
• Hawthorn Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Hawthorn Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Hawthorn Complete Guide — everything about Hawthorn
• Compare Suburbs — see how Hawthorn stacks up
• All Hawthorn Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best burgers options in Hawthorn?

Iris is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Hawthorn good for best burgers?

Yes. Hawthorn has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Hawthorn known for?

Glenferrie Road is a major shopping and dining strip, anchored by Swinburne University.

How far is Hawthorn from Melbourne CBD?

Hawthorn is 6km, 12min train, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Hawthorn: 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