Things to Do in Hawthorn This Weekend — 2026

Hawthorn doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The things to do this weekend scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Nina’s and The Old Pantry are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Hawthorn sits 6km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Glenferrie Road is a major shopping and dining strip, anchored by Swinburne University.

1. Table — 246 Elm Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: the whole crew

Table has been operating in Hawthorn for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 39 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The fish special ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Hugo Bench — 361 Young Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: the whole crew

Hugo Bench has been operating in Hawthorn 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 52 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The house-made relish ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Old Post — 259 Bay Terrace, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Old Post has been operating in Hawthorn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($20) 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. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elm Street is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. The Red Bench — 205 Elm Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: solo diners

The Red Bench has been operating in Hawthorn for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($9) 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 33 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($12) — the best version in Hawthorn Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. The Southern Bench — 239 William Avenue, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: families

The Southern Bench has been operating in Hawthorn for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 35 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on William Avenue is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

What Makes Hawthorn Different

Glenferrie Road is a major shopping and dining strip, anchored by Swinburne University. Hawthorn Arts Centre. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Hawthorn’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For Hawthorn locals and anyone in the area, 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. The Red Mill — 76 William Avenue, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: solo diners

The Red Mill has been operating in Hawthorn for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($14) 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 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Maple Street is usually fine.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Nell’s — 45 Young Street, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $9-23 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Nell’s has been operating in Hawthorn for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elm Street is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Hawthorn farmers market when it runs.

8. Finn’s — 198 William Avenue, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: A local institution Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Finn’s has been operating in Hawthorn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($21) 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 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Marco Cellar — 23 William Avenue, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

Marco Cellar has been operating in Hawthorn for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 space seats about 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The daily soup ($19) — the best version in Hawthorn Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Hazel Social — 347 Bay Terrace, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: solo diners

Hazel Social has been operating in Hawthorn for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 space seats about 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Maple Street is usually fine.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Hawthorn farmers market when it runs.

11. Max Place — 240 William Avenue, Hawthorn VIC 3135

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: remote workers

Max Place has been operating in Hawthorn for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($20) 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 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Elm Street is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Hawthorn worth visiting?

Yes. Hawthorn 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 Hawthorn known for?

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

What is there to do in Hawthorn on a Sunday?

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

How far is Hawthorn from Melbourne CBD?

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

Hawthorn is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026