Best Bars for Dates in Highett Melbourne 2026

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Highett to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.50-5.50 for a flat white, $28-45 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. Hugo Cellar is the one everyone knows. The Tall Corner is the one they should know. Highett has transformed by level crossing removal and sir william fry reserve.

1. Ada’s — 59 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ada’s has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The room holds 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Queen Street after 6pm.

2. Northern Commons — 227 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: the whole crew

Northern Commons has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($13) 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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.

Try this: The daily soup ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Corner — 170 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Corner has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($22) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Stella Local — 26 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Stella Local has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($13) 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 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. Golden Union — 101 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Golden Union has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

The room holds 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($20) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Why Locals Stay in Highett

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Highett Road strip has cafes and shops. Close to Southland. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Highett’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. Whether you’re based in Highett or visiting from nearby, 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 Lucky Cellar — 314 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Lucky Cellar has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($10) 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 39 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Queen Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($14) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Felix — 325 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Felix has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The room holds 38 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.

8. Felix Table — 14 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: A local institution Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: solo diners

Felix Table has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 37 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.

Start with: The fish special ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Nell Post — 147 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: A local institution Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Nell Post has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 space seats about 57 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 mushroom pasta ($28) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Tall Pantry — 186 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Tall Pantry has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 39 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The house-made relish ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.

11. Hazel — 337 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: budget eaters

Hazel has been operating in Highett for over a decade 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.

Capacity is around 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The seasonal special ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

• Hampton Best Bars for Dates — same vibe, different suburb
• Highett Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Highett Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Brighton Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Highett stacks up
• All Highett Guides — everything we’ve written about Highett

FAQ

Is Highett worth visiting?

Yes. Highett has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The best bars for dates scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Highett known for?

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve.

Where is a good date spot in Highett?

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

How far is Highett from Melbourne CBD?

Highett is 15km, 27min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Highett 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