Best Beer Gardens in Highett Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best beer gardens scene in Highett is better than most people realise. Start at Assembly, then check out Nico’s. Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Located 15km from the CBD, Highett is part of Melbourne’s Bayside region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Highett locals actually recommend.

1. Ava Bench — 371 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: the whole crew

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

Capacity is around 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.

Order this: The house-made relish ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.

2. The Bright Social — 36 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: solo diners

The Bright Social has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 60 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.

3. The Tall Press — 98 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Tall Press has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($24) 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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($25) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Zara Post — 259 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Zara Post has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The room holds 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Luna — 4 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Luna has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The room holds 65 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

6. The Northern Post — 78 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: remote workers

The Northern Post has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($14) 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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

The Reality of Highett

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Highett Road strip has cafes and shops. Close to Southland. The best beer gardens options here reflect Highett’s character. For Highett 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.

7. Mia’s — 107 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: the whole crew

Mia’s has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 40 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 mushroom pasta ($20) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Cleo Press — 97 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Cleo Press has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The fish special ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Theo’s — 155 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Theo’s has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($10) 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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($10) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. Remy Press — 328 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: dates

Remy Press has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($8) 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 48 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($12) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Ada’s — 300 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Ada’s has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($25) 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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The fish special ($26) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

12. The Honest Table — 107 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Honest Table has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 49 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The seasonal special ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best beer gardens options in Highett?

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

Is Highett good for best beer gardens?

Yes. Highett has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Highett known for?

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve.

How far is Highett from Melbourne CBD?

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

Look — Highett won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026