Best Date Night Restaurants in Highett Melbourne 2026

Highett has genuine best date night restaurants options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Store and Luna Kitchen lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 15km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Bayside region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Highett resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Nina Depot — 54 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (date night restaurants) Worth the detour Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: solo diners

Nina Depot has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($20) 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 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. The Tall Corner — 370 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (date night restaurants) Worth the detour Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Tall Corner has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($14) 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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.

3. Remy’s — 321 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (date night restaurants) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Remy’s has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($18) 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 43 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 daily soup ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Mill — 302 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (date night restaurants) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: families

Mill has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Grove is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Bridge Street after 6pm.

5. Lena Quarter — 239 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (date night restaurants) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Lena Quarter has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($23) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

The Highett That Locals Know

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Highett Road strip has cafes and shops. Close to Southland. The best date night restaurants options here reflect Highett’s character. If you’re living in or near Highett, 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. Cleo Yard — 339 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (date night restaurants) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Cleo Yard has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($20) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. Zara — 147 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (date night restaurants) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Zara has been operating in Highett 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Atlas — 218 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (date night restaurants) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Atlas has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The house-made relish ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Ada’s — 197 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (date night restaurants) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: families

Ada’s has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 50 — 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 daily soup ($26) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Otto Press — 221 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (date night restaurants) A local institution Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Otto Press has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 space seats about 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Queen Street after 6pm.

11. Theo Works — 178 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (date night restaurants) A solid local spot Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Theo Works has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($25) 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. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

• Hampton Best Date Night Restaurants — 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 date night restaurants options in Highett?

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

Is Highett good for best date night restaurants?

Yes. Highett has 11+ 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.

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