Best Family Restaurants 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. Mabel Post is the one everyone knows. High Pantry is the one they should know. Highett has transformed by level crossing removal and sir william fry reserve.

1. Rex’s — 356 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Rex’s has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

The room holds 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($15) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.

2. Atlas’s — 254 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Atlas’s 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 room holds 56 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) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.

3. Felix’s — 165 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Felix’s has been operating in Highett for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

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

4. Golden Works — 8 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Golden Works has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 44 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.

5. Cleo Commons — 342 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Cleo Commons has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($23) 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 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($23) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Why Highett Is Worth Knowing

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. Gus’s — 279 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: remote workers

Gus’s has been operating in Highett for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.

7. Theo’s — 168 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Theo’s 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 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.

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

8. Hugo Table — 55 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: families

Hugo Table has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($16) 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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bridge Lane is usually fine.

Start with: The house-made relish ($15) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.

9. Ada Standard — 355 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Ada Standard has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The room holds 32 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Queen Grove is usually fine.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. New Lane — 343 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: budget eaters

New Lane has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

The room holds 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.

Get the: The daily soup ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

11. Union — 154 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Union has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($17) 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 34 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 ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

• Hampton Best Restaurants for Families — 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 restaurants for families scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Highett known for?

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve.

What is the most family-friendly restaurant in Highett?

Max’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