Best Family Restaurants in Highett Melbourne 2026
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Luna Commons | | Best with kids | Northern Quarter | | Hidden spot | Zara Quarter | | Bad weather pick | Humble Place |
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
The room holds 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The room holds 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The space seats about 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 44 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($25) — solid 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
Capacity is around 47 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
Why Highett Is Worth Knowing
6. Gus’s — 279 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: remote workers
Capacity is around 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Bridge Lane is usually fine.
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
The room holds 32 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Queen Grove is usually fine.
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
The room holds 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.
Get the: The daily soup ($15) — solid
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
The room holds 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Yes. 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
