Best Cheap Eats Under $15 in Highett Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | Red Quarter |
| Zero-cost winner | Rosa’s |
| Kid-approved | Ava |
| Under the radar | The Tall Place |
| Wet day saviour | Long Quarter |
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. The Honest Pantry is the one everyone knows. Northern Lane is the one they should know. Highett has transformed by level crossing removal and sir william fry reserve.
1. The Lucky Place — 168 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.
2. Zara Store — 223 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The space seats about 60 — 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.
3. Finn’s — 141 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($10) — solid Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
4. The Long Works — 135 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: the whole crew
The space seats about 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
5. The Red Table — 315 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
Capacity is around 52 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($24) — solid
Why Highett Is Worth Knowing
6. Nico’s — 166 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: dates
The space seats about 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
7. River Kitchen — 165 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: budget eaters
The space seats about 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.
Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.
8. Cleo Mill — 344 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Capacity is around 56 — 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.
9. Felix’s — 70 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: solo diners
The space seats about 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
10. The Long Yard — 77 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The space seats about 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
11. Mia’s — 151 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Capacity is around 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
12. Chapter — 184 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.
Try this: The sourdough bread ($17) — solid
Explore More
- Hampton Cheap Eats Under 15 — 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 cheap eats under 15 scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Highett known for?
Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve.
What can you eat for $10 or less in Highett?
Red Quarter 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
