Free Things to Do 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. Nico’s is the one everyone knows. Nell Commons is the one they should know. Highett has transformed by level crossing removal and sir william fry reserve.

1. Blue Table — 86 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Blue Table has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($22) 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 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($22) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Otto’s — 305 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: groups

Otto’s has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.

3. Ash Room — 301 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Ash Room has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($16) 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 44 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Marco Social — 82 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: A local institution Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: budget eaters

Marco Social has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($18) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Red Kitchen — 375 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Red Kitchen has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The space seats about 63 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($16) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

What Makes Highett Different

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. For Highett locals and anyone in the area, 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. The Humble Local — 49 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Humble Local has been operating in Highett for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Hazel’s — 155 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Hazel’s has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The space seats about 52 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($23) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. The Southern House — 3 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Southern House has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 room holds 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The daily soup ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Young Street after 6pm.

9. Lena Post — 260 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: A local institution Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: groups

Lena Post has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($26) 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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The fish special ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Zara Corner — 310 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: the whole crew

Zara Corner has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s 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.

Capacity is around 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($28) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

11. Half Yard — 313 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Half Yard has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($21) 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 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Queen Street after 6pm.

Explore More

• Hampton Free Things To Do — 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 free things to do 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 do in Highett for free?

Old House 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