Best Late Night Food in Highett Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every late night food option in Highett to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Quarter is the one everyone knows. The Humble Social is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Highett sits in the Bayside corridor, 15km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the late night food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Highett since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Common Store — 222 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (late night food) No-frills excellence Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Common Store has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($14) 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 52 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. The Northern Pantry — 34 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (late night food) Worth the detour Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Northern Pantry has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 room holds 42 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Otto Union — 134 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (late night food) Worth the detour Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Otto Union has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 35 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Kai — 198 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (late night food) A solid local spot Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Kai has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($10) 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 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($10) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.

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. The late night food options here reflect Highett’s character. Whether you’re based in Highett or visiting from nearby, 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.

5. The Good Place — 34 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (late night food) Worth the detour Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Good Place has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

6. The Sunny Corner — 157 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (late night food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: dates

The Sunny Corner has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 56 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The fish special ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. The Bright Pantry — 234 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (late night food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: remote workers

The Bright Pantry has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($15) 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.

8. The Sunny Room — 24 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (late night food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Sunny Room has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

Capacity is around 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bridge Lane is usually fine.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

• Hampton Late Night Food — 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 late night food options in Highett?

The Bright Room is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Highett good for late night food?

Yes. Highett has 8+ genuine options. The scene is established 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.

The truth about Highett: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026