Moving to Highett Melbourne — What to Know in 2026

Highett locals have known for years what the rest of Melbourne is just figuring out. The moving to options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at The Sunny Cellar, then work your way to The Little Commons. Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. This is Highett in 2026.

1. Sol — 331 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: budget eaters

Sol has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($23) 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 48 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($24) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. The Northern Room — 58 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: dates

The Northern Room has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($21) 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 46 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.

3. Mabel Room — 244 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: the whole crew

Mabel Room has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) 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 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.

4. Iris — 169 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Iris has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($11) 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 53 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 lamb shoulder ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bridge Street after 6pm.

5. Sol’s — 98 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Sol’s 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.

Capacity is around 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

The Highett That Locals Know

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. Felix Mill — 77 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: A local institution Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: families

Felix Mill has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($19) 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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. The Old Works — 345 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Old Works has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($28) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.

8. The Southern Kitchen — 16 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Southern Kitchen has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($18) 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 52 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Smith Street after 6pm.

9. Mabel — 11 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Mabel has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($15) 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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($21) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Ruby’s — 187 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: budget eaters

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

The room holds 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

11. Atlas’s — 257 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: the whole crew

Atlas’s has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($18) 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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.

Order this: The fish special ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

• Hampton Moving To — 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 moving to scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Highett known for?

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve.

What are the pros and cons of living in Highett?

Lena Post 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.

Look — Highett won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026