Highett Melbourne — Complete Local Guide 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. Union is the one everyone knows. Lena’s is the one they should know. Highett has transformed by level crossing removal and sir william fry reserve.

1. The Good Place — 316 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Good Place has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($8) 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 47 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bridge Lane is usually fine.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Kai’s — 355 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

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

Capacity is around 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.

3. The Long Table — 297 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: solo diners

The Long Table has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($12) 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 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Bridge Street after 6pm.

4. The Old Place — 290 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Old Place has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Felix — 287 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Felix has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 room holds 64 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.

What Nobody Tells You About Highett

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. If you’re living in or near Highett, 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. Ava — 328 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: A local institution Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Ava has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($27) 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 60 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. Otto — 279 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Otto has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($15) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.

8. New Corner — 56 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: families

New Corner has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 room holds 48 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bridge Lane is usually fine.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Southern Commons — 64 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Southern Commons has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($17) 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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. Gus Table — 184 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: families

Gus Table has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($25) 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 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. The Red Depot — 53 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: groups

The Red Depot has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bridge Lane is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

• Hampton Suburb Guide — 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 suburb guide scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Highett known for?

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve.

Is Highett a good suburb to live in?

Cleo Kitchen 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.

If you’re comparing Highett to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026