Highett Melbourne — Complete Local Guide 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Cleo Kitchen |
| Free highlight | Nina’s |
| Family-friendly | The Humble Pantry |
| Locals only | Store |
| Indoor option | Sunny House |
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 room holds 47 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bridge Lane is usually fine.
Order this: The lamb shoulder ($11) — solid 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
Capacity is around 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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 room holds 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The mushroom pasta ($12) — solid
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
Capacity is around 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The room holds 64 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Highett roaster — ask which one.
What Nobody Tells You About Highett
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
The room holds 60 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.
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
The room holds 48 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bridge Lane is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Barkly Place is usually fine.
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 room holds 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Bridge Lane is usually fine.
Order this: The daily soup ($26) — solid 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
Yes. 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
