Things to Do in Highett This Weekend — 2026

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

1. Pearl’s — 312 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: the whole crew

Pearl’s has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 45 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Bridge Street after 6pm.

2. Rosa’s — 258 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: the whole crew

Rosa’s has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 57 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Finn Room — 299 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Finn Room has been operating in Highett for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 46 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The daily soup ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. House — 160 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: budget eaters

House has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

The room holds 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Pearl’s — 373 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: A local institution Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Pearl’s has been operating in Highett for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($19) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

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. Zara’s — 285 Queen Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Zara’s has been operating in Highett for several years 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 42 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bridge Lane is usually fine.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Press — 54 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: solo diners

Press has been operating in Highett for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Nina Mill — 35 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Nina Mill has been operating in Highett for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The fish special ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Queen Street after 6pm.

9. The High Press — 316 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The High Press 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 31 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Nina’s — 84 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: the whole crew

Nina’s has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 space seats about 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The fish special ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.

11. Otto’s — 217 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

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

Capacity is around 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

• Hampton Things To Do This Weekend — 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 things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Highett known for?

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve.

What is there to do in Highett on a Sunday?

Pearl Works 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 isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026