Things to Do in Highett This Weekend — 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Pearl Works |
| Best free option | Theo’s |
| Best for families | Old Cellar |
| Best local secret | The Sunny Social |
| Best for rainy days | The Common Bench |
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
The room holds 45 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The room holds 57 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 46 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The daily soup ($11) — solid
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
The space seats about 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
The Highett That Locals Know
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
The space seats about 42 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bridge Lane is usually fine.
7. Press — 54 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: solo diners
The room holds 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 31 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The fish special ($14) — solid 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
Capacity is around 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.
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
Yes. 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
