Best Cheap Eats in Hillside Melbourne — Under $20 Guide 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | High Post |
| Free highlight | Ada |
| Family-friendly | Nina |
| Locals only | Zara |
| Indoor option | Sunny Union |
The cheap eats options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Vera’s, then work your way to Lena. Hillside is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community. This is Hillside in 2026.
1. Rex’s — 356 Collins Crescent, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: A local institution Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: remote workers
The space seats about 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
2. The Long Local — 177 Pine Grove, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: families
The room holds 56 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
3. Theo — 7 Collins Crescent, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: the whole crew
The space seats about 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
4. Max’s — 111 Anderson Grove, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The room holds 32 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Collins Crescent is usually fine.
Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($12) — solid Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Hillside roaster — ask which one.
5. Mia’s — 263 Chapel Road, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Hillside farmers market when it runs.
What Makes Hillside Different
6. Nico’s — 232 Pine Grove, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Capacity is around 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Ask for: The charcuterie board ($23) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
7. Felix Social — 182 Pine Grove, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($26) — solid Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Hillside roaster — ask which one.
8. Ruby’s — 13 Margaret Drive, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The space seats about 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Anderson Grove is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
9. Stella — 231 Chapel Road, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
10. Ava Place — 71 Collins Crescent, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 44 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Get the: The daily soup ($17) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Hillside farmers market when it runs.
11. Nell’s — 263 Collins Crescent, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: groups
The room holds 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Chapel Road is usually fine.
Order this: The charcuterie board ($21) — solid Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
12. Hazel — 156 Pine Grove, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Hillside farmers market when it runs.
Explore More
- Melbourne Cbd Cheap Eats — same vibe, different suburb
- Hillside Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Hillside Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Melbourne Cbd Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Hillside stacks up
- All Hillside Guides — everything we’ve written about Hillside
FAQ
Yes. The cheap eats scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Hillside known for?
Hillside is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
Where can I eat for under $15 in Hillside?
High Post is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Hillside from Melbourne CBD?
Hillside is 15-30km, 25-45min by public transport from Melbourne CBD.
Hillside is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.
Last updated: March 2026
