in Hillside Melbourne Locals Love
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | Nell’s |
| Zero-cost winner | Southern Commons |
| Kid-approved | The Bright Yard |
| Under the radar | The Long Standard |
| Wet day saviour | The Golden Standard |
1. Felix Standard — 142 Anderson Grove, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The room holds 56 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
2. The New Social — 54 Pine Grove, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: remote workers
The space seats about 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
3. The Humble Commons — 183 Margaret Drive, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The room holds 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Hillside farmers market when it runs.
4. Society — 13 Collins Crescent, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The room holds 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
5. Press — 22 Chapel Road, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: families
The room holds 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($24) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
The Hillside That Locals Know
6. Green Union — 338 Margaret Drive, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: dates
The space seats about 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
7. Felix Social — 169 Collins Crescent, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The room holds 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
8. Green Press — 107 Pine Grove, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 40 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
9. Commons — 77 Pine Grove, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The space seats about 50 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Hillside farmers market when it runs.
10. Long Bench — 70 Margaret Drive, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: the whole crew
The space seats about 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Anderson Grove is usually fine.
11. Humble Bench — 260 Margaret Drive, Hillside VIC 3118
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The space seats about 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Explore More
- 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
What is Hillside known for?
Hillside is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
What are the most underrated spots in Hillside?
Nell’s 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.
Look — Hillside won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.
Last updated: March 2026
