Hillside sits in Melbourne’s greater melbourne and runs unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven. Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re visiting for the day, this guide covers the best of what the suburb offers.
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Zara — 188 Chapel Road
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. The kind of place you tell friends about. What sets it apart is the attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 8am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-2:30pm.
Remy’s — 305 Bell Grove
A local institution that has been operating for over 13 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm. Don’t miss this one. The owner is a local who genuinely invests in the community. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Luna’s — 91 Young Drive
One of Hillside’s hidden gems. The team has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $8-14. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Most Spacious
Collective — 230 Chapel Road
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. Check their socials for weekly specials. What sets it apart is the personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm.
Otto House — 219 Chapel Road
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The design is industrial-meets-cozy. The kind of place you tell friends about. What sets it apart is the consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 8am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm.
Rosa Mill — 147 Fitzroy Crescent
One of Hillside’s genuine highlights. The owner sources everything locally. Price range: $8-14. The back area is where the regulars sit. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Quietest
Quarter — 76 Chapel Road
A local institution that has been operating for over 12 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-2:30pm. Don’t miss this one. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Otto Local — 363 Bell Grove
One of Hillside’s genuine highlights. The owner has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $8-14. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Lucky Larder — 319 Bell Grove
Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. Better than half the options in the CBD. What sets it apart is the consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3:30pm.
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Honest Works — 16 Young Drive
One of Hillside’s most underrated spots. The owner sources everything locally. Price range: $8-14. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Humble Kitchen — 105 Young Drive
A local institution that has been operating for over 8 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm. Consistently reliable. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
The Northern Works — 68 Fitzroy Crescent
One of Hillside’s hidden gems. The team has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $8-14. The back area is where the regulars sit. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Co-Working Nearby
The Sunny Yard — 178 Elizabeth Grove
A local institution that has been operating for over 11 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm. A neighbourhood staple. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Store — 80 Elizabeth Grove
A local institution that has been operating for over 13 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-2:30pm. Consistently reliable. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Red Local — 210 Elizabeth Grove
One of Hillside’s genuine highlights. The team knows every regular by name. Price range: $8-14. The back area is where the regulars sit. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.
Practical Info
Getting there: Public transport options in Hillside.
Best time to visit: Early evening for the transition from day to night scene.
Budget: A full day exploring Hillside — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $72 per person.
Parking: Street parking on Fitzroy Crescent is available but competitive on weekends. Side streets usually have 2-hour unrestricted zones. Public transport is the better option.
Hillside at a Glance
| Category | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Vibe | Unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven |
| Coffee price | $4.00-4.50 |
| Dinner price | $18-32 pp |
| Getting there | Public transport options in Hillside |
| Best for | Hillside local shops, community feel, suburban lifestyle |
Nearby
- Melbourne CBD — also worth exploring
- Hillside Cafes
- Hillside Restaurants
- All Hillside Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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