in Hughesdale Melbourne Locals Love
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Old Bench |
| Free highlight | Union |
| Family-friendly | Ada’s |
| Locals only | Nina’s |
| Indoor option | Long House |
We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Hughesdale to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.00-4.50 for a flat white, $18-32 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. Theo House is the one everyone knows. Pantry is the one they should know. Hughesdale has hughesdale is a growing melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
1. The Blue Post — 273 Rowan Lane, Hughesdale VIC 3057
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Capacity is around 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on William Grove is usually fine.
2. Felix Corner — 47 William Grove, Hughesdale VIC 3057
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: budget eaters
The space seats about 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The daily soup ($11) — solid
3. Half Quarter — 48 Rowan Lane, Hughesdale VIC 3057
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: groups
Capacity is around 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The daily soup ($26) — solid
4. Remy’s — 116 Ash Avenue, Hughesdale VIC 3057
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
5. Pantry — 59 William Grove, Hughesdale VIC 3057
What it is: A local institution Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The room holds 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
Hughesdale — The Honest Version
6. Ada — 361 William Grove, Hughesdale VIC 3057
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Capacity is around 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Ask for: The fish special ($14) — solid
7. Social — 194 Ash Avenue, Hughesdale VIC 3057
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Capacity is around 46 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
8. Nico’s — 263 Smith Avenue, Hughesdale VIC 3057
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — solid
9. Mia Quarter — 191 Smith Avenue, Hughesdale VIC 3057
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The space seats about 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on William Grove is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
10. Good Cellar — 77 Smith Avenue, Hughesdale VIC 3057
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $9-23 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Capacity is around 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Rowan Lane is usually fine.
Get the: The house-made relish ($12) — solid Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
11. Luna’s — 176 James Parade, Hughesdale VIC 3057
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The room holds 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Explore More
- Hughesdale Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Hughesdale Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Melbourne Cbd Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Hughesdale stacks up
- All Hughesdale Guides — everything we’ve written about Hughesdale
FAQ
What is Hughesdale known for?
Hughesdale is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
What are the most underrated spots in Hughesdale?
Old Bench is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Hughesdale from Melbourne CBD?
Hughesdale is 15-30km, 25-45min by public transport from Melbourne CBD.
If you’re comparing Hughesdale to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.
Last updated: March 2026
