in Ivanhoe East Melbourne Locals Love
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Mabel |
| Free highlight | Half Corner |
| Family-friendly | Pearl |
| Locals only | Humble Commons |
| Indoor option | Tall Social |
1. Max’s — 204 Queen Place, Ivanhoe East VIC 3187
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The charcuterie board ($23) — solid
2. Ada’s — 263 Queen Place, Ivanhoe East VIC 3187
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: remote workers
Capacity is around 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
3. Old Works — 290 Pine Parade, Ivanhoe East VIC 3187
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The space seats about 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
4. The High Store — 71 Rowan Grove, Ivanhoe East VIC 3187
What it is: A local institution Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: remote workers
The space seats about 59 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The daily soup ($13) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Ivanhoe East farmers market when it runs.
5. Hugo Yard — 351 Rowan Grove, Ivanhoe East VIC 3187
What it is: A local institution Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: remote workers
Capacity is around 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Ivanhoe East roaster — ask which one.
Why Locals Stay in Ivanhoe East
6. Nell’s — 203 Elm Lane, Ivanhoe East VIC 3187
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Capacity is around 49 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
7. The Southern Commons — 252 Pine Parade, Ivanhoe East VIC 3187
What it is: A local institution Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The space seats about 56 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
8. Ava — 257 Young Crescent, Ivanhoe East VIC 3187
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: families
Capacity is around 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Young Crescent is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
9. Common Post — 130 Young Crescent, Ivanhoe East VIC 3187
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
10. The Sunny Works — 296 Rowan Grove, Ivanhoe East VIC 3187
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 35 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Young Crescent is usually fine.
Get the: The sourdough bread ($14) — solid
Explore More
- Ivanhoe East Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Ivanhoe East Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Melbourne Cbd Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Ivanhoe East stacks up
- All Ivanhoe East Guides — everything we’ve written about Ivanhoe East
FAQ
What is Ivanhoe East known for?
Ivanhoe East is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
What are the most underrated spots in Ivanhoe East?
Mabel is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Ivanhoe East from Melbourne CBD?
Ivanhoe East is 15-30km, 25-45min by public transport from Melbourne CBD.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
