Things to Do in Ivanhoe This Weekend — 2026

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Ivanhoe to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.50-5.00 for a flat white, $22-38 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. Anchor is the one everyone knows. Tall Bench is the one they should know. Ivanhoe has upper heidelberg road has an established strip of cafes and shops.

1. Otto’s — 123 Young Street, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Otto’s has been operating in Ivanhoe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($11) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Oliver Bench — 151 James Parade, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: dates

Oliver Bench has been operating in Ivanhoe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($10) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($15) — the best version in Ivanhoe Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Works — 59 Henry Crescent, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Works has been operating in Ivanhoe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($17) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The house-made relish ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Young Street after 6pm.

4. Marco — 363 Henry Crescent, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Marco has been operating in Ivanhoe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($20) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on James Parade is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — the best version in Ivanhoe Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. Stella’s — 340 Young Street, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Stella’s has been operating in Ivanhoe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($18) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Ivanhoe — The Honest Version

Upper Heidelberg Road has an established strip of cafes and shops. Ivanhoe Grammar School is here. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Ivanhoe’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Ivanhoe, you’ll find that this history shapes everything from the food culture to the community events. The locals who’ve been here longest will tell you the suburb has changed dramatically, but the bones are still good.

6. Leo Cellar — 239 Young Street, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: A local institution Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: families

Leo Cellar has been operating in Ivanhoe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($24) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($26) — the best version in Ivanhoe Insider tip: They source produce from Ivanhoe farmers market when it runs.

7. Golden Depot — 348 Young Street, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: groups

Golden Depot has been operating in Ivanhoe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($18) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 59 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Lygon Drive is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the best version in Ivanhoe Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Tall Press — 34 James Parade, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Tall Press has been operating in Ivanhoe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($23) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. The Northern Post — 130 Cecil Place, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Northern Post has been operating in Ivanhoe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($20) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 31 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Ash’s — 170 Young Street, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Ash’s has been operating in Ivanhoe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($21) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 38 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The seasonal special ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

11. Otto — 355 Lygon Drive, Ivanhoe VIC 3084

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Otto has been operating in Ivanhoe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($13) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Henry Crescent is usually fine.

Order this: The house-made relish ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

• Heidelberg West Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
• Ivanhoe Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Ivanhoe Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Viewbank Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Ivanhoe stacks up
• All Ivanhoe Guides — everything we’ve written about Ivanhoe

FAQ

Is Ivanhoe worth visiting?

Yes. Ivanhoe has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Ivanhoe known for?

Upper Heidelberg Road has an established strip of cafes and shops.

What is there to do in Ivanhoe on a Sunday?

Long Store is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Ivanhoe from Melbourne CBD?

Ivanhoe is 9km, 20min train, 16min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Ivanhoe 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