in Jacana Melbourne Locals Love
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Hazel’s |
| Free highlight | The High Place |
| Family-friendly | Ada Local |
| Locals only | Finn Depot |
| Indoor option | Red House |
1. Nell’s — 91 Thomas Street, Jacana VIC 3073
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The room holds 31 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The sourdough bread ($20) — solid
2. Ivy — 118 Blake Place, Jacana VIC 3073
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: groups
Capacity is around 36 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
3. Nico Standard — 359 George Avenue, Jacana VIC 3073
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The space seats about 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The charcuterie board ($23) — solid
4. Stella House — 93 George Avenue, Jacana VIC 3073
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Victoria Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
5. Stella’s — 164 Thomas Street, Jacana VIC 3073
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: budget eaters
The room holds 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
The Reality of Jacana
6. Leo’s — 88 Thomas Street, Jacana VIC 3073
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The room holds 41 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
7. Leo Post — 137 Thomas Street, Jacana VIC 3073
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: dates
The space seats about 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Jacana farmers market when it runs.
8. The Little Table — 173 Victoria Avenue, Jacana VIC 3073
What it is: A local institution Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The space seats about 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Thomas Street is usually fine.
Start with: The sourdough bread ($18) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
9. Cellar — 67 Thomas Street, Jacana VIC 3073
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The room holds 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($18) — solid
10. The Half Press — 81 East Grove, Jacana VIC 3073
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The space seats about 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
11. Leo Standard — 273 Blake Place, Jacana VIC 3073
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Explore More
- Jacana Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Jacana Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Melbourne Cbd Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Jacana stacks up
- All Jacana Guides — everything we’ve written about Jacana
FAQ
What is Jacana known for?
Jacana is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
What are the most underrated spots in Jacana?
Hazel’s is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Jacana from Melbourne CBD?
Jacana is 15-30km, 25-45min by public transport from Melbourne CBD.
Jacana isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.
Last updated: March 2026
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
