in Kew East Melbourne Locals Love

1. Gus’s — 134 Murray Grove, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Capacity is around 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Kew East roaster — ask which one.

2. The Blue House — 180 William Street, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Capacity is around 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The house-made relish ($11) — solid

3. Nico Lane — 143 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Capacity is around 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Bay Parade is usually fine.

4. The Good Mill — 313 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Capacity is around 46 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($21) — solid

5. Theo — 297 Blake Drive, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Capacity is around 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Kew East — The Honest Version

6. Oliver Corner — 316 Blake Drive, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The room holds 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Ava Cellar — 364 Murray Grove, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The space seats about 41 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.

8. The Old Room — 135 William Street, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The space seats about 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

9. The Blue Mill — 38 Bay Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Capacity is around 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($15) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Kew East farmers market when it runs.

10. The Little Union — 218 Bay Parade, Kew East VIC 3135

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The space seats about 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Explore More

• Kew East Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Kew East Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Hawthorn East Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Kew East stacks up
• All Kew East Guides — everything we’ve written about Kew East

FAQ

What is Kew East known for?

Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops.

What are the most underrated spots in Kew East?

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

How far is Kew East from Melbourne CBD?

Kew East is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Kew East is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026

Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.