Things to Do in Kew East This Weekend — 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Pilgrim |
| Best free option | Little Store |
| Best for families | The Tall Table |
| Best local secret | High Works |
| Best for rainy days | Nell |
The things to do this weekend options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Theo’s, then work your way to Tall Works. Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops. This is Kew East in 2026.
1. Red Works — 372 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: dates
Capacity is around 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Kew East farmers market when it runs.
2. The Bright Table — 202 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The room holds 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The lamb shoulder ($14) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
3. Old Kitchen — 200 William Street, Kew East VIC 3135
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: dates
The space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
4. Place — 97 Smith Parade, Kew East VIC 3135
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The room holds 44 and fills on weekends. Street parking on William Street is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
5. The Little Depot — 33 William Street, Kew East VIC 3135
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The space seats about 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Smith Parade is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
Why Kew East Is Worth Knowing
6. Bright House — 164 Bay Parade, Kew East VIC 3135
What it is: A local institution Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: budget eaters
The room holds 40 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Ask for: The charcuterie board ($24) — solid Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
7. Zara — 178 Bay Parade, Kew East VIC 3135
What it is: A local institution Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The room holds 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
8. The Tall Local — 129 Blake Drive, Kew East VIC 3135
What it is: A local institution Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Murray Grove is usually fine.
9. Ivy — 170 Bay Parade, Kew East VIC 3135
What it is: A local institution Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: remote workers
Capacity is around 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Come back for: The sourdough bread ($25) — solid
10. Max’s — 139 Murray Grove, Kew East VIC 3135
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Smith Parade is usually fine.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
Explore More
- Balwyn North Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
- 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
Yes. The things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Kew East known for?
Quiet residential pocket near Hays Paddock and Burke Road shops.
What is there to do in Kew East on a Sunday?
Pilgrim 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.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
