Best Family Restaurants in Kew Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Finn Store |
| Best free option | Pilgrim |
| Best for families | Pearl Cellar |
| Best local secret | Ash Quarter |
| Best for rainy days | The New Quarter |
Kew doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The best restaurants for families scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Theo’s and Cleo’s are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Kew sits 6km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Kew Junction and High Street shopping.
1. Ada Union — 149 Bourke Avenue, Kew VIC 3143
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The space seats about 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Kew roaster — ask which one.
2. Ruby’s — 243 Swan Parade, Kew VIC 3143
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The room holds 54 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Lake Drive is usually fine.
Try this: The sourdough bread ($20) — solid
3. Honest Cellar — 45 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Go for: The sourdough bread ($21) — solid
4. Nina’s — 98 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The space seats about 46 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Anderson Road is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
5. Hazel’s — 367 Anderson Road, Kew VIC 3143
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The space seats about 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
The Reality of Kew
6. The Southern Room — 373 Swan Parade, Kew VIC 3143
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The room holds 39 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bourke Avenue is usually fine.
7. Canvas — 297 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The room holds 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
8. The Common Union — 62 Anderson Road, Kew VIC 3143
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 62 — 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.
9. Lena’s — 27 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The space seats about 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
10. The Southern Kitchen — 181 King Terrace, Kew VIC 3143
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
11. Marco — 3 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143
What it is: A local institution Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: the whole crew
The space seats about 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on King Terrace is usually fine.
12. Common Post — 334 King Terrace, Kew VIC 3143
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The space seats about 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
Explore More
- Hawthorn Best Restaurants for Families — same vibe, different suburb
- Kew Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Kew Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Glen Iris Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Kew stacks up
- All Kew Guides — everything we’ve written about Kew
FAQ
Yes. The best restaurants for families scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Kew known for?
Kew Junction and High Street shopping.
What is the most family-friendly restaurant in Kew?
Finn Store is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Kew from Melbourne CBD?
Kew is 6km, 15min tram, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Kew 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
