Things to Do in Kew This Weekend — 2026

Kew doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The things to do this weekend scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Ash Post and Rex’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. Mia — 90 King Terrace, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: the whole crew

Mia has been operating in Kew for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($14) 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 52 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Lake Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Kew farmers market when it runs.

2. Ava’s — 360 Anderson Road, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: solo diners

Ava’s has been operating in Kew for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 65 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on King Street after 6pm.

3. Hazel — 211 Bourke Avenue, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Hazel has been operating in Kew for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($27) 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 64 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Sol’s — 380 Swan Parade, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Sol’s has been operating in Kew for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 room holds 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. River Local — 17 Bourke Avenue, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

River Local has been operating in Kew for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($11) 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 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($16) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Why Kew Is Worth Knowing

Kew Junction and High Street shopping. Studley Park and Yarra Bend Park provide extensive parkland along the Yarra River. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Kew’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Kew, 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. The Blue Corner — 350 Bourke Avenue, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $21-27 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Blue Corner has been operating in Kew for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($26) 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Lake Drive is usually fine.

Ask for: The daily soup ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. River’s — 301 Swan Parade, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: remote workers

River’s has been operating in Kew for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($17) 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 65 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Lake Street after 6pm.

8. The Old Cellar — 122 Bourke Avenue, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Old Cellar has been operating in Kew for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($15) 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 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($18) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Mia Local — 118 King Terrace, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Mia Local has been operating in Kew for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($17) 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 40 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The daily soup ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bourke Street after 6pm.

10. Pearl’s — 10 Bourke Avenue, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Pearl’s has been operating in Kew for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($12) 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.

Capacity is around 35 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The fish special ($10) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

11. Theo’s — 136 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: budget eaters

Theo’s has been operating in Kew for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

The room holds 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

• Hawthorn Things To Do This Weekend — 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

Is Kew worth visiting?

Yes. Kew 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 Kew known for?

Kew Junction and High Street shopping.

What is there to do in Kew on a Sunday?

Rex 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.

The truth about Kew: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026