in Maidstone Melbourne Locals Love
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | Sol’s |
| Zero-cost winner | Mill |
| Kid-approved | Ash’s |
| Under the radar | Ivy Room |
| Wet day saviour | Hazel Local |
1. Half Bench — 226 Charles Drive, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The space seats about 58 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The crispy chicken ($22) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Maidstone farmers market when it runs.
2. House — 141 Charles Drive, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The space seats about 33 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Maidstone farmers market when it runs.
3. New Lane — 302 Sydney Terrace, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: remote workers
The space seats about 35 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Sydney Terrace is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Maidstone roaster — ask which one.
4. Vera’s — 344 Elizabeth Lane, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: budget eaters
The space seats about 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
5. Luna’s — 278 Elizabeth Lane, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: dates
The space seats about 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
What Maidstone Actually Is
6. Hazel House — 225 Elizabeth Lane, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: A local institution Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Capacity is around 57 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
7. Leo — 259 Sydney Terrace, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-25 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Capacity is around 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — solid Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
8. The Sunny Cellar — 95 Elizabeth Lane, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
9. Bright Room — 69 Edward Drive, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Edward Drive is usually fine.
10. New Lane — 238 Charles Drive, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The space seats about 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
11. The Old Corner — 232 Elizabeth Lane, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Charles Drive is usually fine.
Insider tip: They source produce from Maidstone farmers market when it runs.
12. Ada’s — 207 Elizabeth Lane, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: budget eaters
Capacity is around 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Maidstone farmers market when it runs.
Explore More
- Maidstone Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Maidstone Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Melbourne Cbd Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Maidstone stacks up
- All Maidstone Guides — everything we’ve written about Maidstone
FAQ
What is Maidstone known for?
Maidstone is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
What are the most underrated spots in Maidstone?
Sol’s is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Maidstone from Melbourne CBD?
Maidstone is 15-30km, 25-45min by public transport from Melbourne CBD.
Maidstone 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
