Best Weekend Guide in Maidstone Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Sunny Depot |
| Best free option | Ada |
| Best for families | Common Bench |
| Best local secret | Lena’s |
| Best for rainy days | Stella’s |
Maidstone doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The weekend guide scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Ava’s and Rex’s are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Maidstone sits 15-30km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Maidstone is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
1. Mia Mill — 296 Elizabeth Lane, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: groups
The room holds 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Maidstone farmers market when it runs.
2. Ava — 145 Charles Drive, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The room holds 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Charles Drive is usually fine.
Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — solid
3. The Long Quarter — 95 Bay Road, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $17-32 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Sydney Terrace is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Maidstone roaster — ask which one.
4. The Long Union — 307 Edward Drive, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The space seats about 59 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($25) — solid
5. Luna’s — 246 Sydney Terrace, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 58 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
What Makes Maidstone Different
6. Old Social — 23 Elizabeth Lane, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The room holds 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($20) — solid
7. Iris’s — 55 Elizabeth Lane, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The space seats about 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Sydney Terrace is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
8. Oliver — 356 Edward Drive, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The space seats about 64 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
9. Marco Bench — 131 Bay Road, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Capacity is around 60 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
10. Red Social — 45 Elizabeth Lane, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The crispy chicken ($13) — solid
11. The Sunny Bench — 68 Charles Drive, Maidstone VIC 3085
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: solo diners
The room holds 32 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The charcuterie board ($17) — solid
Explore More
- Melbourne Cbd Weekend Guide — same vibe, different suburb
- 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
Yes. The weekend guide scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Maidstone known for?
Maidstone is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
What is Maidstone best known for?
Sunny Depot 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.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
