Things to Do in Malvern This Weekend — 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | The Honest Cellar |
| Best free option | Theo’s |
| Best for families | The High Lane |
| Best local secret | Nell’s |
| Best for rainy days | Sunny Quarter |
Malvern 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. Theo Depot and Good Commons are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Malvern sits 8km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Glenferrie Road/High Street junction has retail and dining.
1. Common Yard — 149 Hill Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The room holds 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
2. Bright House — 1 Charles Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: groups
Capacity is around 64 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
3. Atlas’s — 41 Charles Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The space seats about 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Hill Terrace is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
4. Humble Bench — 76 Anderson Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Malvern roaster — ask which one.
5. The Northern Union — 78 Brunswick Avenue, Malvern VIC 3097
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The room holds 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Hill Terrace is usually fine.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
What Malvern Actually Is
6. Otto’s — 311 Brunswick Avenue, Malvern VIC 3097
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Hill Terrace is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
7. Old Quarter — 279 Charles Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: families
Capacity is around 63 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Brunswick Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: They source produce from Malvern farmers market when it runs.
8. Southern Corner — 27 Anderson Terrace, Malvern VIC 3097
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: budget eaters
Capacity is around 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Hill Terrace is usually fine.
Start with: The crispy chicken ($14) — solid
9. The Lucky Yard — 69 Brunswick Avenue, Malvern VIC 3097
What it is: A local institution Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The room holds 39 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Hill Terrace is usually fine.
Come back for: The daily soup ($26) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
10. Ruby Yard — 217 Rowan Parade, Malvern VIC 3097
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-25 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Rowan Parade is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
Explore More
- Armadale Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
- Malvern Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Malvern Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Elsternwick Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Malvern stacks up
- All Malvern Guides — everything we’ve written about Malvern
FAQ
Yes. The things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Malvern known for?
Glenferrie Road/High Street junction has retail and dining.
What is there to do in Malvern on a Sunday?
The Honest Cellar is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Malvern from Melbourne CBD?
Malvern is 8km, 16min train, 14min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
