Best Bars for Dates in Mentone Melbourne 2026

Mentone locals have known for years what the rest of Melbourne is just figuring out. The best bars for dates options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Ruby’s, then work your way to Pearl’s. Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. This is Mentone in 2026.

1. Oliver’s — 116 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A local institution Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: the whole crew

Oliver’s has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($25) 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 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Luna Depot — 98 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A local institution Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Luna Depot has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($19) 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 space seats about 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: Parking is free on Market Street after 6pm.

3. Society — 253 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: budget eaters

Society has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 space seats about 64 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The fish special ($15) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

4. Half Pantry — 377 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A local institution Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Half Pantry has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($22) 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 40 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($23) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. The Honest Works — 218 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Honest Works has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($11) 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.

Capacity is around 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Young Lane is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

What Makes Mentone Different

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Good cafe strip on Como Parade. Direct beach access. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Mentone’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For Mentone locals and anyone in the area, 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. Gus Table — 206 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $21-27 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Gus Table has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($25) 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 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

7. Cleo’s — 207 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: the whole crew

Cleo’s has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($22) 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 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Smith Avenue is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Red Commons — 342 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A local institution Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Red Commons has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($11) 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 63 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($12) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: Parking is free on Hill Street after 6pm.

9. Ivy Pantry — 126 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Ivy Pantry has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($24) 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 32 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. Iris Pantry — 222 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Iris Pantry has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The seasonal special ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

• Cheltenham Best Bars for Dates — same vibe, different suburb
• Mentone Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Mentone Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Mordialloc Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Mentone stacks up
• All Mentone Guides — everything we’ve written about Mentone

FAQ

Is Mentone worth visiting?

Yes. Mentone has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The best bars for dates scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Mentone known for?

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

Where is a good date spot in Mentone?

Lucky Table is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Mentone from Melbourne CBD?

Mentone is 20km, 35min train, 28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Mentone 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