Best Cafes for Remote Work in Mentone Melbourne 2026

Mentone doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The best cafes for remote work scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Lena and Hazel’s are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Mentone sits 20km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

1. Stella Place — 89 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: dates

Stella Place has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($10) 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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. High Standard — 212 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

High Standard has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($12) 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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Assembly — 145 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Assembly has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($13) 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 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The fish special ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Blue Pantry — 27 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: the whole crew

Blue Pantry has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 room holds 48 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Mentone farmers market when it runs.

5. The Little Pantry — 366 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Little Pantry has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 46 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

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. If you’re living in or near Mentone, 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. Stella’s — 149 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: budget eaters

Stella’s has been operating in Mentone for several years 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 monthly 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. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($22) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: Parking is free on Hill Street after 6pm.

7. Mabel — 210 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: families

Mabel has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($20) 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 43 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. White Post — 272 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

White Post has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($16) 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 40 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. The Common Room — 32 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Common Room has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($16) 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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Hill Terrace is usually fine.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Ash Depot — 117 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A local institution Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Ash Depot has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 space seats about 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

• Cheltenham Best Cafes for Remote Work — 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 cafes for remote work scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Mentone known for?

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

Which cafes in Mentone have good WiFi?

Nina Standard 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.

Look — Mentone won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026