Best Restaurants in Mentone Melbourne 2026
The restaurant scene in Mentone does not get the attention it probably should. While inner-city suburbs grab the headlines, the food here has been steadily improving — and the prices are generally kinder.
The Dining Scene
Seafood gets top billing, obviously. But the dining scene goes well beyond fish and chips — Mediterranean, Japanese, and modern Australian all do well near the water. Most restaurants have outdoor seating.
What to Budget
A main course at a mid-range restaurant in Mentone runs between $22 and $38. Entrees sit around $14 to $22. If you are doing a full dinner for two with a bottle of wine, expect to spend $120 to $180 at a decent sit-down place. For a more casual meal — think pub bistro or BYO — you can eat well for under $60 for two.
What to Eat
Seafood is the obvious choice, and several places here do it properly — fresh, simply prepared, and seasonal. Beyond that, Mediterranean-inspired restaurants do well (the climate helps). Japanese and Thai places have found a solid foothold. Brunch culture is strong, so the lines between lunch and breakfast blur on weekends.
Before You Book
- Weeknight advantage: Tuesday to Thursday bookings are easier and some places run midweek specials.
- BYO nights: Several restaurants in Mentone offer BYO wine on specific nights — saves $40 to $60 on drinks.
- Parking: Street parking fills up after 6pm. Check if the restaurant validates at a nearby lot.
- Walk-ins: Lunch is almost always walk-in friendly. Dinner on Friday and Saturday — book ahead.
Related reads: Cost of Living in Mentone | Transport Guide | What to Do on Weekends
