Best Family Restaurants in Mentone Melbourne 2026

Mentone doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The best restaurants for families scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Rosa Bench and The Lucky Cellar 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. Blue Lane — 36 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Blue Lane has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($15) 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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Lena Works — 231 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Lena Works has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($18) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Mill — 204 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: budget eaters

Mill has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($16) 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 50 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Quarter — 243 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A local institution Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Quarter has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($12) 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 46 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Long Store — 64 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: budget eaters

Long Store has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($9) 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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

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. Ada Bench — 46 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A local institution Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: budget eaters

Ada Bench has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($18) 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. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($20) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Oliver’s — 347 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: dates

Oliver’s 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.

The room holds 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Leo Place — 182 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A local institution Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Leo Place has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($23) 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 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Smith Avenue is usually fine.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Leo’s — 241 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Leo’s has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($10) 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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Smith Avenue is usually fine.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Theo’s — 155 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Theo’s has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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.

Capacity is around 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The seasonal special ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Lena Standard — 359 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Lena Standard has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($14) 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 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

12. The Lucky Social — 370 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Lucky Social has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($17) 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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Young Lane is usually fine.

Try this: The fish special ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

• Cheltenham Best Restaurants for Families — 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 restaurants for families scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Mentone known for?

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

What is the most family-friendly restaurant in Mentone?

The Lucky Social 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