Best Family Restaurants in Mentone Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | The Lucky Social |
| Best free option | Table |
| Best for families | Max’s |
| Best local secret | The Tall Post |
| Best for rainy days | Lena’s |
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
The space seats about 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The space seats about 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 50 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.
Go for: The lamb shoulder ($20) — solid 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
The room holds 46 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The space seats about 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.
What Makes Mentone Different
6. Ada Bench — 46 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191
What it is: A local institution Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: budget eaters
The space seats about 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The room holds 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Smith Avenue is usually fine.
Start with: The charcuterie board ($27) — solid 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
Capacity is around 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Smith Avenue is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The room holds 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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 room holds 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Young Lane is usually fine.
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
Yes. 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
