Best Cheap Eats Under $15 in Mentone Melbourne 2026

Mentone doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The cheap eats under 15 scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Little Cellar and Nico’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. Hugo’s — 300 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: solo diners

Hugo’s has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($20) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. Collective — 53 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Collective has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($20) 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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Northern Store — 185 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Northern Store has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 room holds 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The seasonal special ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Humble Lane — 10 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Humble Lane has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($24) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Max’s — 240 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: solo diners

Max’s has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($24) 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 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

The Reality of Mentone

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. Whether you’re based in Mentone or visiting from nearby, 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. Nell — 301 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: families

Nell has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

The room holds 54 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Hill Terrace is usually fine.

Ask for: The daily soup ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

7. Ash’s — 99 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ash’s has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($11) 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 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Mentone farmers market when it runs.

8. Atlas Pantry — 155 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A local institution Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: remote workers

Atlas Pantry has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($24) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

9. The Blue Lane — 190 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Blue Lane has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($18) 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 45 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The fish special ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

10. The Tall Local — 302 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A local institution Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: the whole crew

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

Capacity is around 48 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The charcuterie board ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

11. Sol — 280 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Sol has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($26) 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 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($28) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

12. Sunny Pantry — 118 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $22-35 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Sunny Pantry has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($26) 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 56 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The seasonal special ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

• Cheltenham Cheap Eats Under 15 — 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 cheap eats under 15 scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Mentone known for?

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

What can you eat for $10 or less in Mentone?

Ash Kitchen 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.

If you’re comparing Mentone to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026