Best Late Night Food in Mentone Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The late night food scene in Mentone is better than most people realise. Start at Ash’s, then check out The Southern Depot. Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Located 20km from the CBD, Mentone is part of Melbourne’s Bayside region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Mentone locals actually recommend.

1. Ivy Bench — 246 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (late night food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

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

Capacity is around 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($12) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Ivy Yard — 268 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (late night food) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Ivy Yard has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 space seats about 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The daily soup ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Mentone farmers market when it runs.

3. The Lucky Yard — 345 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (late night food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Lucky Yard has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($24) 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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Theo’s — 97 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (late night food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: remote workers

Theo’s has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Vera’s — 64 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (late night food) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Vera’s has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 space seats about 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

What Makes Mentone Different

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Good cafe strip on Como Parade. Direct beach access. The late night food options here reflect Mentone’s character. If you’re living in or near Mentone, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

6. Rosa’s — 309 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (late night food) A local institution Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: solo diners

Rosa’s has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($16) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Market Parade is usually fine.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Gus’s — 46 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (late night food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Gus’s has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($19) 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 60 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Green Place — 353 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (late night food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Green Place has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($24) 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Young Lane is usually fine.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. The Half Room — 34 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (late night food) A local institution Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Half Room has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The space seats about 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Half Table — 58 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (late night food) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Half Table has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 room holds 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Market Parade is usually fine.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

11. Ivy Lane — 56 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: (late night food) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Ivy Lane has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($25) 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

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

Explore More

• Cheltenham Late Night Food — same vibe, different suburb
• Mentone Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Mentone Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Mentone Complete Guide — everything about Mentone
• Compare Suburbs — see how Mentone stacks up
• All Mentone Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best late night food options in Mentone?

Finn Table is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Mentone good for late night food?

Yes. Mentone has 11+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Mentone known for?

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

How far is Mentone from Melbourne CBD?

Mentone is 20km, 35min train, 28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Mentone: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026