Moving to Mentone Melbourne — What to Know in 2026

Mentone doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The moving to scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Store and The Half Union 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. Red Table — 215 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: the whole crew

Red Table has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($18) 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 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. The Half House — 140 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: families

The Half House has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($10) 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 45 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The seasonal special ($13) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: Parking is free on Young Street after 6pm.

3. Ivy’s — 210 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Ivy’s has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($21) 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 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The seasonal special ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

4. Ada Post — 306 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A local institution Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: solo diners

Ada Post has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 room holds 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($17) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Mia Social — 21 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A local institution Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Mia Social has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($9) 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 42 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Market Street after 6pm.

The Mentone That Locals Know

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. Tall Lane — 302 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Tall Lane has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 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 room holds 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Young Lane is usually fine.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. Cleo — 362 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Cleo has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($13) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($11) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: They source produce from Mentone farmers market when it runs.

8. Kai Corner — 47 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

Kai Corner has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The seasonal special ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Smith Street after 6pm.

9. Quarter — 79 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: groups

Quarter has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($19) 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 38 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Smith Avenue is usually fine.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. The Honest Corner — 19 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: dates

The Honest Corner has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.

Get the: The house-made relish ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Smith Street after 6pm.

11. The Blue Yard — 135 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Blue Yard has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($15) 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 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Smith Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

12. Golden Bench — 132 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Golden Bench has been operating in Mentone for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 43 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

13. Rex’s — 298 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Rex’s has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($19) 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 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($22) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

14. Felix’s — 176 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: families

Felix’s has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

• Cheltenham Moving To — 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 moving to scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Mentone known for?

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

What are the pros and cons of living in Mentone?

River’s 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 isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026