Mentone Melbourne — Complete Local Guide 2026

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Mentone to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.50-5.50 for a flat white, $28-45 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. Stella’s is the one everyone knows. River’s is the one they should know. Mentone has bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

1. Finn’s — 269 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: dates

Finn’s has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 54 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Mentone farmers market when it runs.

2. Max — 24 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Max has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($10) 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 55 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Mentone farmers market when it runs.

3. Hugo — 257 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: dates

Hugo has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($17) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. The Old Yard — 32 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: dates

The Old Yard has been operating in Mentone for over a decade 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 63 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. Chapter — 299 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A local institution Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: families

Chapter has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($21) 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 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Why Mentone Is Worth Knowing

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. The Honest Social — 34 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Honest Social has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 30 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

7. Pearl’s — 229 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A local institution Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Pearl’s has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Lena’s — 110 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Lena’s has been operating in Mentone for several years 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.

The room holds 52 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The seasonal special ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Pantry — 332 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Pantry has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($13) 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 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The fish special ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Vera Bench — 209 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Vera Bench has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

The room holds 48 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Young Lane is usually fine.

Get the: The house-made relish ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. The Red Kitchen — 374 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: groups

The Red Kitchen has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($22) 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 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The daily soup ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

12. The Sunny Depot — 369 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A local institution Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Sunny Depot has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

• Cheltenham Suburb Guide — 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 suburb guide scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Mentone known for?

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

Is Mentone a good suburb to live in?

Lucky Post 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.

Look — Mentone won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026