Things to Do in Mentone This Weekend — 2026

Mentone locals have known for years what the rest of Melbourne is just figuring out. The things to do this weekend options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Ada, then work your way to Old Place. Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. This is Mentone in 2026.

1. The Golden Yard — 250 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Golden Yard has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 space seats about 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Hill Terrace is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Johnston Street after 6pm.

2. The Green Pantry — 39 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: solo diners

The Green Pantry 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.

The space seats about 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The seasonal special ($18) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. Cleo’s — 97 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

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

The room holds 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

4. White House — 371 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

White House has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($14) 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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. Union — 125 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Union has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Smith Avenue is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

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. Marco Yard — 15 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: solo diners

Marco Yard has been operating in Mentone for since 2019 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.

Capacity is around 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($24) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Mabel’s — 290 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Mabel’s has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($11) 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. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Pearl — 69 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: families

Pearl has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Young Lane is usually fine.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($16) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Marco Yard — 294 Hill Terrace, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

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

Capacity is around 58 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Bright Bench — 220 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Bright Bench has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Hill Terrace is usually fine.

Get the: The house-made relish ($16) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

• Cheltenham Things To Do This Weekend — 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 things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Mentone known for?

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

What is there to do in Mentone on a Sunday?

Good Room 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