Mernda has a takeaway scene that punches well above what you’d expect. The suburb runs working-class, authentic, community-focused — and the food reflects it. We’ve eaten at every takeaway spot in the area and these are the ones worth your time and money. The cheaper end gets you fish and chips, the higher end gets you kebab done properly.
Our Top Picks
1. Leo’s — 255 Church Place
Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-11pm Price: $24-36 per person
Leo’s is the benchmark for takeaway in Mernda. The fried chicken is what most people order, and for good reason — it’s consistently excellent. The burgers is the other standout, done with genuine care rather than the paint-by-numbers approach you get at chain spots.
The room seats about 45 and fills on Friday and Saturday nights. Midweek you’ll walk straight in. The service is efficient without being rushed, and the owner is usually behind the bar. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.
2. Standard — 66 Willow Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 5:30pm-10pm Price: $21-32 per person
This is the locals’ pick — less polished than Leo’s but arguably more flavour per dollar. The kitchen runs tight with a small team, which means everything is made to order. The kebab here has a depth that comes from doing the same dish three hundred times until it’s muscle memory.
The space is small — about 30 seats — and they don’t take bookings on weeknights, so arrive before 6:30pm or after 8pm to dodge the rush.
Best dish: The fish and chips ($21). Simple, executed perfectly. Pro tip: BYO wine on Tuesdays ($5 corkage).
3. Ava’s — 231 Willow Terrace
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-11pm Price: $16-32 per person
Ava’s opened in late 2025 and has already built a following. The menu is short — eight dishes — which is usually a good sign. Everything on it is considered.
When to go: Sunday lunch is the sweet spot. Same food, half the crowd.
4. The White Kitchen — 296 Church Place
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $23-33 per person
The takeaway option on this list. The White Kitchen doesn’t have table service — you order at the counter and either take it home or eat at the three outdoor tables. The quality-to-price ratio is the best in Mernda. The fried chicken ($23) is the standout.
5. The High Local — 165 King Parade
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $19-34 per person
A solid all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most experimental, but consistently good across the entire menu. The kebab ($25) and the fish and chips ($20) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a takeaway place. Friday and Saturday — book 3-5 days ahead for the top two spots.
Parking: Street parking along Willow Terrace is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Public transport options in Mernda.
Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.
Delivery: The White Kitchen and Leo’s are on Uber Eats and DoorDash. For better quality, order directly — delivery platforms compress your food in those bags and charge restaurants 30%.
Nearby Guides
- South Morang Takeaway
- Mill Park Takeaway
- Mernda Cheap Eats — when budget matters
- Mernda Bars — post-dinner drinks
- All Mernda Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pizza in Mernda
- Best Thai in Mernda
- Best Japanese in Mernda
- Best Italian in Mernda
- Best Vegan in Mernda
Useful tools:
Check venue websites for current menus and hours.
