Best Family Restaurants in Montmorency Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Ada Local |
| Best free option | Southern Mill |
| Best for families | The White Cellar |
| Best local secret | Vera’s |
| Best for rainy days | The New Kitchen |
We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Montmorency to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.00-4.50 for a flat white, $18-32 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. Assembly is the one everyone knows. Long Yard is the one they should know. Montmorency has leafy suburb at the base of the yarra ranges.
1. Mabel’s — 348 Cecil Crescent, Montmorency VIC 3064
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Montmorency farmers market when it runs.
2. Pearl Union — 365 James Grove, Montmorency VIC 3064
What it is: A local institution Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Capacity is around 40 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
3. Rex’s — 166 Lake Road, Montmorency VIC 3064
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The space seats about 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Lake Road is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
4. Red Bench — 124 James Grove, Montmorency VIC 3064
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The space seats about 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
5. Kai Local — 265 Lake Road, Montmorency VIC 3064
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The space seats about 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Why Montmorency Is Worth Knowing
6. Sunny Pantry — 70 Margaret Crescent, Montmorency VIC 3064
What it is: A local institution Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The space seats about 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Ask for: The sourdough bread ($16) — solid
7. River Mill — 354 Lake Road, Montmorency VIC 3064
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The room holds 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
8. Nell’s — 11 Hill Drive, Montmorency VIC 3064
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The space seats about 61 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
9. The Little Store — 134 Margaret Crescent, Montmorency VIC 3064
What it is: A local institution Cost: $21-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Capacity is around 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Margaret Crescent is usually fine.
Come back for: The crispy chicken ($23) — solid
10. Kai’s — 21 Hill Drive, Montmorency VIC 3064
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The room holds 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
11. White Depot — 115 Margaret Crescent, Montmorency VIC 3064
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Capacity is around 34 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Montmorency roaster — ask which one.
12. White Depot — 371 James Grove, Montmorency VIC 3064
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Capacity is around 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The crispy chicken ($18) — solid Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
Explore More
- Briar Hill Best Restaurants for Families — same vibe, different suburb
- Montmorency Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Montmorency Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Lower Plenty Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Montmorency stacks up
- All Montmorency Guides — everything we’ve written about Montmorency
FAQ
Yes. The best restaurants for families scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Montmorency known for?
Leafy suburb at the base of the Yarra Ranges.
What is the most family-friendly restaurant in Montmorency?
Ada Local is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Montmorency from Melbourne CBD?
Montmorency is 19km, 36min train, 26min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Montmorency is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.
Last updated: March 2026
