in Montrose Melbourne Locals Love
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Golden Works | | Best with kids | Cleo’s | | Hidden spot | Theo | | Bad weather pick | Old House |
Montrose doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The Honest Commons and Rosa’s are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Montrose sits 15-30km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Montrose is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
1. Ruby’s — 244 Willow Place, Montrose VIC 3158
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 32 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The daily soup ($20) — solid
2. Nell’s — 328 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3158
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Capacity is around 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Collins Terrace is usually fine.
3. Finn’s — 328 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3158
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 35 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
4. Humble Standard — 143 Victoria Road, Montrose VIC 3158
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: budget eaters
The space seats about 47 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
5. The Lucky Yard — 28 Young Parade, Montrose VIC 3158
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Montrose — The Honest Version
6. Theo — 43 Johnston Avenue, Montrose VIC 3158
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 65 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
7. Ada Bench — 47 Johnston Avenue, Montrose VIC 3158
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The space seats about 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Willow Place is usually fine.
Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($27) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
8. Ava — 374 Young Parade, Montrose VIC 3158
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 38 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Montrose farmers market when it runs.
9. Ivy’s — 113 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3158
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The space seats about 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Come back for: The daily soup ($14) — solid
10. New Corner — 305 Victoria Road, Montrose VIC 3158
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
Capacity is around 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Explore More
- Montrose Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Montrose Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Melbourne Cbd Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Montrose stacks up
- All Montrose Guides — everything we’ve written about Montrose
FAQ
What is Montrose known for?
Montrose is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
What are the most underrated spots in Montrose?
Ava’s is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Montrose from Melbourne CBD?
Montrose is 15-30km, 25-45min by public transport from Melbourne CBD.
Montrose 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
