Best Late Night Food in Montrose Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The late night food scene in Montrose is better than most people realise. Start at Otto’s, then check out Operator. Dandenong Ranges suburb with genuine village character. Located 33km from the CBD, Montrose is part of Melbourne’s Outer East region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Montrose locals actually recommend.

1. Nell — 312 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (late night food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Nell has been operating in Montrose for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 59 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The house-made relish ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Montrose roaster — ask which one.

2. Kitchen — 97 Willow Place, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (late night food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Kitchen has been operating in Montrose for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Victoria Road is usually fine.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($18) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: Parking is free on Victoria Street after 6pm.

3. White Depot — 66 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (late night food) A solid local spot Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

White Depot has been operating in Montrose for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 61 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The fish special ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Hazel Corner — 370 Young Parade, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (late night food) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Hazel Corner has been operating in Montrose for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($17) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Nico Press — 34 Victoria Road, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (late night food) A quiet achiever Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: budget eaters

Nico Press has been operating in Montrose for since the early 2020s 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 52 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Collins Street after 6pm.

Why Montrose Is Worth Knowing

Dandenong Ranges suburb with genuine village character. Montrose Main Street has independent shops. Gateway to Silvan Reservoir. The late night food options here reflect Montrose’s character. Whether you’re based in Montrose or visiting from nearby, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

6. Ava’s — 57 Willow Place, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (late night food) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ava’s has been operating in Montrose for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The space seats about 35 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($24) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Cleo Press — 254 Young Parade, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (late night food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Cleo Press has been operating in Montrose for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 40 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Ash Depot — 90 Willow Place, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (late night food) A solid local spot Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: solo diners

Ash Depot has been operating in Montrose for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Hugo — 188 Victoria Road, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (late night food) Worth the detour Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: groups

Hugo has been operating in Montrose for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($15) 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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. Ava Bench — 233 Victoria Road, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (late night food) A quiet achiever Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Ava Bench has been operating in Montrose for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Montrose roaster — ask which one.

11. Ivy — 242 Young Parade, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: (late night food) Worth the detour Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Ivy has been operating in Montrose for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($24) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Victoria Road is usually fine.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($27) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

• Kilsyth Late Night Food — same vibe, different suburb
• Montrose Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Montrose Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Montrose Complete Guide — everything about Montrose
• Compare Suburbs — see how Montrose stacks up
• All Montrose Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best late night food options in Montrose?

Ada Mill is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Montrose good for late night food?

Yes. Montrose has 11+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Montrose known for?

Dandenong Ranges suburb with genuine village character.

How far is Montrose from Melbourne CBD?

Montrose is 33km, no direct train, 38min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Montrose 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