Things to Do in Montrose This Weekend — 2026

Montrose doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The things to do this weekend scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Red Cellar and Pearl Table are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Montrose sits 33km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Dandenong Ranges suburb with genuine village character.

1. The Good Place — 22 Willow Place, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Good Place has been operating in Montrose for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($27) 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 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The daily soup ($25) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. The Tall Press — 320 Johnston Avenue, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Tall Press has been operating in Montrose for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($11) 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 30 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. The Red Kitchen — 142 Young Parade, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Red Kitchen has been operating in Montrose for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($12) 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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Montrose farmers market when it runs.

4. Finn Standard — 266 Young Parade, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Finn Standard has been operating in Montrose for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 35 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 charcuterie board ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Montrose farmers market when it runs.

5. High Social — 76 Collins Terrace, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: the whole crew

High Social has been operating in Montrose for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

The room holds 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($20) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: Parking is free on Victoria Street after 6pm.

Montrose — The Honest Version

Dandenong Ranges suburb with genuine village character. Montrose Main Street has independent shops. Gateway to Silvan Reservoir. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Montrose’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. Whether you’re based in Montrose 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. Vera’s — 159 Victoria Road, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Vera’s has been operating in Montrose for since 2019 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.

The room holds 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Montrose farmers market when it runs.

7. New Yard — 306 Young Parade, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

New Yard has been operating in Montrose for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($13) 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 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Willow Place is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Long Table — 218 Victoria Road, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Long Table has been operating in Montrose for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Victoria Road is usually fine.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Ava’s — 353 Victoria Road, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

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

The room holds 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. Long Table — 60 Young Parade, Montrose VIC 3173

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Long Table has been operating in Montrose for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($20) — the best version in Montrose Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Montrose worth visiting?

Yes. Montrose 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 Montrose known for?

Dandenong Ranges suburb with genuine village character.

What is there to do in Montrose on a Sunday?

Remy Works 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 33km, no direct train, 38min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Montrose to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026