Best Cafes for Remote Work in Mulgrave Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Ava’s |
| Free highlight | Hazel Lane |
| Family-friendly | The High Lane |
| Locals only | Max’s |
| Indoor option | Ada’s |
Mulgrave doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The best cafes for remote work scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. The Northern Mill and Merchant are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Mulgrave sits 24-35km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Home to large corporate offices including Woolworths and Officeworks HQs.
1. Mia’s — 185 Queen Terrace, Mulgrave VIC 3171
What it is: A local institution Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Capacity is around 32 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bourke Road is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
2. Northern Standard — 286 Queen Terrace, Mulgrave VIC 3171
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The space seats about 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
3. Sol’s — 331 Smith Road, Mulgrave VIC 3171
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
Capacity is around 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Go for: The charcuterie board ($19) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Mulgrave farmers market when it runs.
4. Bright Social — 214 Creek Parade, Mulgrave VIC 3171
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 49 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
5. Good Press — 314 Queen Terrace, Mulgrave VIC 3171
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: remote workers
The space seats about 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
Why Locals Stay in Mulgrave
6. Stella Press — 18 Queen Terrace, Mulgrave VIC 3171
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
Capacity is around 47 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
7. Honest Bench — 15 Johnston Parade, Mulgrave VIC 3171
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: families
Capacity is around 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Queen Terrace is usually fine.
Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($20) — solid
8. Bench — 147 Queen Terrace, Mulgrave VIC 3171
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mulgrave roaster — ask which one.
9. The Red Works — 191 Smith Road, Mulgrave VIC 3171
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Capacity is around 34 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Queen Terrace is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mulgrave roaster — ask which one.
10. Ivy Commons — 283 Creek Parade, Mulgrave VIC 3171
What it is: A local institution Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: remote workers
Capacity is around 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Get the: The fish special ($26) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
11. Hugo’s — 344 Creek Parade, Mulgrave VIC 3171
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The room holds 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mulgrave roaster — ask which one.
Explore More
- Wheelers Hill Best Cafes for Remote Work — same vibe, different suburb
- Mulgrave Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Mulgrave Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Ringwood East Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Mulgrave stacks up
- All Mulgrave Guides — everything we’ve written about Mulgrave
FAQ
Yes. The best cafes for remote work scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Mulgrave known for?
Home to large corporate offices including Woolworths and Officeworks HQs.
Which cafes in Mulgrave have good WiFi?
Ava’s is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Mulgrave from Melbourne CBD?
Mulgrave is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
