Best Family Restaurants in Mulgrave Melbourne 2026

Mulgrave locals have known for years what the rest of Melbourne is just figuring out. The best restaurants for families options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Hazel’s, then work your way to Leo. Home to large corporate offices including Woolworths and Officeworks HQs. This is Mulgrave in 2026.

1. Luna Depot — 70 Johnston Parade, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Luna Depot has been operating in Mulgrave for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($21) 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 57 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bourke Road is usually fine.

Order this: The house-made relish ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Old Bench — 221 Creek Parade, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Old Bench has been operating in Mulgrave for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($17) 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 43 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bourke Road is usually fine.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. Blue House — 376 Bourke Road, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Blue House has been operating in Mulgrave for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($10) 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 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The seasonal special ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Lena — 12 Creek Parade, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Lena has been operating in Mulgrave for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 space seats about 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Smith Road is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. River’s — 91 Bourke Road, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: dates

River’s has been operating in Mulgrave for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($20) 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 65 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($22) — the best version in Mulgrave Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

What Mulgrave Actually Is

Home to large corporate offices including Woolworths and Officeworks HQs. Waverley Gardens hub. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Mulgrave’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. Whether you’re based in Mulgrave 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. Lane — 208 Johnston Parade, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: families

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

The room holds 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Good Table — 254 Queen Terrace, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: groups

Good Table has been operating in Mulgrave for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($10) 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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — the best version in Mulgrave Insider tip: Parking is free on Creek Street after 6pm.

8. Pearl’s — 48 Johnston Parade, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Pearl’s has been operating in Mulgrave for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($24) — the best version in Mulgrave Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Nico Quarter — 322 Bourke Road, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: dates

Nico Quarter has been operating in Mulgrave for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($24) 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 52 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Luna’s — 242 Smith Road, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Luna’s has been operating in Mulgrave for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 space seats about 49 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($22) — the best version in Mulgrave Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

11. Oliver Cellar — 178 Bourke Road, Mulgrave VIC 3171

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Oliver Cellar has been operating in Mulgrave for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($20) 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 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — the best version in Mulgrave Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

• Wheelers Hill Best Restaurants for Families — 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

Is Mulgrave worth visiting?

Yes. Mulgrave has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The best restaurants for families scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Mulgrave known for?

Home to large corporate offices including Woolworths and Officeworks HQs.

What is the most family-friendly restaurant in Mulgrave?

Rex’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.

The truth about Mulgrave: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026