Best Cafes for Remote Work in Murrumbeena Melbourne 2026

Murrumbeena 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. Nell and Half Cellar are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Murrumbeena sits 12-18km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Neerim Road village has cafes and independent shops.

1. The Common Depot — 54 Johnston Street, Murrumbeena VIC 3164

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The Common Depot has been operating in Murrumbeena for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($10) 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 34 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Station Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Murrumbeena roaster — ask which one.

2. The Humble Cellar — 35 Johnston Street, Murrumbeena VIC 3164

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Humble Cellar has been operating in Murrumbeena for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

3. Nico — 220 Charles Street, Murrumbeena VIC 3164

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Nico has been operating in Murrumbeena for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The room holds 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Half Standard — 186 Johnston Street, Murrumbeena VIC 3164

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Half Standard has been operating in Murrumbeena for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($11) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. The Honest Bench — 249 Johnston Street, Murrumbeena VIC 3164

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Honest Bench has been operating in Murrumbeena for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($23) 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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Charles Street is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Why Murrumbeena Is Worth Knowing

Neerim Road village has cafes and independent shops. Close to Caulfield Park. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Murrumbeena’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Murrumbeena, 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. Remy Post — 256 Charles Street, Murrumbeena VIC 3164

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Remy Post has been operating in Murrumbeena for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($25) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Station Drive is usually fine.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Murrumbeena roaster — ask which one.

7. Operator — 298 Johnston Street, Murrumbeena VIC 3164

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Operator has been operating in Murrumbeena for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($9) 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 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Queen Parade is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($11) — the best version in Murrumbeena Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. The Honest Place — 280 Johnston Street, Murrumbeena VIC 3164

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Honest Place has been operating in Murrumbeena for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($23) 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 65 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Queen Parade is usually fine.

Start with: The house-made relish ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Anchor — 347 Plenty Avenue, Murrumbeena VIC 3164

What it is: A local institution Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: the whole crew

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

Capacity is around 32 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Good Quarter — 11 Johnston Street, Murrumbeena VIC 3164

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: solo diners

Good Quarter has been operating in Murrumbeena for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 space seats about 48 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The fish special ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Murrumbeena farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

• Glen Huntly Best Cafes for Remote Work — same vibe, different suburb
• Murrumbeena Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Murrumbeena Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Malvern East Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Murrumbeena stacks up
• All Murrumbeena Guides — everything we’ve written about Murrumbeena

FAQ

Is Murrumbeena worth visiting?

Yes. Murrumbeena has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The best cafes for remote work scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Murrumbeena known for?

Neerim Road village has cafes and independent shops.

Which cafes in Murrumbeena have good WiFi?

Felix’s is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Murrumbeena from Melbourne CBD?

Murrumbeena is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Murrumbeena is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026