Best Bars in Notting Hill Melbourne — 2026 Local Guide

Notting Hill doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The best bars scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Ivy’s and The Good Kitchen are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Notting Hill sits 14-22km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Monash University Clayton campus adjacent.

1. The Blue Works — 230 West Terrace, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Blue Works has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 48 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Gus — 160 Bay Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Gus has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 59 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The house-made relish ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Depot — 259 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Depot has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The house-made relish ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Mabel Commons — 324 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Mabel Commons has been operating in Notting Hill 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 31 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bay Place is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($11) — the best version in Notting Hill Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Notting Hill roaster — ask which one.

5. Otto’s — 124 West Terrace, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: families

Otto’s has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($18) 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 31 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($19) — the best version in Notting Hill Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Notting Hill roaster — ask which one.

Why Locals Stay in Notting Hill

Monash University Clayton campus adjacent. Mix of residential and light industrial. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Notting Hill’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. Whether you’re based in Notting Hill 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. New Pantry — 56 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: groups

New Pantry has been operating in Notting Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) 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 30 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Queen Place is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Hazel’s — 73 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Hazel’s has been operating in Notting Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($16) — the best version in Notting Hill Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Kai’s — 181 Bay Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: budget eaters

Kai’s has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($14) 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 31 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Collective — 155 Queen Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: A local institution Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: remote workers

Collective has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($12) 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 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. The Common Press — 203 Queen Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Common Press has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($8) 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 51 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

• Glen Waverley Best Bars — same vibe, different suburb
• Notting Hill Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Notting Hill Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Mount Waverley Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Notting Hill stacks up
• All Notting Hill Guides — everything we’ve written about Notting Hill

FAQ

Is Notting Hill worth visiting?

Yes. Notting Hill has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The best bars scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Notting Hill known for?

Monash University Clayton campus adjacent.

What is the best pub in Notting Hill?

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

How far is Notting Hill from Melbourne CBD?

Notting Hill is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Notting Hill 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