Best Desserts in Notting Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Notting Hill has genuine best desserts options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Press and Long Cellar lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 14-22km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Monash University Clayton campus adjacent. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Notting Hill resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. High Commons — 42 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (desserts) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

High Commons has been operating in Notting Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($13) 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 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($10) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Kai — 304 Swan Grove, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (desserts) A solid local spot Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Kai has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

Capacity is around 43 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Swan Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The daily soup ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. The Southern Standard — 98 Bay Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (desserts) Worth the detour Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: dates

The Southern Standard has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 36 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The seasonal special ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Ava’s — 31 Queen Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (desserts) Worth the detour Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Ava’s has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Kai’s — 310 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (desserts) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: the whole crew

Kai’s has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($19) 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. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

6. Mia Works — 261 Swan Grove, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (desserts) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: solo diners

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

The space seats about 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Notting Hill farmers market when it runs.

What Makes Notting Hill Different

Monash University Clayton campus adjacent. Mix of residential and light industrial. The best desserts options here reflect Notting Hill’s character. Whether you’re based in Notting Hill or visiting from nearby, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

7. Lucky Bench — 52 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (desserts) A local institution Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Lucky Bench 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 49 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bay Place is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Cleo Lane — 210 Bay Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (desserts) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Cleo Lane has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 65 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bay Place is usually fine.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. The Southern Local — 309 West Terrace, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (desserts) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: groups

The Southern Local has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 space seats about 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The daily soup ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Notting Hill roaster — ask which one.

10. Leo’s — 101 Swan Grove, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (desserts) A solid local spot Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Leo’s has been operating in Notting Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($26) 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 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

11. Nico Works — 265 Bay Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (desserts) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Nico Works has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 56 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The daily soup ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

12. Atlas’s — 346 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (desserts) Worth the detour Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Atlas’s has been operating in Notting Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The space seats about 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Sydney Road is usually fine.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best desserts options in Notting Hill?

The Little Lane is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Notting Hill good for best desserts?

Yes. Notting Hill has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Notting Hill known for?

Monash University Clayton campus adjacent.

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