Best Pubs in Notting Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best pubs scene in Notting Hill is better than most people realise. Start at Ash Lane, then check out Gus Union. Monash University Clayton campus adjacent. Located 14-22km from the CBD, Notting Hill is part of Melbourne’s Middle East region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Notting Hill locals actually recommend.

1. The Southern Mill — 242 Bay Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (pubs) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Southern Mill has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Swan Street after 6pm.

2. Oliver’s — 159 Swan Grove, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (pubs) No-frills excellence Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: families

Oliver’s has been operating in Notting Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 35 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bay Place is usually fine.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($23) — the best version in Notting Hill Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. White Union — 63 Swan Grove, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (pubs) A local institution Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

White Union has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 room holds 65 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. The Golden Place — 226 Bay Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (pubs) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Golden Place has been operating in Notting Hill for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 57 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

What Makes Notting Hill Different

Monash University Clayton campus adjacent. Mix of residential and light industrial. The best pubs 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.

5. Marco Room — 264 Queen Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (pubs) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: the whole crew

Marco Room has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 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.

Capacity is around 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

6. Zara Store — 361 Queen Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (pubs) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Zara Store has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 64 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Cleo Kitchen — 182 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (pubs) A local institution Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Cleo Kitchen has been operating in Notting Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($9) 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 38 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bay Place is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Luna — 362 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (pubs) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: families

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

The space seats about 53 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The house-made relish ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Notting Hill roaster — ask which one.

9. Store — 6 West Terrace, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (pubs) The one that surprised us Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: the whole crew

Store has been operating in Notting Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bay Place is usually fine.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

• Glen Waverley Best Pubs — 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 pubs options in Notting Hill?

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

Is Notting Hill good for best pubs?

Yes. Notting Hill has 9+ 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.

The truth about Notting Hill: 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