Best Restaurants in Notting Hill Melbourne — 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Rex Standard |
| Best free option | Stella’s |
| Best for families | Bench |
| Best local secret | Finn Depot |
| Best for rainy days | The Red Local |
Notting Hill doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The best restaurants scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Atlas’s and Honest Quarter 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. Pearl’s — 196 Bay Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151
What it is: A local institution Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: remote workers
Pearl’s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 54 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The house-made relish ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on West Street after 6pm.
2. Zara’s — 230 West Terrace, Notting Hill VIC 3151
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Zara’s has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 space seats about 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The fish special ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
3. Iris Table — 31 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151
What it is: A local institution Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Iris Table has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($23) 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 51 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on West Terrace is usually fine.
Go for: The crispy chicken ($22) — the best version in Notting Hill Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
4. The High Bench — 149 Queen Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: dates
The High Bench has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.
Capacity is around 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Notting Hill roaster — ask which one.
5. Leo House — 70 Queen Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151
What it is: A local institution Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Leo House has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Queen Place is usually fine.
Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
Why Notting Hill Is Worth Knowing
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. If you’re living in or near Notting Hill, 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. Tall Place — 277 West Terrace, Notting Hill VIC 3151
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Tall Place has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($11) 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 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
7. Bright Press — 350 Queen Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Bright Press has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($17) 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 40 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
8. Rosa’s — 66 Swan Grove, Notting Hill VIC 3151
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Rosa’s has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($9) 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 34 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Sydney Road is usually fine.
Start with: The daily soup ($14) — the best version in Notting Hill Insider tip: Parking is free on Sydney Street after 6pm.
9. Blue Quarter — 165 Queen Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Blue Quarter has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($26) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Come back for: The seasonal special ($26) — the best version in Notting Hill Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
10. White Mill — 270 Bay Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
White Mill has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The charcuterie board ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Notting Hill roaster — ask which one.
Explore More
- Glen Waverley Best Restaurants — 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 restaurants scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Notting Hill known for?
Monash University Clayton campus adjacent.
What food is Notting Hill best known for?
Rex Standard 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.
Notting Hill isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.
Last updated: March 2026

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