Moving to Notting Hill Melbourne — What to Know in 2026

Notting Hill doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The moving to scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Sunny Standard and High Works 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. Anchor — 16 Bay Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: groups

Anchor has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 room holds 60 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The daily soup ($20) — the best version in Notting Hill Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Notting Hill roaster — ask which one.

2. The Long Yard — 189 Swan Grove, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Long Yard has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($8) 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. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. The Good Cellar — 195 Queen Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Good Cellar has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

The room holds 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The seasonal special ($14) — the best version in Notting Hill Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Pearl Standard — 136 West Terrace, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: families

Pearl Standard has been operating in Notting Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

The room holds 65 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Room — 249 Swan Grove, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: solo diners

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

The room holds 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Queen Place is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Notting Hill — The Honest Version

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. For Notting Hill locals and anyone in the area, 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. The Red Cellar — 171 West Terrace, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Red Cellar has been operating in Notting Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($21) 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 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Depot — 218 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: the whole crew

Depot has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 55 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bay Place is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($10) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Green Kitchen — 70 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Green Kitchen has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($21) 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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Notting Hill farmers market when it runs.

9. Iris’s — 194 Swan Grove, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: A local institution Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: the whole crew

Iris’s has been operating in Notting Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 37 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 fish special ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Canvas — 62 Queen Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Canvas has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($27) 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 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on West Terrace is usually fine.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Notting Hill farmers market when it runs.

11. Half Works — 150 Swan Grove, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Half Works has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($15) 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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The fish special ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Notting Hill farmers market when it runs.

12. Vera’s — 374 Swan Grove, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: A local institution Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Vera’s has been operating in Notting Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($23) 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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on West Terrace is usually fine.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($21) — the best version in Notting Hill Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

• Glen Waverley Moving To — 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 moving to scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Notting Hill known for?

Monash University Clayton campus adjacent.

What are the pros and cons of living in Notting Hill?

Atlas’s 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.

Look — Notting Hill won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026