Things to Do in Notting Hill This Weekend — 2026

Notting Hill doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The things to do this weekend scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Lena’s and Hazel Post 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. Rosa — 145 West Terrace, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

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

The space seats about 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: 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.

2. Theo’s — 211 West Terrace, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Theo’s has been operating in Notting Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($13) 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 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Sydney Road is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Pearl’s — 218 Swan Grove, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Pearl’s has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The space seats about 50 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

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

4. Otto — 13 Queen Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: budget eaters

Otto 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 33 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Otto’s — 335 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

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

Otto’s has been operating in Notting Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($14) 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 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

The Notting Hill That Locals Know

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 New Pantry — 115 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The New Pantry has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 space seats about 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Oliver — 378 West Terrace, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Oliver has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Little Lane — 27 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: A local institution Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Little Lane has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 room holds 40 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Ava Depot — 127 West Terrace, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Ava Depot has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The room holds 43 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on West Street after 6pm.

10. Zara Room — 47 Bay Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: A local institution Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Zara Room has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($25) 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 32 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

11. The Bright House — 31 Queen Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Bright House has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($21) 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 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The fish special ($24) — the best version in Notting Hill Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

12. Ruby — 215 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Ruby has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade 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 Swan Grove is usually fine.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($22) — the best version in Notting Hill Insider tip: They source produce from Notting Hill farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

• Glen Waverley Things To Do This Weekend — 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 things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Notting Hill known for?

Monash University Clayton campus adjacent.

What is there to do in Notting Hill on a Sunday?

The Tall Lane 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