Best Bars for Dates in Nunawading Melbourne 2026

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Nunawading to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.00-4.50 for a flat white, $18-32 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. Otto’s is the one everyone knows. High Table is the one they should know. Nunawading has whitehorse road strip and nunawading station.

1. Cleo Union — 116 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Cleo Union has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s 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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Willow Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Gus Table — 27 Market Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: dates

Gus Table has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($24) 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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($27) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Nunawading roaster — ask which one.

3. The Long Depot — 58 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Long Depot has been operating in Nunawading for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

The space seats about 41 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($28) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: Parking is free on Market Street after 6pm.

4. Post — 370 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Post has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 room holds 32 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Blake Terrace is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. Humble Place — 232 Barkly Crescent, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Humble Place has been operating in Nunawading for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The space seats about 41 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 crispy chicken ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

The Nunawading That Locals Know

Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station. Eastern suburbs retail corridor. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Nunawading’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For Nunawading 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. Ava — 6 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Ava has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 37 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($18) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Nunawading roaster — ask which one.

7. The Common Press — 52 Blake Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: A local institution Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Common Press has been operating in Nunawading for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($10) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Old Cellar — 4 Barkly Crescent, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Old Cellar has been operating in Nunawading for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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.

Capacity is around 51 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The seasonal special ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Vera’s — 204 Market Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

Vera’s has been operating in Nunawading for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($13) 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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Nunawading roaster — ask which one.

10. Vera Mill — 246 Market Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Vera Mill has been operating in Nunawading for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($24) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Nunawading roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

• Mitcham Best Bars for Dates — same vibe, different suburb
• Nunawading Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Nunawading Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Blackburn Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Nunawading stacks up
• All Nunawading Guides — everything we’ve written about Nunawading

FAQ

Is Nunawading worth visiting?

Yes. Nunawading has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The best bars for dates scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Nunawading known for?

Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station.

Where is a good date spot in Nunawading?

Archive is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Nunawading from Melbourne CBD?

Nunawading is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Nunawading 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