Moving to Nunawading Melbourne — What to Know in 2026

Nunawading 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. Atlas Corner and Commons are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Nunawading sits 24-35km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station.

1. Otto’s — 174 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Otto’s has been operating in Nunawading for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. The Tall Works — 131 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Tall Works has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($14) 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. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The house-made relish ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

3. Ava’s — 154 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Ava’s has been operating in Nunawading for several years 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 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The house-made relish ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Half Commons — 179 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: dates

Half Commons has been operating in Nunawading for over a decade 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 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Market Terrace is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. Yard — 349 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $17-31 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Yard has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 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 crispy chicken ($21) — the best version in Nunawading 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. If you’re living in or near Nunawading, 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 Little Union — 98 Barkly Crescent, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The Little Union has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 44 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 lamb shoulder ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Nunawading roaster — ask which one.

7. White Works — 78 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: the whole crew

White Works has been operating in Nunawading for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 space seats about 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Blake Terrace is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($18) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Remy’s — 19 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: A local institution Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: budget eaters

Remy’s has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Market Terrace is usually fine.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Barkly Street after 6pm.

9. Ava Pantry — 5 Market Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Ava Pantry has been operating in Nunawading for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($11) 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 54 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. The Tall Commons — 70 Market Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Tall Commons has been operating in Nunawading for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

11. Lena Lane — 282 Market Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: budget eaters

Lena Lane has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($21) 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 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($21) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

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

What is Nunawading known for?

Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station.

What are the pros and cons of living in Nunawading?

Iris Press 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