Things to Do in Oakleigh East This Weekend — 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | White Local |
| Zero-cost winner | Bench |
| Kid-approved | Lena |
| Under the radar | River’s |
| Wet day saviour | The Honest Room |
Oakleigh East 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. The Tall Standard and Max’s are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Oakleigh East sits 12-18km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Quiet residential suburb in Monash.
1. Ash Mill — 49 Hill Crescent, Oakleigh East VIC 3166
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: budget eaters
Capacity is around 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The mushroom pasta ($16) — solid
2. Hazel Union — 251 Bridge Avenue, Oakleigh East VIC 3166
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $13-25 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The space seats about 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
3. Theo Press — 276 William Place, Oakleigh East VIC 3166
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The space seats about 40 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
4. Nell’s — 40 Hill Crescent, Oakleigh East VIC 3166
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Capacity is around 48 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Oakleigh East farmers market when it runs.
5. Works — 166 Hill Crescent, Oakleigh East VIC 3166
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
What Oakleigh East Actually Is
6. Luna — 153 Bridge Avenue, Oakleigh East VIC 3166
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The space seats about 57 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
7. Common Room — 219 Queen Place, Oakleigh East VIC 3166
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: budget eaters
Capacity is around 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($18) — solid Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
8. The Tall Table — 32 Bridge Avenue, Oakleigh East VIC 3166
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Capacity is around 45 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
9. Ruby Local — 308 William Place, Oakleigh East VIC 3166
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on William Place is usually fine.
Come back for: The seasonal special ($17) — solid Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Oakleigh East roaster — ask which one.
10. Quarter — 49 Hill Crescent, Oakleigh East VIC 3166
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The room holds 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The daily soup ($24) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
Explore More
- Oakleigh South Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
- Oakleigh East Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Oakleigh East Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Chadstone Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Oakleigh East stacks up
- All Oakleigh East Guides — everything we’ve written about Oakleigh East
FAQ
Yes. The things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Oakleigh East known for?
Quiet residential suburb in Monash.
What is there to do in Oakleigh East on a Sunday?
White Local is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Oakleigh East from Melbourne CBD?
Oakleigh East is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.
If you’re comparing Oakleigh East to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.
Last updated: March 2026
