Best Burgers in Preston Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best burgers option in Preston to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Southern Cellar is the one everyone knows. Finn Table is the sleeper. Prices are fair — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips. Preston sits in the Middle North corridor, 8km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best burgers scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Preston since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Otto’s — 299 East Avenue, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (burgers) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Otto’s has been operating in Preston for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($20) 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 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — the best version in Preston Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Collective — 102 Oak Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (burgers) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Collective has been operating in Preston for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. The Little Mill — 206 Ash Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (burgers) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: groups

The Little Mill has been operating in Preston for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on East Avenue is usually fine.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Ash’s — 4 East Avenue, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (burgers) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ash’s has been operating in Preston 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($12) — the best version in Preston Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. The Southern Social — 61 Ash Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (burgers) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Southern Social has been operating in Preston for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($12) 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 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Oak Place is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($12) — the best version in Preston Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

6. Ava — 351 Oak Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (burgers) No-frills excellence Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: remote workers

Ava has been operating in Preston for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 space seats about 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

The Preston That Locals Know

High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips. Rapidly gentrifying with cafes and bars opening monthly. The best burgers options here reflect Preston’s character. For Preston locals and anyone in the area, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

7. The White Store — 131 Barkly Lane, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (burgers) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The White Store has been operating in Preston for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 57 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Press — 286 Ash Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (burgers) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: remote workers

Press has been operating in Preston for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($20) 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 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The seasonal special ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Zara Press — 181 Church Drive, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (burgers) Worth the detour Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Zara Press has been operating in Preston for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($15) 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 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Lena’s — 156 Ash Place, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (burgers) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: dates

Lena’s has been operating in Preston for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($20) 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 52 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Oak Place is usually fine.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on East Street after 6pm.

11. Theo — 175 Church Drive, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (burgers) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: dates

Theo has been operating in Preston for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

12. Society — 295 Church Drive, Preston VIC 3076

What it is: (burgers) A quiet achiever Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Society has been operating in Preston for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($9) 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 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

• Strathmore Best Burgers — same vibe, different suburb
• Preston Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Preston Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Preston Complete Guide — everything about Preston
• Compare Suburbs — see how Preston stacks up
• All Preston Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best burgers options in Preston?

The Southern Pantry is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Preston good for best burgers?

Yes. Preston has 12+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Preston known for?

High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips.

How far is Preston from Melbourne CBD?

Preston is 8km, 18min train, 15min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Preston is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026