Best Cheap Eats in Princes Hill Melbourne — Under $20 Guide 2026
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | The Old Yard | | Best with kids | Rex’s | | Hidden spot | Mabel’s | | Bad weather pick | Nico |
Princes Hill doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The cheap eats scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Sol’s and Sunny Corner are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Princes Hill sits 15-30km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Princes Hill is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
1. Stella Place — 157 Main Place, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The space seats about 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Princes Hill roaster — ask which one.
2. Lena Cellar — 200 Charles Grove, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The space seats about 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The daily soup ($16) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
3. Post — 100 Charles Grove, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($25) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
4. Canvas — 343 Main Place, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The room holds 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Main Place is usually fine.
5. Northern Depot — 367 Main Place, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: budget eaters
The space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
Why Locals Stay in Princes Hill
6. The Northern Press — 89 Lake Drive, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: A local institution Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Capacity is around 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Princes Hill roaster — ask which one.
7. Red Union — 15 Lake Drive, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: dates
Capacity is around 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
8. Ada Room — 201 Lake Drive, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Rowan Parade is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
9. Cleo Union — 81 Rowan Parade, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: A local institution Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
Capacity is around 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Main Place is usually fine.
Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — solid
10. Old House — 92 Charles Grove, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The space seats about 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Charles Grove is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
Explore More
- Melbourne Cbd Cheap Eats — same vibe, different suburb
- Princes Hill Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Princes Hill Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Melbourne Cbd Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Princes Hill stacks up
- All Princes Hill Guides — everything we’ve written about Princes Hill
FAQ
Yes. The cheap eats scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Princes Hill known for?
Princes Hill is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
Where can I eat for under $15 in Princes Hill?
Leo Local is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Princes Hill from Melbourne CBD?
Princes Hill is 15-30km, 25-45min by public transport from Melbourne CBD.
Princes Hill 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
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
