Best Weekend Guide in Princes Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | The New Social |
| Zero-cost winner | Merchant |
| Kid-approved | Ruby Cellar |
| Under the radar | Hazel’s |
| Wet day saviour | Tall Press |
The weekend guide options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Place, then work your way to Hazel Commons. Princes Hill is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community. This is Princes Hill in 2026.
1. Mabel Social — 92 Rowan Parade, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Main Place is usually fine.
Order this: The mushroom pasta ($20) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
2. The Sunny Commons — 309 Lake Drive, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The space seats about 40 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
3. Honest Commons — 213 Main Place, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Capacity is around 60 — 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.
4. Hazel — 104 Lake Drive, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Capacity is around 35 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
5. Zara Lane — 338 Charles Grove, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: solo diners
The space seats about 32 — 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.
Why Locals Stay in Princes Hill
6. Local — 172 Lake Drive, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Charles Grove is usually fine.
7. The Blue Local — 120 Rowan Parade, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: the whole crew
The space seats about 34 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($18) — solid
8. Stella Commons — 246 Main Place, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The room holds 39 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
9. Rosa’s — 251 Charles Grove, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Capacity is around 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
10. Humble Local — 158 Lake Drive, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: groups
The room holds 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Get the: The lamb shoulder ($22) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Princes Hill farmers market when it runs.
11. Cellar — 156 Lake Drive, Princes Hill VIC 3175
What it is: A local institution Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 30 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The daily soup ($12) — solid
Explore More
- Melbourne Cbd Weekend Guide — 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 weekend guide 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.
What is Princes Hill best known for?
The New Social 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.
If you’re comparing Princes Hill 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
