the breakdown, and read our methodology for how we research and verify." cover_alt: “Princes Hill lifestyle” cover_credit: “wikimedia_commons” figures: [{“position”: “Why Locals Stay in Princes Hill”, “url”: “https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/2014_Audi_TTS_%288J_MY14%29_quattro_coupe_%282015-12-07%29_02.jpg”, “alt”: “Why Locals Stay in Princes Hill”, “credit”: “wikimedia_commons”, “score”: 70}, {“position”: “Explore More”, “url”: “https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/2014_Audi_TTS_%288J_MY14%29_quattro_coupe_%282015-12-07%29_02.jpg”, “alt”: “Explore More”, “credit”: “wikimedia_commons”, “score”: 70}, {“position”: “inline-3”, “url”: “https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/2014_Audi_TTS_%288J_MY14%29_quattro_coupe_%282015-12-07%29_02.jpg”, “alt”: “Best Weekend Guide in Princes Hill Melbourne — 2026 Guide”, “credit”: “wikimedia_commons”, “score”: 70}] —# 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](/melbou
