Best Burgers in Research Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best burgers option in Research to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Sunny Yard is the one everyone knows. Assembly is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.00, dinner at $22-38. Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. Research sits in the Middle North corridor, 9-20km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best burgers scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Research since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Red Kitchen — 156 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (burgers) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Red Kitchen has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 space seats about 55 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($23) — the best version in Research Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Otto — 137 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (burgers) A quiet achiever Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: dates

Otto has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($19) 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 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The fish special ($21) — the best version in Research Insider tip: They source produce from Research farmers market when it runs.

3. Ava Commons — 74 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (burgers) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Ava Commons has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Chapel Drive is usually fine.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Humble Store — 65 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (burgers) A local institution Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: groups

Humble Store has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($25) 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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. Nico Kitchen — 233 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (burgers) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: dates

Nico Kitchen has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($15) 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 room holds 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Chapel Drive is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Research roaster — ask which one.

Why Locals Stay in Research

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. Known for large blocks and proximity to Research-Warrandyte corridor. The best burgers options here reflect Research’s character. If you’re living in or near Research, 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.

6. Common Commons — 327 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (burgers) A quiet achiever Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Common Commons has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($13) 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 room holds 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Elizabeth Crescent is usually fine.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. The Long Union — 103 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (burgers) No-frills excellence Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: families

The Long Union has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($18) 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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Research roaster — ask which one.

8. Gus — 355 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (burgers) A quiet achiever Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: groups

Gus has been operating in Research for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 39 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($12) — the best version in Research Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Works — 315 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (burgers) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: families

Works has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($21) 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 room holds 45 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Sol — 244 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (burgers) No-frills excellence Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Sol has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The house-made relish ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Research roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best burgers options in Research?

Ada Press is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Research good for best burgers?

Yes. Research has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Research known for?

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.

How far is Research from Melbourne CBD?

Research is 9-20km, 18-38min train, 15-28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Research 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