Best Family Restaurants in Research Melbourne 2026
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Nina Table | | Best with kids | Local | | Hidden spot | The Good Store | | Bad weather pick | Remy Works |
We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Research to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.50-5.00 for a flat white, $22-38 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. Leo Cellar is the one everyone knows. Ash’s is the one they should know. Research has semi-rural suburb bordering eltham.
1. The White Standard — 352 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The room holds 40 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.
2. The Common Mill — 180 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A local institution Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The room holds 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
3. Ava — 68 Station Street, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A local institution Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The room holds 37 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Research roaster — ask which one.
4. The Sunny Table — 283 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: groups
Capacity is around 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
5. Sol Quarter — 93 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
What Nobody Tells You About Research
6. Humble Corner — 20 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The space seats about 54 and fills on weekends. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.
7. Sunny Store — 353 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The room holds 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
8. Nell — 80 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Capacity is around 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
9. Vera’s — 119 Station Street, Research VIC 3081
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The space seats about 43 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
10. The Sunny Works — 93 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The room holds 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Elizabeth Crescent is usually fine.
Explore More
- Eltham Best Restaurants for Families — same vibe, different suburb
- Research Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Research Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Niddrie Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Research stacks up
- All Research Guides — everything we’ve written about Research
FAQ
Yes. The best restaurants for families scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Research known for?
Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.
What is the most family-friendly restaurant in Research?
Iris Quarter is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Research from Melbourne CBD?
Research is 9-20km, 18-38min train, 15-28min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Research 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.
