Best Cheap Eats Under $15 in Research Melbourne 2026

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. Rex Table is the one everyone knows. Kitchen is the one they should know. Research has semi-rural suburb bordering eltham.

1. The Blue Pantry — 225 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Blue Pantry has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($13) 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 40 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Finn — 29 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Finn has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($11) 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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The daily soup ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Hazel’s — 155 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Hazel’s has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($16) 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 room holds 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Chapel Drive is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Press — 279 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

Press has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($17) 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 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Chapel Drive is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Elizabeth Street after 6pm.

5. Ruby’s — 268 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Ruby’s has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($15) 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 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Why Locals Stay in Research

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. Known for large blocks and proximity to Research-Warrandyte corridor. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Research’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. Whether you’re based in Research or visiting from nearby, you’ll find that this history shapes everything from the food culture to the community events. The locals who’ve been here longest will tell you the suburb has changed dramatically, but the bones are still good.

6. The New Commons — 289 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

What it is: A local institution Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The New Commons has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($22) 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 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. Blue Quarter — 3 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Blue Quarter 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 36 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Elizabeth Crescent is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Gus Yard — 193 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Gus Yard has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($20) 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 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Southern Mill — 330 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: families

Southern Mill has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($13) 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 room holds 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The fish special ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Golden Press — 272 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: A local institution Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Golden Press has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($25) 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. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

11. Remy — 325 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Remy has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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.

Capacity is around 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The fish special ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

12. Ruby’s — 221 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Ruby’s has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($18) 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 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

• Eltham Cheap Eats Under 15 — 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

Is Research worth visiting?

Yes. Research has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The cheap eats under 15 scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Research known for?

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.

What can you eat for $10 or less in Research?

The High Works 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