Best Cheap Eats Under $15 in Research Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | The High Works |
| Best free option | Nico |
| Best for families | Ivy Standard |
| Best local secret | Northern Quarter |
| Best for rainy days | Rosa Yard |
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 space seats about 40 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The space seats about 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The room holds 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Chapel Drive is usually fine.
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
The room holds 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Chapel Drive is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.
Why Locals Stay in Research
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 space seats about 53 and fills on weekends. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 36 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Elizabeth Crescent is usually fine.
Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($21) — solid 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
The space seats about 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
9. Southern Mill — 330 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: families
The room holds 62 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The room holds 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 60 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.
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
Capacity is around 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.
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
Yes. 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
