Best Cheap Eats in Research Melbourne — Under $20 Guide 2026
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Marco Press | | Best with kids | Store | | Hidden spot | Iris Post | | Bad weather pick | Marco’s |
Research doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The cheap eats scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Oliver’s and Otto’s are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Research sits 9-20km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.
1. Finn’s — 139 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-27 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
Capacity is around 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
2. The Little Press — 255 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The space seats about 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
3. The Blue Mill — 238 Station Street, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The space seats about 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
4. Gus Social — 197 Station Street, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The room holds 30 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
5. Bright Depot — 73 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The room holds 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.
Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($13) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Research farmers market when it runs.
The Research That Locals Know
6. The Northern Table — 262 Station Street, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 33 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Chapel Drive is usually fine.
Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($22) — solid Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
7. Atlas Place — 58 Station Street, Research VIC 3081
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: groups
Capacity is around 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Research farmers market when it runs.
8. The Good House — 132 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 42 and fills on weekends. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.
9. Honest Union — 57 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: dates
The space seats about 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
10. Luna’s — 9 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The space seats about 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Research farmers market when it runs.
11. Zara’s — 218 Station Street, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: groups
Capacity is around 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
12. Yard — 9 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.
Try this: The lamb shoulder ($24) — solid Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
Explore More
- Eltham Cheap Eats — 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 scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Research known for?
Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.
Where can I eat for under $15 in Research?
Hazel’s 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.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
