Free Things to Do in Research Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Sol Social |
| Best free option | Lucky House |
| Best for families | White Union |
| Best local secret | Mabel’s |
| Best for rainy days | Honest Works |
The free things to do options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Ava’s, then work your way to Ruby’s. Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. This is Research in 2026.
1. The Golden Place — 157 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 37 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The lamb shoulder ($25) — solid Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
2. Nina’s — 345 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: groups
The room holds 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
3. Canvas — 188 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The room holds 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
4. Yard — 121 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Capacity is around 47 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Elizabeth Crescent is usually fine.
Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($13) — solid
5. The Tall Store — 246 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: families
The room holds 47 — 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.
The Research That Locals Know
6. Finn Standard — 241 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The room holds 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
7. Marco’s — 181 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The room holds 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Chapel Drive is usually fine.
8. The Humble Mill — 74 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Capacity is around 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Chapel Drive is usually fine.
9. Atlas — 269 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: solo diners
The space seats about 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
10. New Depot — 29 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: dates
The space seats about 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: They source produce from Research farmers market when it runs.
Explore More
- Eltham Free Things To Do — 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 free things to do scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Research known for?
Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.
What can you do in Research for free?
Sol Social 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
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
