in Research Melbourne Locals Love
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Golden Post |
| Free highlight | The Red Room |
| Family-friendly | Old Post |
| Locals only | The Honest Commons |
| Indoor option | Sol Store |
Research doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. Nico’s and Green Press 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. Vera’s — 29 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The space seats about 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
2. Red Depot — 137 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
Capacity is around 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Research roaster — ask which one.
3. River Bench — 329 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: solo diners
The space seats about 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The lamb shoulder ($16) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
4. Green Press — 344 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: groups
The room holds 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
5. Leo Depot — 249 Station Street, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The room holds 54 — 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.
Why Research Is Worth Knowing
6. Iris — 106 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 39 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Research roaster — ask which one.
7. Stella’s — 178 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Capacity is around 35 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.
8. Ash’s — 114 Station Street, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Start with: The lamb shoulder ($20) — solid
9. Nico Union — 205 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The space seats about 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
10. New Cellar — 60 Station Street, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The room holds 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
Explore More
- 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
What is Research known for?
Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.
What are the most underrated spots in Research?
Golden Post 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.
Look — Research won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.
Last updated: March 2026
