Research Melbourne — Complete Local Guide 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | New Cellar |
| Best free option | Gus |
| Best for families | Local |
| Best local secret | The Half Standard |
| Best for rainy days | Oliver Bench |
The suburb guide options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at The Old Cellar, then work your way to Sunny Pantry. Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. This is Research in 2026.
1. Sol’s — 218 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Capacity is around 50 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
2. Assembly — 209 Station Street, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: dates
The space seats about 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The sourdough bread ($22) — solid
3. Merchant — 178 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A local institution Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The space seats about 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
4. Red Standard — 116 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Capacity is around 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
5. Bright Pantry — 88 Station Street, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A local institution Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The room holds 52 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
What Nobody Tells You About Research
6. Ruby’s — 238 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 38 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
7. Bright Press — 92 Station Street, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: solo diners
The room holds 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
8. The Honest Mill — 214 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Capacity is around 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
9. Little Pantry — 377 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
Capacity is around 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
10. Long Quarter — 208 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
11. Little Post — 29 Station Street, Research VIC 3081
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The space seats about 49 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The seasonal special ($22) — solid Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
12. Sol — 309 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A local institution Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The crispy chicken ($23) — solid Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
13. The White Cellar — 265 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Capacity is around 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The fish special ($16) — solid
14. Assembly — 356 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: the whole crew
The space seats about 40 — 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.
Explore More
- Eltham Suburb Guide — 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 suburb guide scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Research known for?
Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.
Is Research a good suburb to live in?
New Cellar 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.
