Things to Do in Research This Weekend — 2026

Research locals have known for years what the rest of Melbourne is just figuring out. The things to do this weekend options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Lena Mill, then work your way to Marco’s. Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. This is Research in 2026.

1. Felix’s — 142 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: budget eaters

Felix’s has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($11) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 41 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Chapel Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. The Northern Quarter — 262 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: families

The Northern Quarter has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($25) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Humble Works — 149 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: remote workers

Humble Works has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($25) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 58 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. Pearl’s — 186 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Pearl’s has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($13) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Archive — 124 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-29 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Archive has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($26) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Why Research Is Worth Knowing

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. Known for large blocks and proximity to Research-Warrandyte corridor. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Research’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For Research locals and anyone in the area, you’ll find that this history shapes everything from the food culture to the community events. The locals who’ve been here longest will tell you the suburb has changed dramatically, but the bones are still good.

6. Ava Mill — 141 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: budget eaters

Ava Mill has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($13) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The fish special ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Remy’s — 300 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: dates

Remy’s has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($18) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($18) — the best version in Research Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Research roaster — ask which one.

8. Felix Table — 26 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: families

Felix Table has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($16) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 37 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Tall Commons — 380 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: groups

Tall Commons has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($12) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Station Street is usually fine.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Nina — 59 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Nina has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($17) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 46 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Research roaster — ask which one.

11. Lena — 142 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: groups

Lena has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($26) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Elizabeth Crescent is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

12. Otto — 88 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Otto has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($25) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The seasonal special ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

• Eltham Things To Do This Weekend — 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

Is Research worth visiting?

Yes. Research has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Research known for?

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.

What is there to do in Research on a Sunday?

Red Kitchen 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