Free Things to Do in Richmond Melbourne 2026

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Richmond to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.00-4.50 for a flat white, $18-32 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. Blue Post is the one everyone knows. The Tall Bench is the one they should know. Richmond has bridge road and victoria street are major dining strips.

1. Works — 342 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: budget eaters

Works has been operating in Richmond for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($12) 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 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Albert Parade is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. Long Yard — 128 Albert Parade, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Long Yard has been operating in Richmond for several years 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 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The house-made relish ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Blue Mill — 318 Albert Parade, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Blue Mill has been operating in Richmond for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($10) 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 64 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Richmond farmers market when it runs.

4. Mabel’s — 309 Edward Avenue, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: groups

Mabel’s has been operating in Richmond for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($20) 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 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($25) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. Vera’s — 216 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Vera’s has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($19) 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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Richmond — The Honest Version

Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips. Victoria Street is Melbourne’s Vietnamese food heartland. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Richmond’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For Richmond 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. The Blue Commons — 236 Bay Lane, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Blue Commons has been operating in Richmond for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($20) 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. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($21) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Finn Press — 52 Edward Avenue, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: A local institution Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Finn Press has been operating in Richmond for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($16) 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.

Capacity is around 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Richmond farmers market when it runs.

8. Ivy — 120 Albert Parade, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Ivy has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 43 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Richmond roaster — ask which one.

9. Mia’s — 59 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: groups

Mia’s has been operating in Richmond for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 54 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Edward Avenue is usually fine.

Come back for: The fish special ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. The Good Social — 129 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Good Social has been operating in Richmond for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($10) 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 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bay Lane is usually fine.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Richmond roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

• Collingwood Free Things To Do — same vibe, different suburb
• Richmond Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Richmond Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Collingwood Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Richmond stacks up
• All Richmond Guides — everything we’ve written about Richmond

FAQ

Is Richmond worth visiting?

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

What is Richmond known for?

Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips.

What can you do in Richmond for free?

The Northern Place is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Richmond from Melbourne CBD?

Richmond is 3km, 5min train, 8min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Richmond is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026