Richmond Melbourne — Complete Local Guide 2026

Richmond locals have known for years what the rest of Melbourne is just figuring out. The suburb guide options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Sunny Depot, then work your way to Bench. Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips. This is Richmond in 2026.

1. Zara Cellar — 378 Edward Avenue, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Zara Cellar has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($16) 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 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Richmond roaster — ask which one.

2. Felix Post — 195 Bay Lane, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: the whole crew

Felix Post has been operating in Richmond for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

The room holds 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The house-made relish ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Nina Yard — 206 Bay Lane, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-31 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Nina Yard has been operating in Richmond for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($21) 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 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Edward Avenue is usually fine.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($22) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. Theo Post — 265 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: remote workers

Theo Post has been operating in Richmond for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 35 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Edward Avenue is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. The Green Store — 156 Bay Lane, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Green Store has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 room holds 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Edward Avenue is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

The Richmond That Locals Know

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. Ivy — 300 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: remote workers

Ivy has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s 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 35 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. Finn Commons — 291 Bay Lane, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: remote workers

Finn Commons has been operating in Richmond for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 room holds 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bay Lane is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Richmond roaster — ask which one.

8. Theo’s — 367 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: groups

Theo’s has been operating in Richmond for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($14) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. New Cellar — 201 Albert Parade, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: dates

New Cellar has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Half Local — 284 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Half Local has been operating in Richmond 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bell Crescent is usually fine.

Get the: The house-made relish ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Bay Street after 6pm.

11. Kai Lane — 49 Edward Avenue, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: the whole crew

Kai Lane has been operating in Richmond for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($14) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

12. The White Cellar — 340 Albert Parade, Richmond VIC 3158

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The White Cellar has been operating in Richmond for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($16) 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 52 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Richmond farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

• Collingwood Suburb Guide — 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 suburb guide scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Richmond known for?

Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips.

Is Richmond a good suburb to live in?

Nico’s 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.

The truth about Richmond: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026