Best Restaurants in Sandhurst Melbourne — 2026

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Sandhurst 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. Works is the one everyone knows. Ivy’s is the one they should know. Sandhurst has master-planned estate in cranbourne north with golf course.

1. Sunny Depot — 269 James Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: families

Sunny Depot has been operating in Sandhurst for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The room holds 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on James Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Finn’s — 65 Swan Street, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: the whole crew

Finn’s has been operating in Sandhurst for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Sandhurst roaster — ask which one.

3. Kai’s — 167 East Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Kai’s has been operating in Sandhurst for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

The space seats about 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The daily soup ($24) — the best version in Sandhurst Insider tip: They source produce from Sandhurst farmers market when it runs.

4. The New Works — 201 Swan Street, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: solo diners

The New Works has been operating in Sandhurst for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($18) 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 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. Bench — 215 Bay Lane, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Bench has been operating in Sandhurst for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($14) 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 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — the best version in Sandhurst Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Why Locals Stay in Sandhurst

Master-planned estate in Cranbourne North with golf course. Sandhurst Club is one of Melbourne’s premier golf facilities. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Sandhurst’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For Sandhurst 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 Bright Place — 320 East Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Bright Place has been operating in Sandhurst for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($9) 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 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. Lena — 325 Bay Lane, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: families

Lena has been operating in Sandhurst for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($8) 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 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bay Lane is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Lena’s — 50 Rowan Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Lena’s has been operating in Sandhurst for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($14) 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 60 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The daily soup ($18) — the best version in Sandhurst Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Hugo’s — 241 Bay Lane, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: remote workers

Hugo’s has been operating in Sandhurst for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($23) 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 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Rowan Grove is usually fine.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. The Southern Union — 337 East Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: families

The Southern Union has been operating in Sandhurst for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($15) 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 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — the best version in Sandhurst Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

11. Yard — 248 James Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Yard has been operating in Sandhurst for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($21) 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 room holds 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Rowan Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

12. Hugo Kitchen — 247 Rowan Grove, Sandhurst VIC 3806

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Hugo Kitchen has been operating in Sandhurst for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($26) 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 room holds 59 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($25) — the best version in Sandhurst Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Sandhurst worth visiting?

Yes. Sandhurst has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The best restaurants scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Sandhurst known for?

Master-planned estate in Cranbourne North with golf course.

What food is Sandhurst best known for?

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

How far is Sandhurst from Melbourne CBD?

Sandhurst is 42km, no direct train, 48min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Sandhurst: 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