Best Bars for Dates in Sandringham Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Ava |
| Free highlight | Otto’s |
| Family-friendly | Canvas |
| Locals only | Rosa’s |
| Indoor option | The Southern Room |
We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Sandringham to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.50-5.50 for a flat white, $28-45 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. Marco Union is the one everyone knows. Southern Quarter is the one they should know. Sandringham has bay trail passes through.
1. Remy — 236 King Parade, Sandringham VIC 3200
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Remy has been operating in Sandringham 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 55 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on King Parade is usually fine.
Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($27) — the best version in Sandringham Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
2. The New Post — 269 Creek Crescent, Sandringham VIC 3200
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: dates
The New Post has been operating in Sandringham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 60 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The fish special ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Sandringham farmers market when it runs.
3. Hazel’s — 321 Creek Crescent, Sandringham VIC 3200
What it is: A local institution Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Hazel’s has been operating in Sandringham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($11) 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 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The house-made relish ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Sandringham farmers market when it runs.
4. Max — 202 King Parade, Sandringham VIC 3200
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Max has been operating in Sandringham 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on High Grove is usually fine.
Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
5. Green Depot — 159 East Grove, Sandringham VIC 3200
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Green Depot has been operating in Sandringham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Sandringham roaster — ask which one.
Sandringham — The Honest Version
Bay Trail passes through. Sandringham Beach and yacht club. Sandringham village has independent shops and cafes. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Sandringham’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Sandringham, 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 Half Post — 113 High Grove, Sandringham VIC 3200
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The Half Post has been operating in Sandringham for over a decade 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.
Capacity is around 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Queen Street is usually fine.
Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
7. Blue Quarter — 141 Queen Street, Sandringham VIC 3200
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Blue Quarter has been operating in Sandringham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($14) 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 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Creek Street after 6pm.
8. Long Kitchen — 232 Creek Crescent, Sandringham VIC 3200
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Long Kitchen has been operating in Sandringham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($13) 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 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Start with: The sourdough bread ($18) — the best version in Sandringham Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
9. The New Kitchen — 287 High Grove, Sandringham VIC 3200
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The New Kitchen has been operating in Sandringham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($24) 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 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Come back for: The fish special ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
10. Vera Works — 97 Queen Street, Sandringham VIC 3200
What it is: A local institution Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: groups
Vera Works has been operating in Sandringham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($17) 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 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The crispy chicken ($19) — the best version in Sandringham Insider tip: Parking is free on Queen Street after 6pm.
Explore More
- Bonbeach Best Bars for Dates — same vibe, different suburb
- Sandringham Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Sandringham Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Hampton Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Sandringham stacks up
- All Sandringham Guides — everything we’ve written about Sandringham
FAQ
Is Sandringham worth visiting?
Yes. Sandringham has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The best bars for dates scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Sandringham known for?
Bay Trail passes through.
Where is a good date spot in Sandringham?
Ava is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Sandringham from Melbourne CBD?
Sandringham is 16km, 30min train, 22min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Sandringham isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.
Last updated: March 2026

💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed