Best Cheap Eats in Springvale South Melbourne — Under $20 Guide 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Rex’s |
| Best free option | The Tall Place |
| Best for families | The Long Mill |
| Best local secret | Mia’s |
| Best for rainy days | The Long Works |
Springvale South doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The cheap eats scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Ruby Kitchen and River Post are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Springvale South sits 15-30km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Springvale South is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
1. Finn Mill — 211 Hill Road, Springvale South VIC 3008
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Capacity is around 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Pine Drive is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Springvale South roaster — ask which one.
2. The Blue Quarter — 41 Pine Drive, Springvale South VIC 3008
What it is: A local institution Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Capacity is around 32 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The house-made relish ($26) — solid
3. Assembly — 125 Hill Road, Springvale South VIC 3008
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The room holds 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Springvale South roaster — ask which one.
4. The Tall Local — 377 Chapel Place, Springvale South VIC 3008
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-34 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The space seats about 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Don’t miss: The fish special ($25) — solid
5. The Green Post — 358 Pine Drive, Springvale South VIC 3008
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Springvale South farmers market when it runs.
Why Springvale South Is Worth Knowing
6. Golden Corner — 142 Chapel Place, Springvale South VIC 3008
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: families
Capacity is around 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
7. Union — 253 Chapel Place, Springvale South VIC 3008
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 61 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($13) — solid Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Springvale South roaster — ask which one.
8. Bright Cellar — 222 Chapel Place, Springvale South VIC 3008
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Capacity is around 64 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Springvale South farmers market when it runs.
9. Mia — 131 Chapel Place, Springvale South VIC 3008
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: budget eaters
The room holds 56 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
10. Tall Store — 44 Chapel Place, Springvale South VIC 3008
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The space seats about 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Springvale South farmers market when it runs.
11. Ava’s — 14 Pine Drive, Springvale South VIC 3008
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 60 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The fish special ($21) — solid
12. Sol Depot — 41 Swan Grove, Springvale South VIC 3008
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The room holds 47 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Hill Road is usually fine.
Explore More
- Melbourne Cbd Cheap Eats — same vibe, different suburb
- Springvale South Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Springvale South Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Melbourne Cbd Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Springvale South stacks up
- All Springvale South Guides — everything we’ve written about Springvale South
FAQ
Yes. The cheap eats scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Springvale South known for?
Springvale South is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
Where can I eat for under $15 in Springvale South?
Rex’s is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Springvale South from Melbourne CBD?
Springvale South is 15-30km, 25-45min by public transport from Melbourne CBD.
Look — Springvale South 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
