Things to Do in Springvale This Weekend — 2026

Springvale doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The things to do this weekend scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Nell and Rosa’s are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Springvale sits 35-55km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. One of Melbourne’s most significant Vietnamese communities.

1. Social — 130 Church Street, Springvale VIC 3807

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Social has been operating in Springvale for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Park Street is usually fine.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($18) — the best version in Springvale Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Pearl’s — 156 High Road, Springvale VIC 3807

What it is: A local institution Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Pearl’s has been operating in Springvale for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($23) 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 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Union — 35 James Road, Springvale VIC 3807

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Union has been operating in Springvale for several years 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 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Charles Crescent is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($24) — the best version in Springvale Insider tip: Parking is free on Charles Street after 6pm.

4. The High Bench — 187 High Road, Springvale VIC 3807

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: dates

The High Bench has been operating in Springvale for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($17) 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 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Nico’s — 8 Church Street, Springvale VIC 3807

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Nico’s has been operating in Springvale for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Park Street is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Springvale roaster — ask which one.

Why Springvale Is Worth Knowing

One of Melbourne’s most significant Vietnamese communities. Springvale Market is the cultural anchor. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Springvale’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. Whether you’re based in Springvale or visiting from nearby, 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. Ava — 303 Church Street, Springvale VIC 3807

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: budget eaters

Ava has been operating in Springvale for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($15) 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 40 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on James Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. The Northern Local — 119 Charles Crescent, Springvale VIC 3807

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Northern Local has been operating in Springvale for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($22) 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 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on James Road is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. High Place — 158 Church Street, Springvale VIC 3807

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

High Place has been operating in Springvale for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($15) 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 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 crispy chicken ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Hazel Press — 255 Church Street, Springvale VIC 3807

What it is: A local institution Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Hazel Press has been operating in Springvale for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($23) 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 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Blue Depot — 151 Church Street, Springvale VIC 3807

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Blue Depot has been operating in Springvale for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($18) 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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Church Street is usually fine.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($19) — the best version in Springvale Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

11. New Post — 42 James Road, Springvale VIC 3807

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: budget eaters

New Post has been operating in Springvale 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 space seats about 56 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Charles Crescent is usually fine.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Springvale farmers market when it runs.

12. Hugo’s — 217 Park Street, Springvale VIC 3807

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: budget eaters

Hugo’s has been operating in Springvale for several years 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

• Clyde North Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
• Springvale Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Springvale Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Noble Park Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Springvale stacks up
• All Springvale Guides — everything we’ve written about Springvale

FAQ

Is Springvale worth visiting?

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

What is Springvale known for?

One of Melbourne’s most significant Vietnamese communities.

What is there to do in Springvale on a Sunday?

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

How far is Springvale from Melbourne CBD?

Springvale is 35-55km, 45-70min train, 40-55min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Springvale to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026