in Strathmore Melbourne Locals Love
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | The Sunny Bench | | Best with kids | Mabel | | Hidden spot | The Blue Union | | Bad weather pick | The Sunny Store |
We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Strathmore to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.50-5.00 for a flat white, $22-38 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. High Post is the one everyone knows. Nico Works is the one they should know. Strathmore has leafy residential suburb with a strong sense of community.
1. Pearl’s — 85 Plenty Grove, Strathmore VIC 3074
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The crispy chicken ($22) — solid
2. Bench — 195 Church Drive, Strathmore VIC 3074
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 51 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Church Drive is usually fine.
3. Stella — 359 Main Grove, Strathmore VIC 3074
What it is: A local institution Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: remote workers
The space seats about 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Elm Parade is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
4. Ava Post — 59 King Crescent, Strathmore VIC 3074
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
5. The Old Local — 322 King Crescent, Strathmore VIC 3074
What it is: A local institution Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Capacity is around 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Worth knowing: The daily soup ($15) — solid
What Nobody Tells You About Strathmore
6. The Golden House — 212 King Crescent, Strathmore VIC 3074
What it is: A local institution Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The space seats about 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Main Grove is usually fine.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
7. Rosa’s — 233 Plenty Grove, Strathmore VIC 3074
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Capacity is around 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — solid Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
8. The Golden Commons — 297 Plenty Grove, Strathmore VIC 3074
What it is: A local institution Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Capacity is around 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Church Drive is usually fine.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
9. Mia Corner — 224 Plenty Grove, Strathmore VIC 3074
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The space seats about 35 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
10. Kai House — 327 King Crescent, Strathmore VIC 3074
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The room holds 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
11. Mia’s — 54 Elm Parade, Strathmore VIC 3074
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: groups
Capacity is around 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on King Crescent is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
Explore More
- Strathmore Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Strathmore Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Pascoe Vale Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Strathmore stacks up
- All Strathmore Guides — everything we’ve written about Strathmore
FAQ
What is Strathmore known for?
Leafy residential suburb with a strong sense of community.
What are the most underrated spots in Strathmore?
Otto’s is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Strathmore from Melbourne CBD?
Strathmore is 9-20km, 18-38min train, 15-28min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Strathmore is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.
Last updated: March 2026
