Best Burgers in Surrey Hills Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best burgers option in Surrey Hills to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Oliver Commons is the one everyone knows. The Tall Cellar is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Union Road village strip with independent cafes and shops. Surrey Hills sits in the Middle East corridor, 14-22km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best burgers scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Surrey Hills since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Nico’s — 93 Queen Terrace, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (burgers) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Nico’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

Capacity is around 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The daily soup ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on River Street after 6pm.

2. River Lane — 84 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (burgers) The one that surprised us Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: solo diners

River Lane has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 48 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Brunswick Street after 6pm.

3. White Works — 198 Lake Street, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (burgers) A local institution Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: the whole crew

White Works has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($25) 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 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Theo’s — 3 Brunswick Crescent, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (burgers) A quiet achiever Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Theo’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 space seats about 54 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($18) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Rex’s — 139 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (burgers) A local institution Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: solo diners

Rex’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($22) 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 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Queen Terrace is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

What Makes Surrey Hills Different

Union Road village strip with independent cafes and shops. Strong community identity. The best burgers options here reflect Surrey Hills’s character. For Surrey Hills locals and anyone in the area, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

6. Rex’s — 149 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (burgers) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Rex’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($25) 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 60 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($28) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Archive — 214 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (burgers) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: dates

Archive has been operating in Surrey Hills for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elizabeth Place is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Queen Street after 6pm.

8. The Long Place — 77 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (burgers) Worth the detour Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Long Place has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The room holds 40 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. Pearl — 280 Brunswick Crescent, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (burgers) A local institution Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: families

Pearl has been operating in Surrey Hills for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 45 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Brunswick Street after 6pm.

10. Ada’s — 144 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: (burgers) A local institution Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: remote workers

Ada’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for several years 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 room holds 63 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The daily soup ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

• Canterbury Best Burgers — same vibe, different suburb
• Surrey Hills Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Surrey Hills Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Surrey Hills Complete Guide — everything about Surrey Hills
• Compare Suburbs — see how Surrey Hills stacks up
• All Surrey Hills Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best burgers options in Surrey Hills?

Golden Union is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Surrey Hills good for best burgers?

Yes. Surrey Hills has 10+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Surrey Hills known for?

Union Road village strip with independent cafes and shops.

How far is Surrey Hills from Melbourne CBD?

Surrey Hills is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Surrey Hills 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