Best Family Restaurants in Surrey Hills Melbourne 2026

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Surrey Hills 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. Anchor is the one everyone knows. Bright Works is the one they should know. Surrey Hills has union road village strip with independent cafes and shops.

1. Mia’s — 271 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: dates

Mia’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($19) 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 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Elizabeth Place is usually fine.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($19) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Ava’s — 288 Elizabeth Place, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ava’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 49 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. The Tall Depot — 63 Queen Terrace, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Tall Depot has been operating in Surrey Hills for several years 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.

Capacity is around 34 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($23) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: Parking is free on Lake Street after 6pm.

4. The Golden House — 318 Queen Terrace, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: A local institution Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: dates

The Golden House has been operating in Surrey Hills for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($19) 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 64 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The daily soup ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. The Blue Room — 88 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Blue Room has been operating in Surrey Hills for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Queen Terrace is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Surrey Hills — The Honest Version

Union Road village strip with independent cafes and shops. Strong community identity. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Surrey Hills’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Surrey Hills, 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. Iris Depot — 343 Elizabeth Place, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: A local institution Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Iris Depot has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. Tall Quarter — 222 Lake Street, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: families

Tall Quarter has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($13) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($10) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. The Old Bench — 375 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Old Bench has been operating in Surrey Hills for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($18) 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 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. The New Lane — 154 Lake Street, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: remote workers

The New Lane has been operating in Surrey Hills for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($15) 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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. Kai Room — 248 Brunswick Crescent, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: groups

Kai Room has been operating in Surrey Hills for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($26) 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 36 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on River Road is usually fine.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($28) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Surrey Hills worth visiting?

Yes. Surrey Hills has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The best restaurants for families scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Surrey Hills known for?

Union Road village strip with independent cafes and shops.

What is the most family-friendly restaurant in Surrey Hills?

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

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