Surrey Hills Melbourne — Complete Local Guide 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Gus Place |
| Free highlight | Felix Place |
| Family-friendly | Remy’s |
| Locals only | The Tall Store |
| Indoor option | Store |
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. Good Corner is the one everyone knows. Little Mill is the one they should know. Surrey Hills has union road village strip with independent cafes and shops.
1. Old Depot — 160 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The space seats about 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The fish special ($22) — solid
2. Ada Cellar — 16 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The space seats about 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Surrey Hills farmers market when it runs.
3. Mia Cellar — 344 Queen Terrace, Surrey Hills VIC 3132
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Capacity is around 48 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.
Go for: The lamb shoulder ($11) — solid Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Surrey Hills roaster — ask which one.
4. Rex — 1 Brunswick Crescent, Surrey Hills VIC 3132
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-23 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 31 and fills on weekends. Street parking on River Road is usually fine.
5. Rosa Store — 22 Lake Street, Surrey Hills VIC 3132
What it is: A local institution Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 30 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
Why Surrey Hills Is Worth Knowing
6. Iris’s — 124 Elizabeth Place, Surrey Hills VIC 3132
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 60 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Brunswick Crescent is usually fine.
7. Good Press — 334 Elizabeth Place, Surrey Hills VIC 3132
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Capacity is around 45 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
8. Rosa — 341 Brunswick Crescent, Surrey Hills VIC 3132
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 42 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Brunswick Crescent is usually fine.
Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Surrey Hills farmers market when it runs.
9. Golden Cellar — 293 Lake Street, Surrey Hills VIC 3132
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Capacity is around 30 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Queen Terrace is usually fine.
Come back for: The daily soup ($20) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
10. Southern Post — 85 Elizabeth Place, Surrey Hills VIC 3132
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — solid
11. Finn Pantry — 274 Queen Terrace, Surrey Hills VIC 3132
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The room holds 54 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The mushroom pasta ($22) — solid
Explore More
- Canterbury Suburb Guide — 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
Yes. The suburb guide scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Surrey Hills known for?
Union Road village strip with independent cafes and shops.
Is Surrey Hills a good suburb to live in?
Gus Place 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.
Look — Surrey Hills 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
