Things to Do in Surrey Hills This Weekend — 2026

Surrey Hills locals have known for years what the rest of Melbourne is just figuring out. The things to do this weekend options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Good Social, then work your way to Remy Works. Union Road village strip with independent cafes and shops. This is Surrey Hills in 2026.

1. The Tall Works — 330 Queen Terrace, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $17-32 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Tall Works has been operating in Surrey Hills for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 45 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. The Tall House — 263 Queen Terrace, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: A local institution Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Tall House has been operating in Surrey Hills for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($22) 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.

Try this: The seasonal special ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. Mia’s — 154 Lake Street, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Mia’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: They source produce from Surrey Hills farmers market when it runs.

4. The Southern Union — 249 Elizabeth Place, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Southern Union has been operating in Surrey Hills for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($16) 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 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Brunswick Crescent is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Old Social — 217 Lake Street, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: groups

Old Social has been operating in Surrey Hills 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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Queen Terrace is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Why Surrey Hills Is Worth Knowing

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. For Surrey Hills locals and anyone in the area, 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. Oliver’s — 5 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: groups

Oliver’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

The room holds 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Northern Standard — 147 Queen Terrace, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Northern Standard has been operating in Surrey Hills for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($11) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Kai — 33 Lake Street, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Kai has been operating in Surrey Hills for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($24) 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 51 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elizabeth Place is usually fine.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. The Humble Post — 273 Lake Street, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: groups

The Humble Post has been operating in Surrey Hills for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 61 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The fish special ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Surrey Hills roaster — ask which one.

10. Marco’s — 68 River Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Marco’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($10) 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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: They source produce from Surrey Hills farmers market when it runs.

11. Otto’s — 59 Brunswick Crescent, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: the whole crew

Otto’s has been operating in Surrey Hills for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 51 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Brunswick Crescent is usually fine.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

12. Ivy Press — 2 Queen Terrace, Surrey Hills VIC 3132

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Ivy Press has been operating in Surrey Hills for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 45 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — the best version in Surrey Hills Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

• Canterbury Things To Do This Weekend — 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 things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Surrey Hills known for?

Union Road village strip with independent cafes and shops.

What is there to do in Surrey Hills on a Sunday?

Old Corner 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 isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026