Things to Do in Tecoma This Weekend — 2026

Tecoma doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The things to do this weekend scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Stella’s and Ash Quarter are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Tecoma sits 36km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Small Dandenong Ranges suburb between Belgrave and Upper Ferntree Gully.

1. The Sunny Corner — 363 Park Drive, Tecoma VIC 3147

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Sunny Corner has been operating in Tecoma for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($10) 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 64 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($12) — the best version in Tecoma Insider tip: They source produce from Tecoma farmers market when it runs.

2. New Depot — 333 Chapel Terrace, Tecoma VIC 3147

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

New Depot has been operating in Tecoma for since the early 2020s 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 57 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($27) — the best version in Tecoma Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Nina Yard — 279 Park Drive, Tecoma VIC 3147

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $13-21 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Nina Yard has been operating in Tecoma for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

Capacity is around 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bourke Street after 6pm.

4. Store — 366 Cecil Place, Tecoma VIC 3147

What it is: A local institution Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Store has been operating in Tecoma for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 room holds 51 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on River Lane is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($25) — the best version in Tecoma Insider tip: Parking is free on Bourke Street after 6pm.

5. The Blue Store — 98 Cecil Place, Tecoma VIC 3147

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: groups

The Blue Store has been operating in Tecoma for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($12) 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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Tecoma — The Honest Version

Small Dandenong Ranges suburb between Belgrave and Upper Ferntree Gully. Community successfully fought McDonald’s — national news in 2013. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Tecoma’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For Tecoma 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. Gus’s — 341 Cecil Place, Tecoma VIC 3147

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: families

Gus’s has been operating in Tecoma for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Cecil Place is usually fine.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. The Long Lane — 160 Chapel Terrace, Tecoma VIC 3147

What it is: A local institution Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: solo diners

The Long Lane has been operating in Tecoma for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($20) 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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Chapel Terrace is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Tecoma farmers market when it runs.

8. Mabel’s — 126 Cecil Place, Tecoma VIC 3147

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Mabel’s has been operating in Tecoma for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($26) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on River Lane is usually fine.

Start with: The house-made relish ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. Bench — 281 Bourke Drive, Tecoma VIC 3147

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Bench has been operating in Tecoma for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($11) 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 30 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

10. Long Local — 223 Park Drive, Tecoma VIC 3147

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: remote workers

Long Local has been operating in Tecoma for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($25) 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 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

11. White Social — 378 Cecil Place, Tecoma VIC 3147

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: the whole crew

White Social has been operating in Tecoma for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($21) 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 48 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on River Lane is usually fine.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

• Belgrave Things To Do This Weekend — same vibe, different suburb
• Tecoma Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Tecoma Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Upper Ferntree Gully Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Tecoma stacks up
• All Tecoma Guides — everything we’ve written about Tecoma

FAQ

Is Tecoma worth visiting?

Yes. Tecoma 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 Tecoma known for?

Small Dandenong Ranges suburb between Belgrave and Upper Ferntree Gully.

What is there to do in Tecoma on a Sunday?

Hazel Social is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Tecoma from Melbourne CBD?

Tecoma is 36km, 58min train, 41min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Tecoma to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026