Best Late Night Food in The Basin Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The late night food scene in The Basin is better than most people realise. Start at Zara, then check out The Half Press. Small Dandenong Ranges suburb. Located 32km from the CBD, The Basin is part of Melbourne’s Outer East region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that The Basin locals actually recommend.

1. Bench — 13 Queen Avenue, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (late night food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Bench has been operating in The Basin for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($14) 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 39 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Lygon Place is usually fine.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Felix’s — 174 Lygon Place, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (late night food) A solid local spot Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Felix’s has been operating in The Basin for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 36 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local The Basin roaster — ask which one.

3. Felix’s — 330 Creek Terrace, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (late night food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Felix’s has been operating in The Basin for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 space seats about 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Swan Crescent is usually fine.

Go for: The daily soup ($19) — the best version in The Basin Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Sunny Post — 222 Creek Terrace, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (late night food) Worth the detour Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: groups

Sunny Post has been operating in The Basin for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Sol Store — 340 Swan Crescent, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (late night food) Worth the detour Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: solo diners

Sol Store has been operating in The Basin for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($14) 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 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Swan Crescent is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

The The Basin That Locals Know

Small Dandenong Ranges suburb. The Basin Triangle shops. Direct access to 1000 Steps and Kokoda Track Memorial Walk. The late night food options here reflect The Basin’s character. For The Basin 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. Ivy — 191 Creek Terrace, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (late night food) A local institution Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Ivy has been operating in The Basin for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 room holds 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The daily soup ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. White Quarter — 29 Lygon Place, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (late night food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

White Quarter has been operating in The Basin for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($18) 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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Nell Commons — 354 Swan Crescent, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (late night food) Worth the detour Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Nell Commons has been operating in The Basin for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($9) 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 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Margaret Road is usually fine.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. The Old Corner — 170 Creek Terrace, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (late night food) A solid local spot Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Old Corner has been operating in The Basin for over a decade 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 room holds 55 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($14) — the best version in The Basin Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. Max’s — 350 Queen Avenue, The Basin VIC 3139

What it is: (late night food) No-frills excellence Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Max’s has been operating in The Basin for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The space seats about 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

• Warranwood Late Night Food — same vibe, different suburb
• The Basin Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• The Basin Things to Do — the full activity guide
• The Basin Complete Guide — everything about The Basin
• Compare Suburbs — see how The Basin stacks up
• All The Basin Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best late night food options in The Basin?

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

Is The Basin good for late night food?

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

What is The Basin known for?

Small Dandenong Ranges suburb.

How far is The Basin from Melbourne CBD?

The Basin is 32km, no direct train, 38min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The Basin 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