Things to Do in Thomastown This Weekend — 2026

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Thomastown to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.00-4.50 for a flat white, $18-32 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. The Honest Works is the one everyone knows. Vera’s is the one they should know. Thomastown has industrial and residential mix.

1. Ava Works — 214 Hill Grove, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Ava Works has been operating in Thomastown for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 43 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The daily soup ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Cleo — 326 Collins Road, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: families

Cleo has been operating in Thomastown for several years 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — the best version in Thomastown Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Blue Press — 230 Henry Grove, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: the whole crew

Blue Press has been operating in Thomastown for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 space seats about 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

4. Nina’s — 250 Hill Grove, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: families

Nina’s has been operating in Thomastown for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 44 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($16) — the best version in Thomastown Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. Lena — 126 Henry Grove, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: the whole crew

Lena has been operating in Thomastown for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($13) 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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

What Nobody Tells You About Thomastown

Industrial and residential mix. Thomastown Recreation Reserve is a major sporting hub. Close to Northern Ring Road access. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Thomastown’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. Whether you’re based in Thomastown or visiting from nearby, 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. Sol Room — 89 King Parade, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Sol Room has been operating in Thomastown for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($12) 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 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

7. Lucky Mill — 224 Collins Road, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Lucky Mill has been operating in Thomastown for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Ruby Kitchen — 40 Collins Road, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: families

Ruby Kitchen has been operating in Thomastown for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($20) 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 34 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The fish special ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Nell’s — 175 Collins Road, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Nell’s has been operating in Thomastown for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($13) 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 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Zara’s — 117 Henry Grove, Thomastown VIC 3067

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Zara’s has been operating in Thomastown for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The house-made relish ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Thomastown worth visiting?

Yes. Thomastown 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 Thomastown known for?

Industrial and residential mix.

What is there to do in Thomastown on a Sunday?

Hugo’s is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Thomastown from Melbourne CBD?

Thomastown is 17km, 32min train, 25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Thomastown 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