Best Cafes for Remote Work in Toorak Melbourne 2026

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Toorak 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. Remy’s is the one everyone knows. Northern Yard is the one they should know. Toorak has melbourne’s wealthiest suburb.

1. Marco’s — 58 Johnston Crescent, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Marco’s has been operating in Toorak for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The house-made relish ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Nico’s — 49 Margaret Street, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: A local institution Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Nico’s has been operating in Toorak for several years 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Margaret Street is usually fine.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. The Blue Commons — 342 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Blue Commons has been operating in Toorak for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The fish special ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. River — 8 Elm Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

River has been operating in Toorak 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Johnston Crescent is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($20) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Standard — 12 Johnston Crescent, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: budget eaters

Standard has been operating in Toorak 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 57 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

The Reality of Toorak

Melbourne’s wealthiest suburb. Toorak Road and Toorak Village have luxury retail. Median house price over $4 million. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Toorak’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. Whether you’re based in Toorak 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. Long Press — 260 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

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

Long Press has been operating in Toorak for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 space seats about 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Toorak farmers market when it runs.

7. The Little Local — 132 Margaret Street, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $16-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Little Local has been operating in Toorak for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 room holds 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Nell’s — 375 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: the whole crew

Nell’s has been operating in Toorak for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 48 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Margaret Street is usually fine.

Start with: The house-made relish ($23) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Hazel’s — 367 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: budget eaters

Hazel’s has been operating in Toorak for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($8) 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 35 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($10) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Red Press — 89 Elm Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-23 per person Best for: solo diners

Red Press has been operating in Toorak for several years 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.

Capacity is around 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($13) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

• South Yarra Best Cafes for Remote Work — same vibe, different suburb
• Toorak Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Toorak Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Armadale Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Toorak stacks up
• All Toorak Guides — everything we’ve written about Toorak

FAQ

Is Toorak worth visiting?

Yes. Toorak has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The best cafes for remote work scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Toorak known for?

Melbourne’s wealthiest suburb.

Which cafes in Toorak have good WiFi?

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

How far is Toorak from Melbourne CBD?

Toorak is 5km, 10min tram, 10min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Toorak 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