Moving to Toorak Melbourne — What to Know in 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. Good Corner is the one everyone knows. Gus’s is the one they should know. Toorak has melbourne’s wealthiest suburb.

1. Honest Quarter — 58 Margaret Street, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Honest Quarter has been operating in Toorak for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 50 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The seasonal special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Gus Store — 283 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: the whole crew

Gus Store has been operating in Toorak for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($14) 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 54 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The seasonal special ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Ava’s — 157 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: remote workers

Ava’s has been operating in Toorak for over a decade 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.

The room holds 53 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The house-made relish ($19) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. The Common Kitchen — 267 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Common Kitchen has been operating in Toorak for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 37 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Swan Parade is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($17) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: They source produce from Toorak farmers market when it runs.

5. Good Corner — 178 Elm Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: families

Good Corner has been operating in Toorak for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 space seats about 41 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Margaret Street is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

What Toorak Actually Is

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. The Golden Lane — 137 Johnston Crescent, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: remote workers

The Golden Lane has been operating in Toorak for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($17) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. Sunny Local — 112 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-23 per person Best for: the whole crew

Sunny Local has been operating in Toorak for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. The Sunny Works — 55 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Sunny Works has been operating in Toorak for since the early 2020s 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.

Capacity is around 62 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The house-made relish ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Otto Kitchen — 286 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Otto Kitchen has been operating in Toorak for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 46 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Toorak roaster — ask which one.

10. The High Local — 203 Elm Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The High Local has been operating in Toorak for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($12) 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 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The seasonal special ($15) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

11. The Green Press — 67 Elm Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: A local institution Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Green Press has been operating in Toorak for since the early 2020s 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 space seats about 49 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($24) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

12. The Green Commons — 71 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: remote workers

The Green Commons has been operating in Toorak for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 36 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The house-made relish ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

13. Red Quarter — 188 Johnston Crescent, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Red Quarter has been operating in Toorak for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elm Parade is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Elm Street after 6pm.

14. Max’s — 99 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: the whole crew

Max’s has been operating in Toorak for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($14) 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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Toorak roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

• South Yarra Moving To — 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 moving to scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Toorak known for?

Melbourne’s wealthiest suburb.

What are the pros and cons of living in Toorak?

Finn Union 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.

If you’re comparing Toorak 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