Things to Do in Toorak This Weekend — 2026

Toorak 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. The Red Kitchen and Nina’s are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Toorak sits 5km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Melbourne’s wealthiest suburb.

1. Lane — 26 Johnston Crescent, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: the whole crew

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

The room holds 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The fish special ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

2. Otto Kitchen — 352 Swan Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Otto Kitchen has been operating in Toorak for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($19) 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 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Ella’s Bistro — 138 Margaret Street, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: solo diners

Ella’s Bistro has been operating in Toorak for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 63 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Nell’s — 217 Johnston Crescent, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: groups

Nell’s has been operating in Toorak for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($10) 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 50 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on East Road is usually fine.

5. River Pantry — 140 Elm Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

River Pantry has been operating in Toorak for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($11) 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 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Why Locals Stay in 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. If you’re living in or near Toorak, 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. Merchant — 322 East Road, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Merchant has been operating in Toorak for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($9) 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 52 — 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 daily soup ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. The the pumpkin risotto ($22) 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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Hugo’s — 45 Johnston Crescent, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: dates

Hugo’s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Elm Parade is usually fine.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($12) — the best version in Toorak Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. The Southern Post — 316 Johnston Crescent, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: A local institution Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: solo diners

The Southern Post has been operating in Toorak for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Ash’s — 212 Elm Parade, Toorak VIC 3067

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $10-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Ash’s has been operating in Toorak for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Explore More

• South Yarra Things To Do This Weekend — 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 things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Toorak known for?

Melbourne’s wealthiest suburb.

What is there to do in Toorak on a Sunday?

Lane 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

Check venue websites for current menus and hours.