Best Cheap Eats in Travancore Melbourne — Under $20 Guide 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Lucky Commons |
| Best free option | Southern Union |
| Best for families | Red House |
| Best local secret | Red Store |
| Best for rainy days | House |
We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Travancore 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. Felix Works is the one everyone knows. Cleo’s is the one they should know. Travancore has travancore is a growing melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
1. Ruby — 373 Lake Street, Travancore VIC 3014
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The space seats about 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Lygon Drive is usually fine.
2. Pantry — 310 Sydney Street, Travancore VIC 3014
What it is: A local institution Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Albert Drive is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
3. Felix Union — 90 Sydney Street, Travancore VIC 3014
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $13-20 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The space seats about 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.
4. Merchant — 356 Anderson Street, Travancore VIC 3014
What it is: A local institution Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
5. Mabel’s — 338 Anderson Street, Travancore VIC 3014
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The space seats about 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Worth knowing: The daily soup ($13) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
Why Locals Stay in Travancore
6. Gus Local — 123 Anderson Street, Travancore VIC 3014
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Albert Drive is usually fine.
Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($16) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Travancore farmers market when it runs.
7. Remy’s — 366 Albert Drive, Travancore VIC 3014
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 30 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Albert Drive is usually fine.
Insider tip: They source produce from Travancore farmers market when it runs.
8. Lucky Bench — 322 Lygon Drive, Travancore VIC 3014
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The space seats about 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Anderson Street is usually fine.
Insider tip: They source produce from Travancore farmers market when it runs.
9. Felix Kitchen — 150 Sydney Street, Travancore VIC 3014
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The space seats about 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.
Come back for: The daily soup ($15) — solid
10. The Common Press — 124 Lake Street, Travancore VIC 3014
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-34 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Sydney Street is usually fine.
Get the: The daily soup ($25) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
11. Nell Lane — 159 Lygon Drive, Travancore VIC 3014
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: remote workers
The space seats about 43 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Explore More
- Melbourne Cbd Cheap Eats — same vibe, different suburb
- Travancore Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Travancore Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Melbourne Cbd Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Travancore stacks up
- All Travancore Guides — everything we’ve written about Travancore
FAQ
Yes. The cheap eats scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Travancore known for?
Travancore is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.
Where can I eat for under $15 in Travancore?
Lucky Commons is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Travancore from Melbourne CBD?
Travancore is 15-30km, 25-45min by public transport from Melbourne CBD.
Travancore isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.
Last updated: March 2026
