Best Bars for Dates in Upwey Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Kai’s |
| Free highlight | Theo’s |
| Family-friendly | Ivy |
| Locals only | Green Cellar |
| Indoor option | Leo Store |
Upwey doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The best bars for dates scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Mabel Depot and Ava are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Upwey sits 35km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community.
1. The Honest Social — 253 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The room holds 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The fish special ($14) — solid
2. Southern Lane — 278 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Upwey roaster — ask which one.
3. Finn’s — 132 Queen Avenue, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 63 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
4. Marco Corner — 53 William Crescent, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: families
Capacity is around 61 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Church Drive is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
5. New Pantry — 76 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 59 and fills on weekends. Street parking on William Crescent is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
The Reality of Upwey
6. Theo — 206 Cecil Parade, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Ask for: The charcuterie board ($23) — solid
7. Felix — 130 Cecil Parade, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: budget eaters
The room holds 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
8. The Tall Bench — 98 Main Lane, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
9. Green Yard — 124 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The space seats about 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Come back for: The lamb shoulder ($22) — solid
10. River Post — 103 William Crescent, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The space seats about 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Upwey roaster — ask which one.
11. Max’s — 87 Cecil Parade, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The room holds 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The house-made relish ($18) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Upwey farmers market when it runs.
Explore More
- The Basin Best Bars for Dates — same vibe, different suburb
- Upwey Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Upwey Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Belgrave Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Upwey stacks up
- All Upwey Guides — everything we’ve written about Upwey
FAQ
Yes. The best bars for dates scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Upwey known for?
Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community.
Where is a good date spot in Upwey?
Kai’s is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Upwey from Melbourne CBD?
Upwey is 35km, 55min train, 40min drive from Melbourne CBD.
If you’re comparing Upwey 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
