Best Date Night Restaurants in Upwey Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | The Tall Cellar |
| Free highlight | Archive |
| Family-friendly | The Common Cellar |
| Locals only | Mia’s |
| Indoor option | Bright Commons |
1. Bright Local — 142 William Crescent, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: (date night restaurants) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The room holds 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Church Drive is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
2. Ava Post — 303 Queen Avenue, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: (date night restaurants) A solid local spot Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on William Crescent is usually fine.
3. The Lucky Yard — 310 Main Lane, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: (date night restaurants) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: dates
Capacity is around 45 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
4. Mabel Press — 67 Queen Avenue, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: (date night restaurants) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: the whole crew
The space seats about 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($24) — solid Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
5. Nina’s — 23 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: (date night restaurants) The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 60 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Queen Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
6. The High Union — 44 Cecil Parade, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: (date night restaurants) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: remote workers
The space seats about 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Church Drive is usually fine.
What Makes Upwey Different
Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community. Upwey Village has independent shops and cafes. Belgrave rail line. The best date night restaurants options here reflect Upwey’s character. If you’re living in or near Upwey, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.
7. The White Works — 136 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: (date night restaurants) A solid local spot Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The space seats about 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Queen Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: They source produce from Upwey farmers market when it runs.
8. Half Cellar — 336 Queen Avenue, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: (date night restaurants) A solid local spot Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The room holds 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Upwey roaster — ask which one.
9. Pearl Bench — 111 Queen Avenue, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: (date night restaurants) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Capacity is around 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
10. Otto — 35 Cecil Parade, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: (date night restaurants) The one that surprised us Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: budget eaters
The room holds 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Main Lane is usually fine.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
11. Leo’s — 212 William Crescent, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: (date night restaurants) A quiet achiever Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 51 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The mushroom pasta ($17) — solid Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
12. Nina’s — 130 Cecil Parade, Upwey VIC 3163
What it is: (date night restaurants) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Capacity is around 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
Explore More
- The Basin Best Date Night Restaurants — same vibe, different suburb
- Upwey Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Upwey Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Upwey Complete Guide — everything about Upwey
- Compare Suburbs — see how Upwey stacks up
- All Upwey Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best date night restaurants options in Upwey?
The Tall Cellar is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Upwey good for best date night restaurants?
Yes. Upwey has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.
What is Upwey known for?
Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community.
How far is Upwey from Melbourne CBD?
Upwey is 35km, 55min train, 40min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Look — Upwey won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.
Last updated: March 2026
