Best Bars for Dates in Vermont South Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Ivy |
| Free highlight | Marco Room |
| Family-friendly | Green Cellar |
| Locals only | New Pantry |
| Indoor option | Ada’s |
We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Vermont South 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. Works is the one everyone knows. Lucky Social is the one they should know. Vermont South has the glen shopping centre nearby.
1. Finn’s — 4 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.
2. The Blue Cellar — 93 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Capacity is around 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
3. Green Press — 94 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The room holds 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The house-made relish ($28) — solid Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
4. Hugo — 95 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The space seats about 42 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Anderson Drive is usually fine.
Don’t miss: The daily soup ($15) — solid Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Vermont South roaster — ask which one.
5. Northern Yard — 332 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: budget eaters
The room holds 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Thomas Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
Why Vermont South Is Worth Knowing
6. The Red Local — 132 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $8-15 per person Best for: dates
The space seats about 44 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Ask for: The fish special ($10) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
7. Humble Commons — 193 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The room holds 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.
Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($17) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
8. The Bright Kitchen — 28 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: A local institution Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The space seats about 59 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Thomas Avenue is usually fine.
9. Old Social — 332 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 53 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Vermont South roaster — ask which one.
10. Room — 319 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: solo diners
The space seats about 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont South farmers market when it runs.
11. Nina — 204 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 51 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
Explore More
- Vermont Best Bars for Dates — same vibe, different suburb
- Vermont South Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Vermont South Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Forest Hill Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Vermont South stacks up
- All Vermont South Guides — everything we’ve written about Vermont South
FAQ
Yes. The best bars for dates scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Vermont South known for?
The Glen shopping centre nearby.
Where is a good date spot in Vermont South?
Ivy is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Vermont South from Melbourne CBD?
Vermont South is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Look — Vermont South 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
