Best Burgers in Vermont South Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Vermont South has genuine best burgers options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Pearl and Half Social lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 24-35km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. The Glen shopping centre nearby. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Vermont South resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. The Golden Press — 73 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (burgers) A solid local spot Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: dates

The Golden Press has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($12) 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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The seasonal special ($11) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Bright Mill — 92 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (burgers) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: families

Bright Mill has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($13) 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 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Vermont South roaster — ask which one.

3. Quarter — 54 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (burgers) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-23 per person Best for: remote workers

Quarter has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($10) 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 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The fish special ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Common Yard — 49 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (burgers) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Common Yard has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 44 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($18) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: Parking is free on High Street after 6pm.

5. The Red Mill — 155 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (burgers) A local institution Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Red Mill has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($21) 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 60 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Anderson Street after 6pm.

Vermont South — The Honest Version

The Glen shopping centre nearby. Vermont South is well-served by bus connections. The best burgers options here reflect Vermont South’s character. If you’re living in or near Vermont South, 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.

6. New Bench — 225 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (burgers) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

New Bench has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($21) 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 34 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The sourdough bread ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. Old Commons — 363 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (burgers) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: budget eaters

Old Commons has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($21) 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 space seats about 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Sunny Local — 64 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (burgers) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: groups

Sunny Local has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($14) 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 43 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The fish special ($14) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont South farmers market when it runs.

9. Felix’s — 128 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (burgers) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Felix’s has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($23) 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 43 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($24) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Golden Cellar — 302 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (burgers) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: remote workers

Golden Cellar has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($18) 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 60 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Anderson Street after 6pm.

Explore More

• Vermont Best Burgers — same vibe, different suburb
• Vermont South Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Vermont South Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Vermont South Complete Guide — everything about Vermont South
• Compare Suburbs — see how Vermont South stacks up
• All Vermont South Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best burgers options in Vermont South?

Bright Press is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Vermont South good for best burgers?

Yes. Vermont South has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Vermont South known for?

The Glen shopping centre nearby.

How far is Vermont South from Melbourne CBD?

Vermont South is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Vermont South: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026