Best Cheap Eats in Vermont South Melbourne — Under $20 Guide 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Ivy’s |
| Free highlight | The Common Works |
| Family-friendly | Max |
| Locals only | The Red Room |
| Indoor option | Blue Mill |
The cheap eats options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Ada’s, then work your way to Hugo’s. The Glen shopping centre nearby. This is Vermont South in 2026.
1. Luna’s — 224 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: families
Capacity is around 33 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
2. Old Depot — 229 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: A local institution Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Thomas Avenue is usually fine.
3. Otto’s — 262 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: families
The room holds 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on River Street is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
4. Pilgrim — 337 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The room holds 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
5. Rosa Press — 148 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Capacity is around 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont South farmers market when it runs.
Why Vermont South Is Worth Knowing
6. New Store — 128 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The room holds 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Ask for: The charcuterie board ($28) — solid Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
7. The Common Lane — 245 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
The space seats about 65 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($23) — solid
8. Mia — 294 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 41 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
9. Pearl Place — 130 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Capacity is around 64 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
10. Green Press — 304 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The room holds 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Explore More
- Vermont Cheap Eats — 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 cheap eats scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Vermont South known for?
The Glen shopping centre nearby.
Where can I eat for under $15 in Vermont South?
Ivy’s 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.
Vermont South is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.
Last updated: March 2026
