in Vermont South Melbourne Locals Love
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Rosa’s |
| Free highlight | Gus’s |
| Family-friendly | Sunny Quarter |
| Locals only | The New Place |
| Indoor option | Bright Corner |
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. Nico’s is the one everyone knows. Leo is the one they should know. Vermont South has the glen shopping centre nearby.
1. Table — 141 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 45 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The lamb shoulder ($19) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
2. The Common Kitchen — 346 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: A local institution Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The room holds 49 and fills on weekends. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.
Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont South farmers market when it runs.
3. Nina’s — 68 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: families
Capacity is around 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
4. Nell’s — 234 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: remote workers
The space seats about 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Thomas Avenue is usually fine.
5. The Sunny Yard — 325 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Capacity is around 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.
Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($14) — solid Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Vermont South roaster — ask which one.
Vermont South — The Honest Version
6. Cellar — 287 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The space seats about 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.
7. Marco — 319 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-27 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Capacity is around 32 — 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.
8. Canvas — 7 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: solo diners
The room holds 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
9. Common Social — 149 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: budget eaters
The space seats about 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Anderson Drive is usually fine.
10. High Standard — 147 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-20 per person Best for: the whole crew
The space seats about 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
11. Ivy Mill — 181 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: families
The room holds 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
12. Gus’s — 212 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The space seats about 33 and fills on weekends. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.
Explore More
- 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
What is Vermont South known for?
The Glen shopping centre nearby.
What are the most underrated spots in Vermont South?
Rosa’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.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
