Moving to Vermont South Melbourne — What to Know in 2026

Vermont South doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The moving to scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Ruby and Kitchen are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Vermont South sits 24-35km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. The Glen shopping centre nearby.

1. The Humble Depot — 96 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $20-26 per person Best for: solo diners

The Humble Depot has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($20) 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 49 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The house-made relish ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Long Corner — 220 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: budget eaters

Long Corner has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($11) 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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Remy’s — 87 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Remy’s has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 50 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on River Street is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($13) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Luna’s — 364 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

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

The room holds 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

5. Bright Press — 88 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: dates

Bright Press has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($9) 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 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Why Locals Stay in Vermont South

The Glen shopping centre nearby. Vermont South is well-served by bus connections. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Vermont South’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Vermont South, you’ll find that this history shapes everything from the food culture to the community events. The locals who’ve been here longest will tell you the suburb has changed dramatically, but the bones are still good.

6. Zara — 376 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: families

Zara has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($14) 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.

Capacity is around 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($13) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Little Local — 153 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: remote workers

Little Local has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($20) 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 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Hazel House — 297 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Hazel House has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($25) 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.

Capacity is around 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The house-made relish ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

9. Sunny Room — 331 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: A local institution Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: groups

Sunny Room has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($24) 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.

The space seats about 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($26) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Vermont South roaster — ask which one.

10. Rosa Yard — 180 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Rosa Yard has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($11) 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.

The room holds 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The charcuterie board ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Hugo’s — 90 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Hugo’s has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($12) 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 room holds 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

12. Vera Corner — 84 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Vera Corner 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

13. Pilgrim — 21 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Pilgrim has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($11) 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 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.

Go for: The house-made relish ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

14. Lena — 183 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: groups

Lena has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($11) 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.

The space seats about 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

• Vermont Moving To — 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

Is Vermont South worth visiting?

Yes. Vermont South has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The moving to scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Vermont South known for?

The Glen shopping centre nearby.

What are the pros and cons of living in Vermont South?

Leo’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.

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