Vermont South Melbourne — Complete Local Guide 2026

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. Rosa’s is the one everyone knows. Ivy is the one they should know. Vermont South has the glen shopping centre nearby.

1. The High Bench — 161 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The High Bench has been operating in Vermont South for several years 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 space seats about 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Thomas Street after 6pm.

2. Felix — 67 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Felix has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($17) 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 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Try this: The house-made relish ($21) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. White Press — 318 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: dates

White Press has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 57 — 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 lamb shoulder ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Max Store — 196 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-19 per person Best for: groups

Max Store has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 room holds 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont South farmers market when it runs.

5. The New Works — 76 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: A local institution Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The New Works has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 room holds 54 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

What Makes Vermont South Different

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. Whether you’re based in Vermont South or visiting from nearby, 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. Gus’s — 243 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Gus’s has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($15) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.

Ask for: The fish special ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. Oliver Local — 347 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Oliver Local has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($26) 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 40 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. The Green Place — 38 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: families

The Green Place has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 room holds 31 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Hazel — 288 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: A local institution Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: dates

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

Capacity is around 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Northern Store — 235 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $10-22 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Northern Store has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The fish special ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

11. Lucky Store — 59 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $15-23 per person Best for: the whole crew

Lucky Store has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($16) 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 38 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont South farmers market when it runs.

12. Cleo Yard — 373 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: budget eaters

Cleo Yard has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade 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 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The house-made relish ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on River Street after 6pm.

Explore More

• Vermont Suburb Guide — 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 suburb guide scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Vermont South known for?

The Glen shopping centre nearby.

Is Vermont South a good suburb to live in?

Honest Lane 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