Things to Do in Vermont South This Weekend — 2026

Vermont South doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The things to do this weekend scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Tall Lane and Leo Commons 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. Mabel Works — 33 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Mabel Works has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($18) 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 49 — 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 ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. Atlas — 67 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Atlas has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 space seats about 31 — 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 sourdough bread ($13) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Lucky Press — 15 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: remote workers

Lucky Press has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($22) 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 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The seasonal special ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Leo’s — 314 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Leo’s has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

Capacity is around 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Vermont South roaster — ask which one.

5. Old Works — 296 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Old Works has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($16) 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 43 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont South farmers market when it runs.

What Vermont South Actually Is

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. The New Cellar — 22 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The New Cellar has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($19) 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 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. The Red House — 144 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Red House has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on River Street is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The lamb shoulder ($12) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont South farmers market when it runs.

8. Oliver’s — 168 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Oliver’s has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($12) 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 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on River Street is usually fine.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont South farmers market when it runs.

9. Marco’s — 76 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: budget eaters

Marco’s has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($22) 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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Rosa’s — 134 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: A local institution Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: budget eaters

Rosa’s has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($22) 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 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Anderson Drive is usually fine.

Get the: The house-made relish ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

• Vermont Things To Do This Weekend — 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 things to do this weekend scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Vermont South known for?

The Glen shopping centre nearby.

What is there to do in Vermont South on a Sunday?

The New Union 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