Vermont South sits in Melbourne’s east and runs suburban, welcoming, family-oriented. Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re visiting for the day, this guide covers the best of what the suburb offers.
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Rex’s — 270 Rowan Street
Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. Prices are fair for the quality. What sets it apart is the consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3pm.
Sol — 78 Spring Avenue
Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. Better than half the options in the CBD. What sets it apart is the community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm.
Felix’s — 316 Bell Drive
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The fit-out is minimal but thoughtful. Check their socials for weekly specials. What sets it apart is the personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm.
Most Spacious
Nico’s — 253 Rowan Street
A local institution that has been operating for over 6 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm. Worth the trip. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $10-16 per person.
Union — 92 Spring Avenue
A local institution that has been operating for over 15 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2:30pm. A neighbourhood staple. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $10-16 per person.
Felix Union — 286 Blake Street
Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. The kind of place you tell friends about. What sets it apart is the attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm.
Quietest
Pantry — 175 Spring Avenue
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The design is industrial-meets-cozy. Check their socials for weekly specials. What sets it apart is the community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm.
Pearl Corner — 4 High Terrace
One of Vermont South’s hidden gems. The staff sources everything locally. Price range: $10-16. The back area is where the regulars sit. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Rosa’s — 119 Rowan Street
A local institution that has been operating for over 9 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3:30pm. Consistently reliable. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $10-16 per person.
Best Coffee While Working
Iris’s — 77 Spring Avenue
A local institution that has been operating for over 10 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3pm. A neighbourhood staple. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $10-16 per person.
Iris Store — 117 High Terrace
One of Vermont South’s most underrated spots. The owner knows every regular by name. Price range: $10-16. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.
Ruby — 133 Rowan Street
A local institution that has been operating for over 4 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm. Don’t miss this one. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $10-16 per person.
Co-Working Nearby
Kitchen — 151 Bell Drive
A local institution that has been operating for over 14 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm. Don’t miss this one. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $10-16 per person.
The Good Room — 193 Rowan Street
One of Vermont South’s most underrated spots. The team takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $10-16. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Stella’s — 266 Blake Street
A local institution that has been operating for over 10 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm. Worth the trip. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $10-16 per person.
Practical Info
Getting there: Public transport options in Vermont South.
Best time to visit: Saturday for the full buzz.
Budget: A full day exploring Vermont South — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $95 per person.
Parking: Street parking on Spring Avenue is available but competitive on weekends. Side streets usually have 2-hour unrestricted zones. Public transport is the better option.
Vermont South at a Glance
| Category | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Vibe | Suburban, welcoming, family-oriented |
| Coffee price | $4.50-5.00 |
| Dinner price | $22-38 pp |
| Getting there | Public transport options in Vermont South |
| Best for | Vermont South local shops, community feel, suburban lifestyle |
Nearby
- Box Hill — also worth exploring
- Vermont South Cafes
- Vermont South Restaurants
- All Vermont South Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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