Best Family Restaurants in Vermont Melbourne 2026

Vermont doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The best restaurants for families scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Pearl Store and The High Room are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Vermont sits 24-35km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Residential suburb with Vermont South Shopping Centre access.

1. Luna — 12 Blake Parade, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Luna has been operating in Vermont for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($24) 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 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bridge Place is usually fine.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont farmers market when it runs.

2. The Blue Lane — 325 Blake Parade, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Blue Lane has been operating in Vermont for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($17) 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 37 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The fish special ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont farmers market when it runs.

3. The Good Union — 121 Market Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Good Union has been operating in Vermont for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($23) 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 45 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. The Sunny Commons — 325 Blake Parade, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: solo diners

The Sunny Commons has been operating in Vermont for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($25) 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 59 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Blake Parade is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Pearl’s — 148 Market Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $15-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Pearl’s has been operating in Vermont for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($19) 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 63 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Albert Lane is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($20) — the best version in Vermont Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont farmers market when it runs.

Vermont — The Honest Version

Residential suburb with Vermont South Shopping Centre access. Bellbird Dell nature reserve. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Vermont’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For Vermont locals and anyone in the area, 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. Stella — 378 Blake Parade, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: solo diners

Stella has been operating in Vermont for since the early 2020s 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 59 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Albert Lane is usually fine.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Vermont roaster — ask which one.

7. River’s — 67 Albert Lane, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: the whole crew

River’s has been operating in Vermont for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($19) 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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The crispy chicken ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Lena’s — 175 Market Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Lena’s has been operating in Vermont for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($14) 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 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Blake Street after 6pm.

9. Marco — 13 Market Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-34 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Marco has been operating in Vermont 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.

The room holds 61 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($24) — the best version in Vermont Insider tip: Parking is free on Market Street after 6pm.

10. Remy Press — 44 Market Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Remy Press has been operating in Vermont for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($14) 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 41 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

11. Kai’s — 241 North Parade, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-25 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Kai’s has been operating in Vermont for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 63 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on North Parade is usually fine.

Order this: The seasonal special ($23) — the best version in Vermont Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

• Heathmont Best Restaurants for Families — same vibe, different suburb
• Vermont Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Vermont Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Vermont South Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Vermont stacks up
• All Vermont Guides — everything we’ve written about Vermont

FAQ

Is Vermont worth visiting?

Yes. Vermont has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The best restaurants for families scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Vermont known for?

Residential suburb with Vermont South Shopping Centre access.

What is the most family-friendly restaurant in Vermont?

Mabel Mill is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Vermont from Melbourne CBD?

Vermont is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Vermont isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026