For weekend locals

Underrated Picks & Secret Spots in Vermont You Need in 2026

Yuki Tanaka March 25, 2026
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Underrated Picks & Secret Spots in Vermont You Need in 2026

in Vermont Melbourne Locals Love

Pick
Top pickMia Table
Free highlightRiver’s
Family-friendlyHugo
Locals onlyLena’s
Indoor optionMabel Room

Vermont doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The Old Room and The Lucky Commons 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. The Half Lane — 320 Albert Lane, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Capacity is around 61 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Bridge Place is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($23) — solid

2. Long Post — 278 North Parade, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-28 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Capacity is around 55 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont farmers market when it runs.

3. Leo — 202 North Parade, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-26 per person Best for: remote workers

The room holds 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Albert Lane is usually fine.

Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Remy Place — 304 Albert Lane, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Capacity is around 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.

5. The Long Corner — 345 Bridge Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The space seats about 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

What Vermont Actually Is

6. The Honest Pantry — 87 Albert Lane, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The room holds 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Market Place is usually fine.

Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Vermont roaster — ask which one.

7. The Little Works — 3 Blake Parade, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: remote workers

The room holds 52 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Luna — 348 North Parade, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The room holds 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The daily soup ($18) — solid Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Vermont roaster — ask which one.

9. Otto Bench — 75 Blake Parade, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The room holds 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.

10. Cleo House — 30 Market Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: the whole crew

The room holds 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

11. The Old Kitchen — 130 North Parade, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $19-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The room holds 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

12. Half Local — 139 Bridge Place, Vermont VIC 3175

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The room holds 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

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FAQ

What is Vermont known for?

Residential suburb with Vermont South Shopping Centre access.

What are the most underrated spots in Vermont?

Mia Table 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.

If you’re comparing Vermont to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026

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