Best Bars for Dates in Wantirna Melbourne 2026
| Pick |
|---|
| No-cost pick | Luna’s | | Best with kids | Humble Social | | Hidden spot | Room | | Bad weather pick | Felix Corner |
We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Wantirna 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. Red Post is the one everyone knows. Nell’s is the one they should know. Wantirna has studfield shopping centre and knox city provide retail.
1. Theo’s — 33 Smith Avenue, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
Capacity is around 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on High Drive is usually fine.
2. Max Cellar — 258 High Drive, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Capacity is around 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The crispy chicken ($21) — solid
3. Blue Bench — 72 Bridge Parade, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: budget eaters
Capacity is around 33 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Go for: The fish special ($27) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Wantirna farmers market when it runs.
4. River Union — 270 Smith Avenue, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The room holds 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on High Drive is usually fine.
5. Marco — 259 Bridge Parade, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The room holds 31 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($21) — solid
Why Wantirna Is Worth Knowing
6. The Red Table — 54 Bridge Parade, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-24 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
7. The Bright Post — 293 Bridge Parade, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 60 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The daily soup ($21) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
8. Max’s — 283 Johnston Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
The room holds 45 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
9. Zara Pantry — 323 Johnston Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: groups
Capacity is around 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Smith Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
10. Canvas — 325 Johnston Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
11. Kai’s — 374 Smith Avenue, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The room holds 44 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Smith Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Wantirna roaster — ask which one.
Explore More
- Ferntree Gully Best Bars for Dates — same vibe, different suburb
- Wantirna Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Wantirna Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Knoxfield Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Wantirna stacks up
- All Wantirna Guides — everything we’ve written about Wantirna
FAQ
Yes. The best bars for dates scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Wantirna known for?
Studfield Shopping Centre and Knox City provide retail.
Where is a good date spot in Wantirna?
Red Press is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Wantirna from Melbourne CBD?
Wantirna is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
