in Wantirna Melbourne Locals Love
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Collective |
| Free highlight | Sol Table |
| Family-friendly | Remy’s |
| Locals only | Iris’s |
| Indoor option | The Humble Standard |
Wantirna doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. Otto’s and Otto’s are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Wantirna sits 24-35km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Studfield Shopping Centre and Knox City provide retail.
1. Rex’s — 100 Bridge Parade, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: solo diners
The space seats about 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Bridge Parade is usually fine.
2. Rosa Lane — 235 Johnston Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: A local institution Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The space seats about 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
3. Theo’s — 101 Elm Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $21-33 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The space seats about 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Go for: The fish special ($25) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
4. Atlas Bench — 304 High Drive, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: remote workers
Capacity is around 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Smith Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
5. Iris’s — 41 High Drive, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Johnston Terrace is usually fine.
Insider tip: They source produce from Wantirna farmers market when it runs.
What Nobody Tells You About Wantirna
6. Finn Social — 73 Elm Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Capacity is around 38 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Wantirna farmers market when it runs.
7. Canvas — 92 High Drive, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: remote workers
Capacity is around 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
8. Long Yard — 316 Smith Avenue, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: the whole crew
Capacity is around 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Elm Terrace is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
9. Luna’s — 189 Johnston Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
10. Long Works — 310 Smith Avenue, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Bridge Parade is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
11. Cleo’s — 188 Johnston Terrace, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Capacity is around 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on Bridge Parade is usually fine.
Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — solid Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
12. Long Press — 339 Bridge Parade, Wantirna VIC 3138
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Capacity is around 39 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Explore More
- 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
What is Wantirna known for?
Studfield Shopping Centre and Knox City provide retail.
What are the most underrated spots in Wantirna?
Collective 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.
If you’re comparing Wantirna 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
