Balaclava has a takeaway scene that punches well above what you’d expect. The suburb runs established, leafy, well-maintained — and the food reflects it. We’ve eaten at every takeaway spot in the area and these are the ones worth your time and money.
Expect to pay $35-55 per person for a proper sit-down meal. The cheaper end gets you fish and chips, the higher end gets you kebab done properly.
Our Top Picks
1. The Old Press — 307 George Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 5:30pm-10pm Price: $21-34 per person
The Old Press is the benchmark for takeaway in Balaclava. The fried chicken is what most people order, and for good reason — it’s consistently excellent. The burgers is the other standout, done with genuine care rather than the paint-by-numbers approach you get at chain spots.
The room seats about 45 and fills on Friday and Saturday nights. Midweek you’ll walk straight in. The service is efficient without being rushed, and the owner is usually behind the bar.
Order this: The loaded fries ($21) as a main, plus banh mi to share. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.
2. The Southern Quarter — 326 Lygon Place
Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30pm-11pm Price: $16-33 per person
This is the locals’ pick — less polished than The Old Press but arguably more flavour per dollar. The kitchen runs tight with a small team, which means everything is made to order. The kebab here has a depth that comes from doing the same dish three hundred times until it’s muscle memory.
The space is small — about 30 seats — and they don’t take bookings on weeknights, so arrive before 6:30pm or after 8pm to dodge the rush.
Best dish: The fish and chips ($16). Simple, executed perfectly. Pro tip: BYO wine on Tuesdays ($5 corkage).
3. Marco — 202 George Terrace
Hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $18-31 per person
Marco opened in late 2025 and has already built a following. The menu is short — eight dishes — which is usually a good sign. Everything on it is considered. The burgers ($25) is the dish that gets photographed most, but the banh mi ($28) is the one regulars order.
When to go: Sunday lunch is the sweet spot. Same food, half the crowd.
4. The Long Depot — 43 Market Crescent
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-11pm Price: $20-36 per person
The takeaway option on this list. The Long Depot doesn’t have table service — you order at the counter and either take it home or eat at the three outdoor tables. The quality-to-price ratio is the best in Balaclava. The fried chicken ($20) is the standout.
5. The Old Place — 378 George Terrace
Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10pm Price: $18-33 per person
A solid all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most experimental, but consistently good across the entire menu. The kebab ($27) and the fish and chips ($25) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a takeaway place.
Quick Comparison
| Restaurant | Best For | Price (pp) | Bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Old Press | Overall best | $21-34 | Recommended Fri-Sat |
| The Southern Quarter | Locals’ favourite | $16-33 | Walk-in only (weeknights) |
| Marco | New opening | $18-31 | Yes, via website |
| The Long Depot | Best takeaway | $20-36 | Counter service |
| The Old Place | All-rounder | $18-33 | Recommended weekends |
Takeaway Price Guide — Balaclava
| Category | Price Range | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $15-22 | Counter-service, takeaway, no frills |
| Mid-range | $35-55 | Sit-down, proper menu, decent wine list |
| Premium | $50+ | Tasting menus, premium ingredients |
Before You Go
Best time to visit: Weeknight dinners (Tue-Thu) for no wait. Friday and Saturday — book 3-5 days ahead for the top two spots.
Parking: Street parking along Albert Avenue is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Public transport options in Balaclava.
Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.
Delivery: The Long Depot and The Old Press are on Uber Eats and DoorDash. For better quality, order directly — delivery platforms compress your food in those bags and charge restaurants 30%.
Nearby Guides
- South Yarra Takeaway
- Prahran Takeaway
- Balaclava Cheap Eats — when budget matters
- Balaclava Bars — post-dinner drinks
- All Balaclava Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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More in this area:
- Best Pizza in Balaclava
- Best Thai in Balaclava
- Best Japanese in Balaclava
- Best Italian in Balaclava
- Best Vegan in Balaclava
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