New Openings in Bentleigh East — 2026

Bentleigh East sits in Melbourne’s south east and runs creative, walkable, authentic. Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re visiting for the day, this guide covers the best of what the suburb offers.

Cafes

Felix’s — 218 Bourke Drive

One of Bentleigh East’s genuine highlights. The staff takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $12-18. The window seats are the best for people-watching. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.

Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The fit-out is minimal but thoughtful. Check their socials for weekly specials. What sets it apart is the community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm.

Cardinal — 197 Young Crescent

A local institution that has been operating for over 10 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm. Don’t miss this one. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.

Restaurants

Sunny Press — 373 Anderson Grove

Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The design is industrial-meets-cozy. Prices are fair for the quality. What sets it apart is the community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm.

The Lucky Table — 58 Bourke Drive

Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The design is industrial-meets-cozy. Better than half the options in the CBD. What sets it apart is the community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm.

Nell — 332 Bourke Drive

Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. Better than half the options in the CBD. What sets it apart is the personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm.

Bars

The Northern Local — 110 Young Crescent

One of Bentleigh East’s best-kept secrets. The owner sources everything locally. Price range: $12-18. The window seats are the best for people-watching. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.

Theo Quarter — 166 North Terrace

A local institution that has been operating for over 3 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm. Consistently reliable. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.

Ava’s — 345 Young Crescent

A local institution that has been operating for over 15 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm. A neighbourhood staple. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.

Shops

Nell Table — 360 Station Crescent

A local institution that has been operating for over 15 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm. Worth the trip. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.

Pearl’s — 315 North Terrace

A local institution that has been operating for over 15 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm. A neighbourhood staple. The owner is a local who genuinely invests in the community. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.

Stella’s — 331 Young Crescent

Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The design is industrial-meets-cozy. The kind of place you tell friends about. What sets it apart is the personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-2:30pm.

Fitness & Wellness

The Green Place — 288 Anderson Grove

A local institution that has been operating for over 12 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm. Consistently reliable. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.

Iris — 107 Young Crescent

Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The fit-out is minimal but thoughtful. Prices are fair for the quality. What sets it apart is the attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm.

Kai’s — 142 Anderson Grove

One of Bentleigh East’s best-kept secrets. The owner has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $12-18. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.

Practical Info

Getting there: Public transport options in Bentleigh East.

Best time to visit: Sunday afternoons — the suburban pace suits it.

Budget: A full day exploring Bentleigh East — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $74 per person.

Parking: Street parking on Anderson Grove is available but competitive on weekends. Side streets usually have 2-hour unrestricted zones. Public transport is the better option.

Bentleigh East at a Glance

Category	Quick Answer
Vibe	Creative, walkable, authentic
Coffee price	$4.50-5.50
Dinner price	$28-45 pp
Getting there	Public transport options in Bentleigh East
Best for	Bentleigh East local shops, community feel, suburban lifestyle

Nearby

Last updated: March 2026

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