Cheltenham Food Crawl — The Ultimate Route

Cheltenham sits in Melbourne’s bayside 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.

Stop 1: Coffee

Rex Works — 336 Willow Lane

One of Cheltenham’s best-kept secrets. The owner takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $12-18. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.

The Green Press — 348 Fitzroy Avenue

A local institution that has been operating for over 13 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-2:30pm. Consistently reliable. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.

Stop 2: Snack

Sparrow — 226 Fitzroy Avenue

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 attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm.

Felix’s — 184 Church Street

A local institution that has been operating for over 8 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm. A neighbourhood staple. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.

Stop 3: Main Meal

Happy Bench — 166 Church Street

A local institution that has been operating for over 4 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2:30pm. Consistently reliable. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.

Collective — 161 Church Street

A local institution that has been operating for over 10 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm. A neighbourhood staple. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.

Stop 4: Dessert

Mill — 378 Church Street

One of Cheltenham’s genuine highlights. The team sources everything locally. Price range: $12-18. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.

Gus’s — 144 Johnston Terrace

A local institution that has been operating for over 14 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm. Worth the trip. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.

Stop 5: Nightcap

The Good Store — 357 Victoria Crescent

Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. 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-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3:30pm.

Rex Works — 266 Church Street

A local institution that has been operating for over 3 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm. A neighbourhood staple. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.

Practical Info

Getting there: Public transport options in Cheltenham.

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for a quieter experience.

Budget: A full day exploring Cheltenham — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $81 per person.

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

Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham
Best for	Cheltenham local shops, community feel, suburban lifestyle

Nearby

Last updated: March 2026

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