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.
Fashion
Ava’s — 345 Johnston Terrace
Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. Check their socials for weekly specials. What sets it apart is the personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm.
Vera’s — 253 Fitzroy Avenue
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 attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm.
Long Commons — 273 Willow Lane
One of Cheltenham’s genuine highlights. The owner knows every regular by name. Price range: $12-18. The window seats are the best for people-watching. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Homewares
Gus’s — 370 Church Street
One of Cheltenham’s hidden gems. The team knows every regular by name. Price range: $12-18. The back area is where the regulars sit. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Stella — 184 Church Street
A local institution that has been operating for over 13 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm. Worth the trip. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
The Tall Yard — 112 Willow Lane
Opened in 2024 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 8am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-2:30pm.
Books & Records
Bench — 104 Willow Lane
Opened in 2024 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 7am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm.
The Sunny Quarter — 196 Fitzroy Avenue
Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The design is industrial-meets-cozy. 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 7am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3:30pm.
Bright Commons — 227 Fitzroy Avenue
Opened in early 2026 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 attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm.
Food & Specialty
The Green Mill — 288 Victoria Crescent
Opened in early 2026 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 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm.
Gus — 134 Fitzroy Avenue
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The fit-out is minimal but thoughtful. The kind of place you tell friends about. What sets it apart is the attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm.
The Little Kitchen — 34 Willow Lane
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. 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 8am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm.
Markets
Ruby Local — 183 Victoria Crescent
A local institution that has been operating for over 8 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-2:30pm. Don’t miss this one. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Oliver’s — 255 Victoria Crescent
One of Cheltenham’s best-kept secrets. The team has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $12-18. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Finn House — 287 Victoria Crescent
A local institution that has been operating for over 7 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm. Consistently reliable. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Practical Info
Getting there: Public transport options in Cheltenham.
Best time to visit: Early evening for the transition from day to night scene.
Budget: A full day exploring Cheltenham — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $104 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
- Sandringham — also worth exploring
- Cheltenham Cafes
- Cheltenham Restaurants
- All Cheltenham Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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