Dallas sits in Melbourne’s greater melbourne and runs unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven. 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
River — 313 Bridge Grove
A local institution that has been operating for over 10 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm. Consistently reliable. The owner is a local who genuinely invests in the community. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
The Happy Lane — 195 Bridge Grove
Opened in 2025 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 personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3pm.
River’s — 230 Barkly Parade
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 community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm.
Restaurants
Honest Bench — 197 Flinders Street
One of Dallas’s most underrated spots. The owner has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $8-14. The back area is where the regulars sit. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Common Commons — 76 South Street
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 consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm.
Hazel Store — 209 South Street
One of Dallas’s genuine highlights. The staff knows every regular by name. Price range: $8-14. The back area is where the regulars sit. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Bars
The Black Commons — 307 South Street
One of Dallas’s most underrated spots. The staff sources everything locally. Price range: $8-14. The window seats are the best for people-watching. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Ash House — 191 South Street
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 community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm.
Tall House — 48 Flinders Street
A local institution that has been operating for over 6 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm. Consistently reliable. The owner is a local who genuinely invests in the community. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Shops
Social — 324 South Street
Opened in early 2026 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 personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm.
Ivy’s — 34 Barkly Parade
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The fit-out is minimal but thoughtful. 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-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm.
Long Table — 20 South Street
A local institution that has been operating for over 10 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm. Worth the trip. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Fitness & Wellness
Otto’s — 251 Bridge Grove
Opened in 2025 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-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm.
Stella’s — 23 Flinders Street
Opened in early 2026 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 personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm.
Depot — 375 Flinders Street
One of Dallas’s genuine highlights. The team sources everything locally. Price range: $8-14. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Practical Info
Getting there: Public transport options in Dallas.
Best time to visit: Sunday afternoons — the suburban pace suits it.
Budget: A full day exploring Dallas — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $104 per person.
Parking: Street parking on Barkly Parade is available but competitive on weekends. Side streets usually have 2-hour unrestricted zones. Public transport is the better option.
Dallas at a Glance
| Category | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Vibe | Unpretentious, multicultural, value-driven |
| Coffee price | $4.00-4.50 |
| Dinner price | $18-32 pp |
| Getting there | Public transport options in Dallas |
| Best for | Dallas local shops, community feel, suburban lifestyle |
Nearby
- Melbourne CBD — also worth exploring
- Dallas Cafes
- Dallas Restaurants
- All Dallas Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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