Highett 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.
Cafes
Sunny Kitchen — 325 Murray Place
One of Highett’s hidden gems. The staff 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.
Nico’s — 23 Flinders Street
A local institution that has been operating for over 8 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm. Worth the trip. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Hugo — 304 Flinders Street
One of Highett’s best-kept secrets. The staff sources everything locally. Price range: $12-18. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Restaurants
Mia’s — 209 Lygon Grove
Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. Prices are fair for the quality. What sets it apart is the personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm.
Common House — 64 Lygon Grove
Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. 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 7am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm.
Zara — 205 Queen Grove
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 community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm.
Bars
Happy Kitchen — 289 Bridge Lane
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 8am-3:30pm. Consistently reliable. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Mia’s — 158 Queen 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 attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm.
Common Works — 148 Lygon Grove
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 community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm.
Shops
Ruby — 74 Murray Place
One of Highett’s hidden gems. The team knows every regular by name. Price range: $12-18. The back area is where the regulars sit. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Archive — 370 Bridge Lane
One of Highett’s best-kept secrets. The owner has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $12-18. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Atlas — 250 Lygon Grove
A local institution that has been operating for over 7 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3:30pm. Don’t miss this one. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Fitness & Wellness
Archive — 162 Bridge Lane
One of Highett’s most underrated spots. The owner knows every regular by name. Price range: $12-18. The back area is where the regulars sit. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Southern Corner — 274 Flinders Street
Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. Prices are fair for the quality. What sets it apart is the consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm.
The Humble House — 131 Lygon Grove
One of Highett’s hidden gems. The owner knows every regular by name. Price range: $12-18. The back area is where the regulars sit. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Practical Info
Getting there: Public transport options in Highett.
Best time to visit: Sunday afternoons — the suburban pace suits it.
Budget: A full day exploring Highett — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $89 per person.
Parking: Street parking on Lygon Grove is available but competitive on weekends. Side streets usually have 2-hour unrestricted zones. Public transport is the better option.
Highett 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 Highett |
| Best for | Highett local shops, community feel, suburban lifestyle |
Nearby
- Sandringham — also worth exploring
- Highett Cafes
- Highett Restaurants
- All Highett Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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