Hillside 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.
Fashion
Nell’s — 264 Elizabeth Grove
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 personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 8am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm.
Northern Larder — 304 Bell Grove
A local institution that has been operating for over 13 years. The value 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 $8-14 per person.
Finn Press — 9 Chapel Road
One of Hillside’s best-kept secrets. The team takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $8-14. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Homewares
Vera’s — 246 Chapel Road
One of Hillside’s most underrated spots. The team has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $8-14. The back area is where the regulars sit. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Ivy Larder — 115 Chapel Road
One of Hillside’s most underrated spots. The team 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.
Gus’s — 373 Fitzroy Crescent
Opened in 2024 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-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm.
Books & Records
Kai’s — 27 Young Drive
One of Hillside’s most underrated spots. The owner takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $8-14. The window seats are the best for people-watching. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.
Atlas Quarter — 28 Bell Grove
A local institution that has been operating for over 12 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm. Don’t miss this one. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Luna’s — 352 Elizabeth Grove
One of Hillside’s best-kept secrets. The team sources everything locally. Price range: $8-14. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Food & Specialty
Otto’s — 282 Young Drive
Opened in 2024 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 6:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm.
Happy Post — 358 Elizabeth Grove
A local institution that has been operating for over 13 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm. Worth the trip. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Hazel Union — 229 Bell Grove
One of Hillside’s hidden gems. The staff takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $8-14. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Markets
Stella’s — 116 Elizabeth 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 8am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm.
The Sunny Quarter — 317 Bell Grove
A local institution that has been operating for over 11 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3:30pm. A neighbourhood staple. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Wagtail — 52 Chapel Road
Opened in 2025 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 personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm.
Practical Info
Getting there: Public transport options in Hillside.
Best time to visit: Sunday afternoons — the suburban pace suits it.
Budget: A full day exploring Hillside — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $105 per person.
Parking: Street parking on Fitzroy Crescent is available but competitive on weekends. Side streets usually have 2-hour unrestricted zones. Public transport is the better option.
Hillside 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 Hillside |
| Best for | Hillside local shops, community feel, suburban lifestyle |
Nearby
- Melbourne CBD — also worth exploring
- Hillside Cafes
- Hillside Restaurants
- All Hillside Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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