Best Desserts in Kew — 2026 Guide

Kew has a desserts scene that punches well above what you’d expect. The suburb runs established, leafy, well-maintained — and the food reflects it. We’ve eaten at every desserts spot in the area and these are the ones worth your time and money.

Expect to pay $35-55 per person for a proper sit-down meal. The cheaper end gets you gelato, the higher end gets you tiramisu done properly.

Our Top Picks

1. Theo Commons — 129 Johnston Avenue

Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $18-30 per person

Theo Commons is the benchmark for desserts in Kew. The churros is what most people order, and for good reason — it’s consistently excellent. The pavlova is the other standout, done with genuine care rather than the paint-by-numbers approach you get at chain spots.

The room seats about 45 and fills on Friday and Saturday nights. Midweek you’ll walk straight in. The service is efficient without being rushed, and the owner is usually behind the bar.

Order this: The chocolate fondant ($18) as a main, plus lemon tart to share. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.

2. Larder — 201 Johnston Avenue

Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $19-27 per person

This is the locals’ pick — less polished than Theo Commons but arguably more flavour per dollar. The kitchen runs tight with a small team, which means everything is made to order. The tiramisu here has a depth that comes from doing the same dish three hundred times until it’s muscle memory.

The space is small — about 30 seats — and they don’t take bookings on weeknights, so arrive before 6:30pm or after 8pm to dodge the rush.

Best dish: The gelato ($19). Simple, executed perfectly. Pro tip: BYO wine on Tuesdays ($5 corkage).

3. Nell’s — 311 Smith Parade

Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $22-32 per person

Nell’s opened in late 2025 and has already built a following. The menu is short — eight dishes — which is usually a good sign. Everything on it is considered. The pavlova ($25) is the dish that gets photographed most, but the lemon tart ($26) is the one regulars order.

When to go: Sunday lunch is the sweet spot. Same food, half the crowd.

4. River’s — 248 Johnston Avenue

Hours: Wed-Sun 5:30pm-11pm Price: $16-24 per person

The takeaway option on this list. River’s doesn’t have table service — you order at the counter and either take it home or eat at the three outdoor tables. The quality-to-price ratio is the best in Kew. The churros ($16) is the standout.

5. Commons — 295 Rowan Drive

Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $21-39 per person

A solid all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most experimental, but consistently good across the entire menu. The tiramisu ($29) and the gelato ($20) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a desserts place.

Quick Comparison

Desserts Price Guide — Kew

Before You Go

Best time to visit: Weeknight dinners (Tue-Thu) for no wait. Friday and Saturday — book 3-5 days ahead for the top two spots.

Parking: Street parking along King Terrace is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Public transport options in Kew.

Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.

Delivery: River’s and Theo Commons are on Uber Eats and DoorDash. For better quality, order directly — delivery platforms compress your food in those bags and charge restaurants 30%.

Nearby Guides

• Richmond Desserts
• Hawthorn Desserts
• Kew Cheap Eats — when budget matters
• Kew Bars — post-dinner drinks
• All Kew Guides

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

• Best Pizza in Kew
• Best Thai in Kew
• Best Japanese in Kew
• Best Italian in Kew
• Best Vegan in Kew

Useful tools:

• Melbourne Food Guide
• Compare Melbourne Suburbs
• Explore Kew