Mckinnon sits in Melbourne’s south east and runs evolving, community-driven, emerging. 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
Ivy — 363 Church Place
A local institution that has been operating for over 13 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm. Worth the trip. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Cleo’s — 113 Mary Lane
Opened in 2025 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 attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm.
The New Kitchen — 28 Church Place
One of Mckinnon’s genuine highlights. The owner has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $12-18. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.
Homewares
The Bright Table — 1 Queen Parade
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 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm.
Theo’s — 304 Mary Lane
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 community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 8am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-2:30pm.
Black Kitchen — 155 Church Place
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 community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm.
Books & Records
Hazel’s — 364 Queen Parade
A local institution that has been operating for over 3 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm. A neighbourhood staple. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Hazel — 173 Young Grove
One of Mckinnon’s most underrated spots. The staff sources everything locally. Price range: $12-18. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
The Red Commons — 211 Mary Lane
One of Mckinnon’s hidden gems. The staff takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $12-18. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Food & Specialty
The Long Kitchen — 139 Church Place
A local institution that has been operating for over 5 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm. Don’t miss this one. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
The New Bench — 305 Charles Avenue
Opened in early 2026 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 consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm.
The Golden Yard — 329 Church Place
One of Mckinnon’s genuine highlights. The owner knows every regular by name. Price range: $12-18. The window seats are the best for people-watching. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.
Markets
Iris — 76 Queen Parade
A local institution that has been operating for over 4 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm. A neighbourhood staple. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
The Half Store — 349 Church Place
A local institution that has been operating for over 5 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm. A neighbourhood staple. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Wide Kitchen — 126 Young Grove
One of Mckinnon’s most underrated spots. The staff sources everything locally. Price range: $12-18. The back area is where the regulars sit. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.
Practical Info
Getting there: Public transport options in Mckinnon.
Best time to visit: Sunday afternoons — the suburban pace suits it.
Budget: A full day exploring Mckinnon — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $78 per person.
Parking: Street parking on Church Place is available but competitive on weekends. Side streets usually have 2-hour unrestricted zones. Public transport is the better option.
Mckinnon at a Glance
| Category | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Vibe | Evolving, community-driven, emerging |
| Coffee price | $4.50-5.50 |
| Dinner price | $28-45 pp |
| Getting there | Public transport options in Mckinnon |
| Best for | Mckinnon local shops, community feel, suburban lifestyle |
Nearby
- Brighton — also worth exploring
- Mckinnon Cafes
- Mckinnon Restaurants
- All Mckinnon Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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