Best Coworking Guide in Mentone Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Mentone to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.50-5.50 for a flat white, $28-45 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. Oliver’s is the one everyone knows. Sunny Cellar is the one they should know. Mentone has bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

1. Anchor — 7 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: groups

Anchor has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($14) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 36 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The fish special ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. Pearl — 314 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Pearl has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($24) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($27) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. The Golden Depot — 111 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Golden Depot has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 44 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Young Lane is usually fine.

Go for: The house-made relish ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Ivy Cellar — 25 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Ivy Cellar has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($23) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Johnston Avenue is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. Hazel’s — 303 Johnston Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Hazel’s has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($18) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 55 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

What Mentone Actually Is

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity. Good cafe strip on Como Parade. Direct beach access. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Mentone’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. Whether you’re based in Mentone or visiting from nearby, you’ll find that this history shapes everything from the food culture to the community events. The locals who’ve been here longest will tell you the suburb has changed dramatically, but the bones are still good.

6. High Commons — 225 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

High Commons has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($9) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 33 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

7. Union — 325 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: solo diners

Union has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($16) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 30 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Table — 377 Market Parade, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A local institution Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Table has been operating in Mentone for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($14) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The daily soup ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Sol’s — 370 Smith Avenue, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: A local institution Cost: $17-25 per person Best for: dates

Sol’s has been operating in Mentone for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($17) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 60 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($20) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

10. Ruby Quarter — 354 Young Lane, Mentone VIC 3191

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-32 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Ruby Quarter has been operating in Mentone for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($18) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Young Lane is usually fine.

Get the: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — the best version in Mentone Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Mentone roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

• Cheltenham Coworking Guide — same vibe, different suburb
• Mentone Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Mentone Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Mordialloc Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Mentone stacks up
• All Mentone Guides — everything we’ve written about Mentone

FAQ

Is Mentone worth visiting?

Yes. Mentone has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The coworking guide scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Mentone known for?

Bayside suburb with strong independent community identity.

What is Mentone best known for?

Oliver is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Mentone from Melbourne CBD?

Mentone is 20km, 35min train, 28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Mentone isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026