Mentone Food Crawl — The Ultimate Route

Mentone 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.

Stop 1: Coffee

Happy Commons — 118 Market Parade

One of Mentone’s genuine highlights. The owner takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $12-18. The window seats are the best for people-watching. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.

Pearl’s — 174 Lygon Avenue

Opened in 2025 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 community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm.

Stop 2: Snack

Pearl Depot — 282 Brunswick Avenue

Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. 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 7:30am-2:30pm.

Hazel — 366 Ash Terrace

A local institution that has been operating for over 7 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm. A neighbourhood staple. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.

Stop 3: Main Meal

Cleo Works — 113 Market Parade

Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The fit-out is minimal but thoughtful. 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 8am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2:30pm.

Cleo’s — 287 Flinders Lane

Opened in 2025 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 personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm.

Stop 4: Dessert

Hazel — 281 Flinders Lane

One of Mentone’s genuine highlights. The owner 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.

Rex — 313 Lygon Avenue

A local institution that has been operating for over 12 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm. A neighbourhood staple. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.

Stop 5: Nightcap

The Southern Store — 91 Lygon Avenue

Opened in 2025 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 personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm.

The Green Pantry — 371 Market Parade

Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. Better than half the options in the CBD. 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 8:30am-3pm.

Practical Info

Getting there: Public transport options in Mentone.

Best time to visit: Early evening for the transition from day to night scene.

Budget: A full day exploring Mentone — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $73 per person.

Parking: Street parking on Brunswick Avenue is available but competitive on weekends. Side streets usually have 2-hour unrestricted zones. Public transport is the better option.

Mentone 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 Mentone
Best for	Mentone local shops, community feel, suburban lifestyle

Nearby

Last updated: March 2026

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