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.
Cafes
Leo’s — 12 Lygon Avenue
Opened in early 2026 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 personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3:30pm.
New Press — 132 Market Parade
A local institution that has been operating for over 8 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2:30pm. Worth the trip. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Nell’s — 274 Flinders Lane
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The fit-out is minimal but thoughtful. Check their socials for weekly specials. What sets it apart is the consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 7am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-2:30pm.
Restaurants
Rex’s — 288 Flinders Lane
A local institution that has been operating for over 15 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm. A neighbourhood staple. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Nell’s — 249 Ash Terrace
One of Mentone’s best-kept secrets. The staff has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $12-18. The window seats are the best for people-watching. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Hazel’s — 261 Market Parade
A local institution that has been operating for over 14 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm. Worth the trip. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Bars
Sunny Room — 331 Market Parade
Opened in early 2026 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-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm.
Zara’s — 81 Ash Terrace
One of Mentone’s best-kept secrets. The owner sources everything locally. Price range: $12-18. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Zara — 312 Flinders Lane
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-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm.
Shops
Felix’s — 135 Flinders Lane
Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. Prices are fair for the quality. What sets it apart is the attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3:30pm.
Operator — 127 Brunswick Avenue
One of Mentone’s best-kept secrets. The team takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $12-18. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.
Felix’s — 301 Brunswick Avenue
A local institution that has been operating for over 7 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm. Don’t miss this one. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Fitness & Wellness
Honest Place — 101 Brunswick Avenue
One of Mentone’s hidden gems. The staff sources everything locally. Price range: $12-18. The back area is where the regulars sit. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
The White Larder — 334 Ash Terrace
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 personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm.
Ada Social — 37 Market Parade
One of Mentone’s hidden gems. The team has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $12-18. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Practical Info
Getting there: Public transport options in Mentone.
Best time to visit: Sunday afternoons — the suburban pace suits it.
Budget: A full day exploring Mentone — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $78 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
- Sandringham — also worth exploring
- Mentone Cafes
- Mentone Restaurants
- All Mentone Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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