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.
Fashion
Happy Corner — 301 Ash Terrace
A local institution that has been operating for over 4 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm. Consistently reliable. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Zara — 131 Brunswick Avenue
One of Mentone’s genuine highlights. The staff has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $12-18. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Commons — 198 Market Parade
A local institution that has been operating for over 5 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm. Don’t miss this one. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Homewares
The Northern Cellar — 373 Brunswick Avenue
A local institution that has been operating for over 10 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3pm. A neighbourhood staple. The owner is a local who genuinely invests in the community. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Ivy’s — 36 Lygon Avenue
A local institution that has been operating for over 14 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm. Consistently reliable. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Ruby Lane — 83 Flinders Lane
A local institution that has been operating for over 5 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm. Consistently reliable. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Books & Records
Luna Mill — 19 Ash Terrace
A local institution that has been operating for over 6 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm. Consistently reliable. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Rex’s — 67 Brunswick Avenue
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The design is industrial-meets-cozy. Prices are fair for the quality. What sets it apart is the personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3pm.
High Social — 280 Market Parade
A local institution that has been operating for over 10 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm. Consistently reliable. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Food & Specialty
The Black Social — 27 Brunswick 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 consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm.
Sol — 215 Flinders Lane
A local institution that has been operating for over 3 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm. Don’t miss this one. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Finn Yard — 92 Market Parade
A local institution that has been operating for over 7 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2:30pm. A neighbourhood staple. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Markets
Nina’s — 94 Ash Terrace
A local institution that has been operating for over 6 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm. Worth the trip. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Long Pantry — 151 Brunswick Avenue
A local institution that has been operating for over 13 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm. Don’t miss this one. The owner is a local who genuinely invests in the community. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Max — 325 Flinders Lane
A local institution that has been operating for over 8 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm. Worth the trip. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $12-18 per person.
Practical Info
Getting there: Public transport options in Mentone.
Best time to visit: Saturday for the full buzz.
Budget: A full day exploring Mentone — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $106 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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