Best Cheap Eats in Princes Hill Melbourne — Under $20 Guide 2026

Princes Hill doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The cheap eats scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Sol’s and Sunny Corner are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Princes Hill sits 15-30km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Princes Hill is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.

1. Stella Place — 157 Main Place, Princes Hill VIC 3175

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Stella Place has been operating in Princes Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($15) 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 space seats about 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The seasonal special ($20) — the best version in Princes Hill Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Princes Hill roaster — ask which one.

2. Lena Cellar — 200 Charles Grove, Princes Hill VIC 3175

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Lena Cellar has been operating in Princes Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($17) 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 space seats about 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The daily soup ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Post — 100 Charles Grove, Princes Hill VIC 3175

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: groups

Post has been operating in Princes Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($24) 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 space seats about 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($25) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Canvas — 343 Main Place, Princes Hill VIC 3175

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Canvas has been operating in Princes Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($25) 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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Main Place is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Northern Depot — 367 Main Place, Princes Hill VIC 3175

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: budget eaters

Northern Depot has been operating in Princes Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($19) 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 space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Why Locals Stay in Princes Hill

Princes Hill is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Princes Hill’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. For Princes Hill locals and anyone in the area, 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. The Northern Press — 89 Lake Drive, Princes Hill VIC 3175

What it is: A local institution Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Northern Press has been operating in Princes Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($13) 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 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Princes Hill roaster — ask which one.

7. Red Union — 15 Lake Drive, Princes Hill VIC 3175

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: dates

Red Union has been operating in Princes Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($25) 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.

Capacity is around 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

8. Ada Room — 201 Lake Drive, Princes Hill VIC 3175

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ada Room has been operating in Princes Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($11) 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 space seats about 62 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Rowan Parade is usually fine.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

9. Cleo Union — 81 Rowan Parade, Princes Hill VIC 3175

What it is: A local institution Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Cleo Union has been operating in Princes Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($14) 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Main Place is usually fine.

Come back for: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Old House — 92 Charles Grove, Princes Hill VIC 3175

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Old House has been operating in Princes Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Charles Grove is usually fine.

Get the: The mushroom pasta ($17) — the best version in Princes Hill Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

• Melbourne Cbd Cheap Eats — same vibe, different suburb
• Princes Hill Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Princes Hill Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Melbourne Cbd Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Princes Hill stacks up
• All Princes Hill Guides — everything we’ve written about Princes Hill

FAQ

Is Princes Hill worth visiting?

Yes. Princes Hill has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The cheap eats scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Princes Hill known for?

Princes Hill is a growing Melbourne suburb with its own local character and community.

Where can I eat for under $15 in Princes Hill?

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

How far is Princes Hill from Melbourne CBD?

Princes Hill is 15-30km, 25-45min by public transport from Melbourne CBD.

Princes Hill is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026

Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.