New Openings in Princes Hill — 2026

Princes Hill sits in Melbourne’s greater melbourne and runs working-class, authentic, community-focused. 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

Cleo’s — 243 Cecil Crescent

Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. Prices are fair for the quality. What sets it apart is the consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-2:30pm.

River Local — 314 Rowan Drive

A local institution that has been operating for over 14 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm. Don’t miss this one. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.

Little Place — 59 Rowan Drive

One of Princes Hill’s best-kept secrets. The staff takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $8-14. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.

Restaurants

Nina’s — 272 Cecil Crescent

A local institution that has been operating for over 7 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm. A neighbourhood staple. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.

Finn Commons — 235 Rowan Drive

Opened in 2024 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-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-2:30pm.

Ava — 275 Rowan Drive

One of Princes Hill’s best-kept secrets. The owner takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $8-14. The window seats are the best for people-watching. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.

Bars

Lena — 155 Main Place

Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. Prices are fair for the quality. What sets it apart is the consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm.

Marco’s — 303 Main Place

A local institution that has been operating for over 9 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-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 $8-14 per person.

Max Corner — 272 West Grove

A local institution that has been operating for over 10 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm. Worth the trip. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.

Shops

Southern Larder — 230 Cecil Crescent

A local institution that has been operating for over 8 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 $8-14 per person.

Finn — 42 Cecil Crescent

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 consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm.

Opened in 2025 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 consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm.

Fitness & Wellness

High Corner — 288 West Grove

A local institution that has been operating for over 4 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2:30pm. Consistently reliable. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.

Ash — 186 James Parade

A local institution that has been operating for over 15 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm. Consistently reliable. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.

Standard — 183 Main Place

Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. Prices are fair for the quality. What sets it apart is the community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3:30pm.

Practical Info

Getting there: Public transport options in Princes Hill.

Best time to visit: Sunday afternoons — the suburban pace suits it.

Budget: A full day exploring Princes Hill — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $63 per person.

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

Princes Hill at a Glance

Category	Quick Answer
Vibe	Working-class, authentic, community-focused
Coffee price	$4.00-4.50
Dinner price	$18-32 pp
Getting there	Public transport options in Princes Hill
Best for	Princes Hill local shops, community feel, suburban lifestyle

Nearby

Last updated: March 2026

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