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.
Outdoors
Remy Store — 241 Main Place
Opened in 2024 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 attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm.
Rex Standard — 283 West Grove
A local institution that has been operating for over 15 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-2:30pm. Don’t miss this one. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Mia’s — 287 Rowan Drive
Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. 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-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm.
Food & Drink
Otto’s — 88 West Grove
Opened in early 2026 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 community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm.
Ada Press — 91 Rowan Drive
Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. 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 7am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2:30pm.
The Half Lane — 150 Main Place
One of Princes Hill’s best-kept secrets. The staff has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $8-14. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Culture
Ivy Press — 359 Cecil Crescent
Opened in 2025 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 community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 8am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-2:30pm.
Theo’s — 324 James Parade
A local institution that has been operating for over 8 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-2:30pm. Consistently reliable. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Rosa’s — 207 West Grove
A local institution that has been operating for over 7 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-2:30pm. Don’t miss this one. The owner is a local who genuinely invests in the community. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Markets & Shopping
Nico — 326 James 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 community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 8am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2:30pm.
Ash Standard — 24 Rowan Drive
Opened in early 2026 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 community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm.
Gus’s — 28 Main Place
One of Princes Hill’s genuine highlights. The owner takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $8-14. The back area is where the regulars sit. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Active
Red Room — 137 James Parade
A local institution that has been operating for over 6 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm. A neighbourhood staple. The owner is a local who genuinely invests in the community. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
The Wide Bench — 61 West Grove
A local institution that has been operating for over 9 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm. Don’t miss this one. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Marco’s — 86 James Parade
Opened in early 2026 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 community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-4pm.
Practical Info
Getting there: Public transport options in Princes Hill.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for a quieter experience.
Budget: A full day exploring Princes Hill — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $117 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
- Melbourne CBD — also worth exploring
- Princes Hill Cafes
- Princes Hill Restaurants
- All Princes Hill Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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