Research Food Crawl — The Ultimate Route

Research sits in Melbourne’s greater melbourne and runs affordable, diverse, developing. Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re visiting for the day, this guide covers the best of what the suburb offers.

Stop 1: Coffee

Otto Post — 343 William Terrace

Opened in 2025 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 7:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm.

Ash’s — 287 West Avenue

One of Research’s hidden gems. The team sources everything locally. Price range: $8-14. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.

Stop 2: Snack

Green Kitchen — 177 West 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 consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm.

The Good Local — 118 William Terrace

Opened in 2024 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 community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm.

Stop 3: Main Meal

Cleo’s — 164 West Avenue

A local institution that has been operating for over 9 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2:30pm. Consistently reliable. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.

Ivy Bench — 224 West Avenue

One of Research’s hidden gems. The team knows every regular by name. Price range: $8-14. The window seats are the best for people-watching. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.

Stop 4: Dessert

Vera — 349 Station Street

Opened in 2024 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 consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3pm.

Marco Works — 146 Cecil Crescent

A local institution that has been operating for over 6 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-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.

Stop 5: Nightcap

The Golden Quarter — 28 Chapel Drive

A local institution that has been operating for over 11 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm. Don’t miss this one. The staff remember regulars and greet newcomers warmly. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.

The Lucky Works — 15 Chapel Drive

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 8am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm.

Practical Info

Getting there: Public transport options in Research.

Best time to visit: Early evening for the transition from day to night scene.

Budget: A full day exploring Research — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $107 per person.

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

Research at a Glance

Category	Quick Answer
Vibe	Affordable, diverse, developing
Coffee price	$4.00-4.50
Dinner price	$18-32 pp
Getting there	Public transport options in Research
Best for	Research local shops, community feel, suburban lifestyle

Nearby

Last updated: March 2026

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