Hidden Gems in Research Melbourne Locals Love

Research doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The hidden gems scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Nico’s and Green Press are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Research sits 9-20km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.

1. Vera’s — 29 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Vera’s has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($13) 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 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Red Depot — 137 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Red Depot has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($13) 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 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($13) — the best version in Research Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Research roaster — ask which one.

3. River Bench — 329 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: solo diners

River Bench has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($13) 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 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Green Press — 344 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: groups

Green Press has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($12) 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 room holds 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. Leo Depot — 249 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Leo Depot has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($22) 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 room holds 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($21) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Why Research Is Worth Knowing

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. Known for large blocks and proximity to Research-Warrandyte corridor. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Research’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. Whether you’re based in Research or visiting from nearby, 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. Iris — 106 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-32 per person Best for: solo diners

Iris has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

Capacity is around 39 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.

Ask for: The fish special ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Research roaster — ask which one.

7. Stella’s — 178 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Stella’s has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($21) 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 35 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Ash’s — 114 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $14-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ash’s has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

9. Nico Union — 205 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Nico Union has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($23) 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 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The fish special ($28) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. New Cellar — 60 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

New Cellar has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

The room holds 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The daily soup ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Explore More

• Eltham Hidden Gems — same vibe, different suburb
• Research Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Research Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Niddrie Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Research stacks up
• All Research Guides — everything we’ve written about Research

FAQ

Is Research worth visiting?

Yes. Research has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The hidden gems scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Research known for?

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.

What are the most underrated spots in Research?

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

How far is Research from Melbourne CBD?

Research is 9-20km, 18-38min train, 15-28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Research won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026