South Melbourne has a takeaway scene that punches well above what you’d expect. The suburb runs polished, family-friendly, upscale — and the food reflects it. We’ve eaten at every takeaway spot in the area and these are the ones worth your time and money.
Expect to pay $35-55 per person for a proper sit-down meal. The cheaper end gets you fish and chips, the higher end gets you kebab done properly.
Our Top Picks
1. High Works — 325 Murray Parade
Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $24-42 per person
High Works is the benchmark for takeaway in South Melbourne. The fried chicken is what most people order, and for good reason — it’s consistently excellent. The burgers is the other standout, done with genuine care rather than the paint-by-numbers approach you get at chain spots.
The room seats about 45 and fills on Friday and Saturday nights. Midweek you’ll walk straight in. The service is efficient without being rushed, and the owner is usually behind the bar.
Order this: The loaded fries ($24) as a main, plus banh mi to share. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.
2. The Old Local — 245 Sydney Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $18-38 per person
This is the locals’ pick — less polished than High Works but arguably more flavour per dollar. The kitchen runs tight with a small team, which means everything is made to order. The kebab here has a depth that comes from doing the same dish three hundred times until it’s muscle memory.
The space is small — about 30 seats — and they don’t take bookings on weeknights, so arrive before 6:30pm or after 8pm to dodge the rush.
Best dish: The fish and chips ($18). Simple, executed perfectly. Pro tip: BYO wine on Tuesdays ($5 corkage).
3. Kitchen — 104 Murray Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $18-29 per person
Kitchen opened in late 2025 and has already built a following. The menu is short — eight dishes — which is usually a good sign. Everything on it is considered. The burgers ($22) is the dish that gets photographed most, but the banh mi ($22) is the one regulars order.
When to go: Sunday lunch is the sweet spot. Same food, half the crowd.
4. Social — 293 Nicholson Drive
Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $23-39 per person
The takeaway option on this list. Social doesn’t have table service — you order at the counter and either take it home or eat at the three outdoor tables. The quality-to-price ratio is the best in South Melbourne. The fried chicken ($23) is the standout.
5. Tall Press — 1 Plenty Road
Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $17-28 per person
A solid all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most experimental, but consistently good across the entire menu. The kebab ($25) and the fish and chips ($20) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a takeaway place.
Quick Comparison
| Restaurant | Best For | Price (pp) | Bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Works | Overall best | $24-42 | Recommended Fri-Sat |
| The Old Local | Locals’ favourite | $18-38 | Walk-in only (weeknights) |
| Kitchen | New opening | $18-29 | Yes, via website |
| Social | Best takeaway | $23-39 | Counter service |
| Tall Press | All-rounder | $17-28 | Recommended weekends |
Takeaway Price Guide — South Melbourne
| Category | Price Range | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $15-22 | Counter-service, takeaway, no frills |
| Mid-range | $35-55 | Sit-down, proper menu, decent wine list |
| Premium | $50+ | Tasting menus, premium ingredients |
Before You Go
Best time to visit: Weeknight dinners (Tue-Thu) for no wait. Friday and Saturday — book 3-5 days ahead for the top two spots.
Parking: Street parking along Nicholson Drive is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Public transport options in South Melbourne.
Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.
Delivery: Social and High Works are on Uber Eats and DoorDash. For better quality, order directly — delivery platforms compress your food in those bags and charge restaurants 30%.
Nearby Guides
- South Yarra Takeaway
- Prahran Takeaway
- South Melbourne Cheap Eats — when budget matters
- South Melbourne Bars — post-dinner drinks
- All South Melbourne Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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- Best Pizza in South Melbourne
- Best Thai in South Melbourne
- Best Japanese in South Melbourne
- Best Italian in South Melbourne
- Best Vegan in South Melbourne
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