Southbank Food Crawl — The Ultimate Route

Southbank sits in Melbourne’s cbd and runs refined, quiet, prestigious. 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

Iris — 105 Maple Grove

Opened in 2024 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 attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm.

Good Room — 210 East Street

A local institution that has been operating for over 14 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm. Consistently reliable. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $15-22 per person.

Stop 2: Snack

Standard — 33 North Crescent

A local institution that has been operating for over 5 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm. A neighbourhood staple. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $15-22 per person.

The Golden Post — 174 North Crescent

Opened in 2025 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 personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm.

Stop 3: Main Meal

House — 134 North Crescent

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 attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm.

Nina Works — 150 Maple Grove

Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. 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-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm.

Stop 4: Dessert

New Local — 95 Maple Grove

A local institution that has been operating for over 4 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3:30pm. Don’t miss this one. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $15-22 per person.

Southern Corner — 349 High Place

One of Southbank’s best-kept secrets. The team knows every regular by name. Price range: $15-22. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.

Stop 5: Nightcap

The Common Store — 155 Chapel Avenue

One of Southbank’s hidden gems. The team knows every regular by name. Price range: $15-22. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.

Max Lane — 218 High Place

Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. Check their socials for weekly specials. What sets it apart is the consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 7am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-2:30pm.

Practical Info

Getting there: Public transport options in Southbank.

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

Budget: A full day exploring Southbank — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $115 per person.

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

Southbank at a Glance

Category	Quick Answer
Vibe	Refined, quiet, prestigious
Coffee price	$5.00-5.50
Dinner price	$35-55 pp
Getting there	Public transport options in Southbank
Best for	Southbank local shops, community feel, suburban lifestyle

Nearby

Last updated: March 2026

Keep Exploring

More in this area:

Useful tools: