Surrey Hills sits in Melbourne’s inner east 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.
Cafes
Local — 248 Blake Road
One of Surrey Hills’s genuine highlights. The staff knows every regular by name. Price range: $15-22. The back area is where the regulars sit. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Ada Local — 138 Cecil Place
A local institution that has been operating for over 10 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm. Don’t miss this one. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $15-22 per person.
The Black Place — 3 Blake Road
One of Surrey Hills’s best-kept secrets. The owner knows every regular by name. Price range: $15-22. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Restaurants
Bench — 264 Blake Road
Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. Check their socials for weekly specials. What sets it apart is the community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm.
Luna Lane — 143 Cecil Place
A local institution that has been operating for over 6 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-2:30pm. Worth the trip. The owner is a local who genuinely invests in the community. Expect to spend $15-22 per person.
The Southern Store — 259 Blake Road
One of Surrey Hills’s most underrated spots. The owner sources everything locally. Price range: $15-22. The back area is where the regulars sit. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Bars
Ash’s — 55 Elm Drive
Opened in early 2026 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 personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm.
Bench — 206 Blake Road
A local institution that has been operating for over 13 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3pm. A neighbourhood staple. The owner is a local who genuinely invests in the community. Expect to spend $15-22 per person.
Hugo — 18 Rowan Street
Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. Check their socials for weekly specials. What sets it apart is the community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2:30pm.
Shops
Half Place — 82 Elm Drive
One of Surrey Hills’s most underrated spots. The owner takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $15-22. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Luna’s — 26 Queen Terrace
Opened in 2024 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 attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 7am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-2:30pm.
Honest Pantry — 46 Blake Road
Opened in 2025 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 community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-4pm.
Fitness & Wellness
Long Lane — 43 Rowan Street
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.
Ava’s — 185 Elm Drive
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 personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3:30pm.
Rex’s — 353 Queen Terrace
Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious. Check their socials for weekly specials. What sets it apart is the consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm.
Practical Info
Getting there: Public transport options in Surrey Hills.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for a quieter experience.
Budget: A full day exploring Surrey Hills — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $117 per person.
Parking: Street parking on Elm Drive is available but competitive on weekends. Side streets usually have 2-hour unrestricted zones. Public transport is the better option.
Surrey Hills 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 Surrey Hills |
| Best for | Surrey Hills local shops, community feel, suburban lifestyle |
Nearby
- Richmond — also worth exploring
- Surrey Hills Cafes
- Surrey Hills Restaurants
- All Surrey Hills Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Things To Do in Surrey Hills
- Date Night in Surrey Hills
- Hidden Gems in Surrey Hills
- Shopping Guide in Surrey Hills
Useful tools:
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed