Upwey sits in Melbourne’s outer east 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.
Fashion
The Green Room — 84 Main Lane
Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The fit-out is minimal but thoughtful. 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 7am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm.
Southern Quarter — 354 Queen Avenue
One of Upwey’s hidden gems. The team takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $8-14. The back area is where the regulars sit. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Leo’s — 8 Church Drive
A local institution that has been operating for over 3 years. The value is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3:30pm. A neighbourhood staple. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
Homewares
Little Mill — 311 Main Lane
One of Upwey’s hidden gems. The staff knows every regular by name. Price range: $8-14. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.
Black Corner — 315 Collins Parade
One of Upwey’s genuine highlights. The owner has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $8-14. The window seats are the best for people-watching. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.
Sol’s — 181 Queen Avenue
One of Upwey’s hidden gems. The team sources everything locally. Price range: $8-14. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Books & Records
Iris Works — 60 Church Drive
Opened in 2025 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 personal touch — the owner is usually on site. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm.
Nico’s — 135 Main Lane
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-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3:30pm.
Hugo Bench — 305 Queen Avenue
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 attention to sourcing — everything is local or ethical. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3:30pm.
Food & Specialty
Sunny Yard — 180 Church Drive
A local institution that has been operating for over 14 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3:30pm. A neighbourhood staple. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $8-14 per person.
The Wide Commons — 66 Collins Parade
Opened in 2024 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. The kind of place you tell friends about. What sets it apart is the consistency — every visit delivers the same quality. Open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm.
Ash Room — 269 William Crescent
One of Upwey’s hidden gems. The team has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $8-14. The window seats are the best for people-watching. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.
Markets
Mabel’s — 362 Collins Parade
One of Upwey’s best-kept secrets. The team has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $8-14. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Kitchen — 260 Collins Parade
Opened in early 2026 and already a regular stop for locals. The space is bright and welcoming. The kind of place you tell friends about. What sets it apart is the community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 8am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2:30pm.
The Honest House — 57 William Crescent
One of Upwey’s most underrated spots. The team sources everything locally. Price range: $8-14. The window seats are the best for people-watching. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.
Practical Info
Getting there: Public transport options in Upwey.
Best time to visit: Sunday afternoons — the suburban pace suits it.
Budget: A full day exploring Upwey — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $115 per person.
Parking: Street parking on Main Lane is available but competitive on weekends. Side streets usually have 2-hour unrestricted zones. Public transport is the better option.
Upwey 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 Upwey |
| Best for | Upwey local shops, community feel, suburban lifestyle |
Nearby
- Lilydale — also worth exploring
- Upwey Cafes
- Upwey Restaurants
- All Upwey Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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