Best Cheap Eats in Vermont South Melbourne — Under $20 Guide 2026

Vermont South locals have known for years what the rest of Melbourne is just figuring out. The cheap eats options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Ada’s, then work your way to Hugo’s. The Glen shopping centre nearby. This is Vermont South in 2026.

1. Luna’s — 224 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: families

Luna’s has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($16) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Old Depot — 229 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: A local institution Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: the whole crew

Old Depot has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($18) 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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Thomas Avenue is usually fine.

Try this: The fish special ($15) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Otto’s — 262 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: families

Otto’s has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($19) 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 room holds 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on River Street is usually fine.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($21) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Pilgrim — 337 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $22-37 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Pilgrim has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($22) 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 room holds 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The lamb shoulder ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

5. Rosa Press — 148 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Rosa Press has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($20) 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Vermont South farmers market when it runs.

Why Vermont South Is Worth Knowing

The Glen shopping centre nearby. Vermont South is well-served by bus connections. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Vermont South’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Vermont South, 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. New Store — 128 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

New Store has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($22) 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 room holds 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($28) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

7. The Common Lane — 245 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Common Lane has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($18) 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 65 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Mia — 294 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: the whole crew

Mia has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($13) 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 41 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. Pearl Place — 130 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Pearl Place has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($19) 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 64 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Green Press — 304 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $20-31 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Green Press has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($20) 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 room holds 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The charcuterie board ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

• Vermont Cheap Eats — same vibe, different suburb
• Vermont South Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Vermont South Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Forest Hill Guide — the neighbouring suburb
• Compare Suburbs — see how Vermont South stacks up
• All Vermont South Guides — everything we’ve written about Vermont South

FAQ

Is Vermont South worth visiting?

Yes. Vermont South has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The cheap eats scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Vermont South known for?

The Glen shopping centre nearby.

Where can I eat for under $15 in Vermont South?

Ivy’s is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Vermont South from Melbourne CBD?

Vermont South is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Vermont South is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026