Wattle Glen has a restaurants scene that punches well above what you’d expect. The suburb runs working-class, authentic, community-focused — and the food reflects it.Expect to pay $18-32 per person for a proper sit-down meal. The cheaper end gets you signature dish, the higher end gets you house special done properly.
Our Top Picks
1. Southern House — 305 Henry Drive
Hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-11pm Price: $14-23 per person
Southern House is the benchmark for restaurants in Wattle Glen. The daily special is what most people order, and for good reason — it’s consistently excellent. The chef selection 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 main ($14) as a main, plus seasonal plate to share. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.
2. Ash’s — 218 Henry Drive
Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30pm-11pm Price: $18-34 per person
This is the locals’ pick — less polished than Southern House but arguably more flavour per dollar. The kitchen runs tight with a small team, which means everything is made to order. The house special 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 signature dish ($18). Simple, executed perfectly. Pro tip: BYO wine on Tuesdays ($5 corkage).
3. Little Depot — 94 Margaret Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-11pm Price: $21-39 per person
Little Depot 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 chef selection ($25) is the dish that gets photographed most, but the seasonal plate ($24) is the one regulars order.
When to go: Sunday lunch is the sweet spot. Same food, half the crowd.
4. The White House — 219 Margaret Parade
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $22-35 per person
The takeaway option on this list. The White House 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 Wattle Glen. The daily special ($22) is the standout.
5. Good Cellar — 257 Margaret Parade
Hours: Wed-Sun 5:30pm-10pm Price: $20-34 per person
A solid all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most experimental, but consistently good across the entire menu. The house special ($24) and the signature dish ($20) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a restaurants place.
Quick Comparison
| Restaurant | Best For | Price (pp) | Bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern House | Overall best | $14-23 | Recommended Fri-Sat |
| Ash’s | Locals’ favourite | $18-34 | Walk-in only (weeknights) |
| Little Depot | New opening | $21-39 | Yes, via website |
| The White House | Best takeaway | $22-35 | Counter service |
| Good Cellar | All-rounder | $20-34 | Recommended weekends |
Restaurants Price Guide — Wattle Glen
| Category | Price Range | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $8-14 | Counter-service, takeaway, no frills |
| Mid-range | $18-32 | 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 Elizabeth Crescent is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Public transport options in Wattle Glen.
Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.
Delivery: The White House and Southern House 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
- Melbourne CBD Restaurants
- Melbourne CBD Restaurants
- Wattle Glen Cheap Eats — when budget matters
- Wattle Glen Bars — post-dinner drinks
- All Wattle Glen Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pizza in Wattle Glen
- Best Thai in Wattle Glen
- Best Italian in Wattle Glen
- Cheap Eats in Wattle Glen
- Date Night in Wattle Glen
Useful tools:
Data sourced from Google Places, OpenStreetMap, and ABS Census. Compiled April 2026. Found an error? Contact us.
💬 Discussion
Join the conversation — no account needed