Since The World Loves Melbourne has spent a lot of time in Melbourne's Eastern Suburbs, we thought it would be helpful to highlight the best of the best. A trip across town is warranted to experience some of Melbourne's finest cafes, which can be found in the East.
The Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne are home to a wide variety of restaurants serving up delectable fare from around the world, including Italian, Seafood, Spanish, Thai, French, Greek, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, and Indian. You can quickly get in touch with dining options in the Eastern Area by using our Eastern Suburbs Restaurants website.
Our site will connect you with Restaurants in Melbourne, whether you are looking for a fine dining, pre-theatre, waterfront, view, chef hat, BYO, degustation, or breakfast venue.
The Top 10 Restaurants In Melbourne’s South East
Have you sampled every restaurant in town? Tired of long lines at good restaurants? Then get out of the city and check out these awesome suburbs! These fantastic eateries in Melbourne's south-east offer something for every palate and personality.
Servery and Spoon, Malvern East
Eatery with Australian, Tea, and Vegetarian Options
With its colourful throw pillows, plush sofa, and ample natural light from its many windows, this café is hands down the most inviting in all of Malvern East. The restaurant maintains a casual and unpretentious vibe thanks to the few decorations.
Dishes on the menu may not sound the most enticing, but they are much more delicious than they appear. There isn't a huge variety of delicate desserts, but what there is is excellent. If you bring a good book, you can count on wanting to spend more time there.
Indian Harvest Restaurant, Malvern East
A Vegetarian and Vegan Indian Restaurant
The brick walls outside Indian Harvest Restaurant make it feel like you've entered a cosy five-star establishment. The carpeted floors, dim lighting, and white tablecloths in this restaurant all contribute to a sensual ambience.
It's reasonable to assume that a restaurant with such a high-end reputation would adhere to a more conventional service schedule (which is usually around half an hour). Even so, the chef has more than 35 years of experience, so he can get the food to you much more quickly than you might think. This hidden gem is known for its delicious and reasonably priced Indian curries.
Jake and The Beans Talk, Malvern East
The Jake and the Beans Talk café, with its unpretentious exterior and cosy interior, is a neighbourhood favourite. The abundance of families in the café is evidence that both the staff and the food are welcoming to children.
Traditional English and Australian breakfast fare are served, with plenty of flavorful coffee. It's the kind of place where you can relax and enjoy a hearty breakfast on the weekend.
Jake and The Beans Talk, 510 Waverley Rd, Malvern East, VIC, Australia
Aoba, Malvern
Cafe, Restaurant, Japanese, Tea
If you're looking for great Japanese food in Melbourne, you shouldn't pass up this unassuming little joint. The chef's daughter's artwork adorns the walls of the restaurant, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Those who have travelled to Japan and sampled the local cuisine can attest to the fact that Japanese cuisine is notoriously salty. But the food at Aoba is delicious, cheap, and healthy, while still retaining the traditional flavour of Japan.
Eden Espresso, Malvern
Bar, Cafe, Coffee
The storefront is located in the heart of Malvern's bustling commercial district, and the interior is simple and rustic, with wooden tables and chairs and coffee bean sacks hung on the walls as if they were works of art. The wait will be worth it, though. The best part about Eden Espresso, though, is that they serve healthy, fresh food without making that their main focus.
Remy Bar de Tapas Y Vino, Malvern
Bar, Restaurant, European, Spanish
Typical Spanish fare, Spanish tunes, and Spanish dudes. Remy Bar, also known as "The Spanish Gem," lives up to its reputation. The restaurant's decor is a throwback to a bygone era, paying homage to Spain in every way.
Spanish tapas are the most sought-after menu item, and they rival the presentation and quality of food at any five-star restaurant. Get some sangria to kick off the meal on the right foot.
Coin Laundry, Armadale
Cafe, Restaurant, Coffee Shop, French, Coffee
Coin Laundry, named after its previous incarnation as a laundrette, still has many of the hallmarks of a laundromat. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the room, and it's just as pleasant as the taste. The same care and attention to detail was put into preparing and plating the food.
Sagra, Malvern
Bar, Diner, Restaurant, Italian, Contemporary, Salad Bar
The modern Italian cuisine at Sagra is a welcome addition to Malvern. The restaurant's kitchen is open, allowing patrons a front-row seat to the culinary wizardry taking place behind the scenes, and the menu tends towards the avant-garde, increasing the likelihood that at least one dish will come as something of a pleasant surprise. When compared to typical fine dining, this is a unique and welcome change.
The Lovebird, Armadale
It's hard to find a more charming café in all of Melbourne than this one. The Lovebird Café has a charming, fantastical atmosphere due to its imaginative furnishings.
Australian breakfast and brunch with an Asian twist are served with style. Although service can be a little slow at times, the food is delicious and well worth the wait.
The Lovebird, 1102 High St, Armadale, Australia
Bistro Thierry, Toorak
Bistro, Restaurant, Wine Bar, French
Bistro Thierry will take you away to France for a little while. To get as close to France as possible in Melbourne, the wait staff wears waistcoats and addresses customers as "Mademoiselle" or "Monsieur," and the food is authentic French.
When compared to hearty Australian fare, the portions here may look small on the big plate, but they are delicious and more than enough for a leisurely evening meal with a bottle or two of wine.
FAQs About Melbourne Restaurants & Cafes
The Eastern suburbs of Melbourne include Boroondara, Box Hill and Glen Waverley, Manningham and Nillumbik, Ringwood and surrounds. They were stretching from almost the inner suburbs of Kew, Hawthorn and Camberwell in Boroondara to the outer cities like Maroondah and the Dandenong Ranges.
These are the suburbs of Eastern Suburbs Melbourne:
Boroondara
- Ashburton, Balwyn, Balwyn North, Bellevue, Camberwell, Canterbury
- Deepdene, Greythorn, Glen Iris, Glenferrie, Hawthorn, Kew, Surrey Hills
Knox
- Bayswater, Boronia, Ferntree Gully, Knoxfield, Lysterfield, Rowville
- Scoresby, The Basin, Wantirna
Manningham
- Bulleen, Doncaster, Donvale, Park Orchards, Templestowe
- Warrandyte, Wonga Park
Maroondah
- Bayswater North, Croydon, Heathmont, Kilsyth South, Ringwood, Warranwoo
Whitehorse
- Blackburn, Bellbird, Blackburn, Box Hill, Burwood, Bennettswood
- Forest Hill, Heatherdale, Houston, Kerrimuir, Laburnum, Mitcham
- Mont Albert, Nunawading, Surrey Hills, Tally Ho, Vermont, Wattle Park
Yarra Ranges
- Badger Creek, Belgrave, Chirnside Park, Chum Creek, Coldstream, Dixons Creek
- Don Valley, Ferntree Gully Upper, Ferny Creek, Gruyere, Healesville, Hoddles Creek
- Kallista, Kalorama, Kilsyth, Launching Place, Lilydale, Macclesfield
- Menzies Creek, Millgrove, Monbulk, Montrose, Mooroolbark, Mount Dandenong
- Mount Evelyn, Narre Warren East, Olinda, Sassafras, Selby, Seville
- Sherbrooke, Silvan, Tecoma, The Patch, Tremont, Upwey, Wandin
- Warburton, Woori Yallock, Yarra Glen, Yarra Junction, Yellingbo, Yering
It's knocked South Yarra off its perch, and now residents of East Melbourne can claim to live in our city's most liveable suburb. Outside of work, I enjoy walking distance to Melbourne's major galleries, performance venues, city shopping and best foodie streets.
East Melbourne is an inner suburb of Melbourne, Australia, 2 km east of Melbourne's Central Business District. Its local government area is the City of Melbourne.
East Melbourne is a small area of inner Melbourne, located between Richmond and the Melbourne Central Business District. It is bounded by Spring Street, Victoria Parade, Punt Road/Hoddle Street and Brunton Avenue.
One of Melbourne's earliest suburbs, East Melbourne has long been home to much significant government, health and religious institutions, including the Parliament of Victoria and offices of the Government of Victoria in the Parliamentary and Cathedral precincts, which are located on a gentle hill at the edge of the Melbourne's Hoddle Grid, known as Eastern Hill.
Some of the more popular restaurants in Melbourne East according to TheFork users include:
Geppetto Trattoria, with a 9.6 rating
Il Duca, with a 9.3 rating
Fiorelli Restaurant, with a 9.5 rating
Best Melbourne Eastern Suburbs Cafes & Eateries
Shanklin - Hawthorn
Shanklin is a bright and cheerful cafe in a quiet area of Hawthorn, a few blocks from the city's main thoroughfare but still in a pleasant suburb. The delectable cafe fare is thoughtfully crafted. You have the option of sitting indoors or outdoors. It's a popular choice for residents of Hawthorn.
Shanklin is home to some of the best cakes around, sure to please even the most discerning sweet tooth.
Highlights include having the option of customising our meals, the hearty rustic food and the friendly service, as well as the bright, airy ambience.
Jade Fox - Doncaster East
Jade Fox is a hip cafe by day and a cutting-edge Thai restaurant by night near Jackson's Court in the Financial District. Each dish's flavour, texture, and presentation are meticulously thought out.
In the world of very well cafes, they may be newcomers, but they've already made a big impression. Curry, prawn, squid and pipi are among the ingredients in the Ocean Sunset, a dish that has already become a local favourite thanks to the addition of garlic bread crisps and a variety of fresh vegetables.
At Jade Fox, you'll find some of the best coffee in town.
Red sunset over the ocean.
To fill you up more, try the House of Jade Fox, which includes eggs poached with prosciutto, chorizo, tomato and onion along with mushrooms and pickled peppers.
We have a variety of options for you to choose from: Beetroot Cured Salmon, the Happy Avocado, or the famous Hash N' Ham Steak. Aside from acai bowls and mango bircher muesli, there are a slew of other nutritious options.
Rustica - Hawthorn
As early patrons, we were familiar with the original Rustica in Fitzroy. In the realm of bakeries, Rustica ranks among the best (excuse the pun).
A cafe with a solid bakery as its backbone has our full attention. Here, you can enjoy delicious and novel fare in a place with a fantastic atmosphere.
Plants, high ceilings, and plenty of windows give Rustica that extra something special that locals have been craving.
Riddick - Templestowe
Riddick enthralled the east suburbs when the doors opened. Many people were interested to learn that they could have a town cafe experience without having to travel outside of town. With so many options, it's nearly impossible to find a dish at Riddick to dislike. When an old bank building was transformed into an upscale coffee shop, coffee connoisseurs from all over the world fell in love with the place.
French toast like this simply cannot be found anywhere else.
Featuring high ceilings and ornate murals, it serves as the focal point of the campus community. The service is also available at night and on the weekends.
Down the Rabbit Hole - Templestowe
Another high-quality cafe, Down the Rabbit Hole, has caught the attention of the east suburbs. According to locals, this is a popular spot for a cup of coffee or a cup of tea.
Even the simplest items, like breakfast burger, are satisfying after trying a few of their offerings.
There is both indoor and outdoor seating available, and the furniture is up-to-date.
The coffee at this restaurant is noteworthy, as is the excellent food.
Mammoth - Armadale
You may recognise McBride's work from his appearances on shows such as Touchwood, Barry and Pillar of Salt. While the other cafes in the area are great, Mammoth stands out due to its unique design. No, cafes aren't a sign of things to come. Mammoth is a welcome change of pace from the usual fare found in most Melbourne cafes.
Before making a decision, people browse cafe menus to see if there are any items they would like to try from more than one category. This is the way things are. You can call us elitists all you want. Specifically, the conversation revolved around which items on the menu to avoid because they were so intriguing and interesting.
So, pay attention, if you will. There is still a lot of food that we haven't tried. On a normally quiet weekday during the school breaks, we happened upon a bustling cafe. Dining alone has its advantages if you're fortunate enough to get a seat at a table.
Techne Architecture created an incredibly light and airy environment, and we couldn't be happier. The use of blues and browns, the excellent use of wood, and the open, uncluttered atmosphere are all hallmarks of Scandinavian design. The cafe is shaped like a triangle, but there are a number of interesting areas to choose from when it comes to dining.
As with any good cafe, the coffee at Mammoth Cafe is top-notch. Despite our desire for the sleek Synesso, we were able to enjoy a delicious cup of filter coffee.
On the menu was duck sausage and blini with pickled onion; we went with the fried egg on top with maple-smoke sauce. Servings of duck sausage were larger than I expected, and the duck sausage itself was the star of the show.
The blini with orange segments and corn was a wonderful textural and flavour accompaniment to the duck or orange pairing. Wow, this food is so good! "
A work of art without the pretence is what it's like to eat it. A foodie's dream come true, but there's also real food in there.
Other items on the menu we're looking forwards to trying include a pancake, lobster doughnut burger, and Szechuan spiced spareribs. Black Russian and Smoked chicken salads were also highly recommended by our waitress.
The panna cotta is a delicious dessert option for those in the mood for something sweet. Is that the sound of popping egg & bacon popcorn? We were impressed by the staff's breadth of knowledge and enthusiasm for the cafe. Innovative cafe concepts, like Mammoth's, are very much appreciated by us.
The Mabel - Mitcham
And Mabel is so talented! Hidden in a residential area, it has become a haven of salvation for the people of Mitcham. Our first impression of a place is usually accurate when it comes to determining whether or not it is a culinary paradise. Mabel has become a phenomenon due to the success of its novel cafe fare.
However, this isn't all. As the weekend approaches, the number of specials posted on the daily specials board grows until it is almost as long as the regular menu. We have a quirky and entertaining staff and love to banter with each other.
A mild sensation of a brunch dish was poached eggs on sourdough toast with grilled salmon, shaved radish, and wasabi hollandaise, along with a side of Potato Rosti. Poached eggs and salmon are a classic pairing, but poached eggs with grilled salmon are an underappreciated delight. We appreciated the large serving of grilled salmon.
This cafe is not a cookie-cutter operation but rather the result of extensive, painstaking effort. It has a consistent quality and style but is constantly developing. The last time we were there, they served us an amuse bouche as a joke.
If you're looking for something lighter, try the chickpea or green tea pattie on top of a muffin with avocado. In addition to the Beef Burger, the Plate with Ham and chicken served with pickles and onion jam will be a huge success (above). Take it one step at a time.
Coffeehead, Camberwell
Coffeehead in Camberwell epitomises the cool and genuine coffee experience. The best coffee products and blends in Australia can be found in Melbourne, making it easy for coffee lovers to satisfy their craving. Take a look at the nearby wall of excellent coffee brands or place an order in advance.
Coffeehead has a wide selection of coffee beans and roasts on hand at all times. When it came to the sauce, my expectations were low. I figured whatever they doused me in would be fantastic. My coffee was still delicious even though I was in the middle of the game. A wide variety of methods for preparing coffee can be found on Coffeehead's website.
Excellent coffee, delicious food (the Spag Bol is a personal favourite), and a welcoming, airy setting combine to make this one of Camberwell's best restaurants. Coffeehead's aesthetic is a mix of the old and the new.
It's filled with a variety of interesting quirky and retro pieces like neon posters, retro chairs, cool lamps, modern stools and recycled metal tables as well as communal tables made from shabby old factory benches.
Liar, Liar - Hawthorn
Located at Glenferrie Road, this bustling cafe has earned a reputation as one of the best in the city. As a trendy hangout and coffee shop, Liar Liar is a popular destination.
In a decent coffee shop, you should be able to have a 15-minute discussion with the manager and bartender while they prepare your drink. There was much discussion among us about whether or not to purchase beans from Brazil or Honduras as single origins.
I was wondering if the Honduras blend's berry undertones had come through in my taste buds. In all honesty, I couldn't come up with it. As for the Brazilian, I can attest to its robust flavour without being harsh. The merits of different single origins must be carefully considered.
After much consideration, we decided on Honduras as our next stop. An exuberant barista exclaimed that Honduras have already risen from third to first place in the world rankings. To do so requires a high degree of discernment and a refined sense of what is good. Liar Liar sold us some Honduran beans.
An excellent place to gather with a red colour scheme is this one. It's like comparing Liar Liar to a Ferrari to those who admire Italian sports cars. There's a lot of contemporary design, and the specials change daily. You won't be disappointed if you order the salmon fillet or a friend here. There is a lot of conversation going on in all directions. Residents of the surrounding area love this spot.
Axil Coffee Roasters - Hawthorn
A posh but a little grungy coffee shop in Hawthorn, claims to be the king of coffee in the neighbourhood. For many years, it has been a mainstay in the coffee community and has earned a well-deserved reputation for excellence.
In the field of coffee roasting, Axil Coffee Roasters is a true master of the craft. Despite the friendly welcome from the staff, it can be difficult to find a seat on Saturday mornings. Every single one of the company's workers is an expert in the field of coffee. We can all agree that a true coffee expert is not to be confused with a typical coffee shop owner. Roasting premium coffee beans falls to these people.
Even though the house mix is excellent, the waitress recommended the Single Origin of the Day. The Guatemalan espresso has a wide range of distinct flavours. Such a strong aroma and taste characterises this dish. A highlight are the brunches with parfaits, Bircher muffins, steak sandwiches and omelettes that are all included in the price.
Conclusion
We thought it would be beneficial to highlight the best of the best in Melbourne's Eastern Suburbs since The World Loves Melbourne has spent so much time there. Some of Melbourne's best cafes can be found in the East of the city, so a cross-town trip is in order. Breakfast is served in the Jake and the Beans Talk café in the English and Australian traditions. All of Aoba's Japanese food is healthy and delicious, yet retains the authentic taste of Japan. To honour Spain, Remy Bar serves Spanish tapas and features Spanish-inspired decor.
Due to its imaginative decor, the Lovebird Café exudes a charming and fantastical vibe. The cakes in Shanklin are some of the best in the area, so even the most discerning sweet tooth will be satisfied. This is Thierry's way of transporting you back to France for a few minutes. Some of Melbourne's best coffee can be found at Jade Fox. Other excellent cafes to check out include Rustica, Down the Rabbit Hole, and Riddick.
We are overjoyed with the light and airiness provided by Techne Architecture. The star of the show was duck sausage and blini with pickled onion. Despite the fact that the cafe is triangular in shape, there are numerous interesting spots to sit within it. The success of Mabel's novel cafe fare has made it a sensation. Poached eggs and grilled salmon are a classic pairing, but the combination of the two is often overlooked.
When it comes to coffee, Coffeehead always has a wide variety of beans and roasts on hand. The Liar Liar coffee shop in Hawthorn has established itself as one of Glasgow's best. Iconic retro pieces such as neon-lit chairs and stools adorn the space. It was an exuberant barista who proclaimed that Honduras had risen from third to first place in the world rankings. This coffee shop in Hawthorn claims to be the area's top roaster.
Each and every one of the company's employees is a coffee connoisseur. The cafe's stellar reputation in the coffee world is well-earned.
Content Summary
- Since The World Loves Melbourne has spent a lot of time in Melbourne's Eastern Suburbs, we thought it would be helpful to highlight the best of the best.
- The Jake and the Beans Talk café, with its unpretentious exterior and cosy interior, is a neighbourhood favourite.
- But the food at Aoba is delicious, cheap, and healthy, while still retaining the traditional flavour of Japan.
- The modern Italian cuisine at Sagra is a welcome addition to Malvern.
- At Jade Fox, you'll find some of the best coffee in town.
- Another high-quality cafe, Down the Rabbit Hole, has caught the attention of the east suburbs.
- As with any good cafe, the coffee at Mammoth Cafe is top-notch.
- Mabel has become a phenomenon due to the success of its novel cafe fare.
- Coffeehead in Camberwell epitomises the cool and genuine coffee experience.
- As a trendy hangout and coffee shop, Liar Liar is a popular destination.
- There was much discussion among us about whether or not to purchase beans from Brazil or Honduras as single origins.
- Liar Liar sold us some Honduran beans.
- Axil Coffee Roasters - HawthornA posh but a little grungy coffee shop in Hawthorn, claims to be the king of coffee in the neighbourhood.
- In the field of coffee roasting, Axil Coffee Roasters is a true master of the craft.