For the foodies  

Tucked away between Murrumbeena and Moorabbin, Bentleigh East has plenty of hidden food gems to discover. Check out some of our favourites, renowned by locals – and the world!

 

Humble Creatures

Tucked amidst the backstreets of Bentleigh East is Humble Creatures. So humble, in fact, their Instagram bio simply states, ‘Coffee & Food’. As if it were nothing to brag about.

The countless five-star reviews, however, tell a different story.

Whether it’s brekkie, brunch, or lunch, regulars boast about the classic dishes – and the decadent, unique twists they’re famous for. (The super friendly staff and delicious coffee get plenty of shout-outs, too!)

The mushroom medley excels, while the chilli scrambled eggs put a little heat on your tastebuds – and a massive smile on your face.

Or if you’re looking for something a little meatier to sink your teeth into, grab yourself an O.G burger. It tastes like a Big Mac – but healthy. (Um, yes please!)

 

 

Mr & Mrs Kitchen

Fresh. Flavoursome. Authentic.

Three words everyone wants to hear when eating a cuisine inspired by a faraway land – and Mr & Mrs Kitchen delivers.

With every dish offering delicious, dynamic Korean flavours, it’s hard to pick a favourite. But we reckon you can’t go past the kimchi pancakes – and the tangsuyuk is a must.

Endless reviews also state that the jajangmyeon offers up some of the most authentic Korean flavours to reach Aussie shores… so that’s definitely topped our next-to-try list!

And with a big, bright space and service that’s as fast as it is friendly, this place is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

 

 

Boosa

We Melburnians love a café catchup. And you’ll be set to impress even the most high-brow of coffee critics when you meet over a macchiato at Boosa.

This Middle Eastern coffee house is a showstopper. With its crisp white, floor-to-ceiling tiled walls – all softened by warm wooden tables and endless indoor greenery – you’ll be ordering rounds for hours on end.

Its lattes and cappuccinos are some of Melbourne’s best, but it also excels at a dirty chai – and the ‘shakes’ are second to none. Try the unique Tel Aviv blend of strawberry, banana and orange juice. Or indulge your sweet tooth with an iced Nutella.

And then there’s the heart-warming cuisine. Grab yourself a classic Shakshooka, or our personal favourite – the decadent Cilbir (Turkish eggs). Arriving with your choice of halloumi or chorizo, they’re an egg-cellent choice.

Can’t get down for a bite? Boosa also caters for any occasion.

 

 

Tahini Neri

The tahini gods were smiling the day Tahini Neri owner Neri was born across the globe in Israel.

When he was young, Neri’s grandmother taught him her traditional tahini and hummus recipes. (Crowning him her ‘unofficial taste-tester’!)

Today, he brings his palette – and her classic recipes – to the heart of Bentleigh East. And has developed a cult following in the process.

Tahini Neri’s kitchen creates mouth-watering batches of gluten-, dairy- and sugar-free dips. All are vegan-friendly – and kosher! – and available in 250 selected stores across three countries.

On Fridays, Tahini Neri opens its doors to the public. From 9am to 3pm you can head on into the newly opened Neri Hummus Bar for a freshly made falafel bowl, or to bag yourself some bagels and freshly baked challah.

Whatever you choose, you’ll be sure to experience food that truly does taste like tradition.

 

 

For the fitness lovers

Life is about balance. So, with all this delicious food on your doorstep, it pays to know where your local fitness centres are!

 

KX Pilates

Tone and strengthen yourself – from bed? Well, not quite.

Found at 763 Centre Rd, KX Pilates runs all its classes on specialised Pilates reformer beds. And trust us – they’ll get your heartrate up even higher than activities you’d normally do in the boudoir. (Plus, each session lasts 50 minutes – not 3!)

With over 90 locations across the country, the reformer method is tried, tested and treasured by thousands of fellow Aussies.

Plus, who doesn’t want to join a fitness studio whose mantra is ‘workout smarter – not longer’? Sign us up!

 

 

Moving Through Motherhood  

It’s no secret – mums give a lot. So taking some much-needed ‘me time’ is a must.

Moving Through Motherhood is a mums-only fitness studio – for pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. Sessions are circuit-based: incorporating strength, resistance and cardio.

What better way to have fun, connect with a community of other mums, blow out any frustrations and stay healthy?

And with classes capped at 12, you’ll always get the attention you deserve.

But if you can’t find some kid-free time, don’t fret – your cherubs are welcome, too. There’s a designated pram area, a large play pen, and a chill zone with a TV to distract the older kids.

 

 

Yarra Yarra Golf Club

One of Melbourne’s eight elite Sandbelt courses, the eighteen holes of the Yarra Yarra Golf Club are sure to be on every golf lover’s ‘must-play’ list.

Its pristine greens were manicured in 1927 with a then-avant-garde approach: welcoming both men and women to play from the outset.

Rich and proud in history, the clubhouse is an architectural masterpiece. Inspired by the Spanish Mission, it boasts vast terraces and gorgeous members areas. While expansive meeting rooms and function spaces mean you can host an array of (non-golfing) soirees at the venue, too.

 

 

For the love of fun

With your food and fitness needs taken care of, it’s time to let your hair down – for some family-friendly fun.

Fortunately, Bentleigh East delivers in spades – and waterslides!

 

Glen Eira Sports and Aquatic Centre (GESAC)

Looking for a hang-out that will appease the whole family? GESAC’s got you covered.

With sports, swimming, slides, and shopping, the local council has really have gone all out on this one.

So bring the kids down for some swim lessons or water play. With tipping buckets, inflatable obstacle courses, and ceiling-high waterslides, they’ll be entertained for hours.

With the kids occupied, grab yourself an all-day pass or yearly membership. Allowing you to enjoy the gym facilities and classes – or simply soak up the spa, steam room or sauna!

 

 

Toot Toot Toys

All aboard! Come join the Toot Toot Tribe at one of the most well-stocked toy train stores in Melbourne.

It really is a conductor’s heaven: with dedicated sections for all things Thomas & Friends, the full BRIO wooden railway range, Bigjigs Rail, and Hape Railway.

Trains not really your thing? No problem.

This toy mecca also boasts an impressive array of hard-to-find Lego sets. Not to mention a floor-to-ceiling shelf of Beanie Boos, micro scooters, kick bikes – plus plenty of other treasures to keep the kids amused.

 

 

Centenary Park

If you’re looking for an outdoor wonderland that boasts something for everyone, look no further than Centenary Park.

Shoot your shot on the basketball court. Work out on the exercise equipment. Or pad up and have a crack in the cricket nets. You can even exhume those old clubs and take on the golfing birdie cage – or make a racket at the park’s tennis club.

What about the kids, you ask? Well, Centenary Park sports one of the best playgrounds in the south-east. From the classic swings, slides, and monkey bars to the thrilling flying fox, you’ll be hard pressed getting the kids to leave.

But you’ll be fine with it. Because, while they work off their seemingly endless energy, you can bask under the large trees, enjoy a meander around the walking tracks or cook up a storm on the barbeque facilities.

 

 

Moorabbin Area Toy Library

Kids grow fast! And their interests can change as fast as a two-year-old’s attention span.  

Which is why a membership at the Moorabbin Area Toy Library is one of the greatest parenting life hacks.

Set up in 1987, this eco-conscious not-for-profit allows you to borrow toys your kid decides they must have – (immediately!) – then return them when those rose-tinted glasses wear off. Saving your hip pocket – and the planet from extra landfill.

With over two thousand toys in its collection, there’s plenty of fun to go around.

And if you’re wondering how you’ll entertain the rugrats at your kid’s next birthday party, they’ve got five themed party bundles available for hire.

From a party package for babies – bursting with ball pits, tent tunnels and colour-wheel parachutes – to the ‘all ages’ collection. (Which features giant lawn games like croquet, tug-of-war, chess and more.)

Your pint-sized partygoers will be guaranteed a great time – without the great big price tag!

 

 

Want the lowdown on more of southeast Melbourne’s finest suburbs? Look out for the Suburb Spy stories on The Peer Blog.