Suburb Spy: Where to seek food, fun and fitness in Oakleigh and Hughesdale

03 July 2023

Wander 14 kilometres southeast of the CBD, and you’ll find Oakleigh and Hughesdale. Nestled amongst the residential reverie of Murrumbeena and the sleepless spending sprees of Chadstone, Oakleigh and Hughesdale have noisy neighbours – but their own distinct identity. And it’s Hellenic – with the suburbs’ shared Greek history having profoundly influenced the local food culture. So. Where can you go for food in Oakleigh and Hughesdale? What should you order there? And, when you’re done, where can you go to work up a sweat – or kick your adrenaline levels up a notch? Let’s find out.

For the foodie

Between Eaton Mall in Oakleigh and Poath Road in Hughesdale, you’ll find some of Melbourne’s best – and most iconic – food.

Vanilla Lounge

There’s never a bad time to visit Vanilla Lounge on Eaton Mall. Be it for breakfast, lunch, dinner – or dessert!

The hustle and bustle of the restaurant’s interior and outdoor spaces give it a distinctly European feel – right here in Melbourne.

Operating for 15 years come August, Vanilla Lounge has become the place for events, including birthdays, christenings and weddings.

Its moussaka and halloumi chips are a must. And you can’t leave without at least sampling its endless display of cakes and treats; sure to leave your mouth watering, and your stomach full.

Greca Street

Authentic Greek food? Check. Contemporary and sleek ambience? Check. Drinks to wash it all down? Check!

Found along Portman Street, Greca Street is the food child of owner Mike Horomidis, who has spent almost 40 years in hospitality, working on land and sea. From bars in Santorini to restaurants in Melbourne, Horomidis leaves behind a trail of flavour – and customers wanting more.

Greca Street’s big menu means big plates (and even bigger flavour).

Its grill platters are piled high with gyros, skewers and biftekia – and don’t forget the tzatziki, chips and pita! While its seafood platter, fresh from local vendors, even rivals the seasoned, sizzling meats coming out of the kitchen.

Fancy a small bite, instead? No problem! With over 30 dips and bread, salads, and mezze, you’ll have no issue satisfying any craving.

Meat Me Souvlakeri

Oakleigh-based and family-owned, Meat Me Souvlakeri’s menu offers the best of a Greek feast.

With a lively and homely atmosphere, Meat Me is the perfect spot to get together with friends and family to celebrate or catch up – over some mouth-watering food.

Aptly named, Meat Me’s souvlakis are a must. Whether you prefer pita and skewers or pita wraps, you can’t go wrong with its seasoned and flavourful meat.

The Oakleigh Doughnut Co.

The Oakleigh Doughnut Co. recaptures brothers and founders Yani and Nic’s childhood memories of eating their grandmother’s sweet treats. (And, located right outside Oakleigh Central, daubed in bright colour and neon, you can’t miss it!)

Social media-worthy doughnuts (and an Instagrammable doughnut mural) bring a pop of fun to Oakleigh’s central business district.

Our pick? The Bakladough. Taking inspiration from the eponymous dessert, this doughnut shares the same icing: topped with walnuts, pistachios, and a filo pastry crumb.

With over 20 doughnuts to choose from (and a sweet six for $30 deal), the Oakleigh Doughnut Co. is the perfect place to stop for a pick-me-up.

Temperance Society

Tucked into the corner of Kangaroo Road and Dalston Road, Temperance Society is the only place on our list away from Oakleigh and Hughesdale’s main streets and rows of restaurants.

But don’t be deceived by its (slightly) more remote location.

Temperance Society packs a punch with its savoury selections, sure to impress even the most critical of Melbourne’s self-proclaimed foodies.

For our sweet tooths out there, we’d recommend The Parisian. It’s a tower of French toast: covered in vanilla mascarpone, bejewelled with fruits and chocolate, and drizzled with butterscotch sauce to finish.

Bon appétit!

Hellenic Depot

Right outside Hughesdale Station, along Poath Street, Hellenic Depot sits amid a cluster of well-established local businesses and restaurants.

Offering a casual and laid-back dining experience, the Hellenic Depot’s drink menu serves up a wide range of Greek wines – and a stirring selection of cocktails.

Patrons boast about the gyro plate for two, or the mixed seafood platter big enough to feed a crowd. Oh – and don’t forget the saganaki and mixed dips on the side!

For the thrill seeker

Oakleigh and Hughesdale’s food scenes are one of a kind – but there’s so much more on offer.

Let’s dive into Melbourne’s newest and most unique experiences for you to solve, smash, and splash your way through in the 3166 postcode.

escapeXperience

Feel like putting your teamwork to the test? How about solving a mystery?

Right in front of Oakleigh Centre, escapeXperience lets you do both: immersing you in thoughtfully planned escape rooms filled with intrigue, riddles, and secrets.

With three different experiences on offer, bring your friends, family or colleagues together as you try to solve the mysteries of Burlesque, Amnesia or Clockwork…

… before time runs out!

Smash Splash

Putting a devious spin on your typical ‘break room’, Smash Splash gives you the chance to smash, splash or crash your way through your next party or team-building event.

How it works is simple. Walk into the room. Pick a baseball bat, sledgehammer or golf club. Then, start (safely!) causing some chaos and demolition.

Looking for something less destructive? The Splash Room is a colourful alternative to painting the town red. Trade your baseball bat for a brush or balloon and have fun creating a work of art!

Last but not least? The Crash Room – Smash Splash’s newest invention.

Slap on sumo suits and race against your friends as you try to shoot hoops, capture the flag, and find the notorious ‘mystery ball’. Good luck!

For the fitness fanatic

Sometimes, all you need is to hit the field (or in this case, the rink!) with your mates. Rest assured, Oakleigh and Hughesdale have you covered – whether you’re hitting the ice or a penalty shootout.

Oakleigh Indoor Sports

Squeezing in some time with your friends? How about some healthy competition? Or even the little one’s birthday party? Oakleigh Indoor Sports has it all.

Choose from soccer, cricket, beach volleyball, or netball. With mixed teams to test your friends and family's skills and teamwork, there’s plenty of opportunities to have fun, get fit – and enjoy some friendly competition.

With Inflatable World, the little ones will love it, too. Bouncing, jumping and sliding into their next birthday party… what’s not to like?

Olympic Ice Skating Centre

Why avoid the cold this winter – when you can seek it out instead?

Throw on your skates and head to the Olympic Ice Skating Centre. Take lessons, skate with family and friends, or host your own birthday or team-building event.

Looking for a new sport this winter? Ice hockey or figure skating might just be your route to becoming Australia’s next sports superstar.