Live Like a Local: The Best Things to Do in Moonee Ponds

Only 7km north-west of Melbourne’s CBD, Moonee Ponds is having a moment, for this booming pocket is brimming with cosy cafes, great shopping, gorgeous homes, green parks and buzzing nightlife. Enjoy the best of this suburb like a local, starting with a tasty brunch to fuel a day of exploring hidden gems, before ending the day with a hearty meal and a glass of wine at a vibrant wine bar.

Highly accessible and full of charm, discover the best things to do in Moonee Ponds and make a day of it. Or who knows, maybe even make a move to it!

Best Things to Do in Moonee Ponds: Eat

Gathered Cafe

Gathered Cafe in Moonee Ponds is the real deal – no frills, just damn good food and coffee. It’s the kind of place where you stop for a strong flat white and end up staying for the epic pancakes, a solid sandwich, or a wicked vegan spread. With cosy vibes, plenty of outdoor seating, and a dog-friendly atmosphere, it’s the spot that serves up fresh, delicious meals that make you feel right at home. 

63 Margaret Street, Moonee Ponds

Sow Coffee Project

Sow Coffee Project is a hole-in-the-wall gem serving up some of the best coffee in not only Moonee Ponds, but dare we say… all of Melbourne — big call, but totally justified. What began as a humble blog has grown into a community hub, led by coffee pros Charlie Wade and Bessie Marks who have made their mark with thoughtfully sourced beans, a passion for storytelling, and a seriously smooth brew. In a city known for its cut-throat coffee game, Sow’s reputation (and reviews) hold strong.

5 Norwood Crescent, Moonee Ponds

Darling St Espresso

Step off the beaten track and discover the corner store cafe, providing a cosy haven at Darling St Espresso. This family-run cafe makes everything in-house, using locally sourced ingredients. It’s the perfect spot for mums and bubs or anyone bringing a furry friend along, with a large courtyard out the back serving brunch classics like baked beans on toast, loaded toasties and chilli scram with whipped herb feta.

146 Athol Street, Moonee Ponds 

Convoy

From the team behind Collingwood’s Terror Twilight and Northcote’s Tinker, Convoy brings a stylish, laid-back vibe to Moonee Ponds with excellent coffee and irresistible brunch fare. The spacious venue caters to all, with long tables for group gatherings, cosy nooks for quiet moments, and a wraparound deck that’s perfect for sunny days. On the menu? Signature cinnamon-scroll-style sweet potato pancakes, zucchini and halloumi fritters, a flavour-packed okonomiyaki waffle, and a mouthwatering steak frites roll with herb butter.

109 Pascoe Vale Road, Moonee Ponds

Naga Moon

Naga Moon in Moonee Ponds is where Thai food gets a whole new twist—bold, vibrant, and unashamedly delicious. The menu reads like a love story to spice and fresh ingredients, from crispy coconut prawns to silky spanner crab fried rice. Every dish packs a punch, but it’s the playful pandan tiramisu that will have you dreaming of your next visit. Kick back with a ginger spritz, soak in the easy-going vibe, and let this hidden gem change your whole food game.

Shop 6/40 Hall Street, Moonee Ponds 

Parco Ramen

At Parco Ramen, the broth is deep, the noodles are bouncy, and every bowl is a love letter to Japan. This gem keeps it simple—rich, soulful ramen made from scratch, gyoza so juicy they should come with a warning, and a lineup of small plates that hit just right. No gimmicks, no shortcuts—just tasty eats, served with heart. Oh, did we mention they have a lobster ramen on the menu?!

17A Hall Street, Moonee Ponds

TOTE Bar & Dining

Heading to the races? TOTE Bar & Dining is the ultimate pre-race hotspot, serving modern lunch and dinner dishes in a stunning, heritage-listed venue overlooking the racecourse.

For a relaxed, share-friendly dining experience, The Northern Terrace is the place to be. Overlooking the park, it’s a favourite for families—kids can run free while the grown-ups enjoy a drink nearby. In the cooler months, settle into the dining room and feast on fresh seafood, wagyu short rib, caramelised cauliflower, and golden polenta chips.

14 Feehan Avenue, Moonee Ponds

Local Chook

Local Chook is one of Moonee Ponds’ best-kept secrets, serving up bold Vietnamese flavours with a modern twist. From crispy bao buns and their signature red chicken curry to twice-cooked scotch fillet in plum sauce and plenty of fresh seafood, every bite is a winner. The space is stylish yet laidback, making it perfect for a casual feast or a fun night out. With plenty of vego and gluten-free options, everyone’s covered. A local’s favourite, and trust us, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

9 Hall Street, Moonee Ponds

Il Caminetto

Sometimes, nothing beats a truly great pizza, and Il Caminetto delivers just that. Recognised as one of Melbourne’s (and Australia’s) finest pizzerias, this family-run gem brings authentic Italian flavours straight to your plate. The warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect place to enjoy timeless classics like Margherita and Calabrese, or step outside the box with a delicious broccoli and sausage combo. Don’t skip dessert – the traditional Sicilian cannoli with pistachio is a dreamy way to end your meal.

114 Pascoe Vale Road, Moonee Ponds

Luke’s Vietnamese

Perhaps you’re on the hunt for something to help with a cheeky hangover, or are simply craving one of the best banh mi’s in Melbourne. Whatever the case, we suggest a pit stop at Luke’s Vietnamese on Puckle Street. The line may be long, but the wait is worth it. The rolls are perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, the meat fillings are fresh and juicy, the veggies are crisp, and the service is speedy. What more could you need?

11 Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds

Best Things to Do in Moonee Ponds: Drink

Holmes Hall

Holmes Hall comfortably seats 300 patrons, blending a bar, restaurant, and chic function space all in one. Once a rundown supermarket, the venue has been restored into a funky spot for any occasion, from casual Friday knock-offs to special celebrations. With events like drag bingo, Tipsy Trivia, Taco Tuesdays, and parma nights, there’s always something fun happening. Whether you’re hanging out in the beer garden, relaxing indoors, or enjoying a table out front watching the world go by, Holmes Hall guarantees a great time every time.

11-17 Holmes Road, Moonee Ponds

Mount Alexander Hotel

Mount Alexander Hotel is a modern pub in the heart of Moonee Ponds, boasting high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, $25 steak nights and a killer Sunday Roast. With multiple function spaces, a pool room, a relaxed dining area and a sports bar, it’s the peak pub experience. Enjoy high-quality food from juicy burgers to fresh salads and succulent parmas. Plus, happy hour deals get the party started with $10 pints!

690-694 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds

Penny Young

Penny Young is where you pop in for a ‘quick drink’ and end up staying all night. The kitchen serves up delicious Italian bites if you’re feeling peckish, but the real action is at the bar. Whether you’re into craft beer, fruity cocktails, or a glass of wine, the bartenders have got you covered. As the night goes on, the vibe shifts from laid-back catch-ups to lively dancefloor antics.

22 Young Street, Moonee Ponds

bar libretto

Just over the road in Ascot Vale, bar libretto is a haven for wine lovers. This laid-back spot serves up a curated selection of local and international wines, paired with indulgent dishes like slipper lobster rolls, oysters, crispy quail, and wagyu carpaccio. The vibe is effortlessly cool, blending chic with relaxed. Sip a classic Negroni or uncork a bottle of something special as the relaxed atmosphere invites you to unwind and savour every moment. 

155 Union Road, Ascot Vale 

Best Things to Do in Moonee Ponds: Play

Spend a Day at the Races

There’s no denying one of Moonee Valley’s most popular venues is the Moonee Valley Racecourse. With events throughout the year, there’s always something to see at The Valley. Don your best attire, book a ticket for the next horse race hosted by the Moonee Valley Racing Club, and make some lasting memories with a great day out. If you can only attend one race this year, it’s got to be the legendary Cox Plate.

Feehan Avenue, Moonee Ponds

Explore Puckle Street Precinct

Whether you’re grabbing a caffeine fix before hitting the pavement or indulging in a leisurely afternoon of window shopping, this buzzing strip is where all the action happens in Moonee Ponds. Start with a strong coffee at Sir Duke, then wander through Six Points for some serious retail therapy—homewares, clothing boutiques, and quirky gift shops are all on the agenda. Catch the latest flick at Palace Cinemas, then when hunger kicks in, dive into a world of flavours. From spicy Thai to comforting Italian, Indian curries to all-American diners, you’ll never be far from a feast.

Puckle Street, Moonee Ponds

Hone in on Your Health

Moonee Ponds has emerged as a health and wellness hotspot, blending sleek studios, fitness labs, and recovery zones into a revitalising escape. Looking to work up a sweat? Upstate’s boxing, yoga, and pilates classes will push your limits and leave you feeling on top of the world. Want to slow things down? SlowLane Yoga offers the perfect sanctuary within its serene space. If you’re needing some recovery, Flow Lab’s got your back with infrared saunas, cold plunges, and a range of reformer Pilates classes that’ll leave you feeling unstoppable.

Picnic in the Park

Moonee Ponds is a family-friendly ‘burb, with plenty of green spaces for a picnic, a play, or a stroll. Queens Park is an oasis, with native and exotic trees, plus an outdoor swimming pool open in summer. For active outdoor fun, hit the Maribyrnong River or the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail for bike rides, walks, or lakeside relaxation. Maribyrnong’s parks, scattered throughout the suburb, boast playgrounds for kids, basketball courts, and soccer fields for burning off some energy.

Did you love our guide to the best things to do in Moonee Ponds, and are looking for more fun activities for days out in Melbourne? Check out our guides to the best markets in town and the best walks to hit that step count goal.