August 10, 2026
Every dad deserves a different kind of Father’s Day in Elsternwick Village
No two dads are quite the same.
Some are happiest discovering a new café; others would rather spend an afternoon browsing bookshops or vintage stores. Some never say no to a long lunch, while others insist they don’t need a gift at all.
Whatever kind of father figure you’re celebrating this Father’s Day on Sunday, September 6, Elsternwick Village has plenty of ways to make the day feel a little more special. Here’s our guide to finding something that suits him perfectly.
For the foodie dad
The quickest way to his heart? Probably through his stomach.
Whether Dad loves trying something new or simply enjoys a meal that brings everyone together, Elsternwick Village is full of places worth pulling up a chair. From the warm hospitality and Middle Eastern-inspired flavours of Talk of the Town to the authentic charcoal-cooked Greek feasts at Nostimo & Co, there’s no shortage of memorable meals to share.
Planning to make a day of it? Head to Dawn Eatery, where Japanese and Korean-inspired flavours come together in a menu that’s as creative as it is comforting. From beautifully presented brunch dishes to bold, flavour-packed plates, it’s the kind of place that’s sure to impress any foodie dad who loves discovering something a little different. If Dad prefers somewhere relaxed afterwards, Leena’s Bar opens on the weekends from 2pm and offers homemade pizzas, generous charcuterie boards and a cosy courtyard that’s perfect for settling in over a local beer or glass of wine.
Comfort food lovers can tuck into authentic Hungarian favourites at Budapest Cafe, while Damm Good Cafe brings Michelin-trained chef Thomas Damm’s passion for quality ingredients to every omelette wrap, pastry and coffee.
Looking for a relaxed breakfast or lunch? The Golden Fig, the much-loved evolution of the former Via Campanelli by the same local owners, has transformed into a welcoming café with extended trading hours, making it even easier to stop in for quality coffee and wholesome café favourites. And for something a little unexpected, Glazed Gluten Free hosts a delightful Signature Tea Time every Sunday, proving Father’s Day can be celebrated over beautifully crafted desserts too, guilt-free.
Better yet, book a table and let someone else do the cooking for a change.
Swap the pub for high tea this Father’s Day. Glazed Gluten-Free’s Signature Tea Time serves a delicious spread of savoury favourites, sweet treats and bottomless conversation over tea or coffee.
For the coffee-loving dad
He’s probably already had two coffees before you’ve even left the house.
Fortunately, Elsternwick Village speaks fluent coffee.
Ease into the morning with brunch at Carter Lovett or Mother’s Instinct, where generous breakfasts are matched only by consistently excellent coffee. If pastries are more Dad’s speed, Mister Baker serves beautiful Hungarian-inspired cakes and baked treats that pair perfectly with a morning brew.
Looking for something a little different? Bread N Brew has built a loyal following for its rich Vietnamese coffee and generously filled bánh mì, while Loco Coffee continues to draw locals in with reliably great coffee and the kind of friendly service that keeps people coming back.
Find a table in the sun, order something sweet and simply enjoy watching the Village wake up around you.
For the dad who appreciates timeless style, Profile Master Tailor is home to Pino Curcio, whose craftsmanship has earned the trust of many of Australia’s most successful businessmen.
For the stylish dad
Not every dad wants another novelty mug or pair of socks.
Some appreciate timeless tailoring, quality craftsmanship, or finally upgrading the wallet that’s seen better days.
If that’s your dad, begin at Profile by Pino Curcio, where generations of Italian tailoring expertise come together in beautifully crafted bespoke suits designed to last a lifetime. For a little well-earned self-care, Ellevate Hair Studio has quickly become one of Elsternwick Village’s go-to destinations for premium men’s grooming.
Style doesn’t always have to come fresh off the rack either. Browse the carefully curated vintage collections at Waxy Apples Vintage, or spend an afternoon treasure hunting through Sacred Heart and Posh Opp Shoppe, where one-of-a-kind fashion and pre-loved gems are waiting to be discovered. For timeless menswear staples, shoes and classic wardrobe essentials, Hattams Menswear remains a trusted local favourite.
If you’re still searching for the perfect Father’s Day gift, Ruby’s Gifts is full of thoughtful finds.
If Dad really does insist on socks, we’ve got you covered there too. Browse the fun, quirky range at Ruby’s Gifts, Blight’s or Perfect Gifts & Homewares, where you’re just as likely to find a thoughtful card, a novelty gift or something that perfectly matches his personality. Sometimes the classics aren’t such a bad idea after all.
Let Dad discover his next great read and lose himself in a good book at Avenue Bookstore.
For the curious dad
Some dads don’t need a shopping list.
They just need somewhere to wander.
Lose track of time browsing the shelves at Avenue Bookstore, where there’s a title for every interest, whether Dad enjoys history, biographies or the latest thriller. Around the corner, Hakonelog is a must-visit for analogue photography enthusiasts, filled with vintage cameras, film and photography gear that’s as much a conversation starter as a collector’s item.
If he enjoys discovering hidden treasures, spend the afternoon exploring Elsternwick Village’s collection of op shops, including Salvos, RSPCA Op Shop and the many other stops along Glen Huntly Road’s well-loved Op Shop Trail.
Sometimes the best Father’s Day isn’t planned at all; it’s simply following your curiosity wherever it leads.
For the creative dad
Maybe the best gift isn’t something wrapped, but making something together.
Roll up your sleeves at Ceramiques and create your own pottery piece, or spend an afternoon painting side by side at Sossy & Canvas, where the focus is just as much on having fun as it is on creating art.
For something a little greener, Greenlab Collective offers terrarium-building workshops where Dad can create his own miniature garden to take home—a hands-on experience that’s equal parts creative and rewarding.
Got a dad who’s as fearless as you? Sacred Ink Collective will run a Father’s Day special from August 31 to September 6, where dads receive half-price ink when they book alongside another person aged 18 or over. Now that’s a Father’s Day gift that’ll last a lifetime.
Years from now, the memories you make together will probably mean more than anything that came in a gift bag.
Conveniently located under one roof, enjoy a pre-movie dinner at Copycat Bar & Restaurant before heading next door to Classic Cinemas for a Father’s Day film.
For the movie-loving dad
Some dads are happiest with popcorn in one hand and a choc top in the other.
A trip to Classic Cinemas remains one of Elsternwick Village’s classic Father’s Day outings, and this year they’re making the occasion even more special with a Father’s Day Retro Marathon, bringing iconic films back to the big screen for a nostalgic day out that dads are sure to love.
Make a day of it by arriving early for dinner. With Copycat Bar & Restaurant conveniently located right next door, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a meal before the lights dim. Or, if you’re after something different, share handmade pasta at Etto, warm up with one of Prepho’s rich, double-broiled broths, or share award-winning pizzas at 48H Pizze e Gnocchi before settling into your seats.
When the credits roll, there’s no need to head home straight away. Celebrate with something sweet from Acai Yo Affair, or finish the evening over a perfectly poured Guinness and one of Antique Bar’s famous toasties.
For the dad who says, “Don’t buy me anything.”
We all know this dad.
“Don’t get me anything.”
“I’ve already got everything.”
“Just being together is enough.”
Maybe, for once, we should believe him.
Skip the frantic shopping and spend the day together instead. Start with breakfast at your favourite café, wander through the Village’s boutiques, bookshops and vintage stores, enjoy a long lunch, catch a movie, try a pottery class or simply finish the afternoon with coffee and cake.
Sometimes the most memorable Father’s Days aren’t about what you buy; they’re about making time for each other.
Celebrate Father’s Day, your way
However you’re celebrating Father’s Day this Sunday, September 6, Elsternwick Village makes it easy to turn a simple outing into something memorable.
Whether you’re treating Dad to brunch, finding a thoughtful gift, discovering a new hobby together or simply enjoying great food and good company, you’ll also be supporting the local businesses that make Elsternwick Village such a special place.
Here’s to all the dads, stepdads, grandfathers and father figures who deserve to be celebrated this Father’s Day.