Best Vegan Food in Bentleigh East Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Top pick | Green Post |
| Free highlight | Green House |
| Family-friendly | Golden Table |
| Locals only | Lena’s |
| Indoor option | Gus |
The best vegan food scene in Bentleigh East is better than most people realise. Start at Stella Standard, then check out Sol’s. Residential suburb with East Boundary Road retail. Located 12-18km from the CBD, Bentleigh East is part of Melbourne’s Middle South region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Bentleigh East locals actually recommend.
1. Long Table — 181 Lygon Grove, Bentleigh East VIC 3169
What it is: (vegan food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Long Table has been operating in Bentleigh East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($24) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 64 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on South Drive is usually fine.
Order this: The daily soup ($27) — the best version in Bentleigh East Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
2. Nico — 366 South Drive, Bentleigh East VIC 3169
What it is: (vegan food) Worth the detour Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Nico has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($16) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The sourdough bread ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
3. Zara Cellar — 44 Lygon Grove, Bentleigh East VIC 3169
What it is: (vegan food) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: dates
Zara Cellar has been operating in Bentleigh East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($15) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Henry Terrace is usually fine.
Go for: The seasonal special ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
4. Sol Lane — 195 Lygon Grove, Bentleigh East VIC 3169
What it is: (vegan food) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-28 per person Best for: budget eaters
Sol Lane has been operating in Bentleigh East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($23) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Lygon Grove is usually fine.
Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on South Street after 6pm.
5. The Southern Kitchen — 190 South Drive, Bentleigh East VIC 3169
What it is: (vegan food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The Southern Kitchen has been operating in Bentleigh East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($12) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
The Bentleigh East That Locals Know
Residential suburb with East Boundary Road retail. Close to GESAC aquatic centre. The best vegan food options here reflect Bentleigh East’s character. If you’re living in or near Bentleigh East, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.
6. Hazel Yard — 326 South Drive, Bentleigh East VIC 3169
What it is: (vegan food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-31 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Hazel Yard has been operating in Bentleigh East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($19) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
7. Felix — 97 Margaret Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169
What it is: (vegan food) Worth the detour Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
Felix has been operating in Bentleigh East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($14) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Book ahead for: The daily soup ($14) — the best version in Bentleigh East Insider tip: Parking is free on South Street after 6pm.
8. Remy Standard — 113 Henry Terrace, Bentleigh East VIC 3169
What it is: (vegan food) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: dates
Remy Standard has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($27) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 31 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Start with: The crispy chicken ($28) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
9. Vera — 363 Station Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169
What it is: (vegan food) A solid local spot Cost: $8-19 per person Best for: remote workers
Vera has been operating in Bentleigh East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($12) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Come back for: The charcuterie board ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
10. Ava Room — 287 Station Crescent, Bentleigh East VIC 3169
What it is: (vegan food) A local institution Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Ava Room has been operating in Bentleigh East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($11) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The room holds 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The seasonal special ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
11. Otto’s — 132 Henry Terrace, Bentleigh East VIC 3169
What it is: (vegan food) A local institution Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
Otto’s has been operating in Bentleigh East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($16) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 65 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Henry Terrace is usually fine.
Order this: The seasonal special ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
Explore More
- Bentleigh Best Vegan Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Bentleigh East Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Bentleigh East Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Bentleigh East Complete Guide — everything about Bentleigh East
- Compare Suburbs — see how Bentleigh East stacks up
- All Bentleigh East Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best vegan food options in Bentleigh East?
Green Post is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Bentleigh East good for best vegan food?
Yes. Bentleigh East has 11+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.
What is Bentleigh East known for?
Residential suburb with East Boundary Road retail.
How far is Bentleigh East from Melbourne CBD?
Bentleigh East is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Bentleigh East isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.
Last updated: March 2026

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