Best Vegan Food in Box Hill South Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best vegan food option in Box Hill South to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. New Cellar is the one everyone knows. The Sunny Quarter is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Quiet residential area between Box Hill and Burwood. Box Hill South sits in the Middle East corridor, 14-22km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best vegan food scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Box Hill South since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Ivy’s — 193 Margaret Parade, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (vegan food) A local institution Cost: $13-24 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Ivy’s has been operating in Box Hill South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($13) 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.

Capacity is around 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bourke Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($15) — the best version in Box Hill South Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

2. Ava’s — 249 Bay Road, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (vegan food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-26 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Ava’s has been operating in Box Hill South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($20) 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 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The fish special ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Lena’s — 53 Bridge Place, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (vegan food) A local institution Cost: $11-18 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Lena’s has been operating in Box Hill South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 62 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The house-made relish ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. River — 147 Bourke Drive, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (vegan food) Worth the detour Cost: $14-23 per person Best for: families

River has been operating in Box Hill South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($18) 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 47 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Margaret Parade is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. The Common Commons — 297 Bourke Drive, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (vegan food) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

The Common Commons has been operating in Box Hill South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($21) 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 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

What Nobody Tells You About Box Hill South

Quiet residential area between Box Hill and Burwood. Strong schools. The best vegan food options here reflect Box Hill South’s character. Whether you’re based in Box Hill South or visiting from nearby, 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. Mia — 293 Bourke Drive, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (vegan food) A solid local spot Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Mia has been operating in Box Hill South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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.

Capacity is around 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bourke Drive is usually fine.

Ask for: The fish special ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Box Hill South farmers market when it runs.

7. Ivy — 35 Margaret Parade, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (vegan food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Ivy has been operating in Box Hill South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) 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 40 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Lena’s — 251 Margaret Parade, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (vegan food) No-frills excellence Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: groups

Lena’s has been operating in Box Hill South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($12) 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 57 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Rowan Parade is usually fine.

Start with: The mushroom pasta ($10) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Box Hill South roaster — ask which one.

9. Kai’s — 378 Rowan Parade, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (vegan food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $20-25 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Kai’s has been operating in Box Hill South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($23) 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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Margaret Parade is usually fine.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Finn’s — 51 Bay Road, Box Hill South VIC 3131

What it is: (vegan food) A local institution Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Finn’s has been operating in Box Hill South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($22) 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.

Capacity is around 36 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The house-made relish ($28) — the best version in Box Hill South Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

• Box Hill North Best Vegan Food — same vibe, different suburb
• Box Hill South Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Box Hill South Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Box Hill South Complete Guide — everything about Box Hill South
• Compare Suburbs — see how Box Hill South stacks up
• All Box Hill South Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best vegan food options in Box Hill South?

Remy Corner is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Box Hill South good for best vegan food?

Yes. Box Hill South has 10+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Box Hill South known for?

Quiet residential area between Box Hill and Burwood.

How far is Box Hill South from Melbourne CBD?

Box Hill South is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Box Hill South: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026