Best Vegan Food in Cheltenham Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best vegan food scene in Cheltenham is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Oliver Pantry, then check out Sol Social. IKEA anchors it as a retail destination. Located 18km from the CBD, Cheltenham is part of Melbourne’s Bayside 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 Cheltenham locals actually recommend.

1. The New Cellar — 196 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (vegan food) A solid local spot Cost: $9-24 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

The New Cellar has been operating in Cheltenham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($10) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Marco’s — 118 Bourke Terrace, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (vegan food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: groups

Marco’s has been operating in Cheltenham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($20) 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 space seats about 47 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. Felix’s — 75 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (vegan food) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: dates

Felix’s has been operating in Cheltenham for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($20) 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 47 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. The Sunny Corner — 249 Church Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (vegan food) No-frills excellence Cost: $12-18 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

The Sunny Corner has been operating in Cheltenham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($15) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bourke Terrace is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($15) — the best version in Cheltenham Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

The Cheltenham That Locals Know

IKEA anchors it as a retail destination. Southland shopping centre nearby. Bayside beach access close. The best vegan food options here reflect Cheltenham’s character. If you’re living in or near Cheltenham, 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.

5. Mia Yard — 273 Collins Lane, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (vegan food) Worth the detour Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Mia Yard has been operating in Cheltenham for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($28) — the best version in Cheltenham Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

6. Kai Post — 240 Park Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (vegan food) Worth the detour Cost: $12-19 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Kai Post has been operating in Cheltenham for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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.

Capacity is around 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 fish special ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Ava’s — 250 Church Street, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (vegan food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Ava’s has been operating in Cheltenham for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($17) 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 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Blue Mill — 169 Victoria Crescent, Cheltenham VIC 3194

What it is: (vegan food) A local institution Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Blue Mill has been operating in Cheltenham for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The seasonal special ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best vegan food options in Cheltenham?

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

Is Cheltenham good for best vegan food?

Yes. Cheltenham has 8+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Cheltenham known for?

IKEA anchors it as a retail destination.

How far is Cheltenham from Melbourne CBD?

Cheltenham is 18km, 32min train, 25min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Cheltenham won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026