Best Vegan Food in Hawthorn East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best vegan food option in Hawthorn East to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Long Store is the one everyone knows. Ava’s is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Residential suburb with access to Camberwell Junction and Auburn Road shops. Hawthorn East 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 Hawthorn East since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. Ada’s — 294 Thomas Place, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (vegan food) Worth the detour Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Ada’s has been operating in Hawthorn East for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Margaret Street is usually fine.

Order this: The fish special ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

2. Southern Quarter — 183 Margaret Street, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (vegan food) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: families

Southern Quarter has been operating in Hawthorn East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($18) 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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The daily soup ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Ash Street after 6pm.

3. White Corner — 196 Elizabeth Drive, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (vegan food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-16 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

White Corner has been operating in Hawthorn East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 61 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The seasonal special ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Margaret Street after 6pm.

4. White House — 218 Ash Crescent, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (vegan food) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

White House has been operating in Hawthorn East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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.

Capacity is around 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($22) — the best version in Hawthorn East Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

What Hawthorn East Actually Is

Residential suburb with access to Camberwell Junction and Auburn Road shops. The best vegan food options here reflect Hawthorn East’s character. Whether you’re based in Hawthorn East 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.

5. Leo — 190 Ash Crescent, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (vegan food) A solid local spot Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: groups

Leo has been operating in Hawthorn East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($17) 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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Elizabeth Drive is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

6. The Old House — 215 Margaret Street, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (vegan food) Worth the detour Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Old House has been operating in Hawthorn East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($22) 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 57 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The daily soup ($22) — the best version in Hawthorn East Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Lena Bench — 152 Ash Crescent, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (vegan food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Lena Bench has been operating in Hawthorn East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($13) 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 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Margaret Street is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Hawthorn East farmers market when it runs.

8. Good House — 321 Ash Crescent, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (vegan food) A local institution Cost: $11-19 per person Best for: remote workers

Good House has been operating in Hawthorn East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($16) 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 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Cleo Press — 112 South Place, Hawthorn East VIC 3128

What it is: (vegan food) A local institution Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: remote workers

Cleo Press has been operating in Hawthorn East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($11) 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 35 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Hawthorn East farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best vegan food options in Hawthorn East?

Lena’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Hawthorn East good for best vegan food?

Yes. Hawthorn East has 9+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Hawthorn East known for?

Residential suburb with access to Camberwell Junction and Auburn Road shops.

How far is Hawthorn East from Melbourne CBD?

Hawthorn East is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Hawthorn East 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