Best Vegan Food in Highett Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best vegan food scene in Highett is growing every year. Start at Otto’s, then check out Pearl Place. Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Located 15km from the CBD, Highett 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 Highett locals actually recommend.

1. Humble Pantry — 230 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (vegan food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-25 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Humble Pantry has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($19) 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 34 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Bridge Street after 6pm.

2. Humble Place — 328 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (vegan food) A local institution Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Humble Place has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 space seats about 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Young Street is usually fine.

Try this: The lamb shoulder ($26) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Hugo Table — 35 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (vegan food) A local institution Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: remote workers

Hugo Table has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

The space seats about 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($18) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: Parking is free on Bridge Street after 6pm.

4. Luna’s — 363 Young Street, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (vegan food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: remote workers

Luna’s has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Queen Grove is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

The Reality of Highett

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve. Highett Road strip has cafes and shops. Close to Southland. The best vegan food options here reflect Highett’s character. For Highett locals and anyone in the area, 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. Half Depot — 45 Bridge Lane, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (vegan food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Half Depot has been operating in Highett for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on Bridge Street after 6pm.

6. Leo’s — 56 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (vegan food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: families

Leo’s has been operating in Highett for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 space seats about 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($14) — the best version in Highett Insider tip: They source produce from Highett farmers market when it runs.

7. Canvas — 136 Barkly Place, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (vegan food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: solo diners

Canvas has been operating in Highett for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($13) 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 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Nina Kitchen — 110 Smith Grove, Highett VIC 3193

What it is: (vegan food) A quiet achiever Cost: $21-27 per person Best for: families

Nina Kitchen has been operating in Highett for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($26) 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 54 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Smith Grove is usually fine.

Start with: The sourdough bread ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best vegan food options in Highett?

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

Is Highett good for best vegan food?

Yes. Highett has 8+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Highett known for?

Transformed by level crossing removal and Sir William Fry Reserve.

How far is Highett from Melbourne CBD?

Highett is 15km, 27min train, 20min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Highett 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