Best Vegan Food in Kew Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Kew has genuine best vegan food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Ruby Depot and Remy’s lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 6km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Kew Junction and High Street shopping. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Kew resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Marco — 213 Swan Parade, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (vegan food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Marco has been operating in Kew for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($25) 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 33 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Lake Drive is usually fine.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($27) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. The High Kitchen — 112 King Terrace, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (vegan food) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: remote workers

The High Kitchen has been operating in Kew for over a decade 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The fish special ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. White Pantry — 77 Swan Parade, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (vegan food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

White Pantry has been operating in Kew for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 42 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The seasonal special ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Kew roaster — ask which one.

4. Ivy Corner — 135 Anderson Road, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (vegan food) The one that surprised us Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: solo diners

Ivy Corner has been operating in Kew for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($9) 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 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($15) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Collective — 98 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (vegan food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Collective has been operating in Kew for since the early 2020s 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 62 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($21) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: They source produce from Kew farmers market when it runs.

The Reality of Kew

Kew Junction and High Street shopping. Studley Park and Yarra Bend Park provide extensive parkland along the Yarra River. The best vegan food options here reflect Kew’s character. Whether you’re based in Kew 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. The Southern Depot — 86 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (vegan food) No-frills excellence Cost: $16-27 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Southern Depot has been operating in Kew for over a decade 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.

The room holds 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($20) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Nico Local — 321 King Terrace, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (vegan food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: dates

Nico Local has been operating in Kew for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The sourdough bread ($16) — the best version in Kew Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. White Store — 50 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (vegan food) Worth the detour Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: groups

White Store has been operating in Kew for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($21) 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 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Golden Bench — 367 Swan Parade, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (vegan food) Worth the detour Cost: $9-21 per person Best for: dates

Golden Bench has been operating in Kew for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 51 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 pumpkin risotto ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. The Golden Corner — 346 Bourke Avenue, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (vegan food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-33 per person Best for: dates

The Golden Corner has been operating in Kew for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal 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 space seats about 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The seasonal special ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Bourke Street after 6pm.

11. Finn — 90 Lake Drive, Kew VIC 3143

What it is: (vegan food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Finn has been operating in Kew 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 monthly 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.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($14) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Kew roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best vegan food options in Kew?

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

Is Kew good for best vegan food?

Yes. Kew has 11+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Kew known for?

Kew Junction and High Street shopping.

How far is Kew from Melbourne CBD?

Kew is 6km, 15min tram, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Kew: 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