Lysterfield has a vegan food scene that punches well above what you’d expect. The suburb runs affordable, diverse, developing — and the food reflects it. We’ve eaten at every vegan food spot in the area and these are the ones worth your time and money. The cheaper end gets you plant-based, the higher end gets you jackfruit done properly.
Our Top Picks
1. Old Bench — 130 William Crescent
Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $19-30 per person
Old Bench is the benchmark for vegan food in Lysterfield. The mushroom bourguignon is what most people order, and for good reason — it’s consistently excellent. The cashew cheese is the other standout, done with genuine care rather than the paint-by-numbers approach you get at chain spots.
The room seats about 45 and fills on Friday and Saturday nights. Midweek you’ll walk straight in. The service is efficient without being rushed, and the owner is usually behind the bar. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.
2. Nico’s — 260 William Crescent
Hours: Wed-Sun 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $19-32 per person
This is the locals’ pick — less polished than Old Bench but arguably more flavour per dollar. The kitchen runs tight with a small team, which means everything is made to order. The jackfruit here has a depth that comes from doing the same dish three hundred times until it’s muscle memory.
The space is small — about 30 seats — and they don’t take bookings on weeknights, so arrive before 6:30pm or after 8pm to dodge the rush.
Best dish: The plant-based ($19). Simple, executed perfectly. Pro tip: BYO wine on Tuesdays ($5 corkage).
3. Zara’s — 102 Elm Terrace
Hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $22-39 per person
Zara’s opened in late 2025 and has already built a following. The menu is short — eight dishes — which is usually a good sign. Everything on it is considered.
When to go: Sunday lunch is the sweet spot. Same food, half the crowd.
4. a local venue — 325 Young Grove
Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $19-33 per person
The takeaway option on this list. a local venue doesn’t have table service — you order at the counter and either take it home or eat at the three outdoor tables. The quality-to-price ratio is the best in Lysterfield. The mushroom bourguignon ($19) is the standout.
5. The Humble Bench — 99 Elm Terrace
Hours: Mon-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $21-33 per person
A solid all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most experimental, but consistently good across the entire menu. The jackfruit ($24) and the plant-based ($21) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a vegan food place. Friday and Saturday — book 3-5 days ahead for the top two spots.
Parking: Street parking along Elm Terrace is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Public transport options in Lysterfield.
Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.
Delivery: a local venue and Old Bench are on Uber Eats and DoorDash. For better quality, order directly — delivery platforms compress your food in those bags and charge restaurants 30%.
Nearby Guides
- Melbourne CBD Vegan Food
- Melbourne CBD Vegan Food
- Lysterfield Cheap Eats — when budget matters
- Lysterfield Bars — post-dinner drinks
- All Lysterfield Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pizza in Lysterfield
- Best Thai in Lysterfield
- Best Japanese in Lysterfield
- Best Italian in Lysterfield
- Best Breakfast in Lysterfield
Useful tools:
Venues sourced from Google Places where available. Search Lysterfield on Google Maps for current listings.
Check venue websites for current menus and hours.
