Best Vegan Food in Murrumbeena Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Must-visit | Mabel’s |
| No-cost pick | River Quarter |
| Best with kids | Bright Place |
| Hidden spot | Room |
| Bad weather pick | Common Depot |
The best vegan food scene in Murrumbeena is growing every year. Start at Kai’s, then check out Red Depot. Neerim Road village has cafes and independent shops. Located 12-18km from the CBD, Murrumbeena is part of Melbourne’s Middle South 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 Murrumbeena locals actually recommend.
1. The Northern Room — 160 Johnston Street, Murrumbeena VIC 3164
What it is: (vegan food) Worth the detour Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd
The Northern Room has been operating in Murrumbeena for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 59 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The crispy chicken ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
2. Sunny Bench — 81 Station Drive, Murrumbeena VIC 3164
What it is: (vegan food) A local institution Cost: $17-31 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Sunny Bench has been operating in Murrumbeena 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The seasonal special ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
3. Vera — 364 Johnston Street, Murrumbeena VIC 3164
What it is: (vegan food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-21 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Vera has been operating in Murrumbeena for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($8) 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 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The lamb shoulder ($12) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
4. Rosa’s — 253 Queen Parade, Murrumbeena VIC 3164
What it is: (vegan food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Rosa’s has been operating in Murrumbeena for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 63 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($14) — the best version in Murrumbeena Insider tip: They source produce from Murrumbeena farmers market when it runs.
5. Vera’s — 155 Queen Parade, Murrumbeena VIC 3164
What it is: (vegan food) No-frills excellence Cost: $14-21 per person Best for: solo diners
Vera’s has been operating in Murrumbeena for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Charles Street is usually fine.
Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($19) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
What Makes Murrumbeena Different
Neerim Road village has cafes and independent shops. Close to Caulfield Park. The best vegan food options here reflect Murrumbeena’s character. Whether you’re based in Murrumbeena 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. Ruby Union — 179 Johnston Street, Murrumbeena VIC 3164
What it is: (vegan food) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-16 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Ruby Union has been operating in Murrumbeena for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($8) 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 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Charles Street is usually fine.
Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Murrumbeena farmers market when it runs.
7. Pilgrim — 136 Johnston Street, Murrumbeena VIC 3164
What it is: (vegan food) The one that surprised us Cost: $11-21 per person Best for: dates
Pilgrim has been operating in Murrumbeena for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($16) 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 65 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The mushroom pasta ($15) — the best version in Murrumbeena Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
8. Lena — 380 Johnston Street, Murrumbeena VIC 3164
What it is: (vegan food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-28 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Lena has been operating in Murrumbeena 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Start with: The crispy chicken ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
9. Lena House — 67 Plenty Avenue, Murrumbeena VIC 3164
What it is: (vegan food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: groups
Lena House has been operating in Murrumbeena 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
Capacity is around 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Come back for: The fish special ($13) — the best version in Murrumbeena Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
10. The Long Post — 183 Johnston Street, Murrumbeena VIC 3164
What it is: (vegan food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: remote workers
The Long Post has been operating in Murrumbeena for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 space seats about 39 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The crispy chicken ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
11. The Sunny Depot — 174 Plenty Avenue, Murrumbeena VIC 3164
What it is: (vegan food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-36 per person Best for: remote workers
The Sunny Depot has been operating in Murrumbeena for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($24) 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 54 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Charles Street is usually fine.
Order this: The house-made relish ($27) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
Explore More
- Glen Huntly Best Vegan Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Murrumbeena Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Murrumbeena Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Murrumbeena Complete Guide — everything about Murrumbeena
- Compare Suburbs — see how Murrumbeena stacks up
- All Murrumbeena Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best vegan food options in Murrumbeena?
Mabel’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Murrumbeena good for best vegan food?
Yes. Murrumbeena has 11+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.
What is Murrumbeena known for?
Neerim Road village has cafes and independent shops.
How far is Murrumbeena from Melbourne CBD?
Murrumbeena is 12-18km, 20-30min train, 18-25min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Murrumbeena is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.
Last updated: March 2026

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