Best Vegan Food in Nunawading Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Nunawading has genuine best vegan food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Ava House and The New Quarter lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 24-35km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Nunawading 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. Social — 339 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (vegan food) A quiet achiever Cost: $18-25 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

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

The room holds 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

2. The Green Local — 177 Blake Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (vegan food) A local institution Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Green Local has been operating in Nunawading for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The room holds 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. The Little Store — 221 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (vegan food) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

The Little Store has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 59 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Market Terrace is usually fine.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Nunawading farmers market when it runs.

4. Kai’s — 45 Blake Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (vegan food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: groups

Kai’s has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 59 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($12) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

5. Room — 181 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (vegan food) The one that surprised us Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Room has been operating in Nunawading for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

Capacity is around 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bourke Road is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The sourdough bread ($14) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Nunawading roaster — ask which one.

The Reality of Nunawading

Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station. Eastern suburbs retail corridor. The best vegan food options here reflect Nunawading’s character. If you’re living in or near Nunawading, 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. Long House — 372 Market Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (vegan food) Worth the detour Cost: $14-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Long House has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

The space seats about 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Willow Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The charcuterie board ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Nunawading farmers market when it runs.

7. Hazel — 124 Blake Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (vegan food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: families

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

The space seats about 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: They source produce from Nunawading farmers market when it runs.

8. Golden Cellar — 111 Blake Terrace, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (vegan food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: families

Golden Cellar has been operating in Nunawading for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($15) 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 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Blake Terrace is usually fine.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($12) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Southern Commons — 279 Bourke Road, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (vegan food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-36 per person Best for: dates

Southern Commons has been operating in Nunawading for over a decade 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Blake Terrace is usually fine.

Come back for: The crispy chicken ($27) — the best version in Nunawading Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Nina’s — 305 Willow Grove, Nunawading VIC 3154

What it is: (vegan food) A solid local spot Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Nina’s has been operating in Nunawading for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The house-made relish ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best vegan food options in Nunawading?

Lucky Pantry is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Nunawading good for best vegan food?

Yes. Nunawading has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Nunawading known for?

Whitehorse Road strip and Nunawading station.

How far is Nunawading from Melbourne CBD?

Nunawading is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Nunawading isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.

Last updated: March 2026