Best Vegan Food in Research Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best vegan food scene in Research is better than most people realise. Start at River, then check out The Good Table. Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. Located 9-20km from the CBD, Research is part of Melbourne’s Middle North 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 Research locals actually recommend.

1. Humble Lane — 280 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (vegan food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: the whole crew

Humble Lane has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The lamb shoulder ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. New Post — 352 Charles Avenue, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (vegan food) A quiet achiever Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

New Post has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($15) 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 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The daily soup ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

3. Tall Depot — 43 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (vegan food) The one that surprised us Cost: $20-29 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Tall Depot has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($20) 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 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Honest Mill — 149 Station Street, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (vegan food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $17-31 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Honest Mill has been operating in Research for several years 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

5. Mia’s — 165 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (vegan food) A local institution Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Mia’s has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($10) 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 64 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Chapel Drive is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Research roaster — ask which one.

6. Leo’s — 164 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (vegan food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $11-16 per person Best for: groups

Leo’s has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Research roaster — ask which one.

The Research That Locals Know

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. Known for large blocks and proximity to Research-Warrandyte corridor. The best vegan food options here reflect Research’s character. If you’re living in or near Research, 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.

7. Mia’s — 105 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (vegan food) A solid local spot Cost: $15-27 per person Best for: remote workers

Mia’s has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The fish special ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. White Standard — 76 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (vegan food) A quiet achiever Cost: $16-22 per person Best for: dates

White Standard has been operating in Research for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($18) 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 48 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The house-made relish ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

9. The Golden Quarter — 322 Elizabeth Crescent, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (vegan food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

The Golden Quarter has been operating in Research for since the early 2020s 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 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. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The fish special ($17) — the best version in Research Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

10. Ada — 368 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (vegan food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-22 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Ada has been operating in Research for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 space seats about 37 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The sourdough bread ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Chapel Street after 6pm.

11. Ash — 235 Chapel Drive, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (vegan food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Ash has been operating in Research for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

The room holds 37 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.

Order this: The sourdough bread ($17) — the best version in Research Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Research roaster — ask which one.

12. Ivy’s — 176 William Terrace, Research VIC 3081

What it is: (vegan food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Ivy’s has been operating in Research for since 2019 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.

Capacity is around 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The seasonal special ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best vegan food options in Research?

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

Is Research good for best vegan food?

Yes. Research has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Research known for?

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.

How far is Research from Melbourne CBD?

Research is 9-20km, 18-38min train, 15-28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Research 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