Best Vegan Food in Research Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Corner |
| Best free option | Oliver |
| Best for families | Leo’s |
| Best local secret | Red Yard |
| Best for rainy days | Iris Bench |
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
Capacity is around 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
Capacity is around 50 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
The space seats about 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Charles Avenue is usually fine.
Go for: The charcuterie board ($23) — solid 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
The room holds 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — solid
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
The room holds 64 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Chapel Drive is usually fine.
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
The space seats about 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Ask for: The crispy chicken ($16) — solid 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
The room holds 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The fish special ($21) — solid 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
Capacity is around 48 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
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
Capacity is around 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The space seats about 37 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
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
The room holds 37 and fills on weekends. Street parking on William Terrace is usually fine.
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
Capacity is around 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The seasonal special ($24) — solid 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
