Best Bars for Dates in Templestowe Lower Melbourne 2026
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Little Press |
| Best free option | Ivy Local |
| Best for families | Oliver |
| Best local secret | Vera’s |
| Best for rainy days | Nina |
The best bars for dates options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Ruby’s, then work your way to Nico. Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip. This is Templestowe Lower in 2026.
1. Long Corner — 298 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The room holds 65 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Smith Street is usually fine.
2. Honest Post — 272 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
The space seats about 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($16) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe Lower farmers market when it runs.
3. Vera Post — 178 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $14-22 per person Best for: groups
The room holds 41 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
4. The Blue Store — 262 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Capacity is around 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Street parking on South Grove is usually fine.
5. Rex’s — 346 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $17-24 per person Best for: the whole crew
The space seats about 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on South Grove is usually fine.
Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
Templestowe Lower — The Honest Version
6. The Little Social — 11 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: A local institution Cost: $16-24 per person Best for: remote workers
The room holds 56 and fills on weekends. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe Lower farmers market when it runs.
7. Marco Social — 315 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The room holds 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
8. The Honest Depot — 21 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: A local institution Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead
The space seats about 38 and fills on weekends. Street parking on Smith Street is usually fine.
Start with: The sourdough bread ($24) — solid Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
9. Nico Press — 88 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: A local institution Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: solo diners
The space seats about 51 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Smith Street is usually fine.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.
10. Mia’s — 201 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The room holds 37 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Templestowe Lower roaster — ask which one.
11. Honest Works — 17 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: groups
The space seats about 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on South Grove is usually fine.
Order this: The daily soup ($21) — solid
12. Common Works — 275 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
The space seats about 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
Explore More
- Templestowe Best Bars for Dates — same vibe, different suburb
- Templestowe Lower Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Templestowe Lower Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Balwyn Guide — the neighbouring suburb
- Compare Suburbs — see how Templestowe Lower stacks up
- All Templestowe Lower Guides — everything we’ve written about Templestowe Lower
FAQ
Yes. The best bars for dates scene is stronger than most people expect.
What is Templestowe Lower known for?
Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip.
Where is a good date spot in Templestowe Lower?
Little Press is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
How far is Templestowe Lower from Melbourne CBD?
Templestowe Lower is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.
Last updated: March 2026
