Best Beer Gardens in Templestowe Lower Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best beer gardens option in Templestowe Lower to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. The Bright Depot is the one everyone knows. The Green Union is the sleeper. Prices are competitive — coffee at $4.50-5.50, dinner at $28-45. Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip. Templestowe Lower sits in the Middle East corridor, 14-22km from Melbourne’s CBD, and the best beer gardens scene here is better than most give it credit for. We’ve been covering Templestowe Lower since MELBZ launched, and the suburb’s options have only improved.

1. The Tall Bench — 363 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (beer gardens) The one regulars swear by Cost: $14-26 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

The Tall Bench has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

The space seats about 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Smith Street is usually fine.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Rex’s — 121 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $8-17 per person Best for: the whole crew

Rex’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($8) 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 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The fish special ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Marco’s — 169 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: the whole crew

Marco’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($18) 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 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($22) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Gus’s — 38 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (beer gardens) A local institution Cost: $18-28 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Gus’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($20) 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 41 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

5. The New Yard — 82 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The New Yard has been operating in Templestowe Lower for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 32 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The crispy chicken ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

The Templestowe Lower That Locals Know

Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip. Close to Tikalara Park trails. The best beer gardens options here reflect Templestowe Lower’s character. Whether you’re based in Templestowe Lower 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. The Golden Standard — 330 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (beer gardens) A solid local spot Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Golden Standard has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 42 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on South Grove is usually fine.

Ask for: The daily soup ($20) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Luna Yard — 193 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: solo diners

Luna Yard has been operating in Templestowe Lower for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($15) 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 44 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Bench — 293 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: solo diners

Bench has been operating in Templestowe Lower for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($18) 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 43 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe Lower farmers market when it runs.

9. Theo Post — 6 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (beer gardens) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Theo Post has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

The room holds 64 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($21) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Templestowe Lower roaster — ask which one.

10. Mia Local — 175 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Mia Local has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($11) 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 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Smith Street is usually fine.

Get the: The house-made relish ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Northern Quarter — 267 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $12-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Northern Quarter has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($16) 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 37 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The daily soup ($14) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best beer gardens options in Templestowe Lower?

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

Is Templestowe Lower good for best beer gardens?

Yes. Templestowe Lower has 11+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Templestowe Lower known for?

Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip.

How far is Templestowe Lower from Melbourne CBD?

Templestowe Lower is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Templestowe Lower 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