Best Burgers in Templestowe Lower Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Must-visit | Ava Union |
| No-cost pick | High Commons |
| Best with kids | New Press |
| Hidden spot | Cellar |
| Bad weather pick | Luna’s |
We’ve tested every best burgers option in Templestowe Lower to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Northern Cellar is the one everyone knows. Oliver Union is the sleeper. Prices are reasonable — 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 burgers 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. Sunny Place — 155 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (burgers) Worth the detour Cost: $9-20 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
Sunny Place has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($11) 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 38 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Order this: The crispy chicken ($11) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
2. Otto Room — 68 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (burgers) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Otto Room has been operating in Templestowe Lower for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($19) 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 57 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Smith Street is usually fine.
Try this: The crispy chicken ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
3. Oliver — 375 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (burgers) The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Oliver has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Go for: The charcuterie board ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on James Street after 6pm.
4. Theo Post — 142 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (burgers) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-28 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Theo Post has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 46 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Don’t miss: The charcuterie board ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
5. The Southern Works — 146 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (burgers) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-27 per person Best for: budget eaters
The Southern Works has been operating in Templestowe Lower for over a decade 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.
Capacity is around 36 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Smith Street is usually fine.
Worth knowing: The daily soup ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
The Templestowe Lower That Locals Know
Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip. Close to Tikalara Park trails. The best burgers options here reflect Templestowe Lower’s character. If you’re living in or near Templestowe Lower, 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. Old Yard — 358 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (burgers) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-33 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
Old Yard has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($22) 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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Smith Street is usually fine.
Ask for: The house-made relish ($23) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Templestowe Lower roaster — ask which one.
7. Room — 18 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (burgers) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: a quiet table for two
Room has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 room holds 56 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
8. Kai Post — 365 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (burgers) A solid local spot Cost: $16-21 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Kai Post 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.
The space seats about 49 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($21) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
9. Marco Depot — 251 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (burgers) A local institution Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Marco Depot has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 38 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe Lower farmers market when it runs.
10. Long Store — 63 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (burgers) A solid local spot Cost: $10-23 per person Best for: dates
Long Store has been operating in Templestowe Lower for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.
Capacity is around 46 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Get the: The daily soup ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.
11. Press — 284 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: (burgers) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: solo diners
Press has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s 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.
The space seats about 35 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The seasonal special ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Smith Street after 6pm.
Explore More
- Templestowe Best Burgers — 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 burgers options in Templestowe Lower?
Ava Union is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Templestowe Lower good for best burgers?
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.
If you’re comparing Templestowe Lower to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.
Last updated: March 2026

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