Best Family Restaurants in Templestowe Lower Melbourne 2026

Templestowe Lower doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The best restaurants for families scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. Good Standard and Hugo’s are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Templestowe Lower sits 14-22km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip.

1. The Little Store — 6 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $19-30 per person Best for: groups

The Little Store has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 49 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on High Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The mushroom pasta ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Society — 8 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: families

Society has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 space seats about 64 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Park Avenue is usually fine.

Try this: The charcuterie board ($23) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Parking is free on James Street after 6pm.

3. Remy’s — 69 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $13-22 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Remy’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($13) 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 63 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The mushroom pasta ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe Lower farmers market when it runs.

4. The Blue Store — 61 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $18-31 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

The Blue Store has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($23) 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 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($20) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Remy’s — 350 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Remy’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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 62 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The pumpkin risotto ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

What Makes Templestowe Lower Different

Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip. Close to Tikalara Park trails. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Templestowe Lower’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Templestowe Lower, you’ll find that this history shapes everything from the food culture to the community events. The locals who’ve been here longest will tell you the suburb has changed dramatically, but the bones are still good.

6. Otto’s — 330 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $16-31 per person Best for: groups

Otto’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe Lower farmers market when it runs.

7. The High Social — 347 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: groups

The High Social has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years 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 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

8. Nico — 95 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: A local institution Cost: $17-28 per person Best for: dates

Nico has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 room holds 61 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The fish special ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Nina’s — 209 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: dates

Nina’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($16) 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 55 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The seasonal special ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. The New Quarter — 289 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $11-17 per person Best for: solo diners

The New Quarter has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($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.

Capacity is around 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Templestowe Lower roaster — ask which one.

Explore More

• Templestowe Best Restaurants for Families — 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

Is Templestowe Lower worth visiting?

Yes. Templestowe Lower has genuine local character that rewards visitors who look past the surface. The best restaurants for families scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Templestowe Lower known for?

Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip.

What is the most family-friendly restaurant in Templestowe Lower?

Nell Yard 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.

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