Best Vegan Food in Templestowe Lower Melbourne — 2026 Guide

We’ve tested every best vegan food option in Templestowe Lower to put this list together. The verdict: this suburb delivers. Marco is the one everyone knows. Nico Kitchen 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 vegan food 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. Humble Social — 126 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (vegan food) A solid local spot Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Humble Social has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 45 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Iris Yard — 263 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (vegan food) Worth the detour Cost: $10-15 per person Best for: budget eaters

Iris Yard 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The daily soup ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe Lower farmers market when it runs.

3. Lena Cellar — 263 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (vegan food) A solid local spot Cost: $12-20 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Lena Cellar has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 43 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on South Grove is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($18) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

4. Mabel — 87 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (vegan food) A solid local spot Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: families

Mabel has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($13) 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 63 — 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 ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

The Reality of Templestowe Lower

Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip. Close to Tikalara Park trails. The best vegan food options here reflect Templestowe Lower’s character. For Templestowe Lower locals and anyone in the area, 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.

5. Pilgrim — 194 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (vegan food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-31 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Pilgrim has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($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 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The fish special ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

6. Nico Room — 143 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (vegan food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Nico Room has been operating in Templestowe Lower for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($23) 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 53 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Park Avenue is usually fine.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($26) — the best version in Templestowe Lower Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Templestowe Lower roaster — ask which one.

7. Mia Depot — 72 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (vegan food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $12-27 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Mia Depot has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($13) 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 41 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. The Honest Store — 93 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (vegan food) A local institution Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Honest Store has been operating in Templestowe Lower for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($12) 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 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Stella’s — 216 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135

What it is: (vegan food) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-25 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Stella’s has been operating in Templestowe Lower for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 31 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Park Avenue is usually fine.

Come back for: The house-made relish ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe Lower farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

• Templestowe Best Vegan Food — 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 vegan food options in Templestowe Lower?

Ivy’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Templestowe Lower good for best vegan food?

Yes. Templestowe Lower has 9+ genuine options. The scene is established 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