in Templestowe Lower Melbourne Locals Love
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Ada |
| Best free option | Half Lane |
| Best for families | Nico Pantry |
| Best local secret | Felix |
| Best for rainy days | Ruby’s |
1. The Common Union — 22 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: solo diners
The room holds 33 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The lamb shoulder ($22) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe Lower farmers market when it runs.
2. Nina’s — 6 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $18-29 per person Best for: the whole crew
The room holds 55 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The sourdough bread ($21) — solid Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe Lower farmers market when it runs.
3. The New Post — 60 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $9-22 per person Best for: families
The space seats about 53 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.
4. Half Works — 96 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 55 with outdoor seating for another 15. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($26) — solid Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
5. Ava’s — 267 High Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $14-20 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
The space seats about 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe Lower farmers market when it runs.
Why Templestowe Lower Is Worth Knowing
6. Theo — 260 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $22-31 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
The space seats about 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
7. The Little Yard — 101 Park Avenue, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $17-30 per person Best for: solo diners
Capacity is around 54 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. House — 129 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird
The room holds 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on Park Avenue is usually fine.
Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
9. Rosa — 162 Smith Street, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $19-32 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The room holds 59 with outdoor seating for another 15. Street parking on High Grove is usually fine.
10. Lena’s — 5 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: A local institution Cost: $12-17 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop
The space seats about 63 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.
11. The Golden Social — 242 South Grove, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
The room holds 33 and fills on weekends. Street parking on High Grove is usually fine.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
12. Luna Commons — 305 James Parade, Templestowe Lower VIC 3135
What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $22-27 per person Best for: dates
The room holds 57 and fills on weekends. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
Explore More
- 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
What is Templestowe Lower known for?
Residential suburb with Manningham Road strip.
What are the most underrated spots in Templestowe Lower?
Ada 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.
Templestowe Lower isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.
Last updated: March 2026
