Best Beer Gardens in Templestowe Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Templestowe has genuine best beer gardens options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Hugo Local and Ash Social lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 14-22km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Templestowe resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. The Honest Commons — 256 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (beer gardens) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The Honest Commons has been operating in Templestowe for several years 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 45 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The seasonal special ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe farmers market when it runs.

2. Ash’s — 352 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (beer gardens) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-23 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Ash’s has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 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 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 West Lane is usually fine.

Try this: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

3. Max’s — 169 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Max’s has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($18) 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 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The fish special ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe farmers market when it runs.

4. White Store — 290 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (beer gardens) Worth the detour Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

White Store has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 56 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bell Road is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($15) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Templestowe roaster — ask which one.

What Makes Templestowe Different

Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland. Tikalara Park and Westerfolds Park. The best beer gardens options here reflect Templestowe’s character. Whether you’re based in Templestowe 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.

5. Theo — 188 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (beer gardens) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $17-27 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Theo has been operating in Templestowe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($22) 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 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The lamb shoulder ($20) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

6. Union — 113 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (beer gardens) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Union has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade 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 space seats about 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bell Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

7. Finn’s — 119 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (beer gardens) The one that surprised us Cost: $11-20 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

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

Capacity is around 63 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 ($15) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Templestowe roaster — ask which one.

8. Long Yard — 227 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: (beer gardens) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-25 per person Best for: the whole crew

Long Yard has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($17) 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 44 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) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best beer gardens options in Templestowe?

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

Is Templestowe good for best beer gardens?

Yes. Templestowe has 8+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Templestowe known for?

Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland.

How far is Templestowe from Melbourne CBD?

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

The truth about Templestowe: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026