Best Cafes for Remote Work in Templestowe Melbourne 2026

Templestowe locals have known for years what the rest of Melbourne is just figuring out. The best cafes for remote work options here are genuine, well-priced, and run by people who actually live in the suburb. Start at Finn’s, then work your way to Lena Room. Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland. This is Templestowe in 2026.

1. The Old Bench — 190 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $14-19 per person Best for: budget eaters

The Old Bench has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($14) 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 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Order this: The house-made relish ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

2. Southern Quarter — 304 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $22-32 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Southern Quarter has been operating in Templestowe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($26) 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 62 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bell Road is usually fine.

Try this: The fish special ($26) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Atlas’s — 20 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Atlas’s has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($18) 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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on West Lane is usually fine.

Go for: The charcuterie board ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Tall Store — 120 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $13-27 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Tall Store has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($17) 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 64 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The fish special ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Finn — 60 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Finn has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 33 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bell Road is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($20) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

What Templestowe Actually Is

Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland. Tikalara Park and Westerfolds Park. This isn’t marketing copy — it’s what defines Templestowe’s character and why the suburb has the identity it does. If you’re living in or near Templestowe, 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. Cleo Commons — 43 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $21-27 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Cleo Commons has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($21) 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 58 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The lamb shoulder ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

7. Sunny Press — 256 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: A local institution Cost: $18-26 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Sunny Press has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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.

The room holds 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Willow Lane is usually fine.

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

8. Mabel’s — 46 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Mabel’s has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($21) 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 58 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Mabel — 103 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $20-28 per person Best for: families

Mabel has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($25) 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 51 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The charcuterie board ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Bell Street after 6pm.

10. Luna — 26 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: A local institution Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

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

The room holds 34 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Get the: The charcuterie board ($24) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

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

FAQ

Is Templestowe worth visiting?

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

What is Templestowe known for?

Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland.

Which cafes in Templestowe have good WiFi?

Lena is our top recommendation. See our full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

How far is Templestowe from Melbourne CBD?

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

If you’re comparing Templestowe 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