Best Family Restaurants in Templestowe Melbourne 2026

Templestowe 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. Sol Place and The Humble Yard are among the standouts, but they’re not the only ones worth your time. Templestowe sits 14-22km from the CBD, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland.

1. Lena Post — 134 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $9-23 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Lena Post has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($10) 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 65 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Bell Street after 6pm.

2. Max Mill — 90 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: solo diners

Max Mill has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($24) 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 49 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The seasonal special ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

3. Stella’s — 300 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $9-17 per person Best for: solo diners

Stella’s has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 room holds 33 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

4. Anchor — 260 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Anchor has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($14) 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 53 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The seasonal special ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on West Street after 6pm.

5. Rosa Bench — 311 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Rosa Bench has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The seasonal special ($16) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Why Locals Stay in Templestowe

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. New Bench — 184 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

New Bench has been operating in Templestowe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($21) 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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The house-made relish ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Red Pantry — 80 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $15-26 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Red Pantry has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s 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 61 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Iris Press — 193 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: The one regulars swear by Cost: $8-14 per person Best for: solo diners

Iris Press has been operating in Templestowe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($10) 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 40 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($11) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Templestowe roaster — ask which one.

9. Pilgrim — 24 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: A local institution Cost: $17-29 per person Best for: families

Pilgrim has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($17) 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 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on West Lane is usually fine.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($19) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

10. Marco’s — 216 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: groups

Marco’s has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($24) 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 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Sydney Place is usually fine.

Get the: The crispy chicken ($24) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

Explore More

• Doncaster East Best Restaurants for Families — 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 restaurants for families scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Templestowe known for?

Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland.

What is the most family-friendly restaurant in Templestowe?

Vera’s 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.

Templestowe 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