Moving to Templestowe Melbourne — What to Know in 2026

Templestowe doesn’t get the press that inner-city suburbs do, but the locals aren’t complaining. The moving to scene here is solid, unpretentious, and growing. The Humble Local and Rex’s 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. Oliver Table — 174 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Reliable all-rounder Cost: $20-35 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Oliver Table 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 38 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

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

2. Luna Yard — 252 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-19 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Luna Yard has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($14) 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 32 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Elm Road is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Willow Street after 6pm.

3. The Half Standard — 30 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $12-21 per person Best for: families

The Half Standard has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The crispy chicken ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

4. Nell — 112 Sydney Place, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: A local institution Cost: $22-33 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Nell has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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 room holds 39 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Willow Lane is usually fine.

Don’t miss: The crispy chicken ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. The White Corner — 136 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

The White Corner has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 space seats about 54 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

The Templestowe That Locals Know

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. Room — 282 Bell Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $22-29 per person Best for: solo diners

Room has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($25) 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 55 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The pumpkin risotto ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe farmers market when it runs.

7. Mabel’s — 312 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Mabel’s has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($25) 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 34 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bell Road is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

8. Kai’s — 246 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-25 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

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

Capacity is around 33 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The charcuterie board ($16) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

9. Pantry — 65 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: No-frills excellence Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Pantry has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($19) 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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The daily soup ($17) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Sol Works — 35 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: solo diners

Sol Works has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($24) 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 46 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Willow Lane is usually fine.

Get the: The lamb shoulder ($26) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

11. Long Store — 377 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $18-23 per person Best for: families

Long Store has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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 room holds 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($21) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

12. Tall Table — 109 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: A solid local spot Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: groups

Tall Table has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($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 47 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on West Lane is usually fine.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

13. Sol Table — 64 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $10-20 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

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

The space seats about 30 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on West Lane is usually fine.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

• Doncaster East Moving To — 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 moving to scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Templestowe known for?

Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland.

What are the pros and cons of living in Templestowe?

Press 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.

Look — Templestowe won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026