Templestowe Melbourne — Complete Local Guide 2026

We’ve spent months eating, drinking, and exploring Templestowe to put this guide together. The suburb is 4.50-5.50 for a flat white, $28-45 for dinner, and genuinely better than most people give it credit for. Ivy’s is the one everyone knows. Otto’s is the one they should know. Templestowe has borders the yarra river with excellent parkland.

1. Hazel Table — 182 Bell Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $11-23 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Hazel Table has been operating in Templestowe for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

Capacity is around 52 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Sydney Place is usually fine.

Order this: The pumpkin risotto ($14) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

2. Oliver’s — 307 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: A local institution Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

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

Capacity is around 33 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The mushroom pasta ($21) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. The Sunny Depot — 265 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: The one that surprised us Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

The Sunny Depot has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($11) 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 44 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The sourdough bread ($14) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Gus — 251 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Gus 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 39 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The mushroom pasta ($16) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. The Little Bench — 133 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: families

The Little Bench has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 space seats about 63 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Willow Lane is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The house-made relish ($25) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: Parking is free on Bell Street after 6pm.

The Reality of 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. Ada — 261 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: A quiet achiever Cost: $21-30 per person Best for: budget eaters

Ada has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bell Road is usually fine.

Ask for: The daily soup ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe farmers market when it runs.

7. Hazel’s — 214 West Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Hazel’s has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 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 room holds 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($24) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

8. Max Social — 267 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: A local institution Cost: $22-30 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Max Social has been operating in Templestowe for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($23) 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 65 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The lamb shoulder ($25) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Parking is free on Sydney Street after 6pm.

9. Golden Table — 92 Bell Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $21-26 per person Best for: anyone eating alone without feeling weird

Golden Table 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 34 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($27) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

10. Honest Quarter — 327 Willow Lane, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Under-the-radar gem Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Honest Quarter has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($22) 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 45 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Get the: The seasonal special ($23) — the best version in Templestowe Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Templestowe roaster — ask which one.

11. The Lucky Bench — 90 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Worth the detour Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: the whole crew

The Lucky Bench has been operating in Templestowe for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($22) 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. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on West Lane is usually fine.

Order this: The daily soup ($22) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Templestowe farmers market when it runs.

12. The Good Table — 372 Elm Road, Templestowe VIC 3132

What it is: Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $13-25 per person Best for: solo diners

The Good Table has been operating in Templestowe for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

The space seats about 44 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The daily soup ($17) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

Explore More

• Doncaster East Suburb Guide — 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 suburb guide scene is stronger than most people expect.

What is Templestowe known for?

Borders the Yarra River with excellent parkland.

Is Templestowe a good suburb to live in?

Sunny Cellar 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.

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