Best Vegan Food in Upwey Melbourne — 2026 Guide

The best vegan food scene in Upwey is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Kai’s, then check out Humble Social. Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community. Located 35km from the CBD, Upwey is part of Melbourne’s Outer East region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Upwey locals actually recommend.

1. Ash Depot — 156 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (vegan food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $9-14 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ash Depot has been operating in Upwey for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Queen Avenue is usually fine.

Order this: The house-made relish ($15) — the best version in Upwey Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Ada Table — 123 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (vegan food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: the whole crew

Ada Table has been operating in Upwey for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($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.

The room holds 34 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The crispy chicken ($23) — the best version in Upwey Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

3. Ava’s — 214 Queen Avenue, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (vegan food) Worth the detour Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: the under-$15 crowd

Ava’s has been operating in Upwey for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on William Crescent is usually fine.

Go for: The daily soup ($12) — the best version in Upwey Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

4. The High Post — 379 William Crescent, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (vegan food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $10-17 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

The High Post has been operating in Upwey for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

The space seats about 56 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The house-made relish ($14) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Main Street after 6pm.

What Upwey Actually Is

Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community. Upwey Village has independent shops and cafes. Belgrave rail line. The best vegan food options here reflect Upwey’s character. For Upwey locals and anyone in the area, 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. Standard — 64 Main Lane, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (vegan food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-15 per person Best for: solo diners

Standard has been operating in Upwey for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($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.

Capacity is around 34 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Queen Avenue is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($11) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

6. Mabel’s — 241 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (vegan food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Mabel’s has been operating in Upwey for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the fish 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 seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 45 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Cecil Parade is usually fine.

Ask for: The fish special ($22) — the best version in Upwey Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

7. Tall Depot — 315 Main Lane, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (vegan food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $15-21 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Tall Depot has been operating in Upwey for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($18) 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 35 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on William Crescent is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The pumpkin risotto ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. Green Corner — 275 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (vegan food) A solid local spot Cost: $20-30 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Green Corner has been operating in Upwey for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($20) 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 32 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on William Crescent is usually fine.

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

9. Vera Kitchen — 338 Church Drive, Upwey VIC 3163

What it is: (vegan food) A solid local spot Cost: $18-30 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Vera Kitchen has been operating in Upwey for since 2019 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 monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 48 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Cecil Parade is usually fine.

Come back for: The sourdough bread ($23) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.

Explore More

• The Basin Best Vegan Food — same vibe, different suburb
• Upwey Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Upwey Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Upwey Complete Guide — everything about Upwey
• Compare Suburbs — see how Upwey stacks up
• All Upwey Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best vegan food options in Upwey?

Northern Union is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Upwey good for best vegan food?

Yes. Upwey has 9+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Upwey known for?

Dandenong Ranges town with a strong arts community.

How far is Upwey from Melbourne CBD?

Upwey is 35km, 55min train, 40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Upwey 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