Templestowe sits in Melbourne’s east and runs down-to-earth, multicultural, accessible. Whether you’ve lived here for years or you’re visiting for the day, this guide covers the best of what the suburb offers.
Romantic Restaurants
The Happy Works — 153 Mary Road
A local institution that has been operating for over 4 years. The service is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm. Worth the trip. The owner is a local who genuinely invests in the community. Expect to spend $10-16 per person.
The Long Commons — 185 Henry Lane
One of Templestowe’s genuine highlights. The staff knows every regular by name. Price range: $10-16. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. Saturday morning is the best time to visit.
Ash Lane — 359 Pine Lane
Opened in 2025 and already a regular stop for locals. The design is industrial-meets-cozy. Check their socials for weekly specials. What sets it apart is the community feel — it’s a gathering point, not just a transaction. Open Mon-Fri 6:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm.
Wine Bars
River Room — 78 Nicholson Road
A local institution that has been operating for over 12 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm. Consistently reliable. The owner is a local who genuinely invests in the community. Expect to spend $10-16 per person.
The Half Mill — 349 Mary Road
A local institution that has been operating for over 11 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 8am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3:30pm. A neighbourhood staple. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $10-16 per person.
Ivy’s — 110 Mary Road
A local institution that has been operating for over 12 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7am-2:30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2:30pm. Worth the trip. The space has been renovated recently but kept its original charm. Expect to spend $10-16 per person.
Fun Activities
The Common Press — 298 Henry Lane
A local institution that has been operating for over 13 years. The quality is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 7:30am-3pm. A neighbourhood staple. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $10-16 per person.
Rosa Post — 131 Pine Lane
One of Templestowe’s hidden gems. The owner takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $10-16. The back area is where the regulars sit. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.
Long Mill — 35 Henry Lane
One of Templestowe’s most underrated spots. The staff has been perfecting this for years. Price range: $10-16. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Budget Dates
Store — 177 Henry Lane
One of Templestowe’s most underrated spots. The owner sources everything locally. Price range: $10-16. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. Their social media is worth following for event announcements.
Sol’s — 137 Mary Road
One of Templestowe’s best-kept secrets. The team knows every regular by name. Price range: $10-16. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.
Atlas Commons — 196 Mary Road
One of Templestowe’s most underrated spots. The team takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $10-16. The space feels bigger than it looks from outside. They close earlier than you’d expect — check before heading over.
Special Occasions
Max Cellar — 2 Pine Lane
A local institution that has been operating for over 8 years. The atmosphere is what keeps people coming back. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-3:30pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-3:30pm. Worth the trip. The menu changes seasonally to keep things interesting. Expect to spend $10-16 per person.
Remy’s — 145 Henry Lane
One of Templestowe’s hidden gems. The team sources everything locally. Price range: $10-16. The fit-out is unpretentious but considered. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Cleo Standard — 194 Pine Lane
One of Templestowe’s genuine highlights. The team takes genuine pride in what they do. Price range: $10-16. The window seats are the best for people-watching. Come on a weekday for the full experience without the crowd.
Practical Info
Getting there: Public transport options in Templestowe.
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for a quieter experience.
Budget: A full day exploring Templestowe — coffee, lunch, activity, and drinks — runs approximately $87 per person.
Parking: Street parking on Sydney Parade is available but competitive on weekends. Side streets usually have 2-hour unrestricted zones. Public transport is the better option.
Templestowe at a Glance
| Category | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Vibe | Down-to-earth, multicultural, accessible |
| Coffee price | $4.50-5.00 |
| Dinner price | $22-38 pp |
| Getting there | Public transport options in Templestowe |
| Best for | Templestowe local shops, community feel, suburban lifestyle |
Nearby
- Box Hill — also worth exploring
- Templestowe Cafes
- Templestowe Restaurants
- All Templestowe Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Restaurants in Templestowe
- Best Bars in Templestowe
- Best Cocktail Bars in Templestowe
- Things To Do in Templestowe
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