melbourne vegetarian

Pieman’s Son

HEIDELBERG HEIGHTS

From the son of a beloved pie-maker, this shop serves pies that have been perfected over generations. Head in for cakes, coffee, classic vanilla slices, ready-made meals and – of course – standout family-recipe pies.

Añada

FITZROY

Go on a journey through Andalusia with charcuterie, moreish tapas and house-made paella. The southern Spanish staple has built a loyal following over the years, and its longevity in an area of ever-changing restaurants helps to explain why.

Wabi Sabi Salon

COLLINGWOOD

A charming little Japanese restaurant with a cluttered interior that feels a bit like being in Japan. Dinners here are great but everyone loves the lunch deals, which involve bento boxes or sushi and miso sets.

Seven Seeds

CARLTON

A strong contender for Melbourne's best coffee (with a menu to match).

Mamasita

MELBOURNE

There were Mexican restaurants before Mamasita, but it was the first one to bring a faithful representation to Melbourne. The “hot babe” has been around since 2010, but its grilled corn and flavoursome tacos still attract queues.

Cookie

MELBOURNE

Cookie combines rowdy European beer hall with standout Thai food that beckons to be shared. It’s fun, versatile and subtly influential, preceding similar restaurants like Chin Chin. Bring a crew, order the banquet and plan to drink.

Panama Dining Room and Bar

FITZROY

Ascend three flights of stairs to reach this convivial loft, where arched windows offer views of Collingwood. The bar menu offers refined snacks, while the slightly quieter restaurant serves heartier, modern Australian dishes of market fish, oysters and meaty share plates.

Cibi

COLLINGWOOD

“Cibi” is Japanese for “little one”. But this cafe, homewares and furniture store is anything but small. It's in a light-filled warehouse with a spacious, homey kitchen, there are traditional breakfasts and takeaway lunches. Plus, a grocer with produce and pantry goods to take home.

Small Block

BRUNSWICK EAST

A casual, kid-friendly, garage-style cafe in Brunswick East, with great coffee, breakfast and lunch.

Sugardough Panificio and Patisserie

BRUNSWICK EAST

Rustic loaves and sweet treats in the heart of Brunswick East.

Boundary Espresso

PRESTON

A small, quiet achiever that’s been servicing Preston since 2010.

Las Chicas

BALACLAVA

A Carlisle Street veteran that has stood the test of time.

Vegie Bar

FITZROY

Melbourne’s enduring mecca for nourishing vegetarian fare (including vegan, gluten-free and lactose-intolerant). Enjoy the down-to-earth vibe, infectious bonhomie and broad range of dishes with an Asian influence. Stake your claim early.

The Reading Room

FOOTSCRAY

Victoria University in Footscray isn't just for the studious.

To's Bakery

FOOTSCRAY

Delicious treats abound at this long-standing Vietnamese bakery.

Footscray Milking Station

FOOTSCRAY

Solid coffee and a locally famous pulled-pork panini.

Shakahari

CARLTON

A loyal clientele and a satisfying pan-Asian menu have kept this vego institution humming for more than 30 years. Go for the signature satay skewers, nyonya curry and laksa. Kylie Minogue and the late David Bowie have been fans of this spot for a reason.

Aka Siro

COLLINGWOOD

A cheery place for a Japanese lunch.

Percy's Aeroplane

KEW

Two cafe-loving guys and a yellow espresso machine.

Horn Please

FITZROY NORTH

The best Indian in Fitzroy North.

The Banff Cafe

ST KILDA

This pizza place is quick, cheap and tasty.

Mister Nice Guy's BakeShop

ASCOT VALE

The go-to for vegan and gluten-free treats.

Attica

RIPPONLEA

One of the most remarkable dining experiences in the world. And it’s right here in Melbourne.

Fifty Acres

RICHMOND

Simplicity and class are the hallmarks of this cafe.

Little Ramen Bar

MELBOURNE

Hearty ramen for all tastes – from the traditional to the adventurous. Enjoy a classic tonkotsu or spicy ramen, or customise your bowl to an equally impressive vegan or vegetarian option. Chase it all down with a frosty Sapporo.

Shoku Iku

NORTHCOTE

This organic cafe serves an entirely vegan and raw menu. Chef-owner Yoko Inoue's cooking showcases the benefits of macrobiotic and organic raw food. Although most of the menu takes its cues from Japan, Inoue often just cooks what she feels, so dishes such as beetroot spaghetti and raw lasagne are common.

Elceed

NORTH MELBOURNE

Like stepping into Grandma's kitchen, complete with 1970s courtyard.

Misschu South Yarra

SOUTH YARRA

Since 2007, Nahji Chu’s hawker-style tuckshops have served fast and down-to-earth Vietnamese. Menu standouts include scallop and prawn dumplings, refreshing rice paper rolls and flavourful curries.

Bay City Burrito

ST KILDA

Mexican with a San Francisco flavour.

Ho Ho's Canteen

PARKVILLE

A cafe at Melbourne Uni turning a fresh leaf on the tired canteen.

Teta Mona

BRUNSWICK EAST

Twin brothers Antoine and Bechara Taouk serve up Lebanese soul food, just like their grandma did at home.

Brighton Schoolhouse

BRIGHTON

A bayside cafe with a new-school menu.

Stagger Lee’s

FITZROY

Single-origin coffee and a tale of cold-blooded murder come together at this long-standing Brunswick Street Cafe.

Chew Burgers

PRESTON

A local burger joint next to The Raccoon Club.

Lt. Nic

MELBOURNE

Lt. Nic is perfect for that fly-by coffee and snack in the CBD.

Heal.Thy Self Co.

YARRAVILLE

A healthy cafe with a naturopath at your service.

Roti Road

FOOTSCRAY

A cheery Malaysian-Chinese eatery along the Barkly Street strip.

Transformer

FITZROY

Transforming the perception that meat-free is mediocre since 2015. Roll into this refurbished electrical factory and feast on chickpea panisse, crispy oyster mushrooms and bahar-braised eggplant. For extra fun, add an Aperol Dill Spritz.

Compass Pizza

BRUNSWICK EAST

This casual Italian joint has a fit-out reminiscent of the all-you-can-eat pizza joints of the ’90s. While it's not a classic buffet, the pizzas are worth your pennies – from classic capricciosa to a burrata-laden pie.

Tahina Northcote

NORTHCOTE

This vegetarian Israeli street food spot is a local favourite. It’s slinging loaded pita pockets, refreshing salads, two flavours of falafel, shakshuka and smoky roasted vegetables. Plus, satisfying smoothies that’ll make for a whole meal.

Bendigo Wholefoods

BENDIGO

A grocer, cafe and nursery for hungry vegans.

Old Green Bean

BENDIGO

A bustling micro-roastery plating up breakfasts worth travelling for.

Percy and Percy

BENDIGO

Decades of history are interred at this corner spot, where accomplished breakfasts are the main attraction.

The Good Loaf

BENDIGO

Sourdough and apple scrolls with a side of vintage charm.

Dad and Dave’s

YARRAVILLE

The best spot for Yarraville commuters to get their morning coffee.

Very Good Falafel

BRUNSWICK

Shuki Rosenboim and Louisa Allan opened this spot in 2016 on a strip packed with other options. Its secret to standing out? The chickpeas: Allan’s dad grows them in the Mallee. Here, they’re ground daily and fried to make crispy golden falafel for pitas and platters.

Nutrition Bar

RICHMOND

Grab-and-go health food for the post-gym set.

Nutrition Bar

RICHMOND

Grab-and-go health food for the post-gym set.

SOS Cafe

SOUTH YARRA

Fresh organic meals that taste as good as they look.

The Cornish Arms

BRUNSWICK

This warm and inviting pub is renowned for two reasons. First, it's got one of the most vegan-friendly menus in Melbourne. And second, its sunny and expansive rooftop bar ranks among the best in Brunswick.

Pachamama Wholefoods

BRUNSWICK

A friendly supermarket alternative, catering to all your allergy and dietary needs.

Oxford Larder

COLLINGWOOD

A modern take on the old corner store.

Archie’s All Day

FITZROY

This all-day diner serves the goods any time you need.

Neko Neko

FITZROY

Japanese goes vegan.

Trei Cafe

GLEN WAVERLEY

Where health fanatics and sweet tooths are catered for equally.

Blendco

HAWTHORN

From a travelling juice van to bustling shop.

Cocomama’s Juices & Smoothies

ELSTERNWICK

Raw vegan fare inspired by the Incan goddess of health and happiness.

King of the Castle

GEELONG WEST

Brunch like a royal in a converted warehouse.

The Sweet Meadow

ECHUCA

A vegan cafe that doesn’t trumpet its agenda.

Sister of Soul

ST KILDA

Vegetarian for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Etta

BRUNSWICK EAST

This neighbourhood restaurant keeps going from strength to strength. Its latest incarnation, guided by the steady hands of owner Hannah Green and head chef Lorcán Kan, is one of Melbourne's essential dining experiences.

Ocean View Hotel

KILCUNDA

Watch the sunset on the deck, with a cold one in hand.

Trippy Taco

FITZROY

This colourful cantina-style space is full of Mexican classics, each with a meat-free twist. Go for loaded tacos – like the tofu asada with cheese, chargrilled tofu, salad, salsa and lime. Or find hefty meat-free burritos, cheesy quesadillas and crispy taquitos. Pair it all with a Margarita or Sangria jug.

Red Sparrow

COLLINGWOOD

This vegan pizza joint will please everyone (even the most avid carnivores). Pass the neon-red sparrow to find perfectly blistered woodfired pie that’s loaded with toppings.

Village Cantina

YARRAVILLE

This bright, buttercup-yellow restaurant is inspired by the owner's travels through Central America. Entrees lean North American and include jalapeno poppers and chilli fries. Things get more serious at mains, where tacos, quesadillas, burritos and nachos are made with La Tortilleria tortillas.

Miznon

MELBOURNE

Eyal Shani’s Israeli pita haven came to Melbourne, via Paris and Vienna.

Wild Life Bakery

BRUNSWICK EAST

Huw Murdoch's fantastic slow-fermented sourdough loaves are well worth picking up to bring home, but we recommend heading to Wild Life for a meal if you can. Inside this striking converted warehouse, you'll find a mostly vegetarian menu where toasties are the heroes.

Bodega Underground

MELBOURNE

This dim, characterful basement serves a wide range of proper tacos until 3am every night of the week. Do you even need to know more? Okay: there are over 70 mezcals and 20 tequilas on the back bar.

The Green Man’s Arms

CARLTON

The green heritage-style facade and mid-century decor give all the impressions of another classic pub. Yet the plant-based menu says otherwise. The eggplant “schnitzel” and fried cauliflower stand out; the diverse beers are a bonus.

Shop225 Pizzeria

PASCOE VALE SOUTH

Melbourne’s first pizzeria to be Coeliac Australia accredited. The cosy spot uses a house blend of gluten-free flours to make convincing, gut-friendly crusts. It even developed its own vegan cheeses with a small, non-dairy cheesemaker.

Mr Patterson

PATTERSON LAKES

A bright, feminine-looking cafe with a menu that would hold its own in the inner city.

Strange Servant

DINGLEY VILLAGE

Dingley Village’s first inner-city-style cafe, from a man who’s opened plenty.

Moon Rabbit

PRESTON

Moon Rabbit supports its local community by selling jaffles, coffee and house-made slices.

One for the Crow

MAIDSTONE

Plants on your plate and plants to take home for your lounge room.

Pinkie

IVANHOE

“Good food, good mood, good day.” That’s the pinkie swear here.

Terror Twilight

COLLINGWOOD

All-day breakfasts and “feel-good” food.

Provenance

BEECHWORTH

House-made dashi, miso, pickles and ferments are the hallmarks of this decade-old fine diner by chef Michael Ryan, who spins hyperlocal produce into creative, Japanese-inspired dishes. On the floor, his wife Jeanette Henderson pours matched sakes and local wines.

Guild Cafe

MELBOURNE

A modern coffee bar in the State Library.

Half Acre

SOUTH MELBOURNE

This multifaceted space couples the drop-in spirit of a pub with the food of a more polished eatery.

Thanh Ha 2

RICHMOND

Known for two Vietnamese specialties: sizzling pancake and steamed rice paper rolls filled with minced pork and wood-ear mushrooms.

Oh Loretta!

NORTHCOTE

This wine bar has a particularly welcoming design, with plump, comfy couches; carefree decor; a sharehouse-esque fairy-lit courtyard; and huge light-bringing windows. And the food is just as accessible – it’s a changeable, veg-led affair.

Lona Misa

SOUTH YARRA

Shannon Martinez’s all-vegan, all-day diner inside the luxury Ovolo hotel is a symbol of the group’s commitment to plant-based eating. Alongside celebrated chef Ian Curley, Martinez is serving Josper-fired peri-peri cauliflower, steamy tamales and “blood” sausage plus spicy Latin American inspired cocktails.

Urban Ground

MORDIALLOC

This massive, family and dog-friendly space is located in an old car-wrecking site in Mordialloc. It’s now a buzzing, all-in-one food-truck park, health-food cafe and distillery.

Vex Dining

NORTHCOTE

The clever veg-forward wine bar created by two former Neighbourhood Wine and Bar Romantica head chefs. In the sunlight-filled dining room, or under the fairy light-studded lemon tree out back, order smoky-sweet turnips, brown butter fish and boozy amaro sorbet.

Bagels Baby

PASCOE VALE

Classic lox, brisket and Gruyere, or a cannoli-inspired ricotta and strawberry number? At this reborn butcher's shop on a sunny Pascoe Vale corner, it's all about bagels, baby.

Green Acre

BRUNSWICK

From the eco-conscious team behind Small Print Pizza comes this vegan-friendly pizza bar. The menu has plenty of plant-based swaps (including for pepperoni and feta) alongside meat-topped classics. Plus, there are beers from nearby breweries and a “cheeky” selection of Australian rums.

Smith Street Alimentari

COLLINGWOOD

An Italian-inspired cafe with excellent grab-and-go breakfast and lunch options, and a lush rear courtyard. Don't leave without a visit to their European-inspired goods store (think gorgeous glassware, statement plates and tagines).

Pizza Shop

CLIFTON HILL

Follow the red-neon glow to one of Melbourne’s best pizzerias, attached to an already-excellent neighbourhood bar. Perfectly blistered sourdough pies, left-field toppings and gluten-free options await.

Bird

BRUNSWICK EAST

A red neon arrow beckons you inside for a choose-your-own-chicken adventure. Just decide what cut, heat and sauce you want – then add on silky mash with 48-hour gravy and some wads of garlic-butter brioche.

Uncle Drew Cafe

CLIFTON HILL

Follow the red door and find a cafe that’s as quiet and backstreet as they come. Expect creative, modern Australian breakfasts, Dukes coffee, fresh loaves of sourdough and more.

Westside Ale Works

SOUTH MELBOURNE

Nano-brewed, hand-bottled beer inspired by America’s West Coast. Sample one (or a tasting paddle) of Westside's core beers, including an American pale ale, an amber ale and a red IPA. Plus, go for bar snacks and pizzas loaded with toppings.

Hector’s Deli South Melbourne

SOUTH MELBOURNE

A perennially popular sandwich shop in a former bakery with a Victorian frontage. It’s serving all the classic sangas, plus rotating specials (expect porchetta, roast beef or meatballs), potato salad and sodas.

Flint

FITZROY

There are no ovens, just fire at this flaming restaurant from two former San Telmo chefs. Naturally, the steak is stellar. But they’re also propelling carrots from sidekick to hero status.

Standing Room Coffee Fitzroy North

FITZROY NORTH

A sunny corner cafe opposite Edinburgh Gardens that has (despite the name) plenty of room to dine in. You might go for creamy breakfast congee, cilbir (Turkish eggs), burnt Basque cheesecake or pastries from Wild Life. As the name implies, there’s also a spot to stand and enjoy your coffee if you’re on-the-go, made with Standing Room’s own house blend.

The Royston Hotel

RICHMOND

The Terminus Hotel’s secluded little sister is a true locals’ haunt (spot them sprawled on couches and huddled around communal tables). It’s mastered pub staples like parmas and steaks, which pair well with the many beers on tap.

Abacus Bar & Kitchen

SOUTH YARRA

A lush fig tree takes pride of place in this light-filled dining room. The all-day diner takes you from blue swimmer crab crumpets for breakfast, to slow-cooked beef cheek and Australian wines for dinner.

Rufio

ST KILDA

Settle into the minimalist dining room, or take a seat on the rooftop, at this lively Latin-inspired eatery. Go for smoky bite-sized arepas, slow-cooked chargrilled seafood and three kinds of tostadas. Plus, more than 50 types of tequila and mezcal.

Mr Ramen San Midcity Centre

MELBOURNE

A bastion of exemplary Hakata-style ramen in the city centre. Visit for house-made noodles, consistently excellent broths and a creation known simply as the “cocktail draft beer”. If you drink too many, do as the shop prescribes: keep calm, eat ramen.

La Pinta

RESERVOIR

The chalked-up menu might change a lot, but the bang-for-your-buck is a constant at this buzzy, warmly lit diner. Go for tapas-style plates like wallaby tartare, Portarlington mussels and house-made pumpkin agnolotti. Plus, vermouth and lo-fi wines on tap. It’s no surprise getting a seat can be a bit of a challenge.

The Waiters Restaurant

MELBOURNE

Starting in the 1940s as a place for migrant waiters to unwind after a shift, this Melbourne icon still serves reliably good pastas and desserts. There’s nothing fancy here – just good wine in glass tumblers, humble family-run hospitality, and a chalkboard menu of hearty Italian classics.

Serendib

NORTHCOTE

At this Sri Lankan restaurant, the main drawcard is the colourful, affordable buffet that’s made up of more than 20 dishes. Go for aromatic cashew curry, tender Sri Lankan tempered potatoes and a made to order mango lassi.

Farro Pizzeria Thornbury

THORNBURY

Farro is named after the Italian word for “spelt”, which underpins many dishes at this homely pizzeria and pasta house. Go for its Italian appetisers before feasting on homemade spelt pastas and woodfired pizzas. Its inclusive menu has plenty of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options, too.

Masti

FITZROY

Pass under the glowing neon sign to find this vibrant North Indian diner. Go for crispy honey-chilli cauliflower, fig and pomegranate kofta, and Punjabi butter chicken that (importantly) isn’t sweet. Plus, find Indian-leaning cocktails levelled-up with ingredients like turmeric, mango and cardamom.

Benyue Kitchen

ABERFELDIE

This southern-Chinese family restaurant – by Lau’s Family Kitchen alumni – serves crowd favourites like lamb spring rolls, fluffy crab omelette and Peking duck. Plus, there are plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.

Brewdog Pentridge

COBURG

The Scottish craft-beer brand found a home in Coburg’s historic Pentridge Prison. Head to the beer garden – set in a former prison yard – or the taproom in a grand old bluestone building. Find Australian-exclusive brews, sticky-glazed chicken wings and a full plant-based menu.

Elchi

MELBOURNE

This Indian diner walks the line between classic and contemporary. Enjoy extravagant dishes from Kerala in the south to Punjab in the north-west, set amongst luxe leather booths and gold ceiling lights. Its well-loved owner also runs Masti in Fitzroy and Eastern Spice in Geelong.

Abla’s

CARLTON

The food and ambiance at this Melbourne institution have comforted generations of Lebanese Australians and introduced the cuisine to countless others. Come with a big group – if only to try as many dishes as possible.

Tammy’s Borek

PRESTON

This almost-all plant-based Turkish canteen pulls well beyond the vegan crowd with warming boreks, gozlemes and cabbage rolls. Its mother-and-daughter owners are behind all the recipes, and are often here serving them with a smile.

La Caze Mama

DANDENONG

This homey cafe in Dandenong Market serves real-deal Mauritian food including chicken briani, fried noodles and venison-stuffed flatbread. It's also selling hard-to-find Mauritian pantry items to take away.

Neighbourhood Pizza

ARMADALE

Look for the fairy lights and locals eating puffy Neapolitan pizzas on the parklet out front. Find a spot there or head inside for pies with a twist (a Pepperoni number with honey), on-point pastas and mostly Italian wines.

Askal

MELBOURNE

A team of seasoned hospo pros, including ex-Lume and Sunda chef John Rivera, are behind this unadultered Filipino restaurant. Try elevated takes on Filipino mainstays including sisig, lechon and halo-halo.

Oko Rooftop and Cafe

FITZROY

This progressive cafe by a mother-son duo is in a bright yellow, plant-filled space. Come for brunch classics with Mediterranean flavours, from Jenga-like polenta stacks to family-recipe meatball subs.

Brewmanity

SOUTH MELBOURNE

Hop to this taproom and rooftop bar, which was co-founded by an AFL legend. It’s pulling pints of limited-edition brews alongside share plates – like karaage chicken bites, or beer-braised lamb with creamy slaw.

Kahaani

CARLTON

Kahaani, which means “story” in Hindi, showcases deep cuts from India’s diverse regional cuisines. Try the refined reshmi kebab, or the family-recipe goat curry that predates Partition.

Chai Garden

BALWYN

Chai Garden’s owner couldn’t find the Mumbai breakfast staples she missed from home, so she opened this spot. Come for a crowd-fave grilled Bombay sandwich, a spicy paneer sanga, and stuffed potato and paneer parathas alongside masala chai.

Lona Misa

SOUTH YARRA

Shannon Martinez’s all-vegan, all-day diner inside the luxury Ovolo hotel is a symbol of the group’s commitment to plant-based eating. Alongside celebrated chef Ian Curley, Martinez is serving Josper-fired peri-peri cauliflower, steamy tamales and “blood” sausage plus spicy Latin American inspired cocktails.

Sebby’s Scrolls

CAULFIELD

It’s all about the standout cinnamon scrolls at this corner store. Expect oozing, super-soft layers of dough, cinnamon and caramelised brown sugar with a heaped layer of cream cheese icing. Plus, savoury scrolls, hot chocolate and coffee.

Patsy’s

MELBOURNE

Right opposite the Queen Vic Market, this vegetarian restaurant has its roots in Mediterranean wine culture. Enjoy the Burgundian-style beetroot sausage or empanada gallega (fino pastry filled with potato and tomato) with something from the mostly-vegan wine list.

Wazzup Falafel

NORTHCOTE

Everything is made in-house at this vegan diner. Stop by for some of the best falafels and fatteh in town and watch owner Ahmad Al Alaea – donning his signature cowboy hat – work in the open kitchen.