The Best Vegan And Vegetarian Restaurants And Cafes On The Gold Coast In 2026
Danielle Read
Contributor | Urban List
Plant-based eating on the Gold Coast has come a long way. Beyond the standard veggie burger, now there are a swag of vegetarian restaurants, vegan cafes and even flaky 'how is this vegan' pastry-perfecting bakeries that genuinely nail the croissant.
Perhaps you're a plant-based dabbler, choosing a meat-free option here, or opting for oat milk in your coffee from time-to-time. Or maybe you're fully vegan and need to know there'll genuinely be something tasty on the menu before you head out.
Personally, I'm a bit of both. After years of vegan eating, I'm now the annoying dairy-free pescatarian at the group lunch. But in my time of strict dairy-free, meat-free eating over the years, I've come to know, love and swear by a bunch of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, cafes and bakeries across the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country.
Whether you're a passionate plant-based peep, you're looking to get more vegetables into your diet or you just want to try something different, eating plant-based food has never been so accessible and appetising. Read on for 11 of the Gold Coast's best vegan and vegetarian restaurants and cafes in 2026.
How we choose: Culinary excellence, consistent service, cultural relevance, vibey ambiance, sustainability where possible, and real-world buzz from our team and community.
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The Gold Coast's Best Vegetarian Cafes
The Gold Coast's Best Vegan Cafes
The Gold Coast's Best Vegan Restaurants
The Gold Coast's Best Vegetarian Restaurants
Gold Coast Vegetarian Cafes
The Milkman's Daughter
1/43 Alfred St, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Image Credit: The Milkman's Daughter | Instagram
Any dedicated brunch fans on the Gold Coast will have heard of The Milkman's Daughter, not just for their vegetarian and vegan meals, but for their top-notch coffee and seriously lush fit-out.
This 100% vegetatian cafe oozes laidback luxe vibes with loads of lush greenery and white concrete alcoves filled with comfy cushions just begging you to come and cradle a coffee. I particularly love their speciality coffee bar features. And they pour some of the spiciest goblets of organic Chai on the coast.
Designed with the ethos of 'Eat consciously. Live consciously,' its reflected in their all-day menu which features nourishing dishes like the pesto scramble with cashew and basil, and their popular vanilla tumeric custard pancakes ith whipped lemon ricotta.
INSIDER INTEL
- There are a bunch of vegetarian dishes that can be made vegan
- The Farmer's Breakfast is unbeatable and the rosemary hashbrowns slap
- If you're feeling indulgent, order the dulce de leche iced latte with housemade vegan caramel, double espresso and coconut milk
Cardamom Pod
3/3 Brolga Ave, Southport QLD 4215
Image Credit: Cardamom Pod | Instagram
One of the first Gold Coast institutions to offer vegetarian and vegan eats, Cardamom Pod Brickworks is the place to take even your most set-in-their-ways meat-eater friend. They put vegan hollandaise on my radar and honestly, I've never looked back.
It’s clear to see the passionate crew behind Cardamom Pod take great pleasure in sharing their love for scrumptious plant-based food. The decadent menu is loaded with delights like peach pancakes and French toast, and I'm a sucker for their Indian-influenced dishes like the Mumbai Wrap.
This is my pick for the best vegetarian cafe on the Gold Coast to celebrate a special occasion, settle in for a long lunch with friends or experience plant-based eating at its most aesthetic.
INSIDER INTEL
- Technically this place is vegan, but they're considered vegetarian as they offer cow milk for coffees
- The acai bowls are genuinely works of art
- Don't skip the treats cabinet at the counter
- Book ahead by calling or texting 0451 893 008
- Parking can be tight so leave enough time to find one
Dalas Kitchen
2247 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Kiosk 2/6 Fifth Ave, Palm Beach QLD 4221
Image credit: Dalas Kitchen | Instagram
Husband and wife duo, Michael and Jess Davies were inspired to bring Dalas Kitchen to life when they realised there was a need in the market for fresh and healthy grab-and-go meals and, well, they were craving some goodness. If the line frequently snaking out the door is anything to go by, the Gold Coast needed a salad bar just like Dalas Kitchen and they’re certainly delivering.
The predominantly vegetarian (and mostly vegan) menu is not only a party in your mouth, but it also celebrates our local farmers and environment, as all of the produce is sustainably sourced, local and as fresh as can be. The sweet salad bar dishes up a selection of eight signature salads, as well as raw treats, cold-press coffee and house-made sodas.
INSIDER INTEL
- 5 of their 8 salads are vegan, with the remaining 3 vegetarian
- The dairy free raw cakes are insanely good
- The vegetarian Pesto The Besto with olives, garlic roasted kale and red onion folded through fusilli pasta with mozzarella has somewhat of a cult following
Gold Coast Vegan Cafes
Made With Love
19 Alicia St, Southport QLD 4215
Image credit: Made With Love | Instagram
I cannot stress this enough. Made With Love has revolutionised the landscape of vegan cafes on the Gold Coast. They're 100% vegan, yet have somehow perfected every regular bakery feature with a plant-based option. It's not newly invented creative dishes, it's literally all the pies, scrolls, pastries, toasties, cookies, cupcakes, donuts, cronuts, croissants, danishes and sausage rolls you love, but made plant-based.
The pastries are flaky, the pies are seriously devourable and the cruffins are stuffed with a custard filling that genuinely rivals that of its regular alternatives. The team running the joint are genuinely lovely, and I've personally had events catered by them. Absolute professionals, and my guests didn't realise the food was vegan until it was all gone and I had a chance to say 'by the way.'
INSIDER INTEL
- Start with a classic pie, it's my absolute face
- The sausage rolls genuinely taste better than regular sausage rolls
- They also make custom cakes that really are beautiful and tasty
Blendlove
1/253 Ferry Rd, Southport QLD 4215
Image Credit: Blendlove | Instagram
The power of plants is obvious at Blendlove in Souhtport, a casual vegan cafe dedicated to the love of ‘soul food.’ As well as being completely plant-based, free of refined sugar and highly processed ingredients, the menu is one that takes food back to basics , in the best way.
The breakfast and lunch menu is next level with meals like the Magic Mushroom toastie, with truffle oil, basil hummus, cherry tomatoes, almond fetta and enoki mushrooms. Then there's the best-selling Happy Hashies—a tantalising combination of housemade truffle hashbrowns served with garden greens, kale-naise, coconut bacon and avocado. Swirl it all down with one of the nutrient-packed smoothies and you've got a nourishing and damn delicious meal.
INSIDER INTEL
- You can also always expect cheerful service from the lovely Blendlove crew
- Keep an eye on their socials for regularly rotating feature dishes
Doko Demo V
2/2 Sunlight Dr, Burleigh Waters QLD 4220
Image credit: Doko Demo V | Instagram
Doko Demo can be loosely translate as 'anywhere' and the V stands for vegan; Doko Demo V means you can eat multi-cultural food in a cruelty-free way. This sentiment is evident in their massive menu which boasts the largest selection of vegan food that span regions.
Ranging from Asian-inspired dishes to burgers, pasta, pizza and salads, you can find almost every plant-based dish you can imagine at Doko Demo V. The talented team are all about sharing their passion for vegan food and you'll feel instantly welcomed when you visit this wholesome Gold Coast vegan joint.
INSIDER INTEL
- This is the place to take a regular pub meal lover (the chicken parmiagana is a hit)
- The sizzling teriyaki tofu is my go-to, alongside an Asahi Superdry
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Gold Coast Vegan Restaurants
Greenhouse Canteen
268 Tallebudgera Creek Rd, Tallebudgera Valley QLD 4228
Image Credit: Greenhouse Canteen | Instagram
If you’re on the hunt for one of the very best vegan restaurants on the Gold Coast, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Greenhouse Canteen. Their mission is to challenge people’s perceptions of the vegan lifestyle; starting with the best vegan Vietnamese pancakes I've tried, loaded with chilli jam oyster mushrooms, seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs.
Greenhouse is open for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday and dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, bookings required. There are also plenty of cocktails, natural Aussie wines and local beers; add in a vibing atmosphere and you've got all the ingredients for a great vegan date night spot.
INSIDER INTEL
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These fierce female founders have stayed true to their plant-based roots for a decade
- If the name sounds familiar, they used to be on the Gold Coast Hwy in Miami
- It's by the same team behind Greenhouse Bathhouse
- This place is also entirely gluten-free
Izakaya Midori
Shop 7/50 Woodland Dr, Reedy Creek QLD 4227
Image credit: Izakaya Midori | Instagram
The Gold Coast’s first fully plant-based Japanese restaurant and bar is tucked away in the suburb of Reedy Creek but is well worth the venture. And actually makes for a pretty convenient midweek meeting place, since it's just off the motorway. Izakaya Midori is not your ordinary Japanese bar, it’s reinventing the typical associations we have with the cuisine and taking it back to its roots when the early Buddhists traditionally ate a plant-based diet.
Expect re-imagined dishes where ramen, karaage, don bowls and udon noodle soup are all made with produce from nothing but nature. The nigiri sushi may look like it’s topped with salmon, but it’s actually a mix of wild mushrooms, sliced apple and carefully carved tomato—quite the taste sensation. Prepare to be impressed by the creative possibilities crafted by the plant-powered team.
INSIDER INTEL
- The gyozaholic is your answer to seriously crispy dumplings
- There's no wrong choice between the midori and aka ramen
- The omokase deluxe nigiri sushi and roll sushi platter is a must
Tian Ran
2468 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
Tian Ran is an Asian cuisine restaurant specialising in vegetarian, vegan and gluten free food, so it’s no wonder the name translates to ‘nature’ because that’s all you’re going to get on your plate. They have a vast menu covering all kinds of dishes from wonton soup, to Thai-style salads, steamed buns, stir-fries, curries, hot pots and rice and noodle dishes.
You will find all your favourites such as black pepper ‘beef’, sweet and sour ‘chicken’, Nasi Goreng and all sorts of seafood, that isn’t really seafood, just seafood in disguise. You can forget about traditional takeaway here too, just pure plant-based food full of freshness and flavour.
INSIDER INTEL
- The place recently closed when Ruth retired, though through the power of community it has reopened to the public with a new menu
- This is the OG vegan restaurant that's been around for 20 years
Easy House
8/90 Markeri St, Mermaid Waters QLD 4218
Image Credit: Easy House | Instagram
This sweet, pint-sized restaurant slings up the best plant-based yumcha I've had the pleasure of devouring in Mermaid Waters. Easy House's all-day yumcha stars Chinese delights like dumplings, pan-fried bean curd rolls, sticky rice with lotus leaves and much more.
The dinner menu is seriously extensive and is filled with vegetable dishes as well as plant-based 'meat' and 'seafood' dishes. Choose from entrees, soups, bean curd dishes, vegetable dishes, 'meat' dishes, 'seafood' dishes, hot pot, rice dishes, noodles and top it all off with desserts. Phew. The family-run restaurant pairs menu variety with bold flavours and friendly service.
INSIDER INTEL
- This is the sweetest lunch date spot
- You'll find the Gold Coast's best plant-based 'pork' buns here
Best Gold Coast Vegetarian Restaurants
Govindas
Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta and Kingscliff
Image credit: Govindas | Instagram
It would be a crime to write about the Gold Coast's best vegetarian restaurants without mentioning Govindas. A stalwart of the Gold Coast vegetarian dining scene, Govindas is non-for-profit and showcases organic vegetables grown from their organic farm in Murwillumbah.
You can order a small, medium, large or supreme plate and load it up with your choice of rice, salads and hot dishes like vegetable curry, potato bake, dhal and rotating specials. Make sure to load up on Govindas famous kofta balls (just $11.60 for ten koftas).
INSIDER INTEL
- If you're headed to Burleigh, grab your order to go and wander to Burleigh Hill at sunset. Bliss.
Kuan Yin Tea House
2/152 Scarborough St, Southport QLD 4215
Coined as one of the Gold Coast's best vegetarian restaurants for Vietnamese food, Kuan Yin Tea House is on the affordable end of plant-based joints and the portions are ginormous. It's the much-welcomed answer to plant-based pho, and hot pots. Then there's the option to load up a bento box, or even grab some crispy wings made with plant-based meats.
The menu is seriously extensive, and loaded with lovingly crafted dishes delivered by cheerful staff everytime. Get in while the plates are still sizzling.
INSIDER INTEL
- Lunch is 11.30am-2.30pm and dinner's 5pm-9pm
- Dishes are vegetarian and vegan
- There's also bubble tea
Looking for more? Check out:
Main image credit: The Milkman's Daughter | Instagram
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