The vegan dining scene has really exploded in Melbourne over the last few years. Long gone are the days of soggy mushroom burgers and sad-looking salads, the level of culinary sophistication and dedication to flavour is rivalling some of the city's top institutions.
To get a read on where to find the best vegan restaurants in Melbourne, keep on scrolling:
The Cornish Arms Hotel
BRUNSWICK
There is one extensive menu on offer at The Cornish Arms Hotel, and about half of it is entirely vegan. An indoor pub, a rooftop bar, city skyline views and a fresh ambience are all at your fingertips as you work your way through the frankly considerable menu, which is available day and night, 7 days a week. Traditional pub food has been given a vegan twist, with vegan Parma, chicken Kiev, Buffalo chicken burger and tempura battered fish and chips being just some of the options you get to have a choosing crisis over.
Neko Neko
FITZROY
If you’re after a piping hot bowl of umami-rich ramen, look no further than Neko Neko, whose acclaimed 20-ingredient vegan broth is practically at icon status. With several choices, you can go more light with their Neko Neko Ramen, which has a clear Shoyu broth adorned with an Inari Age (fried tofu pocket), or for something a little more hearty, try their Tan Tan Ramen, a creamy style sesame broth with vegan mince meat. They’ve also got a few Bento boxes for you to try, all entirely authentic and entirely vegan.
Funghi e Tartufo
CBD
For some of the best vegetarian food in Melbourne, be sure to check out this plant-based Italian restaurant, Funghi e tartufo. Nestled in the bustling Hardware Lane in the CBD, it’s a combination of European-styled outdoor dining and a cosy interior for colder nights. Traditional Sicilian cuisine has been reimagined to an earth-friendly take, with the vegan menu including spaghetti carbonara, risotto with champignon mushroom and a breadcrumb grilled swordfish dish. The dessert menu won’t disappoint either, with pannacotta and a mixed berry coulis rising to hero status.
Gong De Lin
CBD
Hidden away above Swanston Street is this absolute gem, serving up great plant-based Chinese food for affordable prices. Gong De Lin appeals to vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, with their varied menu. The absolute standout is their Peking duck, which is right up there with the best vegan food in Melbourne. Also on offer is their Mapo tofu, sweet and sour pork and Sichuan-styled stir-fried green beans, all 100% vegan. With such a central location, it’s easily accessible for all.
The Carringbush Hotel
ABBOTSFORD
You may be a little surprised by the exterior, but just because it’s a classic-style pub doesn’t mean it can’t be plant-based. Open all week, The Carringbush Hotel's extensive menu is completely vegetarian and vegan, with plenty of nut-free and gluten-free options no less. They don’t hold back with their options either, with starters such as their dumplings with Char Siu ‘pork’, mushrooms and sweet and sour sauce, and charred broccolini with garlic and beetroot crème. For mains, the selection includes Chipotle tempeh Fajita with tortillas and sour cream, a fried ‘chicken’ burger and housemade Gnocchi with ‘lamb’ ragout, whipped feta and watercress. They also have a huge list of vegan and vegetarian-friendly wines and beers to boot.
Huong Viet Vegan
FOOTSCRAY
If you’re inundated with meat options and missing authentic Vietnamese food, definitely give Huong Viet Vegan a try. This entirely vegan, family-run restaurant in Footscray has an incredibly lengthy menu, with everything from Bún Bò Huế, a traditional spicy lemongrass noodle soup with a variety of mock meats in it, to Bò Lúc Lắc, a saucy Vietnamese shaking beef. The flavours are fresh and varied, and the portion sizes are pretty decent too, so along with fresh food, you get bang for your buck.
Pinchy’s
CBD
Don’t let the ‘seafood-centric aesthetic’ fool you, Pinchy’s is one of the best vegan restaurants in Melbourne. Matching their ocean-based tasting menu is their ‘Made Friendly’ menu which is a flavour-packed clever reimagination of some of their hit dishes. On the cards, you’ve got options like the carrot tartare with pumpkin and cashew cream and pickled cucumber, leek croquettes with vegan parmesan and herb oil. Of course, the plant-based answer to the famed Pinchy's lobster roll is the lion's mane mushroom with charred mushroom, Pinchy's seasoning and lemon in a golden semi-toasted roll.
Maha / Maha North / Maha East
CBD, COLLINGWOOD, WINDSOR
Shane Delia has the foresight to have considered the rising demand for non-meat-based dining which in 2023 is basically reaching critical mass, and that’s why you’ll also find three of the best plant-based menus at his restaurants, Maha, Maha Bar and Maha East. Fusing the European and Middle-Eastern flavours that he’s famous for, Shane’s vegan menus feature spice-filled and incredibly in-depth flavoured dishes, celebrating the region’s diverse cuisine with plates like whipped hummus, asparagus, smoked paprika and toasted sesame, or smoked and fried Lebanese eggplant with shallot and date vinegar dressing with warm olives.
Green Man's Arms
CARLTON
Green Man's Arms' charming (and very green) interior decor offers a cosy respite from the hustle and bustle of the regular Lygon street Italian fare. It really feels like you’re just chatting away in someone’s fancy, sparkling living room. With a fresh, ever-changing menu, this joint truly embodies comfort food goals—so grab a pint and a vegan bolognese or tuck into their nice, juicy eggplant schnitzel, a strong case for the best vegan restaurant in Melbourne.
Trippy Taco
FITZROY & ST KILDA
Our favourite trippy team has set up shop on the other side of the river. Serving an all-vegetarian menu, every dish comes with a vegan-friendly option. Think scrambled tofu and soy cheese brekkie burritos, vegan tacos and fluffy, cheesy vegan quesadillas. The tofu Asada Burrito with chargrilled tofu, vegan goat's cheese, vegan mozzarella, salsa and Guacamole will definitely satisfy any and all burrito cravings, and you’re covered north and south.
Smith & Deli
COLLINGWOOD
Not your old-school corner deli, Smith & Daughter’s second café lives up to its veggie-filled reputation. Smith & Deli’s menu is home to creative names like The Wiggum, which has salt and pepper fried tofu, BBQ sauce, slaw, pickles and a chipotle aioli, as well as Foghorn Legless, which is a more classic chicken schnitzel, bacon, tomato, lettuce with ranch sandwich. Frankly, the names alone warrant a visit. You can also get a full English breakfast from here, so all bases are covered.
Smith & Daughters
COLLINGWOOD
A reigning vegan dining institution in Melbourne, Smith & Daughters hardly needs an introduction. For vegan beginners, this is the heavenly place to start, with dishes including braised Persian pork and buckwheat meatballs, pomegranate and Farinata, marinated oyster mushroom with buckwheat polenta and a fermented peppercorn jus, and grilled heirloom broccolini with burnt bread sauce, and Salsa Verde.
Shakahari
CARLTON
A Sanskrit and Hindi word referencing plant-based diets found in the Indian subcontinent, ‘Shakahari’ is a longstanding restaurant in Carlton, where it’s been cooking up an exclusively vegetarian menu for over 50 years. Taking inspiration from Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Malaysian roots, Shakahari serves up nutritious feed, with Laksa Hebat, a creamy coconut and lemongrass noodle soup topped with tofu and seitan, Quinoa Croquettes, Ikigai Dumplings and much more. There are even a few nods to the Italian heritage of Carlton, with Spaghetti Stagione rounding out the main menu.
Vegie Bar
FITZROY
Have you even been to Fitzroy if you haven’t been to Vegie Bar? The answer is no, no you haven’t. Smack bang on Brunswick Street, Vegie Bar is still one of the best vegan restaurants Melbourne has in 202—they serve all the veggie meals, including veggie-packed noodle dishes, warm buddha bowls and pizza (which even includes vegan cheese). And don’t walk past their sister store Girls & Boys next door, which serves vegan ice cream and sweet treats.
Transformer
FITZROY
Vegie Bar’s older, more experimental, more popular sister (but don’t tell her that), Transformer is home to an all-vegetarian menu that champions humble ingredients like roast cauliflower and grilled king oyster mushrooms. A large portion of the menu is also vegan-friendly or can be made vegan on request—just look out for the cheeky “V” or “VO”.
Sister Of Soul
ST KILDA
Sister of Soul boasts raw, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan meals that mark it out as one of the best vegetarian cafes in Melbourne—north or south of the river. The menu is full of familiar favourites and delicious surprises, and it's open pretty much all the time, from 7:30 am until late.
Lona Misa
SOUTH YARRA
It wouldn’t be a best vegan in Melbourne write-up with a least three inclusions from Melbourne’s plant-based chef icon, Shannon Martinez. Lona Misa which opened earlier this year is 100% vegetarian with the majority of the menu dishes being vegan. The diner has a Latin-style approach, mixing traditional flavours into modern vegan interpretations like the Patatas Bravas and Peri Peri fire-roasted cauliflower.
Kevabs
BRUNSWICK
Traditionally a pretty tough one to replicate, Kebabs have been off the menu for most plant-based diners. Kevabs in Brunswick is a true wonder, offering top-notch kebabs, boreks, HSP's and more—utilising all non-animal ingredients and even they're free from soy, gluten, and nuts making it an absolute mecca for dietary restricted Melburnians. Hands down, one of the best vegan restaurants in the northern suburbs of Melbourne.
Evies Disco Diner
FITZROY
Evies Diner is the colourful converted warehouse diner in Fitzroy, and along with its seriously good vibes, it also has one hell of a vegan-friendly menu. The American and Tex-Mex style menu includes a range of spanking plant-based options including hot dogs, burgers, nachos and burritos.
Red Sparrow
COLLINGWOOD & PRAHRAN
Vegans, vegetarians and carnivores alike will be flocking like sparrows into Red Sparrow. Melbourne’s first dedicated vegan pizzeria, Red Sparrow has a completely plant-based menu, with dairy-free cheese substitutes (you won’t miss the dairy) and mock meats including beer-infused bratwurst. Gluten, soy and nut-sensitive foodies will also be catered for. Red Sparrow is now open for business.
Shop 225
PASCOE VALE SOUTH
The Pascoe-Vale favourite is also famed for its vegetarian and vegan offering, with the majority of the menu offering a plant-based version. The traditional Italian pizzeria has classical and inventive takes on authentic slices—like the Contadina and Nutella calzone. Shop 225 also has its coeliac accreditation, making it widely popular for its dietary offering.
Primo
NORTHCOTE
A top choice for any plant-based pizza enthusiast, Primo in Northcote has some of the best vegan pizza in Melbourne. The casual diner on High street has crafted several tasty options including the Westgarth with Roasted pepper, confit zucchini, eggplant, and vegan Fior di latte. They’re also coeliac accredited so there are plenty of gluten-free options.
Ballard’s
THORNBURY
Right from the horses’ mouth, Ballard’s states that the menu changes due to the seasons, the mood or the alignment of the stars. That seems fair to us, especially since they’re dedicated to bringing some of the best vegan food that Melbourne has to offer. Cover your entrees with their salt & pepper “squid” aka marinated oyster mushroom, and an antipasto platter holding white bean & artichoke dip, pickled veges, basil ricotta, bread, and more. Ballard’s are also pretty famous for their Gnocchi; they’ve currently got pesto, ragu and creamed chard as sauce options. Definitely a Melbourne vegan restaurant that isn’t to be missed.
SHU
COLLINGWOOD
If you’re in search of an entirely plant-based Sichuan restaurant, you’ve definitely hit the mark if you’re heading to SHU. This vegan Melbourne restaurant is the brainchild of Sichuan province native Shu Liu, who learned to cook from his mother and family. Opening up SHU in 2012, there is a distinct community vibe around the restaurant, which centres around inclusivity. There is unlimited Yum Cha on Sundays, and set menus that range from a five-course experimental set to a ten-course degustation. It’s somewhere in between fine dining and casual, and we reckon it’s a solid contender for the best vegan restaurant in Melbourne.
Vegie Tribe
CBD
If you’re looking for reasonable pricing and a completely vegan menu, then Vegie Tribe’s got you covered. They’re fully equipped with an all-you-can-eat buffet, so make sure you wear some stretchy pants. Arguably, the best part about Vegie Tribe is that they source local and organic ingredients wherever possible, and 10% of their profits go to animal welfare. Lunch and a good cause, you can’t ask for much more. Multiple cuisines are covered here - from Mexican to Italian to Indian, so definitely got something for everyone here.
Good Love
ST KILDA
They’re not just about an aesthetic vibe over at Good Love, although we do love the neon pink. The cocktails are killer, so make sure you sip pretty on a fig gin sour or a chocolate and hazelnut espresso martini. The menu doesn’t disappoint either, and our favs are the Paella, the sizzling “duck”, and the loaded Patatas Bravas. Definitely one vegan restaurant that Melbourne needs to look out for.
Tofulicious
RICHMOND
If you happen to be having lunch around Richmond, Tofulicious may just have to be your next destination for a vegan feed. With a menu that changes fortnightly, and is highly based on seasonal produce, you’re all but guaranteed a hearty feed to nourish the soul. Everything feels homemade and like it’s gotten an extra sprinkle of love, so this vegan restaurant definitely is one of the best in Melbourne.
Funghi e Tartufo
CBD
For some of the best vegan food in Melbourne, be sure to check out this plant-based Italian restaurant, Funghi e tartufo. Nestled in the bustling Hardware Lane in the CBD, it’s a combination of European-styled outdoor dining and a cosy interior for colder nights. Traditional Sicilian cuisine has been reimagined to an earth-friendly take, with the vegan menu including spaghetti carbonara, risotto with champignon mushroom and a breadcrumb grilled swordfish dish. The dessert menu won’t disappoint either, with pannacotta and a mixed berry coulis rising to hero status.
Gong De Lin
CBD
Hidden away above Swanston Street is this absolute gem, serving up great plant-based Chinese food for affordable prices. Gong De Lin appeals to vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, with their varied menu. The absolute standout is their Peking duck, which is right up there with the best vegan food in Melbourne. Also on offer is their Mapo tofu, sweet and sour pork and Sichuan-styled stir-fried green beans, all 100% vegan. With such a central location, it’s easily accessible for all.
The Cornish Arms Hotel
BRUNSWICK
There is one extensive menu on offer at The Cornish Arms Hotel, and about half of it is entirely vegan. An indoor pub, a rooftop bar, city skyline views and a fresh ambience are all at your fingertips as you work your way through the frankly considerable menu, which is available day and night, 7 days a week. Traditional pub food has been given a vegan twist, with vegan Parma, chicken Kiev, Buffalo chicken burger and tempura battered fish and chips being just some of the options you get to have a choosing crisis over.
Neko Neko
FITZROY
If you’re after a piping hot bowl of umami-rich ramen, look no further than Neko Neko, whose acclaimed 20-ingredient vegan broth is practically at icon status. With several choices, you can go more light with their Neko Neko Ramen, which has a clear Shoyu broth adorned with an Inari Age (fried tofu pocket), or for something a little more hearty, try their Tan Tan Ramen, a creamy style sesame broth with vegan mince meat. They’ve also got a few Bento boxes for you to try, all entirely authentic and entirely vegan.
The Carringbush Hotel
ABBOTSFORD
You may be a little surprised by the exterior, but just because it’s a classic-style pub doesn’t mean it can’t be plant-based. Open all week, The Carringbush Hotel's extensive menu is completely vegetarian and vegan, with plenty of nut-free and gluten-free options no less. They don’t hold back with their options either, with starters such as their dumplings with Char Siu ‘pork’, mushrooms and sweet and sour sauce, and charred broccolini with garlic and beetroot crème. For mains, the selection includes Chipotle tempeh Fajita with tortillas and sour cream, a fried ‘chicken’ burger and housemade Gnocchi with ‘lamb’ ragout, whipped feta and watercress. They also have a huge list of vegan and vegetarian-friendly wines and beers to boot.
Huong Viet Vegan
FOOTSCRAY
If you’re inundated with meat options and missing authentic Vietnamese food, definitely give Huong Viet Vegan a try. This entirely vegan, family-run restaurant in Footscray has an incredibly lengthy menu, with everything from Bún Bò Huế, a traditional spicy lemongrass noodle soup with a variety of mock meats in it, to Bò Lúc Lắc, a saucy Vietnamese shaking beef. The flavours are fresh and varied, and the portion sizes are pretty decent too, so along with fresh food, you get bang for your buck.
Pinchy’s
CBD
Don’t let the ‘seafood-centric aesthetic’ fool you, Pinchy’s is one of the best vegan restaurants in Melbourne. Matching their ocean-based tasting menu is their ‘Made Friendly’ menu which is a flavour-packed clever reimagination of some of their hit dishes. On the cards, you’ve got options like the carrot tartare with pumpkin and cashew cream and pickled cucumber, leek croquettes with vegan parmesan and herb oil. Of course, the plant-based answer to the famed Pinchy's lobster roll is the lion's mane mushroom with charred mushroom, Pinchy's seasoning and lemon in a golden semi-toasted roll.
Maha / Maha North / Maha East
CBD, COLLINGWOOD, WINDSOR
Shane Delia has the foresight to have considered the rising demand for non-meat-based dining which in 2023 is basically reaching critical mass, and that’s why you’ll also find three of the best plant-based menus at his restaurants, Maha, Maha Bar and Maha East. Fusing the European and Middle-Eastern flavours that he’s famous for, Shane’s vegan menus feature spice-filled and incredibly in-depth flavoured dishes, celebrating the region’s diverse cuisine with plates like whipped hummus, asparagus, smoked paprika and toasted sesame, or smoked and fried Lebanese eggplant with shallot and date vinegar dressing with warm olives.
Green Man's Arms
CARLTON
Green Man's Arms' charming (and very green) interior decor offers a cosy respite from the hustle and bustle of the regular Lygon street Italian fare. It kinda feels like you’re just chatting away in someone’s fancy, sparkling living room. With a fresh, ever-changing menu, this joint truly embodies comfort food goals—so grab a pint and a vegan bolognese or tuck into their nice, juicy eggplant schnitzel, a strong case for the best vegan restaurant in Melbourne.
Trippy Taco
FITZROY
Serving an all-vegetarian menu, every dish at Trippy Taco comes with a vegan-friendly option. Think scrambled tofu and soy cheese brekkie burritos, vegan tacos and fluffy, cheesy vegan quesadillas. The tofu Asada Burrito with chargrilled tofu, vegan goat's cheese, vegan mozzarella, salsa and Guacamole will definitely satisfy any and all burrito cravings.
Smith & Daughters
COLLINGWOOD
A reigning vegan dining institution in Melbourne, Smith & Daughters hardly needs an introduction. For vegan beginners, this is the heavenly place to start, with dishes including braised Persian pork and buckwheat meatballs, pomegranate and Farinata, marinated oyster mushroom with buckwheat polenta and a fermented peppercorn jus, and grilled heirloom broccolini with burnt bread sauce, and Salsa Verde.
Shakahari
CARLTON
A Sanskrit and Hindi word referencing plant-based diets found in the Indian subcontinent, ‘Shakahari’ is a longstanding restaurant in Carlton, where it’s been cooking up an exclusively vegetarian menu for over 50 years. Taking inspiration from Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Malaysian roots, Shakahari serves up nutritious feed, with Laksa Hebat, a creamy coconut and lemongrass noodle soup topped with tofu and seitan, Quinoa Croquettes, Ikigai Dumplings and much more. There are even a few nods to the Italian heritage of Carlton, with Spaghetti Stagione rounding out the main menu.
Vegie Bar
FITZROY
Have you even been to Fitzroy if you haven’t been to Vegie Bar? The answer is no, no you haven’t. Smack bang on Brunswick Street, Vegie Bar is still one of the best vegan restaurants Melbourne has in 202—they serve all the veggie meals, including a Peking “duck” wrap, warm buddha bowls and pizza (which even includes vegan cheese). And don’t walk past their sister store Girls & Boys next door, which serves vegan ice cream and sweet treats.
Transformer
FITZROY
Vegie Bar’s older, more experimental, more popular sister (but don’t tell her that), Transformer is home to an all-vegetarian menu that champions humble ingredients like roast cauliflower and grilled king oyster mushrooms. A large portion of the menu is also vegan-friendly or can be made vegan on request—just look out for the cheeky “V” or “VO”.
Sister Of Soul
ST KILDA
Sister of Soul boasts raw, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan meals that mark it out as one of the best vegetarian cafes in Melbourne—north or south of the river. The menu is full of familiar favourites and delicious surprises, and it's open pretty much all the time, from 7:30 am until late. Make sure to try the Nasi Goreng, or the Bibimbap nutrition bowl.
Lona Misa
SOUTH YARRA
It wouldn’t be a best vegan in Melbourne write-up with a least three inclusions from Melbourne’s plant-based chef icon, Shannon Martinez. Lona Misa is 100% vegetarian with the majority of the menu dishes being vegan. The diner has a Latin-style approach, mixing traditional flavours into modern vegan interpretations like the Patatas Bravas and Peri Peri “chicken”.
Kevabs
BRUNSWICK
Traditionally a pretty tough one to replicate, Kebabs have been off the menu for most plant-based diners. Kevabs in Brunswick is a true wonder, offering top-notch kebabs, boreks, HSP's and more—utilising all non-animal ingredients and even they're free from soy, gluten, and nuts making it an absolute mecca for dietary-restricted Melburnians. Hands down, one of the best vegan restaurants in the northern suburbs of Melbourne.
Evies Disco Diner
FITZROY
Evies Diner is the colourful converted warehouse diner in Fitzroy, and along with its seriously good vibes, it also has one hell of a vegan-friendly menu. The American and Tex-Mex style menu includes a range of spanking plant-based options including hot dogs, burgers, nachos and burritos.
Best Vegan Pizza Restaurants
Red Sparrow
COLLINGWOOD & PRAHRAN
Vegans, vegetarians and carnivores alike will be flocking like sparrows into Red Sparrow. Melbourne’s first dedicated vegan pizzeria, Red Sparrow has a completely plant-based menu, with dairy-free cheese substitutes (you won’t miss the dairy) and mock meats including beer-infused bratwurst. Gluten, soy and nut-sensitive foodies will also be catered for.
Shop 225
PASCOE VALE SOUTH
The Pascoe-Vale favourite is also famed for its vegetarian and vegan offering, with the majority of the menu offering a plant-based version. The traditional Italian pizzeria has classical and inventive takes on authentic slices—like the Contadina and Nutella calzone. Shop 225 also has its coeliac accreditation, making it widely popular for its dietary offering.
Primo
NORTHCOTE
A top choice for any plant-based pizza enthusiast, Primo in Northcote has some of the best vegan pizza in Melbourne. The casual diner on High street has crafted several tasty options including the Westgarth with Roasted pepper, confit zucchini, eggplant, and vegan Fior di latte. They’re also coeliac accredited so there are plenty of gluten-free options.
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Image credit: Red Sparrow