Smith & Deli Is Bringing Its Cult Plant-Based Dining, Bakery Treats And Deli Goods To The CBD

After more than a decade of being Melbourne's go-to for plant-based food in Collingwood, Shannon Martinez has expanded Smith & Deli with a CBD location. The new Degraves Street spot opened on Saturday, and it marks a significant milestone for the beloved vegan diner.

Unlike the Collingwood mainstay, the CBD outpost runs from breakfast through to late, shifting around the rhythm of a day in the city. During the day, a market plate counter rotates seasonal mains and sides, alongside a breezy grab-and-go station that’s stocked with hot food, sandwiches, and ready-made meals. In the evenings, the cafeteria counter becomes a tapas bar. The high-top tables come out, the lighting dims, and the menu draws on the greatest hits of sister restaurant Smith & Daughters. Plus, espresso martinis and vegan wines are swapped in for the daytime cold brews.

"People don’t need to be convinced to eat vegan anymore, they just need a great place to eat it. We're just making it easier for city dwellers to eat great plant-based food, wherever they are and whatever their day looks like," says Martinez. 

"This venue is designed around the rhythms of city life. Breakfast on the way in, lunch without leaving the building, something worth sitting down for after work. That's the goal.”

What's On The Smith & Deli CBD Menu? 

All your favourites from Collingwood are all here, fret not: the cinnamon and cardamom doughnuts, the Egg Martinez, pies, sausage rolls, and laminated pastries. Cooler-weather additions like braised chickpeas, baked mac and cheese, and meatballs with creamy polenta make this June debut feel right. 

Where Is The CBD Smith & Deli?

Smith & Deli CBD is at 16 Degraves Street, open Monday to Saturday 8am–9pm and Sunday 9am–7pm.

CEO of Tomorrow Food Group Kelly Jarret, who came on board to support the expanision, says "Degraves Street holds a real place in Shannon's heart, she spent a lot of time here as a teenager."

"Opening here feels like a full circle moment for the brand. The new visual identity, the CBD format, the wholesale arm, it's all part of building something that can go the distance." Jarrett says.

It's the exciting first step in a national expansion, with further venues already in the works.

What Does The CBD Smith & Deli Look Like? 

Melbourne architects State of Play handled the interiors, nodding to the great market halls of Europe by threading together mosaic floors, marble, and warm lighting. Out on the street, a folkloric mural by local artist Melissa Grisancich both blends into and stands out in the personality-filled laneway. 

The new Smith & Deli is now open at 16 Degraves Street, Melbourne from 8am to 9pm daily, except Sundays when the venue closes at 7pm. 

Imagery: Smith & Deli | Supplied