Hardcore vegans, committed vegetarians, and those who simply enjoy a predominately plant-based diet, recognise that Melbourne has a burgeoning vegetarian dining scene.
The city’s best vegetarian restaurants provide you with top tier service, wonderfully flavoursome food and a no-compromise attitude to fresh and innovative cuisine.
The stereotype that vegetarian or vegan food is often rather ‘boring’ couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s time to demolish this myth and embrace the remarkable quality of vegetarian food that Melbourne has to offer.
The following vegan and vegetarian restaurants will provide you with wholesome, healthy, cruelty-free dishes. Melbourne’s plant-based dining scene does not disappoint.
No frills, cheap as chips and absolutely delicious. What more could you want from a restaurant? And did we mention that the busy kitchen does all you can eat?
The go-to option at Om, for any hungry student who knows where to find a filling, affordable meal, is the Vegan Thaali Meal ($9.90). Patrons get to pick a Vegetable Curry, 1 Lentil Curry and 1 Chickpea Curry from the daily selection. In addition, the Thaali includes fluffy Basmati Rice and beautiful, fresh Naan Bread. And if you still have an empty patch in your stomach, but can go back for a refill. Fantastic!
Personally, we find it hard to ignore the vibrant, verdant charms of the Palak Paneer ($12.90). This vividly-coloured dish contains Indian Cottage Cheese in a gently spiced Spinach Sauce. We’re also very into the Aloo/Onion/Gobi stuffed Flatbreads ($13.90), which come with a refreshing Raita and punchy Pickle.
Don’t let the simplicity of the shop put you off. This is authentic, wholesome Indian fare and one of the top vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne. Give it a try next time you’re in the area.
Neko Neko is a rare find: a small, friendly, vegan (and pescatarian) Japanese restaurant in the heart of trendy Fitzroy.
The go-to dish a Neko Neko is their enigmatically infused spiced vegan ramen that is just perfect when you need winter warming. With a legendary 20-ingredient vegetable stock as it’s base, it’s plant-based wizardry in a bowl.
And if you find yourself seeking Japanese food in Bendigo, check out the Harpoon Social Club. It does an excellent vegetarian Spicy Miso Ramen with Shitake Broth. You can read all about it here.
Editor’s Update: Sadly, Neko Neko served its last bowl of Ramen in December 2025. However, all is not lost. Tomoya Kawasaki – the man behind the noodles – has opened a new, pre-dominantly vegetarian Jpanaese Deli in the same place. Read more about it, right here…
Now we know that Obanzai Mama isn’t strictly vegetarian, but trust us when we say that no plant-based diner will go hungry.
The origin of both the eateries name and style of food comes from Kyoto. Obanzai is actually a number of fresh vegetable and seafood side dishes – and that’s exactly what Obanzai Mama is knocking out – both for lunch and dinner. Best of all, you can either grab a seat and eat there and then, or opt for takeaway.
The result, is real home-style cooking and free rein for patrons. How come? Well, they can choose specific dishes, or they get to mix and match whatever the kitchen has prepared that morning to construct their own Bento Box. Cool, hey?
For us, a must try is the Vegan Hamburger Steak – featuring a blend of Mushrooms and Tofu in a umame rich sauce. And if you’re never tried Japanese Potato Salad, this is the spot to give it a go.
It might only have been open a few weeks, but the queues are already forming outside the door. That’s why this newbie makes our list of the best vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne.
Full disclosure. We love everything about Patsy’s.
From the gorgeous old building that houses it, to the warm, funky interior. From the European Wine Bar Vibe, to the adventurous Meat-free menu. And the fab Cocktails. We really have to mention those cocktails.
In the skilled hands of the kitchen, even something as simple sounding as Crispy Fried Potato & Sweet Corn Croquetas with Almond Romesco ($18) are at the next level. The Curcuzza Tenerumi – Italian Squash Leaves filled with Whipped Ricotta, Chestnut Honey ($28) are sublime. The White Polenta with Confit Fennel, Blue Cheese & Roasted Fig ($36) is a master class in how to marry strong flavours. Meanwhile, the Zucchini Frites with Lemon & Chives ($16) crunch and pop.
Basically, if you like Mediterranean ingredients, you’ll be a very happy camper at Patsy’s. And that goes for if you’re vegetarian or not. Although we feel that Patsy’s Melbourne is amongst the top vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne.
So back to those Cocktails. There are a quite a few to choose from, but at present, our top tipple is the PPC ($28). A potent and heady mix of Creme de Cassis, Calvados, Poire de Normandy & Pink Peppercorn. It’s an absolute knock-out.
The Vegie Bar has served vegetarian and vegan treats to the City of Melbourne for over 4 decades. Seriously! It is a well established favourite amongst locals and visitors alike and proves that food fads may come and go, but great grub never goes out of fashion.
The variety and excellence of it’s plant-based foods keep diners loyally returning for years. There’s also a regularly changing specials board to keep things fresh and exciting. Honestly, the only issue here is what to order from the large, eclectic and delicious menu.
So what do we suggest? Well, we’ve got to say that the Peking Duck Bao ($9) – with all the yummy condiments – is divine. But you know what? The Laksa ($28) packs an authentic Malaysian punch that, quite frankly, makes our hearts sing. And didn’t even get us started on the Burgernator ($24). They say it’s a ‘Burger to destroy all others’ – and they ain’t exaggerating.
Much-loved, the Vegie Bar is definitely one of the top vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne.
This Vegetarian/Vegan eatery is tucked away in the bayside area of St Kilda. It offers an all-day breakfast as well as a wide selection of lunch and dinner options. Plus, it’s right next to St Kilda Esplanade for a bracing walk after lunch/dinner.
The Tempeh Massaman Curry packs some serious full flavour and their Vegan Breakfast is also a local favourite. Don’t forget to try the Deep-Fried Eggplant too for those who are less health conscious!
Alternatively, satisfy your sweet tooth by trying their Vegan version of ‘Rocky Road’ with Homemade Marshmallows.
For a tasty veggie feed with a side order of sea air, this is one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne.
An Asian fusion restaurant that’s serving Mexican-themed food for Melbourne’s 2023 Food and Wine Festival? It sounds mad, but sign us up!
Apart from the fact that almost anything goes, as long as it tastes good, the other important thing to know about Rice Paper Scissors is that it isn’t solely a plant-based eatery. However, it’s made the cut of our top vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne as it does the pretty incredible Endless Vega-Station.
Save time and make your meals visually appealing with an easy to use vegetable Mandoline Slicer. You can crinkle cut, spiralise, chop and so much more with ease. Click here for more information.
This unmissable event is a fully vegan degustation menu for $69 pp. For this bargain price, you get at least 10 courses of delicious plant-based fare. Even better, this gourmet dining experience takes place takes place away from the regular Rice Paper Scissors venues (where meat is prepared) at Aunty Kim’s House in Collingwood.
Check the Rice Paper Scissors website for deets on upcoming Endless Vega-Station dates and how to book.
Burnley tends to be over-shadowed by it’s neighbouring suburbs of Richmond and Hawthorn when it comes to dining. However, it does boast one of the best Vegetarian Restaurants in Melbourne.
This Vegetarian eatery is sure to boost your serotonin levels! It offers a vast array of Sweet and Savoury dishes. The staff are incredibly friendly and will cater to any dietary requirements that you may have.
The Positive Pancakes and Smiling Smashed Avo are wonderfully uplifting and you can warm your insides further with a Ginger Bread or Cacao Coconut Latte too.
This is a favourite cafe of mine. This part of the city is a well-kept secret, finding parking for the car is not difficult, and there’s a delightful park opposite to sit outside with your post-lunch coffee. And vibrant, eclectic Swan Street in Richmond is also an easy 5 min walk away.
The Scrambled Tofu and Soy Cheese Burritos are packed full of punchy Spice and – dare we say it? – love. The Cheesy Quesadillas and Vegan Tacos are equally as stunning! Give them a try and see if Trippy Taco gets your thumbs up as one of the best Vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne.
BTW – the Churros with Nutella Dipping Sauce are one of those once tried, always ordered, dishes. You have been warned!
Red Sparrow Pizza is a 100% vegan-friendly Pizzeria that crafts beautiful wood-oven pizzas. They are abundantly cheesy and the authentic, wood-oven taste is unmatched.
These days, there are some fantastic home Pizza Ovens on the market. Whether you want a fully-blown wood-fired oven in your garden or a simple electric one that you can sit on your kitchen work top, we’ve got something for you. Click here for more information and prices.
Their vast range of wholly planted-based pizzas rivals any meat-based pizza restaurant in Melbourne and the positive reviews reinforce this. In fact, the Pepperoni ($28.00) is so good, that we were hard-pressed to tell it from a regular meaty version.
Shakhari is considered a candidate for the most uniquely innovative restaurant in Melbourne. It has been catering to vegan-diners since 1972 and has firmly cemented itself as a warrior in the vegetarian/vegan scene.
Shakahari incorporates Indian and Japanese cuisine, offering a wide range of flavoursome food. The laksa curry and mouth watering avocado wedges are incredible and the delicious dumplings contain sweet corn, pumpkin, mushroom and walnuts.
Location: 10/242 Victoria St, Richmond, VIC 3121 Ph: (03) 9427 8916 See Website For Further Locations
This restaurant may be more recognisable to the eager traveller as it boasts 200+ franchises across the world. It is therefore not too over-priced and you are guaranteed some familiarity with the delicious vegan bites that are on offer.
It’s pan-Asian range of mock meats are deliciously packed with flavour and the ‘ham’ sushi and southern-fried ‘chicken’ will warm your stomach on a hangover!
This food is packed full of heart and sustenance and the restaurant also contains a grocery section where you can buy it’s one-of-a-kind vegan and vegetarian food.
Any dedicated follower of plant-based cuisine knows that you can always rely on the Hare Krishna community to put together tasty, filling meals. And such is certainly the case at Crossways in the city.
The menu rotates with the days and always features Vegetarian, Vegan-Friendly and Wheat-Free dishes. Even better, this eatery is All You Can Eat for ($9.50). Great if you’re on a budget, or just want to eat somewhere calm and welcoming. It’s worth mentioning that Crossways also have a lounge on the 2nd floor where patrons can relax from the stress of life.
Food-wise, top picks include the Monday Dinner favourite of Chickpea Curry & Rice, followed by Apple Crumble. Then there’s the yummy Friday Lunch option of Thai Green Curry (+ or – White Beans) with Rice and Pineapple Halava for Dessert.
This restaurant is Melbourne’s first all-vegan Latino restaurant and was opened around two years ago. It’s beautifully crafted food and flavoursome dishes have enabled it to quickly become an overnight success.
Owner/chef Shannon Martinez is passionate about changing people’s perceptions around vegan food and is set on putting them right, one tasty dish at a time.
This restaurant serves some of the realest tasting imitation meat in the whole city and the chipotle chicken burger and the garlic prawns are as good as, if not better, than the real thing.
Incidentally, the same team are behind Smith + Deli, next door. And you might expect, Vegan fare is the focus here as well. Pop by in the morning and grab the Truffle Shuffle ($14) – Sourdough, Ham, Cheese + Truffle Oil – to set you up for the day. Or maybe the fabulously named lunchtime dish, Peri Normal Activity ($22) – Grilled Chicken, Slaw, Radicchio, Garlic Aioli + Peri Peri Sauce is more up your street?
The kitchen also bakes an incredible range of Cakes and stocks an array of plant-based pantry items.
Location: Ovolo South Yarra, 234 Toorak Rd, South Yarra, VIC 3141 Ph: (03) 9116 2000
Funky sister establishment to the aforementioned Smith + Daughters, Lona Misa sits proudly within South Yarra’s swish Ovolo Hotel. And if that isn’t a sign that plant-based dining hasn’t broken into mainstream dining, we don’t know what is.
The effervescent Shannon Martinez is once again leading the kitchen with a vibrant take on Latin-inspired ‘root to stem’ dishes. And pleasingly, the flavours of the menu re as bold as the decor of the dining room.
Open all day, you could do worse than pop in for the Queso Con Chorizo ($22) starring spicy Bloom Providore Chorizo. Although, if you’ve got and appetite, we recommend the Tacu Tacu Eggplant with Queso Fresco & Herbs ($32).
Alternatively, just nip in for a drink and a nibble. But be warned – the Picante Cocktail ($22) featuring Spicy Blanco, Agave, Ancho Chilli & Lime is seriously addictive!
It may have moved on from Fitzroy, but this fabulous place is definitely one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne. After all, everything is made on the premises.
Moroccan Soup Bar boasts a distinctively cool and original menu that takes the form of a spoken menu. There is no set menu and the options change on a daily basis.
This guarantees the diner a fresh experimental experience and although you can only order what is available for that day, there is still an extensive variety of options available.
These soups often also include dips and curried veggies plus a gorgeous stack of homemade warm pitta bread.
Middle Eastern and North African cuisines have many dishes that are vegetarian and vegan-friendly. The dishes are perfect for sharing and are fresh, zesty and healthy.
Conclusion
The restaurants hightlighted above are just some of the many vegetarian eateries in Melbourne. Their quality food, inventive dishes and warm customer service makes them stand out in a crowded market.
Make a booking and indulge your hunger without guilt. You will be helping support Melbourne’s finest, plant-based establishments.
When it comes to great places to eat in Australia, the list really is endless. There are so many different restaurants, cafés, and chains to try that you really are spoiled for choice. From Italian food, to Japanese food, to a good ‘ole rump steak, the food options are endless.
This is why I decided to set up my blog, Eatability, to share the best food and drink spots in Australia with as many people as possible. Hi, my name is Dylan Cole, and I moved to Australia five years ago from England, UK.
Through this blog, I will be sharing and recommending some of my favorite places you need to visit, such as where to find the best pizza in Adelaide, and the best bakery in Brisbane. Whatever food you are fancying, I have got you covered!
