The number of plant-based restaurants continues to rise in Sydney. And pleasingly, whilst we hate to generalise, there has been a discernible increase in both quality and popularity of these establishments.
From European bistros and pizzerias, to Vietnamese street-food and Middle-Eastern delights, Sydney is home to some of the finest vegetarian restaurants in the southern hemisphere.
What’s more, even if you’re not a vegetarian, many of these eateries offer dishes of such quality and invention, and food that is so tasty, unique and refreshingly healthy, that they deserve an appreciably wider audience.
The top restaurants know from first-hand experience that a healthy vegan lifestyle has many benefits. Beyond helping people feel fantastic and more energetic; veganism is an ecologically sustainable way of life that is cruelty free and respects the rights of all creatures on the planet to live in peace and harmony.
Eating vegan food can help you feel good on many levels.
With this in mind, our article will take a look at 15 of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Sydney. So, whether you fancy a light lunch on the harbour, a quick snack in the bustling inner-west or a celebratory dinner at a critically acclaimed restaurant, we’ve got you covered.
The first restaurant on our list of the best vegetarian restaurants in Sydney is this fantastic offering in the heart of vibrant Surry Hills.
Yulli’s is one of Sydney’s most popular vegetarian restaurants. The team here offers a wide selection of delicious dishes such as fried zucchini in filo pastry with tomato salsa and tom tom sauce.
The restaurant is located in a bustling neighbourhood with street appeal, character and 24 hour activity. It is the perfect spot to try a taste-packed, affordable vegetarian meal on any night of the week.
What’s more, there are inspired dishes for vegans and those who follow a gluten-free diet.
Family-owned and operated since 2009, Vina Vegan was brought to life to share traditional Vietnamese vegan recipes with people who simply wanted to eat better. Vina Vegan strives to serve dishes of the freshest local produce that are entirely plant-based and have their origins in traditional family recipes.
Newtown is one of the most vibrant of Sydney’s inner-west food hubs. In this foodie mecca, Vina Vegan provides an authentic Vietnamese experience of chattering noise, fragrant smells, laughter, bustling foot traffic and lots of activity.
Vina’s pho noodle soup is a must-try. Warm up in winter with the signature classic broth and your choice of vegan beef or chicken.
A personal favourite is the Peking Not-Duck rolls. These ingenious delights combine pickled carrot radish, cucumber and crispy vegan duck with a light drizzle of hoisin sauce. Yum!
Vina’s vegan spring rolls are very popular (and a little addictive) – an enticing combination of mungbean, carrot, tofu, mushroom, taro and vermicelli.
The curry noodle soup is flavoursome and filling. Containing a winning combination of broccoli, carrot, celery, potato, vegan ham, soy chicken and vegan pork in a smooth curry and coconut cream broth. Moreover, the restaurant guarantees no added MSG in their dishes.
A light and zesty choice is the delightful Papaya Salad. This mix of carrot, papaya, mint, roasted peanut, tamarin juice and vegan beef is fragrant, fresh and tasty.
Located close to Thievery on Glebe Point Road, Badde Manors is another excellent restaurant which offers a wide array of fantastic vegetarian food.
On the menu you’ll find carefully crafted dishes inspired by flavours from all over the world, including the Middle East, Asia, The Mediterranean, and Latin America.
Whether you’re looking for something simple like a vegetarian quiche, or something a little more unusual such as a halloumi wrap, you’ll be spoiled for choice at this restaurant.
Love cheese, but want a dairy-free option? See our piece on Vegan Cheese
Editor’s Note: Last year we were sad to hear that after 40 years, Badde Manors would be closing. Then it seemed that someone stepped in the this Inner West institution was saved. However, the last we checked, the spot was still ‘Temporarily Closed’. Fingers crossed it re-opens soon.
Editor’s Update: We confess. We had a minor panic when we heard that I Should Be Souvlaki had changed its name. Was it gone? Had the great plant-based menu been replaced?! Well, fear not. Whilst the name is new, many of the old favourites remain on the menu. The Mina Maria is definitely Vegan!
Now it’s probably no surprise that many of our best vegetarian restaurants in Sydney feature Asian cuisines. After all, the Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese and more have strong traditions in plant-based dishes. But Greek vegan food? And what’s more, hearty vegan souvlaki? That’s a little more unusual.
However, that’s exactly what I Should Be Souvlaki is all about.
What began is a regular vegan market stall now has a forever home in Newtown and the locals love it.
Yes, there are clearly veggie plates such as their moreish Popcorn Cauliflower. But then there’s also their amazing Southern Fried Chick’n Tenders. What’s more, there’s a full menu of Souvlaki Platters and Snack Packs. These are genuinely ‘meaty’ offerings – and as close to the real thing as you’ll find this side of Athens.
If all of this talk of Souvas makes you feel uncomfortable, don’t fret. All of the ‘meat’ is either wheat or soy-based – or a combination of the 2.
And our favourite? We love the Build A Souvlaki option where you get to exactly what you want to eat and how you’d like it served. Honestly, vegan food doesn’t get much better – or tastier – than this!
Admittedly, the menu at Bootleg Italian – also known as Bootleg Social Lounge – is rather confounding. Ricotta-Filled, Fried Olives ($14)? Parmesan scattered liberally over plates? But rest assured. This chic dinner-spot is not only Vegetarian, but 100% Vegan. And any ingredients that read as either Meat or Dairy are simply fakes.
And very good fakes they are too.
That said, there is also plenty on the Menu that doesn’t even try to imitate flesh. The classic Italian Rice Ball, the Arancini ($7ea), is rich and earthy with Mushroom, Black Truffle & Truffle Mayo. The Broccolini ($15), Pan-Seared with Garlic, Lemon, EVOO & crunchy Pangrattato. And then there’s the Pasta. The restaurant’s Famous Vodka Rigatoni ($32) is totally worth the hype, with bags of flavour.
Add in a hip location, cool vibe and moody interior design and you’ve got a very modern eatery. And did we mention the superb Cocktail list? The Golden Hour ($23) is our go-to. A thrilling blend of Bombay Sapphire Gin, Marmalade, Ginger, Lemon and Foam, it’s dangerously easy to drink.
If Bootleg Italian is the future of Plant-Based dining, count us in.
We travel from Italy to Egypt for the next of our finest vegetarian restaurants in Sydney.
We have no idea how many people have stumbled out of a gig at the Enmore Theatre and found themselves at the counter of the Cairo Takeaway. But we’re sure most of them wolf down the simple, fresh dishes.
Whilst the corner cafe itself is humble, the food is bursting with flavour. And although there is Meat on the menu, the Vegetarian selection is large and varied. A great way to sample the best of what’s on offer is by ordering the Mixed Vegetarian Plate. With fragrant Falafel, Fried Cauliflower & Eggah, Salad, Pickles, Dips and Bread, it’s a feast for the taste buds.
Having said that, we’re suckers for the Fuul Madamas. A comforting dish of Slow Cooked Fava Beans with Olive Oil, Lemon, Salad & Boiled Eggs, its simplicity belies its nourishing warmth.
Make sure you join the queue at Cairo Takeaway next time you’re Newtown way.
Now, we really couldn’t write about the best vegetarian restaurants in Sydney and not mention Bodhi.
Bodhi is a plant-based institution and an award winning one at that. Located in the Cook & Phillip Park, this critically acclaimed restaurant is one of the most iconic vegetarian dining spots in Sydney.
Editor’s Note: We’ve recently learnt that Bodhi Restaurant has closed at this location. However, the team promise that Bodhi isn’t gone for good. We will let you know when we hear more.
A little different from many of the other restaurants on this list, Two Chaps is a “from scratch” cafe.
What’s that? You ask. Well, the talented kitchen team make all of their top-of-the-range pastry and bread by hand.
During lunchtime hours, they offer some incredible vegetarian dishes such as Panko crumbed mushroom burgers and their specialty sourdough crumpets with parmesan custard and plum relish.
In addition to their daytime food, Two Chaps also serve dinner two nights a week, providing plenty of delicious pasta dishes, salads, and more.
We think you’ll agree, it’s one of the finest vegetarian restaurants in Sydney.
Location: 4/241 Commonwealth Street, Surrey Hills, NSW 2010
This vegan deli is the first of its kind in Sydney, and is renowned for serving up some of the best vegetarian and vegan food in the area.
The Shift Eatery is home to the “World’s Best Vegan Bacon & Egg Bagel”, and also serves a range of other exciting options including toasties, salads, and smoothies. The portions are big, the prices affordable, the service is super-friendly and there’s always a fantastic buzz to the place.
You can also pick up a range vegan-friendly products and ingredients to take home from the self-service fridges. And the coffee is first-class too.
This popular bistro is a must-visit if you’re in Sydney. It’s housed in a yellow building in Potts Point, and offers a plant-focused menu celebrating some of the best local and seasonal produce.
Each dish packs plenty of flavour and texture. Whether you opt for their watermelon radish with hazelnut and lemon, or their capers, beans and toasted pumpkin ravioli, you’ll be left thoroughly impressed.
But then this chic vegan eatery is part of the innovative Bentley Restaurant Group, so the quality of the dishes is hardly a surprise. From their original Bentley Restaurant + Bar to Cirrus at Barangaroo, these folks know how to elevate flavours and textures.
Mother Chu’s Vegetarian Kitchen is ideal if you’re looking for a vegetarian restaurant that provides a mixture of traditional and original dishes. All of their meals are made with the best and freshest produce to ensure excellent flavour and quality.
What’s more, Mother Chu’s is renowned for its excellent service and unique atmosphere. We’re confident you’ll have a great time if you decide to give it a go.
This place is one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Sydney with a loyal customer base. Eat here, and you’ll soon understand why.
For those who love authentic Vietnamese cuisine, this next restaurant should be right at the top of your list. The Golden Lotus Vegan blends healthy vegetarian foods and fresh ingredients together to create tasty, nutritious meals.
If you want to up your own Asian food game, this Carbon Steel Wok is a great piece of cooking equipment
Whether you’re after a light noodle soup or some spicy Vietnamese street food, this friendly restaurant will meet your needs.
Continuing on, this next restaurant is entirely vegan. Better till, it’s one of the most popular spots for great-tasting vegetarian and vegan food when dining out in Sydney. Inspired by Mexican cuisine, Bad Hombres provides a variety of superb dishes for you to try.
Some of the most interesting dishes include stir-fry oyster mushrooms with jalapenos and charred corn with chipotle mayo.
Pop this one on your must-try best vegetarian restaurants in Sydney.
If you’re looking for some comfort food after a long day visiting some of Sydney’s impressive sights, then the Neapolitan-style sourdough pizzas at Pizza Madre are sure to do the job.
Situated right in the heart of the inner west, this restaurant is meat-free. Moreover, it’s run by the same people as Two Chaps (see no. 6).
The delicious starters include burrata and wood-fired sourdough, while the pizzas are topped with flavour-packed ingredients such as smoked mozzarella, fermented chilli cream, and fried chickpeas.
This dinky little eatery knocks out some of the best Indian street food in town. And that means plenty of banging flavours for Vegetarians and Vegans alike.
We adore the crunchy, addictive Broccoli Wings with Hot Tamarind Sauce ($17). And as for the glorious Pav Bhaji ($28) – Mashed Seasonal Vegetables, Devilled Peanuts & Pav Bun – we could eat a bucketful.
When so many regular restaurants put up bland Vegan options, it’s great to have somewhere where ingredients truly shine and flavours sing.
The penultimate restaurant on our list is Bentley Restaurant & Bar, located right in the centre of the CBD. This restaurant provides an innovative tasting menu that’s both fully vegan and that pairs perfectly with the extensive wine list.
As you might expect with plant-based dishes, the menu evolves with the seasons and reflects whatever produce is at it peak at any one time.
At present, delights on offer include Kohlrabi + Cured Apple + Fennel + Kafir Lime and a dessert of Lemon Aspen Sorbet + Rosemary Curd + Puffed Rice. My mouth is watering just as the thought!
Now this dynamic Indian restaurant isn’t entirely plant-based, but the team offers a Vegan Pots section on their menu. And no wonder. Indian culture is rich in vegetarian dishes, so why not take delicious plates like Malai Kofta and Channa Masala and put them front and centre?
Don’t Tell Aunty is part of the vibrant Jessie Singh culinary empire. He and his wife run a number of lively eateries, including Pinky Ji in Sydney and Daughter In Law which has outposts in both Melbourne and in Adelaide. Apart from plenty of energy, bright decor and delicious food, all of the stable of venues specialise in what they call ‘unauthentic Indian food’.
Well, authentic or not, we can vouch for it being both yummy and plentiful. If you like a hit of spice, this is one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Sydney.
What’s The Best Area For Vegetarian Food In Sydney?
As our list has shown, you can find excellent vegetarian restaurants all across Sydney.
However, if you’re looking to stay in one area, the inner west may be your best option as some of the suburbs like Newtown and Glebe are packed full of top quality restaurants.
Is Sydney Good For Vegans?
There are plenty of options if you’re a vegan. From plant-based burger shops and pizzerias to fine dining restaurants and gelato shops, you’ll have a high number of spots to choose from.
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!
