If you’re a vegan, you’re probably no stranger to being asked: “But what do you eat?” Insert eye roll here. Despite popular belief, vegans don’t survive solely on kale, lettuce, and Oreos. Melbourne is blessed with a booming vegan cafe and restaurant scene that rivals any “normal” restaurant the city offers.
From plant-based veggie bars to mock meat specialists, Melbourne has a genuinely dedicated selection of ‘to die for’ (but no one had to) eating options for vegans.
Whether you’re a flexitarian, hardcore vegan, or even a little more health-conscious, we have rounded up the best vegan restaurants Melbourne offers.
1. Gong De Lin
Gong De Lin is a staple of vegan Chinese cuisine in Melbourne. Located on Swanston Street, this restaurant is renowned for its extensive menu featuring a variety of plant-based dishes, from traditional stir-fries to creative faux meat creations.
Diners can indulge in signature dishes such as chilli dumplings, noodle soup with wontons, and teppanyaki hedgehog mushroom dishes.
The minimalistic decor ensures that the focus remains on the flavorful food, which is both delicious and satisfying. Gong De Lin has become a favourite among vegans and non-vegans alike for its authentic and innovative approach to Chinese cuisine.
- Location: 3/264 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
- Website: N/A
2. Matcha Mylkbar
This health-conscious cafe should send its competitors green with envy, serving delicious emerald goodies. Not only does Matcha Mylkbar boast bright green matcha lattes and a selection of delicious smoothies, but it also has an extensive vegan menu.
With their unusual vegan poached ‘egg,’ soy chicken burger, and creamy pumpkin gnocchi, even your non-vegan mates will be itchy to try it. They also house a dreamy range of vegan-friendly slices and sweet treats.
- Location: 72A Acland St, St Kilda, Melbourne
3. Madame K Vegan
Madame K Vegan, located in Melbourne, offers an authentic Southeast Asian dining experience. The menu features traditional dishes like Pad Thai, mock chicken satay, laksa soup, spring rolls, and green curry, all made with vegan ingredients.
Madame K Vegan is known for its flavorful and spicy dishes that capture the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine. The casual and friendly atmosphere makes it an excellent spot for a relaxed meal.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity has made it a favourite among vegans looking for delicious and satisfying Asian food.
- Location: 273 King St, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3000
- Website: N/A
4. Sister of Soul
A beach vegan eatery called Sister of Soul is nestled away in the bayside of St Kilda. This delightful vegan and vegetarian cafe offers an all-day breakfast and a yummy selection of lunch and dinner foods.
Our favourites include their delicious deep-fried eggplant, tempeh massaman curry, and big vegan breakfast. But that’s not all. They also offer some lovely goodies, such as their unique version of Rocky Road, complete with their housemade marshmallow.
- Location: 73 Acland St, St Kilda, Melbourne
5. Red Sparrow Pizza
A vegan pizzeria is a beautiful world and a thriving city. The angels at Red Sparrow Pizza specialise in creating vegan-friendly wood-oven pizzas.
The shocking and delightful thing is that the pizzas are equally as (vegan) cheesy and delicious as what the non-vegan folk call ‘real pizza.’ They have an extensive range of vegan-friendly pizza options, rivalling any pizzeria in Melbourne.
- Location: 406 Smith St, Collingwood, Melbourne
6. Billy and Lucy Botanic
By opening their doors in March this year, Billy and Lucy have already made their mark on the Melbourne vegan scene. Owned and operated by two passionate vegans, everything they sell is entirely organic and made from scratch, down to the butter and Vegemite.
Our favourite dishes include sweet potato gnocchi with thyme, cauliflower puree, buckwheat crepes with hazelnut sauce, hazelnut praline, and poached pear.
- Location: 350 Nicholson St, Fitzroy, Melbourne
7. Funghi E Tartufo
Funghi E Tartufo brings the rich flavours of Sicily to Melbourne’s vegan scene. Chef D’Angelo’s third vegan venture, named after her famous mushroom and truffle pasta dish, offers a delightful variety of plant-based Sicilian dishes.
The restaurant exudes old-school charm with white tablecloths and decorative wine barrels, creating a cosy dining atmosphere. Signature dishes include the mushroom and truffle pappardelle and other classic Italian recreations, all crafted with vegan ingredients.
Funghi E Tartufo is perfect for those looking to enjoy a traditional Italian meal without compromising their vegan lifestyle.
- Location: 60 Hardware Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
8. Trippy Taco
Trippy Taco, located in Fitzroy and St Kilda, is a beloved spot for vegan Mexican food. This vibrant restaurant offers a vegetarian menu with vegan alternatives for every dish. Diners can enjoy flavorful options like scrambled tofu breakfast burritos, vegan tacos, and cheesy vegan quesadillas.
The lively atmosphere and colourful decor make Trippy Taco a fun dining place. The commitment to using fresh ingredients and bold flavours ensures that every meal is satisfying and delicious. Trippy Taco is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mexican cuisine with a vegan twist.
- Location: 234 Gertrude St, Fitzroy, Melbourne
9. Mama Rumaan
Located in Docklands, Mama Rumaan offers vegan-friendly Middle Eastern cuisine. The menu is filled with fragrant, herby, and spicy dishes that delight any food lover.
Popular dishes include Mama’s Old Spice Rice, whole peas, slivered almonds, sultanas, and potato, and the Roast Pumpkin Bourani, served with sumac, yoghurt dressing, and mint.
Mama Rumaan provides a vibrant dining experience with delicious and innovative Middle Eastern vegan dishes.
- Location: t10/161 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, Melbourne
10. Huong Viet Vegan
Huong Viet Vegan in Footscray offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine with a vegan twist. The menu features a variety of dishes, including lemongrass noodle soup, deep-fried tofu, noodle salad with spring rolls, and congee.
Each dish has fresh, high-quality ingredients and is packed with traditional Vietnamese flavours. The restaurant’s casual and friendly atmosphere makes it an excellent spot for a relaxed meal.
Huong Viet Vegan is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys delicious and authentic Vietnamese vegan food in Melbourne.
- Location: 36A Leeds St, Footscray VIC 3011, Australia
11. Vegie Tribe Healthy Restaurant’s
Vegie Tribe offers a unique dining experience with its pay-by-weight vegan buffet. Located in Melbourne’s central business district, this restaurant provides a comprehensive selection of plant-based dishes, including fresh salads, raw sweets, cold-pressed juices, and healthy fast food alternatives.
The variety and quality of the food make Vegie Tribe a popular choice for new and seasoned vegans. The casual and welcoming atmosphere adds to the dining experience, making it an excellent spot for a quick and healthy meal.
- Location: 34-36 Little La Trobe St, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3000
12. Kevabs
Kevabs, located in Brunswick, is Australia’s first all-vegan kebab shop. This unique eatery offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring pita wraps, dukkah-dusted chips, boreks, gozleme, and dolma.
Kevabs uses plant-based pea protein instead of traditional meat substitutes, ensuring a healthy and delicious meal. The flavorful kebabs are packed with Middle Eastern spices, making them a hit among vegans and non-vegans alike.
The casual and welcoming atmosphere and the innovative menu make Kevabs a standout in Melbourne’s vegan dining scene.
- Location: 89 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia
13. Tofu Licious
Tofu Licious, located in Richmond, specialises in tofu-based dishes, a staple in vegan cuisine. This innovative restaurant offers a DIY bowl system where diners can customise their meals with various toppings and generous servings of tofu.
The menu is ever-evolving, ensuring a fresh and exciting dining experience with every visit. Tofu Licious is also known for its homemade ice cream, making it a perfect spot for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
The cosy and welcoming atmosphere adds to the dining experience, making it a favourite among tofu enthusiasts.
- Location: 78 Bridge Rd, Richmond, VIC 3121, Australia
14. Vegie Bar
Vegie Bar has served its vegan and vegetarian delights to Melburnians for over two decades. One of the most popular vegan eateries in the city, it sits right in the heart of Fitzroy and is always booming.
Its high quality and extensive variety of plant-based foods keep diners returning repeatedly. There is an ever-changing specials board and some yummy regular menu items.
- Location: 380 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, Melbourne
15. Neko Neko
Neko Neko in Fitzroy offers a unique take on Japanese cuisine with its vegan-friendly menu. This cosy restaurant serves hearty ramen soups filled with mushrooms and special egg-free noodles, providing a comforting and satisfying meal.
Other standout dishes include vegan okonomiyaki made with cashew cream and various bento boxes. The intimate and inviting atmosphere makes Neko Neko a perfect spot for a relaxed meal.
The innovative dishes and dedication to using fresh, high-quality ingredients have made it a favourite among vegan diners looking for authentic Japanese flavours.
- Location: 83A Smith St, Fitzroy, Melbourne
Final thoughts
Melbourne’s vegan dining scene is vibrant and diverse, catering to all tastes and preferences. There’s something for everyone, from innovative dishes at Gong De Lin and Funghi E Tartufo to cosy Japanese meals at Neko Neko.
Whether you’re a committed vegan or just curious about plant-based dining, these 15 vegan restaurants in Melbourne offer a delightful culinary experience that promises to satisfy and surprise.
