Melbourne has firmly established itself as Australia’s vegan capital, offering everything from casual cafés to award-winning fine dining experiences. Whether you’re a committed plant-based eater or simply curious about exploring meat-free options, this vibrant city delivers incredible flavours that’ll satisfy even the most dedicated carnivores among your mates. The diversity of cuisines available means you’ll never run out of exciting new places to discover.
From hidden laneway gems serving ten-dollar banh mi to Michelin-worthy degustations reimagining Sichuan classics, Melbourne’s vegan scene caters to every budget and occasion. The city’s multicultural DNA means plant-based interpretations span the globe, offering authentic flavours from Italy to Vietnam and everywhere in between.
Ready to explore the best vegan food Melbourne has to offer? Let’s dive into the spots that are making waves in the plant-based community.
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Why Melbourne leads the way for vegan cuisine
Melbourne’s food scene has always embraced innovation and diversity, making it the perfect breeding ground for plant-based creativity. The city’s multicultural influences mean you’ll find vegan interpretations of cuisines from around the globe, from Sichuan Chinese to traditional Italian and everything in between. This cultural melting pot creates endless possibilities for adventurous eaters seeking bold new flavour experiences.
What sets Melbourne apart is the sheer quality of its vegan offerings. These aren’t afterthought dishes thrown together with wilted lettuce and sad mushrooms. Local chefs are pushing boundaries, transforming humble vegetables into culinary masterpieces that rival their meat-based counterparts.
The city’s commitment to sustainable, locally-sourced produce further elevates these dining experiences to something truly special and memorable.
Top destinations for plant-based fine dining
For those seeking elevated vegan experiences, Melbourne truly delivers in spades.
SHU
This restaurant in Fitzroy has become a destination for lovers of Sichuan cuisine, offering a remarkable ten-course degustation for just ninety-five dollars. Founded by Sichuan native Shu Liu, the restaurant transforms traditional Chinese cooking with plant-based innovation while maintaining authentic regional flavours that transport you straight to China.
Ballard’s
Located in Northcote, it has earned a devoted following for its ever-changing menu that celebrates vegetables without relying on faux meats. The cosy, moody atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for dishes like buckwheat battered eggplant with nduja sauce or celeriac braised in orange juice and finished with chilli butter.
Smith and Daughters
It remains a cornerstone of Melbourne’s vegan dining scene and a must-visit for any plant-based food lover. The seasonal menu features southern-inspired dishes that prove plant-based cooking can be indulgent, satisfying and utterly delicious.
Bring local flavors to your kitchen
From market-fresh ingredients to traditional recipes, a private chef turns your home into a true local experience.
Casual favourites worth exploring
Red Sparrow Pizza
Also located in Fitzroy, it pioneered Melbourne’s vegan pizza scene nearly a decade ago and remains a beloved institution among locals and visitors alike. Their carefully crafted plant-based cheeses and creative toppings, prove that giving up dairy doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour.
Gong De Lin
Hidden away on Swanston Street, it offers exceptional Chinese Buddhist cuisine that’s been delighting diners for years. Take the lift to level three and discover sizzling dishes featuring tofu, vegetables and mock meats prepared with genuine skill and authenticity.
Funghi e Tartufo
Brings Italian comfort to Hardware Lane with entirely plant-based Sicilian cooking. Set in a converted nineteenth century warehouse, this restaurant serves silky spaghetti carbonara and rich vegan bolognese lasagne that would make any nonna proud. Even Billie Eilish has given this spot her tick of approval during her Melbourne visits, praising the authentic flavours.
Hidden gems and neighbourhood favourites
Vegie Bar
This place in Fitzroy has been serving vegetarian and vegan cuisine for over two decades, earning legendary status among Melbourne locals and visitors alike. The extensive menu means there’s always something new to try, from hearty burgers to fresh Asian-inspired bowls packed with vibrant flavours and wholesome ingredients.
Heartbaker Bun Mee
It hides in one of Melbourne’s tiniest laneways, serving outstanding vegan banh mi filled with marinated mushrooms, vegan butter and chilli jam. At just ten dollars, it’s genuinely one of the best lunch deals going anywhere in the city.
Girls and Boys dessert bar
For those craving something sweet after their meal, it serves Melbourne’s best plant-based gelato and soft serve. Run by the same team behind Vegie Bar, this spot proves that vegan desserts can be just as indulgent and satisfying as their dairy counterparts.
Green Man’s Arms
Located in Carlton, ithas recently converted to an entirely vegan menu, transforming this century-old pub into a plant-based paradise that’s well worth the visit. The sunny rooftop bar and vegan-friendly pub classics make it the perfect spot for a relaxed Sunday session with your crew.
Bringing vegan dining home
While Melbourne’s restaurant scene is thriving, sometimes the best dining experiences happen at home. Take a Chef connects you with professional chefs who can create personalised plant-based menus in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or celebrating a special occasion, having a chef handle everything from shopping to clean up lets you focus on enjoying the company of your guests. Bring delicious plant-based cooking to your home by hiring a vegan chef, and spend your time enjoying great conversation with your guests.
Making the most of Melbourne’s vegan scene
Melbourne rewards the curious eater willing to explore beyond the obvious choices and well-trodden paths. With exciting new vegan options opening regularly across every neighbourhood, there’s always something fresh and innovative to discover.
The city’s food culture genuinely embraces dietary diversity, meaning you’ll rarely struggle to find excellent plant-based options even at restaurants that aren’t exclusively vegan.
The beauty of Melbourne’s vegan dining landscape lies in its incredible variety. You can start your morning with a raw açaí bowl, grab a quick banh mi for lunch, and finish the day with a sophisticated degustation menu.
The options span every price point, from student-friendly feeds to special occasion splurges that rival any fine dining establishment in the country.
Melbourne’s vegan dining scene conclusively proves that plant-based eating has well and truly moved beyond basic salads and bland tofu. The only question remaining is where your next delicious plant-based adventure will take you.
