The 30 Best Vegan Restaurants in Melbourne

Are you trying to include more plant-based options in your diet? Are you a new vegan feeling unsure of where to get the best food around Melbourne? Perhaps your child or a close friend or family member has recently decided to cut out animal products, and you feel unsure of where to take them to celebrate special occasions. If any of these sounds like you, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of Melbourne’s best restaurants, cafes, and casual and fine dining restaurants. We’ve even found the best dessert restaurants for vegans and the vegan-curious with a sweet tooth. Let’s get into it!

What is a vegan diet?

A vegan diet is also known as a plant-based diet. The main defining feature is the exclusion of animal products and byproducts. Not all people who identify as vegan follow the same exact guidelines or “rules”, and there is significant variation between different vegan diets and lifestyles. For example, some vegans don’t mind if their meals are cooked in the same environment as omnivorous foods, while others are quite concerned with avoiding any cross-contamination and traces of animal products. 

The definition used by the Vegan Society to explain a vegan diet or lifestyle is as follows.

“Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment. In dietary terms, it denotes the practice of dispensing with all products derived wholly or partly from animals.”

By this definition, some vegans also avidly avoid the use of any clothing, cosmetics, homewares and furniture, and all other products that include animal derivatives and/or are tested on animals.

What is included in a vegan diet?

Things included in a vegan diet are as follows:

• Vegetables
• Legumes
• Fruits
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Plant oils
• Berries
• Tofu
• Tempeh 
• Seitan
• Mock Meats
• Rice and pasta
• Quinoa
• Wholegrain bread and cereals without animal products.

What is excluded in a vegan diet?

Things excluded in a vegan diet are as follows:

• Dairy
• Eggs
• Honey
• Food colourings with animal derivatives
• Meat
• Fish
• Poultry
• Seafood
• Insects.

Vegans in Australia

Veganism and plant-based diets are on the rise in Australia, as they are in many other countries around the world. Veganism is twice as popular as it was in 2015, and the trend is only expected to accelerate further, with more people than ever adopting a more plant-based approach to eating. In 2020, Australia was the 2nd leading nation for vegans, coming behind only the United Kingdom in terms of the popularity of veganism. 

Why are more people going vegan?

Everybody has their own personal reasons for choosing to follow a vegan diet. Not all vegans are animal lovers or health fanatics. There is a wide range of reasons some people choose to follow a vegan lifestyle. Some of these reasons are explored below.

1. Environmental concerns

Going vegan is one powerful way many people are trying to reduce their environmental impact. The animal agriculture industry significantly impacts carbon emissions, global warming, deforestation, and water wastage. 

• Animal-based foods produce almost twice the amount of plant-based foods. Adopting a plant-based diet can reduce your carbon footprint.
• Animal-based foods use a staggering amount of water. It takes over 10,000 litres of water to produce under a pound of beef. Skipping a meal with beef in it saves more water than not showering for six months.
• Animals raised for food also produce about ten times more waste than the entire population, with most of this running into and contaminating precious waterways.
• Excessive seafood consumption has led to the near-depletion of around 75% of the world’s fisheries. Commercial fishing has also ravaged our oceans and inadvertently killed mass amounts of sea life. Some predict we could have fishless oceans by 2048.
• Animal agriculture creates mass deforestation, contributing to 80% of the destruction of the Amazon rainforest.

2. Animal welfare

Meat and animal products are produced on such massive, global scales today that the amount of animals slaughtered each year has exploded. In 2018, an estimated 69 billion chickens, 1.5 billion pigs; 656 million turkeys; 574 million sheep; 479 million goats; and 302 million cattle were killed for meat production. These animals feel pain, have emotions and social lives, and unfortunately, many had miserable and painful lives before they were killed. 

When meat is produced for profit, the welfare of the animals is often neglected or ignored. Animals are kept in confined, unhygienic environments where they are often injured or ill. Around 80% of the lifesaving antibiotic supply in the world is used on livestock to prevent serious diseases that can spread to humans. This is leading to global issues like antibiotic resistance disease strains and a lack of supply for humans in need of treatment.

3. Health and wellbeing

Vegan diets are typically lower in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium than diets including meat and animal products, depending on the type of vegan diet you follow. Especially now, there are plenty of vegan options on the market that are definitely not considered health food. All foods can fit into a healthy diet in moderation, but vegans who subsist on highly processed mock meats and takeaway foods are unlikely to enjoy the same health benefits as someone eating a diet comprising mostly whole plant foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, plant-based proteins, and whole grains.

4. Religion or philosophy

Many prominent religions have a strong focus on plant-based eating for ethical, spiritual, and animal welfare reasons. Countries that embrace a vegan lifestyle include the Ital food of the Rastafari movement in Jamaica, the strong focus on plants in the cuisines of Eritrea and Ethiopia, the 400 million vegetarians living in India, and Israel, which has the highest global percentage of people identifying as vegan. Veganism is nothing new, with many Western cultures taking lessons from countries worldwide to live a healthier, more plant-based lifestyle.

5. Addressing world hunger

The enormous amount of crops it takes to feed animals raised for meat production is considered by many vegans a waste of precious resources and calories that could be better used to address world hunger. About half of all farmland is used to raise animals for slaughter, and if this land was repurposed to grow crops for human consumption, some project that world hunger could be significantly reduced or even solved altogether. Feeding the world’s hungry directly from the crops grown from the earth is far more efficient and environmentally friendly, as well as being more compassionate.

30 best vegan restaurants in Melbourne

Melbourne is one of Australia’s most vegan-friendly cities. Whether you want a delicious quintessential Melbourne brunch, a casual lunch, or a fancy dinner, we have you covered. Have a sweet tooth? You’re in luck. We’ve also compiled the best places to get cakes, bakes, and sweet treats without any animals being harmed. 

Vegan cafes in Melbourne

1. Power Plant

Location: Templestowe

Fully vegan?: Yes, with an option for dairy milk in coffees.

Menu highlight: Crispy fried Cauliflower patties, dill mayo, sliced tomato, pickled onion, rocket, and tomato relish on a brioche bun.

Website: https://www.powerplantcafe.com.au/

Instagram: @powerplant_cafe

Source:@powerplant_cafe | Instagram

2. Monk Bodhi Dharma

Location: Balaclava

Fully vegan?: Some dairy is served, and all menu items can be made vegan

Menu highlight: Roasted king oyster, shitake, oyster & swiss brown mushrooms on a house-made pumpkin, and polenta bread. 

Website: http://www.monkbodhidharma.com/

Instagram: @monkbodhidharma

Source: @monkbodhidharma | Instagram

3. Kaede (formerly Admiral Cheng Ho)

Location: Abbotsford

Fully vegan?: Serves some dairy. Some of their menu items can be made vegan

Menu highlight: Beetroot & Carrot Onigirazu, Miso soup.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/Kaedeabbotsford/

Instagram: @kaede_abbotsford

4. UNION KIOSK

Location:  Melbourne CBD

Fully vegan?: Yes

Menu highlight: Jaffles, coffee, sweets

Website: https://unionkiosk.com.au/

Instagram: @unionkiosk

Source: @unionkiosk | Instagram

5. Sable

Location: Cremorne & Thornbury

Fully vegan?: Yes

Menu highlight: Rudy’s Smokehouse: Whiskey-infused pulled vegan BBQ brisket on a toasted bagel with cream cheese, house pickles, vegan feta, crispy shallots, rocket, and aioli

Website: https://sable.org.au/

Instagram: @sable.thornbury

Source: @sable.thornbury | Instagram

6. Olivia Spring

Location: Moonee Ponds

Fully vegan?: Yes

Menu highlight: Grilled vegan pork banh mi

Website: https://www.facebook.com/OliviaSpringCafe/

Instagram: @oliviaspringcafe

7. Green Canopy

Location: Fitzroy

Fully vegan?: Yes

Menu highlight: Harissa Roasted Sweet Potatoe salad with blueberries, beetroot, walnuts & feta, and a smoked carrot, yoghurt & tahini dressing

Website: https://www.thegreencanopy.com.au/

Instagram: @thegreencanopy_

Source: @thegreencanopy_ | Instagram

8. Conscious Cravings Co.

Location: Mordialloc

Fully vegan?: Yes

Menu highlight: Nom Nom Nourish Bowl, leafy greens, kale, broccoli, roasted pumpkin wedge, hummus, tempeh, peas, alfalfa & savoury granola

Website: https://www.consciouscravingsco.com.au/

Instagram: @consciouscravingsco

9. Ray’s Cafe

Location: Brunswick

Fully vegan?: Omnivorous restaurant, all menu items can be made vegan

Menu highlight: Hash of gold, handcrafted hash w/ scrambled tofu, vegan sausage, pickled salad & sriracha aioli

Website: https://www.facebook.com/raycafebrunswick/

Instagram: @cafe_ray_brunswick

10. Smith & Deli

Location: Collingwood

Fully vegan?: Yes

Menu highlight: Parmageddon sandwich, fried vegan schnitzel, pesto, Napoli, and cheese on a fresh roll

Website: https://www.smithanddaughters.com/smith-deli

Instagram: @smithanddeli

Vegan casual dining in Melbourne

11. Vegie Tribe

Location: Melbourne CBD

Fully vegan?: Yes, Melbourne’s first fully vegan buffet

Menu highlight: Butter Tofu “Chicken”

Website: https://vegietribe.com.au/

Instagram: @vegietribe

Source: @vegietribe | Instagram

12. Kevabs

Location: Brunswick

Fully vegan?: Yes

Menu highlight: Vegan housemade kebab meats and fresh salads

Website: www.kevabs.com

Instagram: @kevabsbrunswick

13. Evie’s Disco Diner

Location: Fitzroy

Fully vegan?: No, most menu items can be made vegan

Menu highlight: Chicken and waffles with maple sauce and whipped butter

Website: https://www.evies.net.au/

Instagram: @eviesfitzroy

14. Red Sparrow

Location: Collingwood and Prahran

Fully vegan?: Yes

Menu highlight: BBQ Chick’n Pizza

Website: https://www.redsparrowpizza.com/

Instagram: @redsparrowpizza

Source: @redsparrowpizza | Instagram

15. The Cornish Arms Hotel

Location: Brunswick

Fully vegan?: No, omnivorous restaurant with lots of vegan options

Menu highlight: Vegan souvlaki, spiced seitan, mixed leaves, special garlic & chili sauce, chips & salad

Website: https://www.cornisharms.com.au/

Instagram: @thecornisharms

16. Neko Neko

Location: Fitzroy

Fully vegan?: No, several vegan options

Menu highlight: Vegan ramen

Website: https://www.facebook.com/nekonekojapanesekitchen/

Instagram: @nekoneko_fitzroy

Source: @nekoneko_fitzroy | Instagram

17. Vegie Bar

Location: Fitzroy

Fully vegan?: Yes

Menu highlight: Yaki udon noodles with vegan roast duck, seasonal greens & wood ear mushroom

Website: https://www.vegiebar.com.au/

Instagram: @vegiebar

18. Lord of the Fries

Location: Several stores across Melbourne

Fully vegan?: Yes

Menu highlight: Chicago vegan hot dog

Website: https://www.lordofthefries.com.au/

Instagram: @lordofthefries1

Source: @lordofthefries1 | Instagram

Vegan fine dining in Melbourne

19. Transformer

Location: Fitzroy

Fully vegan?: Serves some dairy, all menu items have vegan options

Menu highlight: ‘Feed me’ a degustation of chef favourites

Website: https://www.transformerfitzroy.com/

Instagram: @transformerfitzroy

Source: @transformerfitzroy | Instagram

20. SHU Restaurant

Location: Collingwood

Fully vegan?: Yes

Menu highlight: 10 course vegan degustation featuring modern Sichuan cuisine

Website: https://www.shurestaurant.com/

Instagram: @shu.restaurant

21. Lona Misa

Location:  South Yarra

Fully vegan?: Yes

Menu highlight: Mushroom Pinchos Morunos, sliced coal grilled oyster mushrooms

Website: https://ovolohotels.com/ovolo/south-yarra/lona-misa/

Instagram: @_lonamisa_

22. Funghi e Tartufo

Location: Melbourne CBD

Fully vegan?: Yes

Menu highlight: Pappardelle Funghi e Tartufo (mushrooms and truffle)

Website: https://www.funghietartufo.com.au/

Instagram: @funghi_e_tartufo

Source: @funghi_e_tartufo | Instagram

23. Gong De Lin

Location: Melbourne CBD

Fully vegan?: Yes

Menu highlight: Teppanyaki Vegetarian Steak with Black Pepper Sauce

Website: https://www.facebook.com/gongdelin/

Instagram: @gongdelin_melb

24. Maha

Location: Melbourne CBD, Windsor, and Collingwood

Fully vegan?: No, omnivorous menu with extensive vegan menu

Menu highlight: Red lentil Turkish dumplings, celeriac, almonds, & Bharat

Website: https://www.maharestaurant.com.au/

Instagram: @maharestaurant

Source: @maharestaurant | Instagram

25. Smith & Daughters

Location: Collingwood

Fully vegan?: Yes

Menu highlight: Grilled Ramarro sprouting green cauliflower & broccolini, burnt bread sauce, gremolata

Website: https://www.smithanddaughters.com/

Instagram: @smithanddaughters

Vegan dessert shops in Melbourne

26. Mister Nice Guy’s Bakeshop

Location: Ascot Vale

Fully vegan?: Yes

Menu highlight: Chocolate Babka 

Website: https://www.misterniceguy.com.au/

Instagram: @mister_nice_guys_bakeshop

27. Girls & Boys

Location: Fitzroy

Fully vegan?: Yes

Menu highlight: Range of plant-based ice creams and desserts

Website: https://www.girlsandboysfitzroy.com.au/

Instagram: @girlsandboysfitzroy

28. Sweet Abandon Celebration & Speciality Cakes

Location: Frankston South

Fully vegan?: Custom vegan cakes

Menu highlight: Custom celebration cakes and pastries

Website: https://www.facebook.com/sweet.abandon.the.healthy.choice/

Instagram: @sweet_abandon

29. La Panella Bakery

Location: Preston

Fully vegan?: Yes

Menu highlight: Vanilla Slice

Website: https://www.facebook.com/lapanellabakery

Instagram: @lapanelabakery

30. Compassionate Kitchen

Location: Keilor Park

Fully vegan?: Yes

Menu highlight: Custom Birthday and Celebration Cakes

Website: https://www.thecompassionatekitchen.com.au/

Instagram: @tckaus

How can Homage help?

Are you trying to transition to a more whole foods plant-based diet for your health and well-being? Has your doctor advised you to reduce your intake of saturated fat and animal products? Homage is here to help. Our team of highly trained, professional, and compassionate Care Professionals is ready to assist you or a loved one to lead a healthier lifestyle. Our home support workers can help prepare healthy, plant-based meals from the comfort of your home, so you know you always have a delicious and nutritious option and meal times.

Our companionship and transport service can also travel with you to some of the best vegan eateries around Melbourne. Vegan food has come a long way in recent years, from a time when options were limited to salads and lentil soups. You can now enjoy a full range of diverse, delicious, healthy, and fun options without consuming any animal products.

Contact us today for an obligation-free discussion about how we can best support you or a loved one to lead a healthier, more fulfilling, and independent life.