The ultimate vegan guide to Melbourne

Whether you’re looking for totally plant-based food or cafes with separate meat-free menus, it’s easy to go vegan in Melbourne. Here’s our guide to the best options in town.

The Worker's Foodroom

Make a lunchtime pitstop at the newly renovated Worker's Foodroom for a nourishing feed. There are different specials every day of the week, but you'll always find a cabinet overflowing with big, bountiful Mediterranean salads. Think spiced eggplant with za’atar roasted chickpeas or heirloom carrots and parsnips. There's also specialty sandwiches and flatbreads, plus loads of gluten free choices.

Paik's Bibim

Craving Korean food, minus the meat? Chef Paik has also opened his first bibimbap restaurant in Melbourne. These healthy rice bowls are a lighter alternative to traditional bibimbap. For the authentic Korean experience, follow the line of people queueing outside the door in West Side Place. Try the signature dish topped with tofu, fresh colourful veg and a drizzle of soy sauce.

Bowls Baby

There's nothing but whole foods hiding in the nourishing dishes at Bowls Baby. Everything on the menu is gluten free, refined sugar free and brimming with fresh, tasty ingredients. Start the day with a blended bowl for brekkie. These fruit and nut–topped smoothies are all dairy free with a range of alternative milks on offer. For lunch, grab a loaded whole bowl. Think BBQ jackfruit, falafel or spicy tofu with a bevy of healthy add-ons.

Seedling

Paleo-inspired and 100 per cent gluten free, Seedling’s goodies are as tasty as they are nourishing. Find plenty of plant-based options among the range. Think smashed avo with vegan feta, coconut acai bowls and smoothies chock-full of fresh fruit. Take away gluten-free and vegan sweet treats are available for the road too. 

Kariton Sorbetes

Tapping into the rich and intense flavours of Asia, Kariton Sorbetes offers 100 per cent plant-based sorbet options that will transport your tastebuds. The coconut and pandan sorbet will have you going back for seconds in no time. It's filled with shredded coconut, pandan jelly and toasted rice flakes. If you're after something a little less rich, opt for the gin ice pop dipped in makrut lime leaf–scented glaze.

Green Man's Arms

Located on an iconic corner of Elgin and Lygon Street sits Green Man's Arms. After recently turning 100 per cent vegan the menu has had a refresh. The venue is taking pub classics: burgers, steaks and the like and giving them a plant-based makeover. Open late afternoon till late - stop by for a pot of something local and a bowl of king oyster 'calamari'.

Daughter in Law

The food is unapologetically 'unauthentic' Indian at Daughter in Law. And that includes some inspired vegan dishes to try. Like Colonel Tso’s cauliflower, fried Indo-Chinese style in a spicy-sweet sauce. Chana masala chickpeas served with crushed pomegranate. Or the turmeric-gold coconut curry with vegies.

Funghi e Tartufo

This pasta wonderland in Hardware Lane is 100 per cent vegan. Housed in a converted 19th century warehouse, Funghi e Tartufo specialises in traditional Sicilian cooking. Twirl your way through bowls of silky spaghetti carbonara sans dairy and order baked lasagne with a rich vegan bolognese sauce and bechamel. The restaurant also caters to coeliac and low FODMAP diets, so no one misses out on an Italian feast.

Heartbaker Bun Mee

Uncover a hidden Vietnamese roll gem in Melbourne's tiniest laneway. Heartbaker Bun Mee does a sweet and crunchy vegan roll for plant-based foodies. It's filled with marinated mushroom, vegan butter and chilli jam. Plus a burst of fresh salad including coriander, carrot daikon pickles, cucumber and onion. The vegan banh mi clocks in at just 10 bucks, perfect for a cheap lunch. You can also find it on Spring Street.

Gong De Lin

Take the lift on Swanston Street up to level three and enter the vegan and vego sanctuary that is Gong De Lin. The Chinese cuisine served here uses mock meat and tofu to recreate the textures and, dare we say, flavours of meat-based dishes. Serves are generous and the choice is stupendous. Ease in with chilli wontons packed with greens. Then warm up with a clay-pot tofu stew or plate of crispy vegan fried chicken.

Shakahari

With over 50 years of experience, Shakahari is a Carlton institution. Serving a varied menu that combines the culinary traditions of Japan, China and Thailand. Those with dietries? Fear not. Each dish outlines if it is vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, garlic and onion-free and more. Expect a rotating menu that focuses on local, seasonal produce and nutritious complete meals.

Nimbo

Possibly one of Melbourne's coolest dessert spots, Nimbo specialises in a variety of delicious Korean bingsu. Find dairy free and vegan options, including a tofu pudding bingsu topped with furikaki-style seaweed seasoning. Or sweet dishes with lashings of coconut condensed milk. Find Nimbo in Hardware Street until 10pm, Wednesday to Sunday.

Beast CBD

Meat-free Mondays have gone New Orleans–style vegan at Beast CBD. Drop in for hush puppies, aka Cajun corn bombs in maple butter. Or fire up with mock Southern fried chicken in hot sauce and the vegan smoked BBQ brisket. If you’re not already a meat-free convert, it’s a deliciously smoky-spicy way to go vegan for the night. And any day of the week, the burgers can be vegan or meaty at Beast. The choice is up to you.

Union Kiosk

Feeling peckish? Head straight to Union Kiosk. This tiny family-run kiosk in Howey place is perfect for vegans on the go. Toasted jaffles are the stars of the 100 per cent vegan menu. Order a classic like tomato, cheese and Dijon, or check their socials for newcomers. Like spicy Buffalo chicken with ranch sauce and cheese. Yep, all those ingredients are vegan.

Maha

At Maha, Middle Eastern flavours are given a contemporary spin in a dining experience to fire the senses. Dishes are designed for sharing, and there’s a special set menu for vegans. The meze and main courses star dishes like smoked eggplant with pomegranate dressing and roast pumpkin with caramelised tahini. For dessert you might add on the Turkish delight doughnuts with rosewater and almond ice cream.