One of Melbourne’s finest assets is it’s neverending range of choices when it comes to cuisines, dietary requirements and preferences. Whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan or all of the above, in Melbourne you never need to feel as though you’re missing out.
We are a state that is truly full to the brim and beyond of culinary geniuses, that make it their livelihood to make sure everyone is catered for. And boy, are we grateful.
With everything from American diner food to casual fine dining, these are the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Melbourne.
Lona Misa
South Yarra
Lona Misa is South Yarra’s newest vegan and vegetarian bar & kitchen. Brought to life by hospitality legends and renowned Melbourne chefs Shannon Martinez (Smith & Daughters) and Ian Curley (French Saloon), Mona Lisa pays homage to Martinez’ Latin roots with seasonal produce and spicy flavours. Walking into Lona Misa is an unexpected pop of colour and vibrant energy on South Yarra’s usually-prim and proper Toorak Road. You’re met with quirky architecture, effervescent staff, colourful takes on classic paintings and vegan and vegetarian food that takes risks. Anyone can dine-in, but Mona Lisa is also a part of the newly launched Ovolo South Yarra.
How to book: Book via their website
Bio by Doc
Carlton
Diagonally opposite from their OG Drummond Street pizzeria, the guys from D.O.C have a newish venture which specialises in gluten-free and vegetarian Italian dishes. Called BIO by DOC, they take classic favourites like lasagne, gnudi and eggplant parmigiana and they make them completely vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free with that same signature flourish that has stolen the hearts of many Europe-lovers in Melbourne. The restaurant is aesthetically beautiful and differs quite a lot from their other ventures, it’s less cafe Italia and gives out a more refined restaurant vibe. How can you go wrong with that iconic D.O.C touch and an added element of health, wellness, flexibility and originality? Oh that’s right, you can’t.
How to book: You can book here
Transformer
Fitzroy
From Vegie Bar’s Laki Papadopoulos and Mark price, is Transformer, a restaurant that pushes what we expect from vegetarian food, with a Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian-inspired offering. Situated in a plant-filled electrical transformer warehouse on Rose St in Fitzroy, it’s about as Northside Melbourne as it gets. Head chefs Luke Florence and Bryce Edwards aim to create sophisticated, refined and experimental dishes, coming out with amazing vegetarian dishes such as ricotta and rye gnocchi with pumpkin mousse and blueberry compote and king oyster mushroom with confit garlic, pine nut puree and smoked shallot. If you’re looking for a casual fine-dining experience with an all vegetarian menu and a focus on gluten-free, then Transformer is your ideal place.
How to book: Book on their website
Shop225 Pizzeria
Pascoe Vale South
It’s pretty rare for almost every item at a pizzeria to be able to be gluten-free and vegan, but this is the case at Shop225 Pizzeria. Tired of disappointing plant-based Italian options in Australia, Lorenzo Tron and his friend Roberto Davoli bought Shop225 in 2016 and have been catering to dietaries in style ever since. Although they do have a few meaty pizzas, everything on the menu can be changed to suit your preference and needs. Eleven of their 13 pizzas can be done vegan and all of them can be done gluten-free—and guess what? You can’t even tell. These are the most authentic and delish gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian pizza you will find in Melbourne. Oh and that goes for their pasta and desserts too.
How to book: You can just walk in, and they also do takeaway and delivery here.
Evie’s Diner
Fitzroy
Step back into an American diner in the ’80s at Evie’s, with a dance floor and all. Referencing the Memphis Group – the 80’s Italian design collection known for its block colours and shapes, the entire venue is dripping in hot pink and cobalt blue and the energy is alive. It’s not often you get good vegan and vegetarian American diner food, but your dreams will come true at Evie’s. Open for lunch, dinner and late into the night, they serve up vegan chicken burgers and chilli-cheese dogs with tofu on carne and cashew sour cream. They have vegan fried chicken waffle bowls with salted-peanut-butter-maple-sauce and they can even do a vegan spiked shake. Boogie, eat and drink like it’s 1982.
How to book: Book online or just walk on in.
The Green Man’s Arms
Carlton
Although it may look it, the Green Man’s Arms is not your regular Melbourne pub. Inside, you’ll find purposefully wonky interiors that somehow work, craft beers on tap and meat-free Israeli food offerings. The menu is completely vegetarian and vegan, serving up salads and Israel classics like tabbouleh and house-made falafel and hummus. The Cous Cous is made in-house, using a traditional hand-rolled technique and as many ingredients as possible come from the owner’s property in the Yarra Valley. But it doesn’t stop there. The Green Man’s Arms is known for it’s involvement in the arts, hosting readings, trivia, bingo and live music events.
How to book: Book online or try your luck with a walk-in.
Trippy Taco
Fitzroy
A neighbour to the aforementioned Evie’s Diner is Trippy Taco, a Mexican restaurant with all the spicy staples, minus the meat. Everyone loves Trippy Taco, because it’s authenticity shines through every dish – and also their incredible selection of eye-watering hot sauces. It’s a cantina-style, no-frills eatery, that can fit about 45 people including it’s cute out-the-front seating. They’re open for brunch (11am) til dinner, closing at 9pm and if you’re a taco lover you’d know that Mexican food is good for any time of the day. Their offerings are short, simple and god damn good, with their trademark (massive) tacos, quesadillas, trippy fries, burritos and taquitos, with vegetarian soy cheese options for vegans. Almost all of the menu is, or can be, made gluten-free too. They also serve beers, margs and Jarritos.
How to book: TT operates on a walk-in basis.
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