Vegan and Vegetarian Eats in Melbourne: A Local’s Map

Melbourne has a special way of winning you over. It might be the first flat white that tastes like a velvet cloud, a laneway mural that sends you reaching for your camera, or the sheer variety of restaurant doors you want to push open. For plant-based travelers and locals alike, this city is a revelation. Vegan and vegetarian eats here are not an afterthought. They are the headline act, from fine-dining degustations to late-night street snacks, from beachside brunches to Northside pubs serving legendary vegan parmas.

Use this local’s map to plan a delicious route through the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. You will find trusted icons, clever newcomers, budget bites, and date-night destinations. Most places are a tram ride away, and many are grouped in walkable clusters that make restaurant-hopping feel like a progressive dinner. Bring an appetite, lace up your walking shoes, and let Melbourne’s plant-based scene show off a little.

Why Melbourne Is a Plant-Based Pioneer

• Culinary creativity meets multicultural roots. Melbourne’s dining scene draws on Vietnamese, Italian, Greek, Indian, Middle Eastern, Japanese, Ethiopian, and Latin American influences. That diversity translates brilliantly to plant-based menus.
• Cafes lead the way. Alternative milks are standard in Melbourne’s coffee culture, and brunch dishes often put vegetables at center stage.
• Chefs treat vegan and vegetarian plates as a canvas. You will find house-fermented elements, native Australian ingredients, and thoughtful sourcing across casual and upscale venues.
• Markets and co-ops support the lifestyle. From Queen Victoria Market to organic grocers and dedicated vegan stores, everyday plant-based eating is easy.

Tip for first-timers: Melbourne meals often start with sharing plates, perfect for tasting more. Booking ahead on weekends is wise, especially for popular dinner spots.

How to Use This Local’s Map

Think of the city as a series of delicious hubs. Hop among them by tram or bike, and plan your eating around neighborhoods: Fitzroy and Collingwood for the densest cluster of vegan legends, the CBD for quick lunches and budget-friendly feasts, the bayside for brunch and cocktails, and the inner north for pub classics with a plant-based twist.

• CBD and Chinatown: Fast, wallet-friendly vegetarian and vegan staples, plus late-night options.
• Fitzroy and Collingwood: The heartland of Melbourne’s vegan culture, with destination restaurants and cult bakeries.
• Brunswick, Northcote, Fitzroy North: Creative, casual, and often very affordable, with epic Middle Eastern and pub-style menus.
• St Kilda, Balaclava, Elwood: Beachside brunch, vegan cocktails, and dessert bars.
• South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor: Stylish dining and pizza that loves vegans as much as vegans love pizza.
• Richmond and Abbotsford: Asian flavors, breweries with solid veg options, and a few beloved institutions.
• Footscray and the West: Ethiopian veg platters and market bites.

Now, let us eat our way through.

Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Melbourne by Neighborhood

Melbourne CBD: Quick Wins, Budget Bites, and After-Work Eats

The city center is ideal for fast lunches or a pre-theatre dinner. It is also a haven for travelers watching their spend but not willing to compromise on flavor.

• Gopal’s: A long-standing vegetarian favorite serving hearty Indian thalis, curries, and desserts that satisfy without blowing your budget.
• Crossways Vegetarian: Another beloved CBD institution. Expect rotating daily plates, friendly service, and generous portions.
• Om Vegetarian: Multiple CBD locations, famous for filling, all-you-can-eat Indian thali at one of the best prices in town.
• Gong De Lin: A meat-free Chinese restaurant specializing in mock meats, dumplings, and sizzling plates. Great for groups and sharing.
• Lord of the Fries: Fully vegan fast-food chain. Perfect for a late snack, burger cravings, or that post-gig munch.
• Weirdoughs: Playful vegan pastries and sweets that draw a line out the door on weekends. Grab a croissant or a cruller and take it to a city square.
• Coffee, everywhere: Most CBD cafes pour oat, soy, almond, and more without blinking. Ask for vegan options on toast, salad bowls, or breakfast sides.

Good to know: The CBD hums at lunch on weekdays and before events at night. If you plan to dine between 12 and 2 pm or 6 and 8 pm, consider booking if the venue accepts reservations.

Fitzroy and Collingwood: Melbourne’s Plant-Based Epicenter

If there is one area to dedicate an evening to, this is it. Brunswick Street, Smith Street, and Gertrude Street are lined with institutions and cutting-edge newcomers. Come hungry, stay late.

• Smith & Daughters (Collingwood): A destination in its own right. Expect bold, globe-trotting plant-based dishes and a seriously fun vibe. It is popular, so book ahead.
• Smith & Deli (Collingwood): The sibling spot for sandwiches, pastries, and take-home provisions. Great for a pre-park picnic or stocked hotel fridge.
• Transformer (Fitzroy): Refined vegetarian dining in a stunning converted space. Seasonal plates, house ferments, and flavor-forward combinations.
• Vegie Bar (Fitzroy): An icon. Casual, lively, and consistent, with a huge menu that pleases everyone in your crew.
• Red Sparrow Pizza (Collingwood): Vegan-only pizzeria with stone-baked bases, creative toppings, and gluten-free options available. Order a couple and share.
• Trippy Taco (Fitzroy): Vegetarian Mexican that goes big on freshness. Think charred corn, black beans, guacamole, and vegan cheese on request.
• Madame K’s Vegetarian (Fitzroy): Thai-inspired vegetarian dishes, stir-fries, curries, and crunchy entrees. Comfort food with personality.
• Tahina (Fitzroy): Israeli pitas, falafel, sabich, salads, and dips. Portions are generous, and the sauces are destination worthy.
• Girls & Boys (Fitzroy): House-made vegan gelato and desserts by the team behind Vegie Bar. Save room.
• Friends of the Earth Food Co‑op and Cafe (Collingwood): Community-focused organic groceries and a daily plant-based lunch menu that sells out.

A handy loop: Start with a pre-dinner drink on Gertrude Street, wander to Smith & Daughters or Transformer for mains, then stroll to Girls & Boys for a sweet finish. On your way back, duck into live music or a late bar on Smith Street.

Brunswick, Northcote, and Fitzroy North: Pub Legends and Middle Eastern Magic

Northside brings big flavor without the fuss. Expect cozy pubs, knockout falafel, and places that locals will argue passionately are the best in the city.

• The Cornish Arms (Brunswick): A pub famous for its extensive vegan menu. The vegan parma is a rite of passage, and the burger list is long and satisfying.
• Very Good Falafel (Brunswick): The name says it all. Rotating salads, crunchy falafel, and soulful pita pockets that keep regulars coming back.
• A1 Bakery (Brunswick and Fairfield): Lebanese bakery with loads of vegetarian options. Grab a za’atar pizza, spinach and cheese borek, or a muhammara manoush.
• Teta Mona (Brunswick East): Lebanese dishes with contemporary flair, lots of vegetarian choices, and a warm welcome. Beautiful for sharing plates and conversation.
• Moroccan Soup Bar (Fitzroy North): An icon for fragrant Moroccan vegetarian feasts. The chickpea bake is legendary. Bookings can be essential, and the set menus are a great intro.
• Northcote’s food truck park, Welcome to Thornbury: Rotating trucks with consistent vegan options. Check the nightly lineup online.

Coffee corner: The inner north is rich with specialty coffee. Most spots offer a choice of plant milks, and you can usually find a vegan pastry to go alongside.

St Kilda, Balaclava, and the Bayside: Brunch, Cocktails, and Sea Breezes

This is where brunch stretches into beach walks, and sundown cocktails pair with some of the city’s most reliable vegan spots.

• Sister of Soul (St Kilda and Richmond): A perennial favorite for vegetarian and vegan-friendly menus that nail breakfast, lunch, and dinner. St Kilda’s Acland Street location is perfect before or after a stroll on the sand.
• Good Love (St Kilda): A fun, fully vegan restaurant and cocktail bar with bold flavors and a lively vibe. Ideal for groups and date nights.
• Monk Bodhi Dharma (Balaclava): A specialty coffee institution with a vegetarian menu that leans heavily vegan. House roasts, thoughtful plates, and a cozy, tucked-away feel.
• Combi (Elwood): A relaxed cafe with smoothies, raw treats, toasties, and many plant-based options. Take your order to the beach and make a morning of it.

Tip: The 96 tram whisks you from the CBD through Fitzroy to St Kilda. It is practically a moveable feast.

South Yarra, Prahran, and Windsor: Stylish Plates and Vegan Pizza Dreams

Southside brings style, with polished dining rooms and pizza your non-vegan friends will steal a slice of.

• Lona Misa (South Yarra): A celebrated vegetarian restaurant inside Ovolo South Yarra, with Latin influences and a playful approach to plant-based dining. It is an experience, not just a meal.
• Red Sparrow Pizza (Prahran): Collingwood’s beloved vegan pizzeria has a southside sibling. Same winning formula, same happy diners.
• Prahran Market: Pick up vegan cheeses, fresh produce, and plant-based pantry items. It is a great stop if you are self-catering or planning a picnic.

Nearby sips: Chapel Street is packed with bars and dessert spots. Vegan cocktails are easy to find, and sorbet or dark chocolate gelato is never far away.

Richmond and Abbotsford: Asian Soul, Co‑ops, and Breweries

These neighborhoods offer a mix of hearty Asian menus, community-minded cafes, and craft beer halls with solid vegan choices.

• Fina’s Vegan Restaurant (Richmond): A fully vegan Vietnamese spot known for pho, vermicelli bowls, and crispy entrées.
• Jinda Thai (Abbotsford): Not exclusively vegetarian but widely loved for its many veg and tofu dishes. Ask staff to guide you through the vegan options.
• Bodriggy Brewing Co. (Abbotsford): A large brew hall with a fun menu that includes vegan plates. Great for groups, flights, and shared snacks.
• Serotonin Eatery (Burnley): A feel-good brunch institution with a menu that caters beautifully to plant-based diners in a bright, uplifting space.

Transport tip: Victoria Street in Richmond is a tram artery, making it easy to link dinner with a quick ride back to the city.

Footscray and the West: Ethiopian Feasts and Market Grazing

Across the river, Footscray delivers serious flavor for serious value.

• Ethiopian restaurants along Nicholson and Hopkins Streets: Order the vegetarian or vegan platter for a spread of stews on tangy injera. Sharing is the way to go, and spice levels are friendly for most palates.
• Footscray Market: Fantastic produce for self-caterers, plus snack stalls and spice shops that make souvenir hunting fun.

Getting there: The Sunbury and Werribee train lines from the city get you to Footscray in minutes. That ease makes an Ethiopian feast a simple addition to any itinerary.

Brunch and Coffee: Where Plant-Based Shines

Melbourne’s brunch scene is almost unfairly good. Vegetables, grains, nuts, and seasonal fruit are front and center, and coffee is practically a religion.

• Monk Bodhi Dharma, Balaclava: Single-origin pour-overs, house roasts, and a vegetarian menu with plenty of vegan choices.
• Serotonin Eatery, Burnley: Uplifting plates that taste as good as they look. Great for a late breakfast after the Tan walk.
• Transformer, Fitzroy: Weekend brunch is a treat, with a refined take on plant-forward comfort.
• Industry Beans, Fitzroy: Cutting-edge coffee program and plant-based friendly plates. Try the coffee soda, a Melbourne original.
• Sister of Soul, St Kilda and Richmond: All-day menus that keep everyone happy, from smoothie bowl fans to savory brunch lovers.

Plant milk checklist: Oat and soy are standard, almond is common, and coconut pops up in smoothies and desserts. Cafes are used to vegan requests, so ask.

Date Night and Special Occasions

Book a table and let the city woo you.

• Smith & Daughters: For drama, bold flavors, and a sense of occasion. Ideal for birthdays or just because.
• Lona Misa: Latin flair meets plant-based elegance, with a beautifully designed space that feels celebratory.
• Transformer: Refined yet relaxed. Share plates to try more of the menu.
• Shakahari, Carlton: A Melbourne vegetarian stalwart known for inventive, satisfying dishes and a loyal following.

If you are trying to impress, arrive a little early and grab a nearby cocktail. Fitzroy, South Yarra, and Richmond have plenty of pre-dinner options within a block or two of these restaurants.

Cheap Eats Under 20 Dollars

Traveling on a budget or trying to stretch your dollars for more meals is easy in Melbourne.

• Crossways Vegetarian, CBD: Daily vegetarian combos at friendly prices.
• Om Vegetarian, CBD: All-you-can-eat thali that tastes far more expensive than it is.
• Gopal’s, CBD: Affordable, reliable, and generously portioned.
• Very Good Falafel, Brunswick: A pita or a plate that will keep you full and smiling.
• A1 Bakery, Brunswick or Fairfield: Lebanese pastries, manoush, and pies that make perfect on-the-go lunches.
• Lord of the Fries, multiple locations: Vegan fast food whenever you need it.

Gluten-Free and Coeliac-Friendly Vegan Options

Melbourne takes dietary needs seriously. Always advise staff of allergies, but you will find thoughtful options across the city.

• Shop 225, Pascoe Vale: Beloved pizzeria that is accredited for gluten-free handling and offers vegan cheeses and toppings. Worth the tram or rideshare.
• Red Sparrow Pizza, Collingwood and Prahran: Gluten-free bases available, and the staff know their stuff.
• Vegie Bar, Fitzroy: Clearly marked menu with many gluten-free and vegan choices.
• Mister Nice Guy’s Bakeshop, Ascot Vale: A fully vegan bakery with many gluten-free options, from cupcakes to bagels.

Pro tip: If your allergy is severe, call ahead. Many kitchens will happily advise on the safest dishes and preparation methods.

Sweet Treats and Dessert Bars

The plant-based sugar rush is real here.

• Girls & Boys, Fitzroy: Vegan gelato, soft serve, and decadent sundaes.
• Mister Nice Guy’s Bakeshop, Ascot Vale: Old-school bakery charm meets vegan ethos. Cakes, cookies, donuts, and more.
• Gelato Messina and Piccolina Gelateria, multiple locations: Not fully vegan, but sorbets and several dairy-free flavors are consistently excellent.

Late-night sweet tooth: St Kilda, Fitzroy, and the CBD all have dessert options open after dinner. Check hours before you go.

Markets, Grocers, and Picnics

Melbourne is a picnic-perfect city. Grassy parks, beaches, and riverbanks invite you to spread out a blanket and graze.

• Queen Victoria Market: Fresh produce, olives, breads, and vegan-friendly deli items. Pick up picnic supplies, then head to Flagstaff Gardens or Carlton Gardens.
• Prahran Market: Southside counterpart with specialty stalls that cater to plant-based diets.
• Friends of the Earth Food Co‑op, Collingwood: Organic produce, bulk goods, and a daily vegan lunch.
• The Vegan Grocery Store, Fitzroy: A one-stop shop for vegan cheeses, chocolates, snacks, and pantry staples.

Park picks: Edinburgh Gardens in North Fitzroy, Fitzroy Gardens near the CBD, and the St Kilda foreshore are ideal picnic spots.

Nightlife and Late-Night Vegan Food

Melbourne’s bar scene is welcoming to plant-based drinkers and diners.

• Vegan-friendly bars: Many cocktail bars mark vegan wines and offer egg-free sours on request. Ask for aquafaba instead of egg white in classics.
• Pubs with vegan menus: The Cornish Arms stays open late and is perfect after a gig on Sydney Road.
• Fast fixes: Lord of the Fries and CBD dumpling houses with clear vegetarian and vegan options are your best friends after midnight.

Gig guide: Live music venues in Collingwood, Fitzroy, and Brunswick often sit within walking distance of late-eats. Plan dinner nearby and wander to your show.

Events and Festivals for Plant-Based Foodies

• World Vegan Day Melbourne: A big annual celebration with stalls, speakers, and tastings. Dates and venues vary, so check the event calendar.
• Melbourne Food and Wine Festival: Citywide festival with pop-ups and special menus. Many events include vegetarian or vegan options, and some are fully plant-based.
• Vegan markets and pop-ups: Seasonal vegan markets often appear in inner-city venues and community spaces. Follow local event pages to catch them.

Insider move: If you are visiting during spring or autumn, festival season is in full swing. Book tables early.

A 2-Day Plant-Based Itinerary in Melbourne

Short on time and big on appetite? Follow this simple plan to hit the highlights without rushing.

Day 1: Fitzroy to the CBD

1. Morning coffee and pastry in Fitzroy. Industry Beans for coffee, then a stroll along Brunswick Street for vintage shops and galleries.
2. Lunch at Vegie Bar or Tahina. Share a couple of plates and save room for something sweet.
3. Afternoon gelato at Girls & Boys. Wander Gertrude Street for design stores and street art.
4. Pre-dinner drink on Smith Street. Then dinner at Smith & Daughters or Transformer. Book ahead.
5. Nightcap back in the CBD or a late bite at Lord of the Fries if you are still peckish.

Transport: Take tram 11 or 86 from the CBD to Fitzroy and back. Both run frequently.

Day 2: Bayside brunch and Southside style

1. Brunch at Monk Bodhi Dharma in Balaclava. Grab a second coffee to go.
2. Beach walk in St Kilda. Stroll the pier and Acland Street.
3. Lunch or cocktails at Sister of Soul or Good Love. Take it easy and linger.
4. Tram to South Yarra for a little shopping. Chapel Street delivers fashion and vintage finds.
5. Dinner at Lona Misa in Ovolo South Yarra or pizza at Red Sparrow Prahran. Finish with a sweet treat nearby.

Transport: Tram 96 connects CBD and St Kilda. From St Kilda, hop trams along St Kilda Road to South Yarra, or take a quick rideshare.

Extra day idea: Go north for The Cornish Arms in Brunswick and Very Good Falafel. Add an Ethiopian feast in Footscray for a different flavor profile.

Practical Tips for Vegan and Vegetarian Dining in Melbourne

• Bookings: Dinner seats at popular spots fill up, especially Friday and Saturday. Book online where possible.
• Peak times: Brunch runs late in Melbourne. If you want a table without waiting, aim before 10 am or after 1 pm.
• Tipping: Not mandatory in Australia. If you loved the service, rounding up or leaving 5 to 10 percent is appreciated.
• Water: Free tap water is standard. Ask for a carafe to stay hydrated on warm days.
• Dietary notes: “V” typically marks vegetarian, “VG” or “VE” marks vegan, and “GF” marks gluten free. Always check with staff if you have allergies or strict requirements.
• Getting around: Trams 11 and 86 serve Fitzroy and Collingwood, 96 goes to St Kilda, 19 up Sydney Road to Brunswick, 48 and 75 through Richmond. Myki cards are needed for public transport.

Responsible and Sustainable Eating

Melbourne’s plant-based scene tends to champion local and seasonal produce. You will see native Australian ingredients on some menus, minimal-waste practices, and house ferments that reduce reliance on imported goods. Carry a reusable cup and water bottle, say yes to tap water, and recycle where possible. If you are shopping for snacks, local markets and co-ops reduce packaging and support small producers.

Where to Stay for Easy Eating

• Fitzroy or Collingwood: Walk to a dozen plant-based hotspots, plus bars and galleries.
• South Yarra or Prahran: Ideal for design lovers and stylish restaurants.
• St Kilda or Balaclava: Beach walks in the morning and dinner within minutes.
• CBD: Best for transport connections, quick lunches, and late-night options.

Choose a base that aligns with your dining goals. If you plan to eat your way through Fitzroy, staying within a tram stop or two keeps things simple.

The Joy of Plant-Based Melbourne

What sets Melbourne apart is not just the quantity of vegan and vegetarian options, it is the confidence and creativity. Chefs here treat plants as the star, not a substitution. Bakers whip up vegan pastries with crisp layers, baristas handle alt milks like second nature, and pubs build entire menus that just happen to be vegan. Your biggest problem will be narrowing down the list.

Give yourself permission to graze. Start with a pastry and a coffee, split lunch between two spots, walk it off with a gallery detour, and book a table somewhere that feels a little celebratory. Whether you are eating on a shoestring or splashing out, Melbourne welcomes plant-based travelers with open arms and full plates.

Quick Checklist Before You Go

• Make a short list and book dinner spots a few days ahead.
• Load a Myki card for easy tram and train travel.
• Pack a tote bag for market hauls and picnics.
• Check opening hours. Many spots close Mondays or take midweek breaks.
• Arrive hungry. The city will take care of the rest.

Melbourne is a city you taste as much as you see. With this local’s map as your guide, you will find the flavors that people fly across the world for, the neighborhood favorites that become your own, and the kind of meals that turn into memories. Enjoy every bite.