Feel-Good Feasting: The Best Vegan Restaurants in Melbourne

Melbourne’s vegan scene is a culinary playground where creativity runs wild, offering everything from crispy vegan fried chicken to delicate, plant-powered degustations. Whether you’re craving a wholefood bowl of raw, macrobiotic goodness, a cheesy slice of dairy-free pizza, or something a little more indulgent, the city has it all. But this isn’t just about plant-based eating—it’s about flavour, flair, and reinventing the classics.

Full vegan or just curious? Here are the best vegan restaurants in Melbourne to hit for a taste of plant-based revolution.

Green Man’s Arms

Cosy up at Carlton’s beloved Green Man’s Arms this winter, where the pub vibes are toasty, the beers are cold, and the food is full of flavour. Chef Johnny Ly’s new seasonal menu puts a creative spin on plant-based comfort food — think smoky mushroom ‘short rib’ steak with parsnip cream and coffee jus, rich nettle gremolata pappardelle with pistachio crema, and a soul-warming shiitake miso broth with eggplant and chilli oil. With house-made sauces, gluten-free options, and seriously satisfying flavours, this is pub dining reimagined. Come hungry — you’ll want everything.

418 Lygon Street, Carlton

Funghi e Tartufo

At Funghi e Tartufo, vegan Italian food is turned up to eleven. Expect perfectly golden bolognese arancini that crack open to reveal a rich, meaty filling, and vegan calamari so crispy you’ll forget it’s not the real thing. The truffle pappardelle is a seductive swirl of creamy, earthy goodness, while the chocolate cheesecake will have you questioning why you ever needed dairy in the first place. All this is paired with an all-vegan wine list that hits every note. Perfection!

60 Hardware Lane, Melbourne 

Entrecote

This Melbourne classic offers a dedicated vegan menu that proves indulgence and plant-based dining can go hand in hand. Start with the Légumes Joyeux, where salt-baked celeriac and black garlic meet crispy fried zucchini flowers and smoked macadamia cream. The Steak Frites Végétal is a marvellous play on their regular steak frites—’Lion’s Mane’ mushroom steak paired with golden fries and sauce verte. To finish, the Chocolat et Amande mousse and Tarte aux Pommes with Calvados ice cream deliver a truly decadent conclusion. Every bite is an elevated experience of French finesse.

142-144 Greville Street, Prahran

Tofu Shoten

Tofu Shoten in Brunswick redefines tofu, taking it far beyond the bland block most know. Founder Sava Goto’s self-taught journey led her to create silky, rich tofu that’s a world apart from the typical. Inspired by Japanese tradition and creative cooking, she elevates this humble ingredient with playful twists like tofu doughnuts, ice cream, and nuggets. This tiny shop blends nostalgia with innovation, offering one of Melbourne’s most exciting vegan dining experiences. It’s tofu like you’ve never imagined.

6b Saxon Street, Brunswick

Ballard’s

We don’t like to pick favourites, but Ballard’s gets us every time. The food? Outrageously good. All vegan—but you honestly wouldn’t know it. Even your carnivorous boyfriend is bound to become a fan. This riotous Thornbury wine bar is where cheeky charm meets culinary flair. Since 2019, it’s dished up a playful, ever-changing menu—beer-battered artichoke “oysters,” smoky mushroom pâté, and umami-packed lion’s mane steak.

Opt for “Just Feed Me” and let the kitchen surprise you. With 30+ organic and biodynamic vegan wines, a backyard beer garden, and regular live music or film nights, Ballard’s is equal parts unpretentious hangout and dining destination. Irresistibly fun, wildly flavourful, and distinctly Melbourne.

915 High Street, Thornbury

Tofulicious

Tofulicious has been a Richmond icon since 1982, serving up plant-based dishes with a global twist. The rotating menu takes you from the bold flavours of Thai pumpkin tofu curry and a Tom Yum simmered tofu to the comforting richness of red lentil dahl. The smoky broccoli with chilli tofu and sesame has the perfect balance of heat and depth. Flavoursome and healthy in all the right ways, Tofulicious continues to win hearts as one of the best vegan restaurants in Melbourne, one unforgettable dish at a time.

78 Bridge Road, Richmond 

Hotel Nacional

Hotel Nacional on Hardware Lane offers a refined dining experience with an impressive vegan menu that elevates Latin-inspired dishes. Their vegan set menu dazzles with dishes like smoky corn ribs, roasted cauliflower crowned with vegan chipotle cheese, and rich Pastel Azteca layered with eggplant and enchilada sauce. Hearts of palm tostadas and mushroom croquetas pack a punch, while the dark chocolate delice with chipotle rhubarb delivers a sweet, spicy finish.

Pair it with a margarita from the rooftop bar, and you’ve got an unforgettable night in the city.

23-25 Hardware Lane, Melbourne CBD

Rufio

Rufio, a Latin fusion haven, redefines plant-based dining with its four-course vegan grill menu. Think crispy maduros with avocado dip, stuffed mulato peppers brimming with pumpkin and sundried tomato, and oyster mushroom tostadas drizzled with chimichurri. The chipotle lime cauliflower steak, and potato gratin with jalapeño salsa are a smoky, spicy dream. It all wraps up with the upside-down pineapple cake, drenched in coconut and rum syrup. Sorry, what? Drooling!

188 Carlisle Street, St Kilda

Brother Bon

Brother Bon is that trusty friend who always knows what you’re craving—even before you do. A Northcote staple, this all-vegan gem dishes up everything from spicy bun bo hue and char kway teow to crispy “prawn” banh xeo and a katsu “chicken” sando that hits just right. Drinks? Think lychee spritzers and espresso martinis, all cruelty-free. It’s laidback, a little cheeky, and always delicious—kind of like if your favourite aunt opened a vegan diner and decided to serve cocktails with dinner. We’re huge fans.

377-379 High Street, Northcote

Citrus

Citrus is a sweet little spot in leafy Fitzroy North, dishing up soulful Sri Lankan eats. What started as Citrus Gate is now a cosy all-you-can-eat haven, serving around 15 rotating dishes at lunch and dinner—most vegan, all delicious. Expect mild, fragrant curries, vibrant veggies, and spice levels adjusted to your liking. Run with warmth and heart by Shiyamalee, it’s the kind of place where you feel right at home, plate after plate.

252 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North

Kevabs

Kevabs is Australia’s first all-vegan kebab shop—and it’s rewriting the rules, one pita at a time. Their signature ‘kevab’, made from spiced pea protein, is soy-, nut- and gluten-free, yet packed with punchy flavour. Wrapped with crisp lettuce, pickles, tomato, and sumac onion, it’s a plant-based revelation. Add dukkah-dusted chips or a sticky slice of vegan baklava, and don’t skip the Turkish coffee.

Oh, and their vegan HSP? The literal bomb. It’s fast food, reimagined—bold, inclusive, and unmistakably Melbourne.

89 Sydney Road, Brunswick 

ChangGo Korean BBQ

Behind grand wooden doors on La Trobe Street, ChangGo Korean BBQ is a Melbourne gem where sizzling plates and bold flavours take centre stage. While famed for its pork belly, ChangGo’s vegan BBQ set is a star in its own right—think bubbling tofu soybean soup, plant-based patties, marinated vegetables, and all the classic banchan. The vibe is cosy and lively, and the food? Deeply satisfying. No bookings, so arrive early—this plant-based feast is worth the wait.

70 Little La Trobe Street, Melbourne 

Hail Lilith

Found in Footscray’s Maddern Square, Hail Lilith is a charming surprise, where plant-based indulgence meets a dash of gothic allure. Order a round of focaccia slathered with bourbon butter, while mushroom ceviche and watermelon tartare refresh like a summer evening. Spicy wings add a little extra heat, and the chocolate mousse is as rich as a velvet night. With glorious bourbon cocktails and the occasional burlesque performance, this is a place where elegance and whimsy effortlessly blend.

40A Leeds Street, Footscray

Tyranny of Distance

Tyranny of Distance is a fully vegan oasis in a converted petrol station, blending quirky charm with bold culinary creativity. Dive into dishes like eggplant parmigiana, smoky ‘duck’ roti rolls, and mushroom ‘pork’ tacos—each packed with flavour. With its relaxed, lively vibe and stellar craft cocktails, this one-of-a-kind vegan bar and restaurant is a must-visit for Melbourne foodies craving something deliciously different.

147 Union Street, Windsor 

Cockatoo Kitchen

Cookatoo Kitchen is a sanctuary for the adventurous palate, where plant-based fare meets bold, Thai-inspired brilliance. We’re partial to the duck red curry, with its rich, aromatic sauce all heat and depth, and mock duck that’s every bit as indulgent as the real thing. Or try the satay udon—a playful, tangy dance of textures and flavours that leaves you wondering how something so familiar can taste so refreshingly new.

60 Bridge Road, Richmond

VieVegan

Hidden in Footscray, VieVegan offers a fun reimagining of Vietnamese cuisine, where plant-based creativity meets bold flavours. Here, vegan bánh mìs are packed with perfectly seasoned tofu butter, crisp pickles, and fragrant herbs, while their pho enchants with silky broth and a medley of fresh vegetables. Faux meat makes an appearance too, with lemongrass “beef” and roasted “pork” with crackling, nearly indistinguishable from the real thing when sat atop fresh vermicelli salads. It’s a vegan restaurant in Melbourne where every bite proves that plant-based dining can be both indulgent and innovative.

206 Barkly Street, Footscray

Huong Viet Vegan

Vietnamese cuisine might be known for its fish sauce, pork, and seafood—but at Huong Viet in Footscray, plants take centre stage in the most delicious way. This local gem masterfully reimagines traditional dishes with clever use of soy, spice, and texture—think sizzling “beef,” sweet-and-sour “flounder,” and smoky vegan “pork” sausages that are so flavour-packed even meat lovers will swoon. Paired with velvety sauces, vibrant veggie stir-fries and perfectly crisp tofu, Huong Viet proves that eating sustainably can be deeply satisfying—and utterly unforgettable.

36A Leeds Street, Footscray 

Shu

Shu in Collingwood is a moody, neon-lit wonderland where Sichuan flavours are reimagined through an avant-garde, vegan lens. Chef Shu Liu’s 10-course degustation is a bold celebration of texture and spice—think silken tofu with seaweed caviar, slow-roasted eggplant in Yu Xiang chilli, and charcoal kohlrabi dumplings. Every dish is crafted from seasonal produce and plated with artful flair. Add in Shu’s ceiling-spanning artwork and you’ve got one of Melbourne’s most sensorial, striking plant-based dining experiences.

147 Johnston Street, Collingwood

Pinchy’s 

Bringing a burst of beachside decadence to Bourke Street, Pinchy’s isn’t just for seafood lovers—it’s a plant-based party too. While your date dives into Maine lobster rolls and Alaskan King Crab tacos, you can bliss out on the Made Friendlier vegan menu: think spiced tofu tacos with avocado mousse, leek croquettes, smoky capsicum crisps with horseradish and pumpkin purée, and caramelised artichokes with ponzu. The hero? A BBQ oyster mushroom main with shiso emulsion and pickled fennel—rich, smoky, and unforgettable. Top it all off with truffle fries, a glass of Champagne, and city views from the pink-hued balcony. Lavish, fun, and totally reimagined.

Level 1/200 Bourke Street, Melbourne 

Red Sparrow Pizza

Vegans shall no longer gaze longingly at the cheesy pull of their neighbour’s pizza before resigning themselves to a marinara. Red Sparrow has cracked the code on non-dairy cheese—stretchy mozzarella thanks to tapioca, crumbly parmesan crafted from coconut, and almond feta that’s perfectly tangy. Add meat-free pepperoni to the mix, or keep things fresh with a super green number piled high with zucchini and broccolini. It’s indulgence without compromise—and finally, pizza that plays fair.

406 Smith Street, Collingwood

Lona Misa 

Lona Misa is a revolution in plant-based dining, where Shannon Martinez and Pamella Tomio blend their Latin roots with a bold, unapologetic vegan vision. Hidden in the Ovolo Hotel in South Yarra, this vibrant space pulses with energy, offering everything from smoky blue oyster mushroom skewers, charred over coals with fermented pineapple, to decadent Brazilian seafood stews swimming in a spiced coconut broth. The menu is an exuberant celebration—crispy poblano croquettes, barbacoa tostadas, and rotating seasonal desserts. Every dish is a story, expertly crafted by this dynamic duo, creating a culinary haven that redefines what vegan dining in Melbourne can be.

234 Toorak Road, South Yarra 

Evie’s Disco Diner

Serving late-night vegan fare with a disco twist, this Fitzroy hangout is a local favourite. A buzzing 80s-themed diner, Evie’s Disco Diner will transport you to Stranger Things and back again, quicker than you can order a Bloody Mary. Comfort food classics are the order of the day, and with meat-free versions of fried chicken waffles, burritos, mac n cheeseburgers and towering Rueben sandwiches, you won’t even miss your old meat-eating ways.

230-232 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

The Cornish Arms Hotel

Pub grub is usually a full-blown meat fest, but the considerate folk at The Cornish Arms have created an entirely veganised menu of all the classic pub faves. Think fish and chips, chicken Kievs, classic parmas, and even a plant-based spin on the Big Mac. You’ll never go hungry while catching up over beers or smashing Thursday night trivia again—making this a firm favourite among Melbourne’s vegan pub-restaurants.

163A Sydney Road, Brunswick

Maha

​Shane Delia’s Maha continues to redefine modern Middle Eastern dining with its latest vegan tasting menu—a vibrant celebration of plant-based innovation. The Soufra menu dazzles with dishes like whipped hummus paired with sun-dried tomato XO and house-made flatbread, zucchini falafel with fermented garlic and sumac, and confit marrows adorned with toum, hazelnut dukkah, and sage. Desserts are equally inventive, featuring dark chocolate delice with Victorian blackberries, tahini caramel, and blackberry sorbet.

21 Bond Street, Melbourne

Smith and Daughters Social Club

Smith & Daughters Social Club isn’t just a reboot—it’s a riot. Shannon Martinez trades white tablecloths for southern-fried lion’s mane with white gravy and kimchi, smoked BBQ brisket with pickled mustard seeds, and late-night snacks that flirt with trashy in all the best ways. Think autumn bread salad with fire-roasted pink grapefruit, beetroot and smoked mozzarella, grilled snake beans dripping in hot honey and sour cream, and cocktails as bold as the playlist. It’s chaotic, nostalgic, and unapologetically fun—a globe-trotting fever dream where every bite feels like a party you’ll never want to leave.

Sitchu Tip: Get the banana pudding. Actually, get all the desserts.

107 Cambridge Street, Collingwood

Gong De Lin

Hidden above the CBD’s chaos, Gong De Lin isn’t your average vegan spot—it’s a quiet masterclass in flavour. From kung pao hedgehog mushrooms and bean curd dumplings to sweet and sour “pork” and lemon “chicken” that’ll make you question everything, this place delivers bold, uncompromising Chinese food without the meat. Rice-stuffed lotus root and lily bulb soup round out a clever, soulful, and unexpected menu. Go for the curiosity, stay for the craving it leaves behind.

3/264 Swanston Street, Melbourne

Sister of Soul

True to its name, this vegan and vegetarian cafe has a whole lot of soul—contributing to St Kilda’s community gardens while nourishing locals with wholesome, delicious food. Many dishes at Sister of Soul have become staples among its loyal fanbase, like the zucchini-layered rawsagna with cashew cream, sticky miso eggplant, and vibrant rainbow buddha bowls. There’s even a list of vegan-friendly wines, beers, and cocktails—or try something a little more left of field, like their spiced carrot or dandelion lattes.

73 Acland Street, St Kilda

Loving Hut

Loving Hut caters to every kind of vegan. Craving clean and raw? Think vibrant papaya and pumpkin salads tossed with cashews and zingy chilli dressing. More into mock meats? Go for the satay soy nuggets, aromatic not-beef rendang or smoky Mongolian barbecue. And for everyone else? It’s the sheer joy of ordering pad Thai, rice paper rolls or char kway teow—no need to ask if there’s fish sauce in the mix. Just good, plant-based comfort with zero second-guessing.

10/242 Victoria Street, Richmond

185 Victoria Street, West Melbourne

377-379 High Street, Northcote

Already eaten your way through Melbourne’s best vegan spots and looking for your next flavour fix? Why not book into one of the city’s top vegetarian restaurants, or venture beyond the city limits to discover some of Victoria’s finest regional dining destinations?