The best vegan restaurants in Melbourne right now

Could Ballard's be the Melbourne vegan community's best-kept secret? The best thing about this curious High Street bar is not only is it fully plant-based, cheap-as-chips and well-stocked with good booze, it's also offering dishes that are much more refined than may first meet the eye. The food is seriously good here, and the cooks sure know what they're doing. Think Ottolenghi-tier caufliflower, glorious Sunday roasts (totally vegan, of course) and creative desserts that wouldn't look out of place in a swanky bistro. The owner's social media accounts are also hilarious. Check out the Insta account to get a feel for the vibe.

Shannon Martinez’s beloved Spanish-inspired restaurant closed briefly when the eatery changed locations, but now it’s back and better than ever. The Mediterranean-leaning menu highlights the breadth of vegan food and showcases Martinez’s housemade range of mock meats and non-dairy cheeses. Choose from the à la carte menu, which features the likes of 'lamb' ragù and braised Persian 'pork' meatballs, or splash out with the $150 multi-course Chef’s Table experience.

​​Though Maha is by no means a plant-based restaurant, its vegan-tasting menu is a siren call for meatless diners – and well worth the $175 price tag. It consists of an elaborate meze spread plus mains such as Turkish red lentil dumplings and, of course, an aromatic Middle Eastern-inspired dessert to end the meal. If that’s a bit rich for your taste, though, there’s also a ten-dish soufra menu for $98 a head.

Proof that plant-based feasts don't need to be exxy to be tasty and filling, you can get three generous courses in one go at Crossways, plus a drink. The Hare Krishna hangout offers a full vegetarian meal deal for 9.50 every day at lunch (slash $2 from that cost if you've got a concession card). The menu changes each day, offering something new to try each time you pop in. On a Thursday, you might get Malaysian-style tofu curry and orange halava for dessert, whereas on a Friday the lunch special might be Thai green curry and almond toffee fudge instead. Dancing is optional.

Red Sparrow is an all-vegan pizzeria that does away with the below-average-vegan pizza stigma by making its own mock meats (try the pepperoni) and cheeses (witch-crafted with coconut oil and tapioca) that could fool your everyday omnivore. It's a glorious thing to pick up a slice of fresh-out-the-woodfired-oven margherita, and not be confronted by an unlikeable vegan cheese. Red Sparrow's version sees vegan creamy white fior di latte sitting atop a tangy, slightly-sweet San Marzano tomato base that calls for applause. The crust is thin, lightly charred and just the right amount of chew. 

It's Australia's first all-vegan kebab shop and it's doing a darn fantastic job. After a single bite of one of their flavour-packed hot pockets, you'll understand the hype. There's also falafel borek, dirty chips (think a saucy HSP, minus the meat), pistachio baklava, soup and more soul-warming treats to keep your belly happy. Next time you're ambling down Sydney Road, give it a go.

Shimbashi is slinging housemade soba noodles, made from 100 per cent premium Tasmanian buckwheat, across Melbourne with outposts cropping up in Collingwood, Northcote and Carlton North. And a large portion of the menu at Shimbashi happens to be vegan-friendly. The vegan teriyaki tofu bento box, vegan tempura, vegan tororo mushroom soba and a vegan red dragon soba are just some of the options. Bonus tip: all the meals on the menu are gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free.

Inspired by the owner’s Sichuan upbringing, Shu celebrates regional Chinese cooking with an experimental, plant-based twist. At $85 for ten courses, Shu offers one of the cheaper vegan set menus around, and you can add paired wines to the mix if you'd like to take things up a notch. The delicate dishes such as vegan prawn, mince and sticky rice wrapped in cabbage leaves or congee-inspired risotto with black truffle rival what you’ll find on pricier tasting menus. If you love Chinese food and you're vegan, it's a must-try experience in Melbourne.

Pinchy’s may be known for its seafood and rooftop locale overlooking Bourke Street, but the ocean-inspired vegan offering ensures no one gets left out. Charred lion’s mane mushrooms stand in for lobster in the restaurant’s signature rolls and carrots make a convincing tuna tartare replacement in the savoury cornettos, which come topped with wasabi mayo and jalapeño salsa. There’s also endless sparkling on offer, of course, adding to the luxe factor.

You might not know Mathew Guthrie or James Langley, but there’s a good chance you’re familiar with some of their past haunts – namely, Panama Dining Room, St Jude’s Cellars and Pizza Mine Libre. Now, they’re back with business partner Clinton Trevisi for Patsy’s, a natural wine bar that happens to be vegetarian. Though the whole menu isn't plant-based, there are plenty of vegan-friendly options on offer. Vino and fancy veg? Here, it's a match made in heaven.

This vegetarian and vegan dining institution has existed for more than two decades, and it just seems to keep getting more popular. It's always busy here, and it's the quality of the plant-based food that keeps crowds coming back for more. The specials boards are updated frequently and always worth the time to read – perennial favourites on the regular menu include the 'mostly greens' stir-fry, a bean burrito served with the works, and some mighty fine vegetarian pizzas. 

This tiny Japanese café may be small, but it's mighty. This joint specialises in healthy Japanese options, with a range of proteins of the day that include vegan options such as nasu dengaku (miso-glazed eggplant) with a range of pickles and wild rice. Japanese curries are made from scratch, and the vegan ramen is one of the best in Melbourne. 

Built in 1854, the Cornish Arms was once a favourite for gold diggers (of the literal variety) and has been a mainstay of Brunswick social life for over a century. And the team get top marks for inclusive pub meals. There's a dedicated vegan section ensuring your craving for fish and chips, souvlaki and a parma are met without any animal products going into them.

One of Abbotsford’s oldest pubs has undergone a total redux. The Carringbush Hotel now has a totally vegetarian menu, and extends it focus sustainability beyond food, with all wines on tap, ethical ceramics and plates, no packaged beer, no plastic straws and environmentally sound lighting. On the meals front, think mushroom halloumi burgers, sweet potato 'steaks' and beer-battered cauliflower.

Vegan-friendly restaurants like Jinda Thai help to dispel the myth that sticking to a plant-based diet has to be boring. One of Melbourne's most popular Thai joints, the Abbotsford gem has opted to include a completely animal-free section on its menu. And are those offerings just as delicious as the meaty fare? You betcha. Try the coconut-rich thom kha soup, the crispy tofu and the vegan pad thai.  

Melbourne’s having a bit of a Middle Eastern moment. There’s Very Good Falafel on Sydney Road, and the pita party of Miznon in the CBD and now Collingwood bringing all sorts of ballyhoo to the oeuvre. And now in a bright little shopfront where the memo about hip-hop being the only soundtrack with street cred has definitely landed, we have Just Falafs bringing seriously good falafel and all its zesty bandmates to Fitzroy North. It's just across the road from Eddy Gardens, so grab one to go and enjoy it in the sun. It's the perfect picnic in a pinch.

This charming little noodle bar on Sydney Road will sate all your Vietnamese cravings, minus the meaty stuff. The star of the show here is pho, and Good Days happens to do an excellent take on the popular hot broth. The eatery prides itself on ethically sourced ingredients and great service, but the number one drawcard is that its pho is probably the best vegan version you can get in Melbourne right now. 

Once you bite into a Half Moon falafel, there's no going back. Jostle your way to the counter of this unassuming little joint and order a warm pocket of tabouli, chickpeas, hommus, garlic yoghurt, pickles and black olives. They'll smoosh three crunchy Egyptian falafels onto the fillings to reveal a soft, bright green middle. Demolish it in the communal courtyard outside and take a moment to appreciate Coburg's diverse population: students, musos, artists and Middle Eastern families, for a start.

ShanDong MaMa is aptly-named. For those not already in the know, this is the place to be for home-style Shandong cuisine courtesy of Meiyan Wang (aka Mama). The little dumpling haven sits hidden away in a tunnel of shops and continues to dish up some of the city's finest doughy snacks. Yes, there are heaps of veggie-oriented dumplings to try here, but the Yu Shiang eggplant also delivers. Sticky strips of deep-fried aubergine swim around a thick, sweet starch-loaded sauce toting plenty of garlic, each finger of near-molten eggplant mopped up with white rice. Onto another side: julienned slices of cucumber are seasoned with sesame and more garlic.

Yeah, we know there's 'fish' in the name, but don't discount this super busy lunch hot spot if you're after a plantiful feast, packed full of flavour. From shiitake mushrooms, house slaw and umami cashew mix to tofu, kale and miso eggplant, the ingredients you can use to tailow your bowls span a rainbow-hued, vegan-friendly gamut. You can customise your own bowl to suit your preferences, and it's a lunch you can feel good about – healthy, high prana, budget-friendly and minus the meat.

So we've covered Thai, Middle Eastern, Japanese and Vietnamese on the vegan front, but what about Italian? That's where Funghi e Tartufo comes in, a plant-based restaurant in the CBD that's dishing up hot takes on all your fave primi, secondi and pasta plates, zero animal cruelty involved. Just don't skip dessert – the gelato, cheesecakes and panna cotta here are plant-based dessert goals. 

This Brunswick Street spot is slinging some of the tastiest plant-based desserts going around. We're talking soft serve, gelato and cakes, plus maca fudge bars, matcha almond tarts and bounty bites. On the drinks menu, you'll find spiced mylks, cold-pressed juices, smoothies and thick shakes (all vegan, of course). The best part? Girls and Boys is right next door to Vegie Bar, which means you can grab the perfect after-dinner sweet treat after feasting on hearty vego meals. Popular gelato flavours include honeycomb and cookie dough, hazelnut brownie, and sticky date and almond praline. 

Meet Rufio: a Latin-fusion and 100% gluten free restaurant, bar, and rooftop. Opt for the full vegan set menu to taste some of the most colourful plant-based fare in Melbourne, from chargrilled arepas with pickled jalapenos to wild mushroom tostadas with potato, avocado and dill.  The passionfruit coconut panna cotta with yuzu Arroz con Leche, raspberry sorbet and pistachio is a standout. 

This boho-chic all-day restaurant serves simple Lebanese with plenty of pickles and very little fuss. This is everything a neighbourhood restaurant should be. It's loud, and it’s BYO, with service that's personal if a little bit shambolic during peak times. Vegans get a solid look-in here. Green beans are liberally sluiced in a jammy reduction of olive oil, chilli and garlic, and falafel balls are soft, fragrant pucks made with a green and yellow split pea base for a sweeter spin on the chickpea classic. We’re also keen on a squishy, cumin-y plate of cauliflower florets and eggplant fried with dukkha. 

Part juice bar, part café, Combi is the kind of eatery where every single menu item has at least one superfood (but the more, the better). The café specialises in organic vegetarian and vegan feed, and there are a variety of thick-cut toast toppings and super bowls. However, the smoothies are the main event here. These resemble freakshakes but are definitely more healthy – many of the superfood smoothies taste too good to be healthy but are indeed packed full of healthy fruits, seeds and nut mylks.

Working or living around Docklands? Home is your new home for rainbow-hued juices, healthy snacks and plant-based lunches during the day. Pop in on your lunch break to try the vegan bibimbap, a falafel bowl or the rotating daily special. Everything is made with plenty of love in-house (including some very addictive kimchi) and there's even vegan wine on tap if you fancy a tipple. And if you're after a full-on detox, Home's one to seven–day juice cleanses – albeit a little draconian if you're a newbie to fasting – are a deliciously refreshing way to give your liver a break. Just don't blame us if you get super hangry.

There are more than 200 outposts of this all-vegan eatery worldwide, and it’s not hard to see why. The price is right, for a start – and while the fitout isn’t anything fancy, the real reason you come to this (mostly) pan-Asian restaurant is for the mock meat. Dishes range from ‘ham’ sushi and deep-fried ‘prawns’ to Southern-fried ‘chicken’. Want to try it at home? Loving Hut has a wide grocery selection, where you can stock up on mock meat and other vegan ingredients.

Lona Misa, the ground floor occupant at Ovolo South Yarra on Toorak Rd, is ambitious with its Latin influences as a 90-seat bar and restaurant. The powerhouse pairing of Shannon Martinez (Smith & Daughters) and Ian Curley (Kirk’s Wine Bar) take up arms in the kitchen. Martinez is the long-reigning queen of Melbourne’s plant-based dining scene and here, riffs on her grandmother’s recipes - an apologetic footnote on the menu is a playful ode to her inspiration.

The 80s never ended at Evie's, a 1980s and disco-inspired diner that opened early 2018 on Fitzroy's Gertrude Street. Come here for a feed during the day or a boogie at night – the venue's menu has American-diner vibes so expect plenty of chicken and waffles, burgers, loaded fries and old-fashioned shakes topped with whipped cream and a glacé cherry.