Peas & Love: A Guide to the Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Melbourne

Vegetarianism has a lot going for it these days.

From an upturn in people wishing to dine out in a more eco-friendly manner, to the obvious health benefits a plant-based diet can offer, vegetables are no longer being considered as an afterthought in the culinary industry.

Now, we’ve already documented how veganism has taken cities like Sydney and Melbourne by storm.

With meat-free diets becoming more and more popular by the day, we’ve put together a list of the best vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne for you to feast your eyes on. Enjoy!

Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Melbourne

Smith & Daughters

A hip district known for its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic dining out scene, Fitzroy is home to some of the best vegetarian eateries in Melbourne.

Smith & Daughters, a popular brunch and dinner spot with a rock’n’roll vibe, is a much-loved establishment that has made a name for itself as a modern venue with a scintillating selection of Italian-inspired fare.

With colourful artwork adorning the walls and a constant buzz of excitement in the air, dining out at Smith & Daughters is a delight for all of the senses. The nearby delicatessen Smith & Deli – run by the same team – has also gained legendary status amongst local foodies.

Table reservations at this eatery are like gold dust, and for good reason.

Menu Highlight: A simple yet sophisticated cacio e pepe ($25)

Address: 175 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 6:00pm – late; Saturday: 10:00am – late; Sunday: 10:00am – 3:00pm

Vegie Bar

A short stroll away from Smith & Daughters, Vegie Bar on Brunswick Street is a restaurant that fully embraces the concept of healthy eating.

The kitchen team at Vegie Bar understand the important role food plays in nourishing the mind, body and soul. They have therefore curated a menu filled with home-style dishes that can be enjoyed with loved ones in a relaxed environment.

Diners can take their pick from an array of internationally-inspired pizzas, burgers, wraps and bowls, all blessed with contemporary touches of brilliance.

With a strong culinary identity and an impressive social media following, it is no surprise to see the well-established Vegie Bar at the forefront of vegetarian dining in Melbourne. A must-visit.

Menu Highlight: Mee Goreng – Malaysian dish of wok-tossed noodles with veggies, tofu and sauteed potatoes in a lightly spiced peanut satay sauce ($20)

Address: 380 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065

Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 11:00am – 10:00pm; Friday & Saturday: 11:00am – 10:30pm

Moroccan Soup Bar

A culinary institution adored by Melbourne foodies, Moroccan Soup Bar welcomes both first-time guests and seasoned regulars with open arms.

The team at this St Georges Road eatery take an ethical and holistic approach to gastronomy. They aim to create an authentic North African dining experience that will live long in the memory.

Using a pantry full of fresh ingredients as inspiration, the chefs at Moroccan Soup Bar treat diners to a feast of flavoursome African and Middle Eastern food.

Whether you’re interested in sampling a new cuisine or wish to reap the benefits of eating healthily, you can confidently take your seat at Moroccan Soup Bar safe in the knowledge that you’re in good hands.

Menu Highlight: Moroccan Soup Bar’s menu is communicated to diners verbally at their tables, and the restaurant is renowned for its colourful vegetarian spreads.

Address: 183 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North VIC 3068

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 6:00pm – 9:30pm; Sunday: 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Transformer

Located just a stone’s throw away from its partner Vegie Bar, Transformer in Fitzroy is considered by many to be one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne.

A sophisticated eatery housed in a building painted with eye-catching graffiti, this Rose Street venue is home to a wonderful array of plants and greenery.

Transformer’s well-stocked bar serves attractively-named cocktails like Last Tram Martini (vodka, elderflower liqueur, dry vermouth, Green Chartreuse, basil) and Blood Orange Sidecar (cognac, blood orange liqueur, lemon, syrup, house bitters).

A restaurant with a glowing reputation, Transformer’s refined food is guaranteed to have even the most hardcore meat eater singing the praises of the chefs come the end of the night.

Menu Highlight: Grilled figs and Saint Agur blue cheese with roasted hazelnut & aged balsamic ($26)

Address: 99 Rose Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 5:30pm – late; Saturday & Sunday: 12:00pm – 3:00pm, and 5:30pm – late

Shakahari Vegetarian Restaurant

An Asian-inspired dining out venue with a wealth of experience, Shakahari Vegetarian Restaurant in Carlton effortlessly blends tradition with its own penchant for innovation.

Beautifully decorated with pieces of Indian art, this Faraday Street eatery boasts a convivial atmosphere that many guests wish they could bottle up and take home with them.

With seasonal produce taking pride of place on Shakahari’s ever-changing menu, diners can expect to find fresh flavour combinations at every turn.

Experts when it comes to presenting traditional dishes with a dash of contemporary flair, Shakahari is a restaurant that’s exclusively vegetarian and proud of it.

Menu Highlight: Laksa Hebat – organic Japanese udon noodles, spinach, mushrooms and bean sprouts in a mildly spiced coconut stock. Topped with fried tempeh, tofu, seitan and fresh herbs ($22.50)

Address: 201-203 Faraday Street, Carlton VIC 3053

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 12:00pm – 3:00pm, and 6:00pm – 9:30pm; Saturday: 12:00pm – 3:00pm, and 6:00pm – 10:30pm; Sunday: 6:00pm – 10:30pm

Sister of Soul

Located on the corner of Acland Street and Shakespeare Grove, Sister of Soul proudly flies the flag for St Kilda on this list of best vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne.

An eco-conscious eatery, the dedicated team at Sister of Soul work in tandem with a local community garden to ensure food waste and leftover coffee grinds are repurposed in a sustainable way.

Happy to cater for diners who follow a low FODMAP diet and those who cannot tolerate onion or garlic, Sister of Soul is an accommodating eatery if there ever was one.

Their refreshing cold-pressed juices and cocktails are also known to serve as elixirs of life on a balmy Melbourne day.

Open daily from early morning to late at night, Sister of Soul’s irresistible food is there for you whenever you most crave it.

Menu Highlight: Pumpkin and maple pancake with saffron poached pear, peanut butter gelato and pepitas ($18.50)

Address: 73 Acland Street, St Kilda VIC 3182

Opening Hours: Daily from 7:30am to late

Green Man’s Arms

Despite sharing a postcode with other beloved Carlton restaurants, Green Man’s Arms is a vegetarian- and vegan-friendly dining out spot with one distinguishing quality: it’s a pub.

A breath of fresh air on the city’s culinary scene, this Lygon Street establishment offers guests an alternative take on classic pub grub. Indeed, the chefs here enjoy nothing more than celebrating the wonderful organic produce found on Aussie shores.

Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or a sucker for full-bodied Australian reds, you’re sure to be impressed by the drinks menu.

With weekly events and evenings of live music part and parcel of life at Green Man’s Arms, a night of entertainment at this unique setting is always on the cards.

Menu Highlight: Eggplant schnitzel with potato aioli & cabbage slaw ($20)

Address: 418 Lygon Street, Carlton VIC 3053

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 4:00pm – late; Friday to Sunday: 12:00pm – late

Red Sparrow Pizza

A trailblazing pizzeria that boasts a menu jam-packed with wood-fired variations of arguably Italy’s most famous export, Collingwood residents will not be surprised to see Red Sparrow Pizza on this list.

After years of working long hours in Melbourne’s flourishing food scene, the team behind this Smith Street restaurant spotted a niche in the market and enthusiastically went about getting their dream up and running.

Fast forward a few successful years later, and it’s safe to say they haven’t looked back.

With branded t-shirts and tote bags available to buy, you can proudly show your appreciation for Red Sparrow Pizza wherever in the world you may find yourself.

A vegan eatery that also serves as a home away from home for vegetarians, when your eyes catch a glimpse of a Red Sparrow pizza, it’s guaranteed to be love at first sight.

Menu Highlight: Buffalo Tofu Pizza – San Marzano tomato base, mozzarella, spiced tofu, broccolini, ranch and fresh dill. Gluten-free option available ($19)

Address: 406 Smith Street, Collingwood VIC 3071

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 5:00pm – 10:00pm; Saturday: 12:00pm – 10:00pm

Serotonin Eatery

An oasis of calm, Serotonin Eatery in Burnley serves as a sanctuary for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Passionate about putting a smile on the faces of diners, this Madden Grove restaurant champions positivity. An adjoining wellness centre can even be visited by guests at their leisure.

Serotonin Eatery’s kitchen team regularly whip up an array of plates and bowls that are inspired by Melbourne’s famous multiculturalism.

Stylishly decorated with a few unique features, the opportunity to sit in a swing chair whilst tucking into a portion of blue nachos is one that should be grabbed with both hands.

Menu Highlight: Galaxy Acai Bowl – Dairy- and sugar-free acai ice cream served with fruit & nut granola, topped with mixed berries and pistachio dust, and served alongside a peanut butter, banana & coconut magnum ice cream ($18)

Address: 52 Madden Grove, Burnley VIC 3121

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Friday: 8:00am – 3:00pm; Saturday & Sunday: 8:30am – 4:00pm

Some more top vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne:

Trippy Taco

• Marvellous meat-free Mexican fare

Nostralis

• Wholemeal pizza joint in Caulfield North

Just Falafs

• Family-run falafel restaurant inspired by the ‘Big Apple’

Matcha Mylkbar

• A paradise for fans of veggie breakfasts and Asian treats

Maha

• A versatile venue you and your meat-eating buddies can enjoy

Monk Bodhi Dharma

• Nutritious food + specialty coffee = marriage made in heaven