Gone are the days when vegetarian dining in Melbourne meant cheerless salads and the same old pasta dishes. This city’s plant-based scene has exploded into a vibrant ecosystem of its own, where vegetables aren’t just an afterthought—they’re the headliners.
Melbourne’s Best Vegetarian Restaurants At A Glance:
We’ve scoured the city to bring you the 25 essential vegetarian experiences across six categories, each offering its own unique take on plant-based perfection. Prepare to have your expectations demolished and your appetite ignited.
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Here are the best vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne for 2025:
The Best Vegetarian in Melbourne CBD
Luci
472 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Luci—the culinary equivalent of that one friend who always knows where the good stuff is hiding. It's where vegetables get the VIP treatment they deserve, served with a side of genuine Italian flair. Start your adventure with their arancini that could start a bidding war. Think golden parcels of risotto oozing taleggio, paired with saffron mayo that'll have you reconsidering your life choices. The fried polenta with plant-based feta isn't just “good for vegetarian food", it's straight-up addictive, full stop. Their antipasto selection features a roasted celeriac dish so elegant it should come with its own red carpet, dressed in cashew-parsley sauce that'll make you question why cream was ever necessary. When it comes to mains, Luci plays no games. The pumpkin tortellini in goat cheese sauce is the edible equivalent of a warm hug from your Italian grandmother (if she'd gone to culinary school). And their cauliflower steak crusted with hazelnuts and dotted with pomegranate isn't just a menu item; it's a statement piece that proves vegetables can absolutely hold their own. Even the desserts refuse to phone it in. And to finish, the tiramisu delivers a perfect boozy coffee punch you crave, while their Valrhona chocolate parfait is the kind of decadence that makes sharing optional.
Patsy’s
213 Franklin Street, Melbourne CBD
Patsy’s is a vegetarian’s dream disguised as a rustic, farm-loving trattoria. With a menu that proudly spotlights the bounty of their own Daylesford farm, this place turns seasonal produce into show-stopping dishes that’ll make even the most devoted carnivore do a double take. Think handmade pastas, indulgent cheeses and veggie-centric plates so flavorful, you won’t miss meat for a second. Start with the Crescentina Modenese, a pan-fried flatbread oozing with stracchino cheese and smoky parsnip, or the Melanzane a Beccafico, where eggplant confit gets a luxurious makeover with citrus and pine nuts. For mains, the Soufflé Suissesse—a cloud-like, twice-baked cheese masterpiece—is a must, while the Tortellini di Barbabietola (stuffed with golden beetroot and almond salsa) proves pasta doesn’t need meat to shine. Even the sides, like Nantes carrots with pine nut agrodolce, are stars in their own right. And let’s not forget dessert: the warm walnut-chocolate pudding or rhubarb almond cake will have you swooning. With an Apero Hour for half-price cocktails and a $85 banquet that’s basically a veggie feast, Patsy’s is where plant-based dining feels like a celebration—no compromises, just incredible food.
If you need a glass (or three) to pair with all that veggie goodness, check out our guide to Melbourne's best wine bars.
Bodega Underground
55 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Forget everything you think you know about vegetarian Mexican food. Bodega Underground, the moody, mezcal-fueled hideout beneath Chinatown, isn't just accommodating plant-based diets—it's reinventing them with bold, vegetarian-adaptable dishes that hold their own against any carne-loaded menu. This isn't tokenism. The kitchen treats vegetables with the same reverence as traditional meats, transforming humble ingredients into showstoppers. Take the Beetroot Chorizo Taco—a masterclass in meatless alchemy, where earthy beetroot mimics chorizo's depth, balanced by creamy potatoes and a tongue-tingling pineapple hot sauce. Or the Broccolini & Pistachio Mole, where charred greens blend with a luxuriously nutty sauce that could convert even the most skeptical carnivore. Even the $55 Feed Me menu—a steal for the quality—offers a dedicated vegetarian/vegan track, ensuring no one misses out on the fiesta. And with most dishes naturally gluten-free (a rarity in Mexican cuisine), dietary restrictions don't mean compromised flavor. Pair it all with rare mezcals or a Guava Mimosa, and end with Churros con Dulce de Leche—because no one should leave without a sugar-dusted climax.
Funghi e Tartufo
60 Hardware Lane, Melbourne CBD
In a culinary landscape where Italian menus often relegate vegetables to side dishes, Funghi e Tartufo boldly reimagines tradition as a vegetarian showcase. Unlike Italian restaurants with minimal meatless options—It’s a full-throated celebration of how Italian cuisine shines when produce takes center stage. The kitchen works magic with mushrooms and truffles, transforming them into showstopping dishes like the Pappardelle Funghi e Tartufo, where house-made ribbons of pasta swim in an earthy, aromatic sauce that needs no embellishment. Their Arancine elevates the humble risotto ball into a crisp golden orb bursting with woodland flavors, while the Ravioli di Zucca proves pumpkin and sage belong together in perfect harmony. What sets this place apart is its thoughtful approach–creations conceived from the ground up as vegetarian. The Lasagne layers rich vegan bolognese with creamy béchamel in a version that could convert traditionalists, and the Tortina di Polenta turns cornmeal into a crispy canvas for porcini and grilled mushrooms. Even the desserts maintain the standard - the Tiramisù balances coffee and Amaretto with finesse, while the Coppa Pistacchio delivers gelato indulgence with caramelized crunch.
The Best Vegetarian Indian in Melbourne
Horn Please
167 St Georges Road, Fitzroy North
At Horn Please, the bustling Fitzroy eatery where Bollywood beats meet Melbourne's craft beer scene, veggies aren't just an afterthought—they’re the main event, charred, fried and sauced into submission. This is Indian street food where paneer gets as much love as chicken tikka, and okra becomes the crunchy, masala-dusted snack you can depend on. Start with the gorgeous Beetroot Paneer Tikka—cubes of curd cheese turned electric pink from beetroot marinade, emerging from the tandoor with just enough char to make things interesting. The Colonel Tso's Cauliflower is the Indo-Chinese mashup you didn't see coming—crunchy florets drenched in a tomato-chilli sauce that'll have you licking the plate (we won't judge). And the Okra Fries? Forget soggy bhindi - these are slender, crisp and dusted with enough mango powder to make even okra haters reconsider. The real game-changer? Their Samosa Chaat— imagine your standard potato samosa got smashed up at a party with chickpeas, chutneys and enough textures to keep every bite interesting. It's the kind of dish that makes you wonder why more places don't put this much effort into vegetarian options. Even the bread selection gets creative—skip the plain naan and go for the Kashmiri Naan, stuffed with nuts and dried fruits like some kind of savory-sweet magic carpet ride.
Sarvvanaa Bhavan
Melbourne CBD, Wantirna & Werribee
When the craving for genuine South Indian vegetarian food hits, there’s only one name that guarantees satisfaction from Chennai to California: Saravanaa Bhavan. This no-frills, all-flavor institution has been feeding the masses for decades, and its Melbourne outpost delivers the same crispy, fluffy, spice-perfumed magic that made it a worldwide legend. This isn’t just Indian food—it’s reliable Indian food, the kind you can count on when you need a dosa so big it could double as a yoga mat or a thali so satisfying it feels like a hug from your nani (who, by the way, would 100% approve of this place). Start with the Masala Dosa—a golden, lace-edged crepe stuffed with spiced potatoes, served with coconut chutney and sambar so good you’ll want to drink it straight from the bowl. The Idli—steamed rice cakes so pillowy they could moonlight as clouds—are a must-dip in that same sambar. And if you’re feeling indulgent, the Ghee Roast Dosa is basically the South Indian answer to buttered toast, except a thousand times better. For something heartier, the Vegetable Thali is a symphony of flavors—dal, curries, rice, and desserts all jostling for attention on one plate. And let’s not forget the Medu Vada, those crispy fried lentil doughnuts go perfect with anything you can dip them into. End your visit with a square of Mysore Park, a fudgy, ghee-laden sweet that is basically the Indian equivalent of "just one more bite" turned into a snack.
ELCHI
72 Flinders Street, Melbourne CBD
If you’re after vegetarian Indian food that goes way beyond your standard butter paneer and saag situation, Elchi is where you level up. This modern Indian spot in the heart of Melbourne doesn’t just serve food—it curates edible theatre. Think smoky, spice-laced dishes with serious flair, served up in a space where tradition flirts with innovation and every bite feels like a statement. Start your meal strong with the Gunpowder Gobhi—crispy cauliflower coated in a fiery lentil dust that’ll wake your tastebuds up faster than matka chai. The Palak Patta Chaat is a wild ride of crunchy spinach leaves, tangy chutneys and cooling yoghurt—chaat chaos in the best way. And don’t sleep on the Dahi ke Kebab, which basically tastes like if croquettes and raita had a very delicious baby. For mains, the Baingan Bharta is the undisputed star—charcoal-roasted eggplant turned silky and rich, layered with onions and spice. The Paneer Teen Mirch and Veg Kolhapuri are all bold, buttery flavour and the Dal Makhani, cooked low and slow for 24 hours, is the hug your weeknight needed. Dessert? Absolutely. The Pistachio Chandrakala with white chocolate and rabri is the kind of dish that makes you relearn everything you thought you knew about Indian sweets. Elchi doesn’t do boring. It does beautiful and fresh veg fare that hits hard and stays with you.
Mukka Indian Restaurant Fitzroy
366 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
When someone suggests Indian food, your mind probably jumps straight to butter chicken and garlic naan. But Mukka? This vibrant Fitzroy spot is here to shake up your curry routine with vegetarian street food so good, it’ll make you denounce meat (and yes, that includes the hallowed butter chicken). Think crumbly Gobi 65—cauliflower florets fried to golden perfection with a peppery kick—or Palak Patta Chaat, where fried spinach leaves become the vehicle for masala yoghurt, chutneys and enough crunchy sev to make every bite a textural party. Start with the Bhel Puri—a riot of puffed rice, pomegranate, and tamarind that’s like Mumbai Worli Sea Face in a bowl—or go straight for the Samosa Chaat, where homemade samosas get smashed up with spiced chickpeas and chutneys in what can only be described as a flavor grenade. And if you’re feeling adventurous, the Bullet Chilli Paneer delivers crispy cheese cubes tossed in a sauce that’s sweet, tangy and spicy enough to wake up your taste buds. For something heartier, the Vegan Thali (two curries, rice and tandoori roti) is a choose-your-own-adventure of comfort, or dive into the Shahi Tofu—a creamy, spiced makhani sauce that proves tofu can be decadent. And don’t even think about skipping the Gulab Jamun—warm, syrupy and basically the edible equivalent of a hug.
The Best Vegetarian Chinese in Melbourne
VegieHut
984 Whitehorse Road, Box Hill
Vegie Hut is the vegetarian haven that’s been redefining meat-free dining since 1997. Nestled in Box Hill, this iconic spot specializes in creating mouthwatering mock meats that’ll have you doing a double take. They make ‘roast duck’ from gluten, ‘prawns’ crafted from taro and ‘beef’ so convincing you’ll swear it’s the real deal. Using natural ingredients like mushrooms, soybeans and konjac, Vegie Hut transforms humble veggies into dishes that are bursting with flavor and creativity. From their Sweet & Sour Soy Fish to the sizzling Szechuan Veggie Beef, every dish is a masterpiece of herbs, spices, and culinary magic. Don’t miss their Crispy Mashed-Taro Gluten Duck or the fiery Hot & Spicy Veggie Prawn—each bite is a revelation. And if you’re hosting an event, Vegie Hut’s catering services are perfect for weddings, birthdays and temple functions. With over two decades of innovation, Vegie Hut continues to push the boundaries of vegetarian cuisine. This Melbourne staple is a must-visit. Your taste buds will thank you.
Gong De Lin
3/264 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
Put aside the bland tofu and uninspired steamed veggies—Gong De Lin is serving up plant-based Chinese fare. This 100% vegan temple of mock meats and masterful wok hei proves meatless eating can be just as delicious as the real deal, with dishes like "Sweet & Sour Vegetarian Pork" that nail the perfect crispy-chewy texture and "Deep-Fried Crispy Veg Chicken Nuggets" that’ll have you questioning everything. The chefs here work magic with wheat gluten and mushrooms, turning them into shockingly authentic "goose," "squid," and even xo sauce "crab"—all while keeping it strictly Buddhist-friendly (no onions, no garlic, no regrets). Must-orders? Start with the Crispy Vegetarian Goose—a soy-based miracle with crackling skin worthy of a Cantonese roast shop—or the Stuff Lotus Root, packed with savory fillings. For mains, the Sizzling Szechuan Gluten "Beef" brings the numbing spice heat, while the Teppanyaki Vegetarian Steak in black pepper sauce could fool a steakhouse regular. Even the carbs shine: Fried Rice with Moss & Pine Nuts is umami bombshell, and the Stir-Fried Rice Noodle has that elusive smoky wok char. End with Eight Treasure Sweet Rice Pudding—sticky, fragrant and studded with gems of dried fruit—because no Buddhist feast is concluded without a little sweet karma.
SHU
147 Johnson Street, Collingwood
SHU isn’t just a Sichuan restaurant—it’s a vegan wonderland where creativity meets flavor in the most delicious ways. They offer varied dining options, from the unlimited weekend Yum Cha will have you rolling out the door, to the $95 10-course vegan degustation that’s essentially an ode to plants. Kick things off with their Silken Tofu, a dish so silky and smooth it’ll make you question every tofu you’ve ever had. Topped with burnt green chilli and black sesame crackers, it’s a flavor bomb you won’t forget. Or try the Chargrilled Exotic Mushroom Skewers—smoky, spicy, and dusted with Sichuan pepper chilli salt. For mains, the Wok-Grilled Lion’s Mane Steak is the star of the show. This meaty mushroom is smothered in black pepper sauce and served with a side of creamy, spiced mash that’s basically a hug on a plate. And the Roasted Eggplant? Topped with pickled chilli, ginger paste and crispy chickpeas, it’s the kind of dish that’ll make you want to lick the plate. Save room for dessert, because the Cashew Mousse is a must. Creamy, dreamy and topped with mango, silver ear jelly and matcha syrup, it’s the perfect sweet ending to your plant-based feast. With its sleek, modern vibe and a menu that’s anything but ordinary, SHU is the place to be for vegan food that’s fun and fresh. Yep, SHU is here to make vegan dining anything but boring.
Vegie Mum
27 Village Avenue, Doncaster
Tucked away in Doncaster, Vegie Mum is a refuge for vegetarians craving authentic Chinese flavours—minus the meat. This no-frills eatery specialises in mock-meat dishes that impress even the most devoted carnivores, with a menu spanning everything from honey prawns to crispy Peking duck (all plant-based, of course). Start with their entrée combo—spring rolls, curry puffs, satay skewers and drumsticks—or dive into hearty mains like Malaysian spicy prawns or Sichuan eggplant hot pot. The oatmeal prawns and Nyonya fish are standout mock-seafood dishes, while classics like mapo tofu and char kuey teow keep regulars coming back. With affordable prices (most mains under $30) and a simple, glass-fronted dining space, Vegie Mum is perfect for a quick takeaway feast or a casual dine-in meal. Don’t miss their rotis or the crispy whole fish—proof that Chinese vegetarian food is an option.
The Best Vegetarian Vietnamese Restaurants In Melbourne
Huong Viet Vegan
36A Leeds Street, Footscray
Huong Viet Vegan in Footscray is a family-run spot that’s redefining vegan Vietnamese cuisine. If you’re craving authentic flavors without the meat, this is your go-to. Their menu is a vegan wonderland, packed with creative mock meats and traditional dishes that’ll make you forget they’re 100% plant-based. Dive into their Bún Bò Huế, a spicy lemongrass noodle soup loaded with mock meats, or try the Bò Lúc Lắc, a saucy Vietnamese “shaking beef” that’s bursting with flavor. From Peking Duck Rolls to Spicy Satay Chicken Fillets, every dish is a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients. Don’t miss their Deep Fried Lemongrass Tofu or the Sweet and Sour Soy Fish—each bite is a revelation. Huong Viet Vegan is proof that vegan food can be authentic and utterly delicious. And with generous portion sizes, you’ll leave both satisfied and impressed by the value.
Brother Bon
377-379 High Street, Northcote
If you’re looking for Vietnamese tradition with vegan innovation, Brother Bon is where it's at. This family-run restaurant is a tribute to Bon, a Vietnamese immigrant whose journey from hardship to compassion inspired a fully vegan menu that’s packed with heart. Dive into their Peking Duck Pancakes, where crispy mock duck meets steamed pancakes, fresh herbs, and a tangy plum sauce—it’s a DIY masterpiece you’ll want to recreate at home. For noodle lovers, the Bun Bo Hue is a must-try, with its aromatic lemongrass broth and tender mock beef that’ll transport you straight to the streets of Vietnam. If you’re after something crunchy, the Salt & Pepper Tofu is a crowd-pleaser, perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection. And for a sizzling showstopper, the Sizzling Duck in Plum Sauce arrives piping hot, with panko-crumbed mock duck smothered in a rich, caramelized plum sauce. When hankering for a fresh bite, Brother Bon will leave you full, inspired and eager to return.
Tonkin
346 Smith Street, Collingwood
Tonkin on Smith Street is the place for vibrant, veg-friendly Vietnamese cuisine that’s as fresh as it is flavorful. This cozy eatery is a retreat for plant-based eaters, with a menu that’s packed with vegan options and bold, authentic tastes. Begin with their Crispy Fried Tofu, bite-sized pieces of golden perfection glazed with hoisin and topped with fried shallots—it’s the kind of dish you’ll order twice. For something heartier, the Vegan Pho is a must-try, featuring a fragrant, MSG-free broth loaded with tofu, shiitake and enoki mushrooms. It’s served with all the classic pho fixings: bean sprouts, Thai basil and coriander. If you’re in the mood for something light yet satisfying, the Lemongrass Tofu Bun is a winner. This vermicelli noodle salad is a colourful spectrum of fresh veggies, herbs and crushed peanuts, all tied together with a tangy nuoc mam dressing. And don’t skip the Vegan Duck Bao—soft, pillowy buns stuffed with grilled vegan duck, cucumber and a drizzle of hoisin and sriracha. Tonkin’s vibe is as inviting as its food, with a warm, casual atmosphere that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just veg-curious, Tonkin proves that Vietnamese cuisine can be both authentic and inclusive. Smith Street’s best kept secret? Found.
Straight Outta Saigon
138 Russell Street, Melbourne CBD
Looking to try a veg-friendly makeover of Vietnamese street food? Straight Outta Saigon is an unmissable visit for anyone craving juicy, plant-based flavors. This lively spot on Melbourne’s culinary map is a dream for vegetarians and vegans, with a menu that’s loaded with options. For something fresh, the Rice Paper Rolls with vegan duck are a winner, loaded with vermicelli, herbs, and a tangy hoisin dip. If you’re after something hearty, the Sweet & Spicy Vegan Duck is a standout. This soy-based ‘duck’ is caramelized to perfection, served with fresh chilli, mint and cucumber for a dish that’s sweet, spicy and utterly addictive. What sets Straight Outta Saigon apart is their willingness to adapt. Many of their non-veg dishes can be veganised, so you can enjoy their Vietnamese Curry with crispy eggplant and tofu or their Xào Noodles with plant-based protein instead of chicken. With its buzzing atmosphere and creative menu, Straight Outta Saigon is the perfect spot for a casual dinner or a night out with friends. Whether you’re vegan or vegetarian, this place brings Saigon’s flavors, straight to your plate.
The Best Vegetarian In Melbourne's Suburbs
Ballards
915 High Street, Thornbury
Ballards is the vegetarian spot that’ll make you rethink plant-based dining. Their ever-changing menu is a masterclass in creativity, with dishes like blackened mushroom ribs smothered in harissa and chickpea salad, or beer-battered artichoke oysters paired with saffron potato salad. Craving comfort food? Their six-hour braised cabbage with tahini yogurt and lentils is pure magic. And don’t even get us started on the chargrilled lions mane steak—yes, a mushroom steak—drenched in peppercorn gravy that’s so rich, it’ll blow your mind. Start with the burnt eggplant dip and focaccia, or dive into the heirloom tomato salad with almond ricotta—it’s like summer on a plate. Save room for dessert, because their vanilla slice with roast apple custard and peach jelly is a sweet masterpiece. With a cozy vibe and a menu that’s always fresh and exciting, Ballards is the kind of place that turns first-timers into regulars. Brunch, lunch or dinner—this Thornbury gem has it all.
ZOOBIBI
646 Burwood Road, Hawthorn East
ZOOBIBI blends plant-based dining with its Pinterest-worthy decor. Picture this: a chic cafe-meets-homewares-store where you can sip on a latte surrounded by gorgeous interiors, then dive into a menu that’s practically a love letter to veggies. Start your day with their rose & pistachio pancakes, a stack of fluffy perfection topped with seasonal fruit, nuts, and a scoop of ice cream (because why not?). Or go savory with the smashed avocado bruschetta, loaded with stracciatella, fried kale and a sprinkle of seeds and nuts. For something hearty, the burnt butter chilli scramble is a game-changer, with crispy chilli oil and fried shallots that’ll jazz up your taste buds. And if you’re feeling fancy, the chargrilled halloumi hollandaise with potato rosti and poached egg is pure brunch bliss. Whether you’re a full-time veggie or just veg-curious, ZOOBIBI is the kind of spot that makes plant-based dining feel like a treat, not a compromise.
Monk Bodhi Dharma
Rear, 202 Carlisle Street, Balaclava
In the heart of Balaclava, behind an unassuming facade, lies Monk Bodhi Dharma— a sanctuary for those who believe plant-based eating should never mean compromising on taste or experience. This isn’t just another vegan café; it’s a destination where every dish feels like a carefully crafted revelation, paired with some of Melbourne’s most thoughtfully sourced coffee. The menu reads like a love letter to bold, globally inspired flavours. Take the Cauliflower Souvlaki, where spiced, roasted florets mingle with creamy coconut tzatziki and zesty tabbouleh, all wrapped in house-made flatbread. Or the Umami Mushrooms, a masterclass in texture and depth, starring an ensemble of roasted fungi atop pumpkin polenta bread, finished with a kick of chilli oil. Even breakfast classics get a transformative twist—the Dharma Pancakes, draped in dulce de leche ice cream and fresh fruit, redefine indulgence. Coffee here is serious business, with Disciple Roasters supplying beans that are as ethically minded as they are rich in character. Whether you opt for a velvety oat milk latte or their signature organic chai, each sip feels intentional. With its warm, timber-clad interior and a menu that celebrates innovation without pretence, Monk Bodhi Dharma isn’t just feeding appetites—it’s nurturing a deeper connection to how food should feel: vibrant, satisfying, and full of soul.
Still got room? You’ll want to sip your way through Melbourne’s best cafés next.
Moroccan Soup Bar
47-51 Boundary Road, North Melbourne
We bet you didn’t think you’d see a soup bar on here but at Moroccan Soup Bar, chickpeas aren’t just pulses—they’re the star of an award-winning DIY bake layered with yogurt, crispy bread and spices so good, people still mourn the original restaurant’s closure (thankfully, the magic lives on via their takeaway menu). This is Middle Eastern vegetarian cooking at its most unapologetically flavorful, where cauliflower gets the royal treatment, lentils are anything but boring and even the dips have cult followings. Start with the Harira soup—a fragrant, tomato-based broth with lentils and spices that feels like being enveloped by a blanket. Or go straight for the Trio of Dips, where smoky mamaganoush, creamy hummus and their famous cauliflower tahini (garlicky, tangy and utterly addictive) compete for your attention. The DIY Chickpea Bake is the stuff of legends—a layered masterpiece of spiced chickpeas, crispy bread and yogurt that you assemble at home (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds). For mains, the Cauliflower Stew with Riz transforms the humble veg into something silky and aromatic, while the Makloubeh (eggplant cooked with rice, spices and pomegranate molasses) is a sweet-savory revelation. And if you’re feeding a crowd? The Seven Vegetables with Couscous is a fragrant, veggie-packed celebration that proves meat is entirely optional. Don’t miss the Turkish Delight—because no meal here is complete without a little rosewater-infused sweetness.
The Best Vegetarian Fine Dining In Melbourne
Klae
95 Swan Street, Richmond
Klae in Richmond is where plant-based dining meets bold, Asian-inspired flavors. This classy spot is a veggie lover’s paradise, with dishes like the burnt cauliflower skewer drizzled in sesame miso—a smoky, umami-packed delight. Their sweet potato mousse toast topped with caramelised kimchi and mozzarella is a flavor explosion, while the fried eggplant with sweet-sour sauce and herb salad is a crispy, tangy masterpiece. Klae doesn’t just cater to vegetarians—they celebrate them. Their menu is packed with vegan-friendly options (just ask for adjustments), like the mapo egg tofu with prickly ash, or the cold ramen with burnt miso and caramelised onion crumbs. Even the sides shine, from the charred gai lan with soy butter garlic dressing to the refreshing cucumber salad with ume dressing. With its sleek vibe and inventive dishes, Klae is the kind of place that makes plant-based dining feel like a treat, not a compromise. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just veg-curious, this Richmond hotspot is a must-visit.
Attica
74 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea
At Attica, vegetarian diners don't get a consolation prize—they get front row seats to Ben Shewry's wildly inventive tasting menu where mystery is the main ingredient. That cryptic "$385 adventure" becomes a plant-based revelation when requested in advance, transforming enigmatic dishes like "The Edge of Reason" into edible riddles—perhaps smoked heirloom carrots presented as charred bones with a bush tomato glaze, or "Roo Satay" reimagined with slow-cooked jackfruit wearing a cloak of native pepperberry. The kitchen treats dietary restrictions as creative springboards, conjuring courses where "wattle dahl wafer" might materialize as crispy saltbush leaves cradling a mousse of roasted chickpeas and mountain pepper, while "It's all just noodles & pasta" inevitably lies through its teeth—those hand-rolled strands could be pressed kangaroo grass with fermented quandong "cheese". Even desserts like "frosted strawberry gum" become botanical magic tricks, maybe featuring frozen Davidson plum "yolks" bursting over eucalyptus custard. This isn't accommodation—it’s full-throttle culinary theater where native ingredients become shape-shifting superstars, proving ambitious dining tastes even better when it's meat-free. Just bring your sense of childlike wonder (and maybe Google Lens to ID the 17 types of Australian bush spices in your "saltwater souva").
Vue de Monde
Level 55, Rialto Towers, 525 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
At Vue de Monde, vegetarian diners experience the same sky-high culinary ambition as their meat-eating counterparts—just with more truffle-dusted root vegetables and fewer Wagyu fat tears. Shannon Bennett's team transforms their $360 tasting menu into a plant-based masterpiece where "Red kangaroo & mushroom" becomes a foraged fungi symphony with black garlic soil, and even the iconic damper bread service gets a luxe vegan makeover featuring whipped macadamia cream and Davidson plum jam. Dishes like the Jerusalem artichoke tart—with its whisper-thin pastry shell and tarragon air—produce fine dining's rarest magic trick: making you overlook whether meat was ever on the menu. The kitchen treats dietary restrictions as experimental opportunities, reimagining Australian ingredients with equal parts precision and whimsy—perhaps serving smoked heirloom carrots as the "main protein" with fermented native pepperberry jus, or presenting a cantaloupe course that somehow channels both dessert and cheese course through lemon verbena snow. While the chocolate soufflé still makes its obligatory appearance (now with wattleseed ice cream), it's the unexpected vegetarian stars—like a Tasmanian wasabi "oyster" crafted from avocado and kelp caviar—that prove this isn't accommodation, it's full-throttle culinary theater at 55 floors up. Just book the chef's counter to watch them torch your mushroom "tartare" with eucalyptus smoke.
Hungry for more? Here’s our list of Melbourne’s best restaurants.
Maha / Maha North / Maha East
Melbourne CBD, Collingwood & Windsor
Let’s get one thing straight: at Maha, vegetables aren’t just playing backup to lamb shoulder–they’re headlining the show with a spice rack’s worth of Middle Eastern fireworks. That's the magic of Maha, where Shane Delia's kitchen treats eggplants, chickpeas and seasonal produce with the same reverence most chefs reserve for wagyu. This isn't just a vegetarian menu tacked onto a meat-centric restaurant—it's a full-throttle celebration of how vibrant, complex and utterly satisfying plant-based Levantine cuisine can be. The journey begins with zucchini flowers that defy expectations—stuffed not with cheese, but with sweet carrot hummus and smoked almond, resting on a swoosh of whipped tahini that'll make you reconsider every bland veggie starter you've endured. The Jerusalem artichoke bastilla rewrites the rules of savory pastries, its crispy layers giving way to earthy artichoke and black garlic with a hint of almond sugar. And the much-hyped whipped hummus? It earns every bit of its reputation—cloud-light yet deeply flavorful, topped with an umami bomb of sun-dried tomato xo that pairs dangerously well with their warm, blistered flatbread. When it comes to mains, Maha doesn't hold back. The Victorian wild mushroom shish—glazed with medjool date and aromatic ras el hanout—could easily convert meat lovers, while the turmeric and fenugreek chickpea curry delivers comfort without compromise. Even the sides feel like main events: confit marrows with hazelnut dukkah and aged basmati rice toasted in brown butter prove vegetables don't need meat to feel indulgent. Dessert continues the theme of pleasant surprises. The Turkish delight doughnuts ooze rosewater maple, while the dark chocolate delice with tahini caramel and blackberry sorbet offers the perfect bitter-sweet finale.
Eureka 89
Eureka Tower, Level 89/7 Riverside Quay, Southbank
Perched 89 floors above Melbourne with panoramic views to match, Eureka 89 proves that vegetarian fine dining can be just as showstopping as its skyline. Chef Renee Martillano’s $290 eight-course vegetarian tasting menu is a masterclass in elevated simplicity, transforming humble vegetables into cloud-level artistry with dishes like Beetroot Tartare—a vivid mosaic of horseradish-spiked buffalo mozzarella and sunflower seeds—and Parsnip Tagliatelle that shaves the root into silky ribbons under pecorino snow and truffle perfume. Even the opening act impresses: chef’s kelp pearls arrive like edible caviar on blinis, setting the tone for a meal where seaweed and miso become secret weapons. The real star might be the Potato Mille Feuille—layers of paper-thin spuds with gruyère and truffle that rewrite the rules of carb indulgence—or the Stracciatella Ravioli, where molten cheese meets basil pesto in a pasta purse so delicate, it’s a wonder it survived the elevator ride up. Dessert keeps the drama high with a Chocolate Parfait layered with whiskey-spiked espresso and honey, best enjoyed while watching the Melbourne city lights twinkle below.
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