12 Melbourne Restaurants with Proper Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Finding a restaurant that takes plant-based dining seriously can be tricky. Whether you're fully vegan, vegetarian, or just looking for substantial meat-free choices, these Melbourne spots across the inner suburbs have got you covered. From dedicated vegetarian venues to restaurants that've built thoughtful vegan menus into their core offerings, here's where to eat well without compromise.
- 1Restaurants Footscray
1. Veggie Inn
If you want zero ambiguity about plant-based credentials, Veggie Inn in Footscray is built entirely around vegetarian cooking. No need to scan the menu for hidden animal products or negotiate with kitchen staff.
vegetarianopen mondayopen sundayView venue4.9(175)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look 
2Restaurants Fitzroy2. Vegie Bar
A Fitzroy institution dedicated to vegetarian food, Vegie Bar removes the guesswork. Everything on the menu respects plant-based diets, making it straightforward for groups with mixed dietary needs.
vegetarianopen mondayopen sundayopen seven daysView venue4.4(3,242)· Google$$$$64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Restaurants St Kilda3. Sister of Soul
Located in St Kilda, Sister of Soul offers considered vegetarian and vegan options as part of its broader menu, making it a reliable choice when dining with both plant-based and omnivorous friends.
vegetarianopen mondayopen sundayView venue4.3(2,063)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Restaurants Hawthorn4. Lulo Spice & Bar
Hawthorn's Lulo Spice & Bar integrates strong vegetarian and vegan choices into its spice-focused kitchen, so plant-based diners get properly seasoned, flavourful food rather than an afterthought.
vegetariangluten freeopen lateopen sundayView venue4.5(471)· Google$$$$62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Restaurants Richmond5. JA Square
Richmond's JA Square has built vegan and vegetarian options into its menu with equal care to other dishes, making it a genuinely inclusive spot for diverse tables.
vegetarianopen mondayView venue4.9(117)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Restaurants Carlton6. Il Gambero - Italian Restaurant in Carlton
Italian restaurants can be strong on vegetable-forward cooking. Carlton's Il Gambero offers proper vegetarian options within traditional Italian fare, useful if you're after pasta, risotto, or vegetable-based plates.
Family friendlyvegetariangluten freeView venue4.3(1,488)· Google$$$$62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Restaurants St Kilda7. Fat Lulus Bottomless Dinner
St Kilda's Fat Lulus brings a social, generous dining format with vegetarian and vegan options built in. Good for groups wanting to share and graze without dietary compromise.
vegetarianopen lateView venue4.4(742)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Restaurants Brunswick8. Lunar by Hikari
Brunswick's Lunar by Hikari offers dedicated vegetarian and vegan selections on its menu, ensuring plant-based diners have substantive, well-executed choices.
vegetarianopen mondayopen sundayopen seven daysView venue4.5(499)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Restaurants Southbank9. La Camera, Italian Restaurant
Italian cooking at Southbank's La Camera leans naturally toward vegetable-based dishes. Risottos, pasta without meat, and vegetable-forward plates are part of the tradition here.
Outdoor seatingFamily friendlyvegetariangluten free+3 moreView venue4.2(1,384)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Restaurants Melbourne CBD10. Brunetti Oro Flinders Lane
In the Melbourne CBD, Brunetti Oro brings Italian pastry and dining with vegetarian options woven through the menu—useful for a CBD lunch or dinner with plant-based requirements.
breakfastvegetarianopen lateearly opening+3 moreView venue4.2(4,132)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Restaurants South Yarra11. Mudo Dining & Bar
South Yarra's Mudo Dining & Bar has thoughtfully incorporated vegetarian and vegan choices into its dining menu, so all guests eat from considered, not simplified, options.
vegetarianopen lateopen sundayView venue4.9(97)· Google61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Restaurants Hawthorn12. Tokyo Table
Hawthorn's Tokyo Table offers vegetarian and vegan Japanese options, from vegetable-focused sushi and rolls to plant-based tempura and sides—Japanese cuisine often has natural plant-based strength.
vegetarianopen sundayView venue4.3(891)· Google$$$$61Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veggie Inn | 64/100 | 4.9(175) | — | Footscray | vegetarian |
| Vegie Bar | 64/100 | 4.4(3,242) | $$ | Fitzroy | vegetarian |
| Sister of Soul | 63/100 | 4.3(2,063) | $$ | St Kilda | vegetarian |
| Lulo Spice & Bar | 62/100 | 4.5(471) | $$ | Hawthorn | vegetarian |
| JA Square | 62/100 | 4.9(117) | — | Richmond | vegetarian |
| Il Gambero - Italian Restaurant in Carlton | 62/100 | 4.3(1,488) | $$ | Carlton | Family friendly |
| Fat Lulus Bottomless Dinner | 62/100 | 4.4(742) | — | St Kilda | vegetarian |
| Lunar by Hikari | 62/100 | 4.5(499) | — | Brunswick | vegetarian |
| La Camera, Italian Restaurant | 61/100 | 4.2(1,384) | $$ | Southbank | Outdoor seating |
| Brunetti Oro Flinders Lane | 61/100 | 4.2(4,132) | $$ | Melbourne CBD | breakfast |
| Mudo Dining & Bar | 61/100 | 4.9(97) | — | South Yarra | vegetarian |
| Tokyo Table | 61/100 | 4.3(891) | $ | Hawthorn | vegetarian |
Frequently asked questions
Are all these restaurants fully vegan?+
No. Veggie Inn and Vegie Bar are fully vegetarian. The other 10 venues serve meat dishes as well, but have proper vegan and vegetarian options available on their regular menus. Check directly with individual restaurants about specific vegan certifications or cross-contamination concerns if that matters to you.
Do I need to book ahead, and are opening hours consistent?+
Opening hours and booking policies vary by venue and may change seasonally. Contact each restaurant directly before visiting to confirm current hours and reservation availability.
Which suburbs are best for vegan and vegetarian dining in Melbourne?+
This list spans inner Melbourne well. Fitzroy and St Kilda each have two venues included, while Hawthorn, Carlton, Brunswick, and others each have at least one strong option. The CBD and Southbank are covered too, so you have choices across most popular dining precincts.
Will these restaurants cater to strict vegan diets?+
Veggie Inn and Vegie Bar, being fully vegetarian, are your safest bets for strict vegan requirements. For the other venues, it's best to call ahead and confirm vegan suitability, ingredient sourcing, and any preparation methods that matter to you.
Are there price differences between these venues?+
We don't have pricing data for these venues, so contact them directly to understand cost. However, dedicated vegetarian venues and established Italian restaurants may differ significantly from casual spots. Check websites or call to compare.
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