Don’t Kale the Vibe! 5 Restaurants to Appease Vegetarian Pasta Cravings

From creamy cacio e pepe to lentil Bolognese and veggie lasagne, vegetable pasta dishes tempt all taste buds. 

There are many vegetables that go well with pasta – think broccoli, mushrooms, peas, spinach, tomatoes and asparagus for a start. Vegetarian pasta dishes are usually vibrant in colour, taste and texture…here are five of our favourite venues serving un-beetable pasta plates: 

For authentic Italian run by Canberra stalwart Carlo Tosolini, look no further than Molto Italian at the Kingston Foreshore. This seaside trattoria boasts modern interiors of high ceilings, dark wooden table settings and an open kitchen and bar, alongside a wood-fired pizza oven. Best enjoyed with family and friends, Molto’s menu reads like a romance where hand-cut pasta and extensive stuzzichini choices beckon to be shared.

 

Delve into the likes of polenta chips with gorgonzola sauce and Tuscan salt to start, before handmade pasta plates such as cacio e pepe, served straight from the cheese wheel at your table, or twirl your fork around mezze maniche in white wine sauce with zucchini flowers, guanciale and cherry tomatoes. Perhaps devour a slice of vegetarian pizza topped with fior di latte, Napoli sauce and garden vegetables.

Country hospitality, accommodation, a bistro and bar in the middle of South Gippsland's rolling hills is what you will find at Mirboo North Hotel on Ridgway. Chill out in the sunny beer garden on balmy days and listen to live music while sipping an icy brew; or head indoors to find a classic pub vibe of wood-panelled walls, exposed brick and maroon patterned carpet.

 

Expect Mod Oz fare such as parmas, steak and seafood; perhaps start your meal with three cheese arancini served on rocket leaves, with aioli; then delve into linguine tossed with a spicy lentil Bolognese sauce, topped with vegan or normal cheese, or gnocchi made with blue congo potatoes in a roast pumpkin and pesto sauce, with rocket and Parmesan.

Whether a date night, family dinner or special occasion, Young’s Wine Rooms on Camberwell Road is the perfect place in Hawthorn East to celebrate. Housed in the former Young’s Auction Rooms, this industrially-styled venue rocks exposed brick, recycled timber and white-clothed tables to set the scene for inspired dining indoors, while a shabby chic alfresco area with potted greenery and whitewashed walls beckons on balmy Melbourne days.

 

Get your evening started with potato blini, aioli, chives and caviar, or heirloom tomato, pickled strawberry, salsa bianca and macadamia; mains such as agnolotti with bitter greens, ricotta, pine nut and fermented chilli entice vegetarians, or braised mushrooms with macadamia curd, sugarloaf and pangrattato.

Offering a modern Italian dining experience, head to Augello’s Ristorante and Pizzeria on Whitehorse Road in Balwyn to appease serious hunger. A moody vibe of plush dark grey velvet banquettes, black subway tiles and a wall covered with specials sets the tone for chilled-out dining from an extensive menu of gourmet pizza, pasta and Italian favourites.

 

Say ciao to a glass of red and pasta plates of penne with fresh seasonal vegetables in Napolitana sauce, or aglio olio – spaghetti with garlic, parsley, chilli and olive oil. Risotto lovers opt for char-grilled eggplant, pumpkin, snow peas, broccoli, roasted capsicum and cherry tomatoes, in a stock-based risotto.

Experience the original flavours of Italy at Pizza e Vino on Glebe Point Road in Glebe and indulge in authentic cuisine, traditional pizza and a great selection of wines. Find a welcoming ambience and friendly staff who will make you feel right at home in moody surrounds of subdued lighting, Art Deco-style artwork and exposed brick walls covered with hanging pots and pans; settle in with a glass of vino and peruse Chef Giovanni’s menu prepared with the finest ingredients and authentic techniques.

 

Jump right in with housemade croquettes, potatoes and mozzarella, or zucchini flowers and chilli sauce, moving onto gourmet pasta plates like tagliatelle with white onion, cream, tomato and vodka sauce; perhaps rigatoni, with mushrooms, white cream sauce, crumbled nuts and burrata hits the mark, finishing with Chef’s traditional tiramisu or gelato.