Find Gourmet Greens on the Plate at these 5 Restaurants

There’s vegetarian and vegan food…and there are gourmet greens that entice and satisfy even the hungriest carnivore with taste and texture that is hard to beat.

Whether you are seeking a vegetarian curry, vegan charcuterie board or a cauliflower steak with all the trimmings, you’ll find it on the menu at a restaurant around Australia; here are five where you’ll discover gourmet greens on the plate:

Plant-based modern Sichuan cuisine is what awaits Collingwood diners at Shu Restaurant on Johnson Street. Named after owner and Chef, Shu Liu, chill out in fun and funky surrounds of neon lighting, clear plastic chairs, potted greenery and wire sculptures hanging from the ceiling as you ponder degustation menus to tempt all palates.

 

Stop for a sake at the bar before dining on local and seasonal produce, executed with a creative mind and contemporary philosophy; stop in on Sunday for unlimited yum cha, or dine on the 10-course vegan degustation. Think dishes like preserved mustard greens with Asian herb butter, wrapped with roasted pine nuts and crunchy peas on a fresh wasabi leaf, dressed with housemade pickled ginger pearls.

Tucked away from hustle and bustle near the train station, Moonee Ponds foodies head to Chew Chew on Norwood Crescent to refuel and recharge for the day. The ideal spot for a catch-up with friends, quick business lunch or your next function, expect a seasonal menu sourced from the best local produce, served in stylish surrounds of a horn chandelier, exposed brick and recycled timber.

 

Settle in with a smoothie and the big veggie chew with baked beans, smashed avo, pumpkin, halloumi, tomato, mushrooms and poached eggs on sourdough; or stop by for lunch and devour a vegetarian stack with mixed layered vegetables, Napoli sauce, basil, toast and rocket, enjoyed with an organic ginger beer.

Expect a lush atmosphere, swingin’ tunes and housemade, homegrown plant-based fare at Folk Byron Bay on Ewingsdale Road. Dine alfresco in a green-filled space where trailing vines and palms add an oasis-like vibe; or cosy up indoors where wooden bench seating and colourful cushions set a bright and breezy tone for inspired brunch dining.

 

Committed to vegetarian eating to take care of your health and the environment, delve into plates such as poached eggs on organic sourdough with mushrooms, walnut basil pesto, roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh baby greens and halloumi; or join the lunch crowd for a soba noodle salad with roasted broccoli, sweet sesame, turmeric-spiced cashews, baby garden greens, ponzu and a fried egg.

Offering an holistic approach to dining and nightlife for locals and travellers visiting Maroochydore is Elixiba Herbal Alchemy Bar & Restaurant on Ocean Street. Escape the rush of modern society and step into a magical interior, where timbers twist into bar stools, lights hypnotise with purple and green hues and diners feel nourished and revived by the warmth of Mother Nature’s delights.

 

The menu holds a list of surprises, drinks infused with rare active botanicals and alcohol, custom brewed and distilled using herbs, superfoods and bush tuckers; while all dishes are vegetarian, gluten-free and created with taste and health in mind. Indulge yourself with a kindness bowl of massaged Asian greens, sesame kelp noodles, pickled carrots, sesame cheese, seeds and a citrus sesame dressing, served chilled on a bed of greens.

Discover Carlton’s first vego pub at the Green Man’s Arms Hotel on Lygon Street. Delight your senses in a great atmosphere with outstanding service and a menu that is healthy, sustainable and local producing dishes that are full of bold, unexpected flavours, enjoyed in surrounds of polished subway tiles, a cosy fireplace for cooler months and trailing greenery.

 

Expect plates such as fried cauliflower with secret herbs and spices and chipotle aioli, along with laksa greens – nori tofu fillet, sautéed greens and laksa broth – or go big with mushroom ‘eye fillet’ steak, fondant potatoes, wilted spinach, red wine jus and herb butter. Sticky date pudding, caramel sauce and vanilla gelato complete the ideal vegetarian meal.