With so many of us these days with specific dietary requirements, restaurants around the country put their best vegetarian foot forward with dishes to delight all palates.
As we continue on our delicious drive around the country checking out Chef-hatted dining destinations, here are six where you can find vegetarian and vegan options sure to entice:
Seasonal and Tasting Menus
Dine at height in sophisticated surrounds at Wildflower, occupying COMO The Treasury's rooftop space on Cathedral Avenue in Perth. Upon entering, guests are immersed in a sensory experience of fine dining, seated among elegant decor and offered a stunning view across the Swan River from a table either inside through floor-to-ceiling glass windows, or on the terrace.
The menu revolves around an indigenous ethos of six seasons with farmer and forager-driven dishes, including strong organic and sustainable influences in seasonal and tasting menus. Think vegetarian offerings of kardinya mushroom, sunchoke, chestnut and wattle seed, along with heirloom purple carrot, golden beetroot, native dukkah and apricot gel; to finish treat yourself with white chocolate, macadamia and candied celeriac sorbet.
Unpretentious, Wholesome Dishes
Celebrating an authentic paddock-to-plate philosophy in the picturesque Gold Coast Hinterland, The Paddock Restaurant on Binna Burra Road in Beechmont delivers unpretentious, wholesome fare celebrating local produce. This 14-hatted dining destination boasts a spacious dining area with lofty ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass doors opening alfresco to Hinterland vistas, while guests peruse a menu showcasing cooking over an open fire.
Vegetarians embark on a memorable culinary journey with fire-grilled asparagus, with salted asparagus and pea dressing, lemon vinaigrette, herb-infused leaf tuilles and amaranth leaves; then devour roasted butternut pumpkin, whipped yoghurt, pumpkin caramel and sprouted seeds.
Share Plates and Cocktails
Highlighting a passion for Asian cuisine and culture, Sum Yung Guys on Weyba Road in Noosaville is an ideal spot to share plates and cocktails with friends. Styled to capture the personalities of the four partners, the dining room presents a fun and funky vibe with neon signs, Japanese-style wall murals and wooden furniture, creating warmth and energy, just like the fare on the menu.
Kick off with a Rickshaw cocktail before salivating over vegetarian small plates like niang of crispy rice cake, spicy peanut relish, green apple and kaffir; move onto aromatic yellow curry with pumpkin, chickpeas, tofu and Thai basil, enjoyed with a serving of steamed jasmine rice and wok-tossed vegetables. Finish sweetly with passionfruit syrup cake, roasted white chocolate and macadamia ice cream.
Food to Stimulate the Senses
Changing the perception, head to Atta Restaurant on Victoria Avenue in Albert Park for food to stimulate the senses. This Melbourne restaurant offers classic dishes from all corners of India with a modern twist in stylish surrounds of white beamed ceilings, archways and blond wood tables.
The Chefs at Atta believe from preparation to presentation, food should not only please the palate but also the eye; think vegetarian entrées like sweet corn fritters, with garlic lemon aioli, chilli infused olive oil, tamarind and mint chutney and a kale crisp, followed by a memorable main of nargeshi kofta with cottage cheese and seasonal vegetables, tomato, onion and cashew gravy.
Vegetarian Degustation Menu
Ideal for an occasion that requires everything to be perfect, head to Courgette restaurant on Marcus Clarke Street in the heart of Canberra. Owned by celebrated Chef James Mussillon, this dining destination embodies luxury with a sophisticated ambience of lounge-like chairs inviting guests to settle in and savour both the food and the setting at their own unhurried pace.
Intimate dining is also available in private rooms, The Boardroom and the Cellar, with wines from across the globe on hand along with professional staff to help you select the best drop. Opt for the vegetarian degustation menu and delve into courgette blossom stuffed with stracciatella, served with blistered vine-ripened tomato, olive and herb snow; then devour herb-crusted cauliflower steak, halloumi, beetroot potato galette, mint yoghurt and pumpkin purée.
Elegant Terrace Restaurant
Inspired by Mexican flavours and traditions, come and explore the Victorian Georgian beauty that is No 92 Wine Bar and Restaurant on Glebe Point Road in Glebe. Once a private investigator’s office, this renovated elegant terrace venue oozes charm with whitewashed walls, open fireplaces and an eclectic mix of accents; settle in to graze on housemade focaccia and miso butter, washed down with a Margarita.
Larger plates such as casarecce with piquillo peppers, goats’ curd, corn and almond are sure to tempt vegetarians, or try baked eggplant, quajillo sauce, crispy corn and queso fresco; make sure to leave room for a dessert of seasonal très leches, strawberry gum cream and caramelised pistachio.
