With Australians increasingly more conscious of eating healthily, what an actual healthy food pyramid should look like and trends in wholefood plant-based diets, we take a look at some cafés around the country serving vegan, vegetarian and wholefood plant-based options.
VICTORIA:
MELBOURNE -
Brother Bon, Northcote: Continuing a family journey to make real a place where people from all walks of life come together to celebrate vegan and vegetarian through delicious food, Brother Bon on High Street brings Asian fare with flair to Northcote. From the beautiful wooden chess table to comfy couches and potted greenery, expect to relax in an oasis of calm or perch on a stool at the recycled timber window bench and watch the world pass by.
GEELONG -
Feast, Geelong: Grab-and-go food that is 100% plant-based, good for the planet and your well-being is on the menu at Feast Geelong on Ormond Road. Dine in on fresh salad bowls, smoothies, soups, stews and curries; check out the warmer for housemade pies and pastries, or counter cabinet where ready-to-toast focaccias, muffins and pizzas await.
NSW:
SYDNEY -
Govinda’s, Darlinghurst: Operating for more than 40 years, Govinda’s on Darlinghurst Road has cemented itself in Sydney’s competitive dining scene as a local institution. As one of the city’s first plant-based restaurants, Govinda’s prides itself on offering ethical and unique dining and wait for it… acinema experience! Yes, that’s right, there is also a cinema room for movie nights.
Badde Manor's Cafe, Glebe: Wholesome, vegetarian and eclectic menu choices await hungry Glebe foodies at Badde Manors Café on Glebe Point Road. Step into old-world charm with recycled timber, spice-coloured walls, glowing lights and cabinets groaning with temptations, making this destination-worthy dinner a hit with locals and visitors alike. Expect dishes carefully crafted to showcase cultural food from Asia, North Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the Mediterranean.
Folk, Byron Bay: 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.
QUEENSLAND:
BRISBANE -
BRISBANE -
El Planta, South Brisbane: Hidden in a laneway reminiscent of Melbourne, you’ll find this incredible plant-based Mexican Cantina and instead of an ‘about us’ page on their website, you’ll find a ‘reviews’ page because they are that confident! Think red chilli jackfruit tacos, plant-based queso with housemade corn chips and char-grilled corn cobb rolled in chipotle mayo.
GOLD COAST -
Cardamom Pod, Southport: Well known and loved by locals, this inventive café believes you can eat your way to a better world and embrace the slogan ‘Let food be thy medicine and let medicine be thy food’. Most popular on the menu is the Super Food burger, made of nutrient-dense patty of sprouted brown rice, kumara and activated almonds, alongside a veggie mix of Swiss mushrooms, tahini, lettuce, confit tomato, avocado, gherkins, truffle aioli, served with a side of Panko crusted cheesy potato balls.
SUNSHINE COAST -
Elixiba Herbal Alchemy Bar & Restaurant, Maroochydore: Offering a holistic approach to dining and nightlife for locals and travellers visiting Maroochydore. 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.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA:
PERTH -
Veggie Mama, Mount Lawley: Specialising in vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free. They’re open for a belly-warming breakfast through to lunch for freshly made vegan gnocchi or take away family-sized meals if you prefer.
ACT:
CANBERRA -
Monster Kitchen and Bar, Canberra CBD: Voted as an AGFG Readers' Choice award-winner this Canberra kitchen is a favourite! Wandering through the ground floor of Ovolo Nishi on Edinburgh Avenue in Canberra, Monster Kitchen & Bar is preoccupied with serving local and seasonal produce prepared for sharing. Take your seat in the salon and dining rooms, with a Jungle Fever rum cocktail in hand and share a plate of Tom’s famous dumplings, black soy vinegar, goji berry, mushroom medley and fermented chilli. Delve into charred sugarloaf cabbage, crispy onions, jalapeño, Romesco, Parmesan crumb and ranch dressing, finishing sweetly with blueberry cheesecake, coconut and vegan meri.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA:
ADELAIDE -
Veggie Vie Café, Adelaide CBD: Born out of a love of good vegan food, Veggie Vie Cafe on McHenry Street in the heart of Adelaide City was created with the vision to entice people from all walks of life to eat, drink and relax in a humble, warm and accepting atmosphere. Step into an oasis of green with plant wallpaper covering the walls, recycled timber and trailing plants, setting the ideal vibe for 100% plant-based dining from a menu that is always veggie-centric: along with low processing techniques and wherever possible, housemate over packaged and pre-bought. Expect simple, honest and uncomplicated choices.
