Plant-based dining is no longer an afterthought—it’s a culinary movement redefining the way we experience food. Across Australia, restaurants and cafés are championing creative, flavour-packed vegetarian and vegan dishes that are every bit as indulgent as their meaty counterparts. Whether you’re a lifelong herbivore or simply curious, these venues are proving that plant-based eating is anything but boring.
Tucked away in the lush surrounds of the Hunter Valley, Oak & Vine at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort is a hidden gem where Sri Lankan-inspired flavours meet an elevated dining experience. Whether you’re sipping wine alfresco by the pool or enjoying a cocktail at the sleek indoor bar, this restaurant offers a ‘smart dining’ experience that perfectly complements the region’s renowned wine culture.
While meat and seafood dishes shine here, Oak & Vine also delivers an exceptional dedicated vegetarian menu. The crispy cauliflower is a standout—golden florets tossed in a Ceylon-spiced chilli sauce, served with a refreshing pineapple and coriander salsa atop fragrant saffron pilau rice. The spice levels are masterfully balanced, ensuring each bite is a harmony of heat, sweetness and crunch.
From sunlit brunches to late-night wine bar vibes, Bellagio in Waverley is a go-to for discerning Sydneysiders. The polished wooden interiors, intimate tables and vibrant greenery create a welcoming yet refined atmosphere, while the leafy alfresco area is perfect for lingering over a long meal with friends.
Their Glowing Asian Bowl is a plant-based dream—a colourful medley of steamed red rice, edamame, pickled carrots, bok choy, cucumber and wombok, topped with crispy fried shallots and a perfectly seasoned miso dressing. A soy-cured egg adds a rich, umami depth to this nourishing and beautifully plated dish, proving that health-conscious dining doesn’t have to skimp on flavour.
Banksy Bar & Kitchen – Broadbeach, QLD
Nestled in the heart of Broadbeach, Banksy Bar & Kitchen is all about soaking up the best of the Gold Coast lifestyle—great coffee, fresh ingredients and a menu that caters to all tastes. With a modern-industrial vibe and plenty of outdoor seating, this café is the perfect spot for lazy brunches under the Queensland sun. Bonus points if you bring your pup along to meet the venue’s namesake, a charming Viszla named Banksy.
Their Vegan Falafel Bowl is a vibrant and satisfying choice for plant-based diners. House-made chickpea falafel is perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, paired with Moroccan hummus, tangy pickled red onions and homemade coconut labneh for a creamy finish. A sprinkle of sumac salt, fresh microgreens, sweet bursts of pomegranate and a drizzle of basil oil take this dish to the next level.
Toil & Trouble – Brunswick East, VIC
With a name that nods to a little bit of magic in the kitchen, Toil & Trouble in Brunswick East brings a creative flair to plant-based dining. Sustainability is at the heart of their ethos and the menu reflects this commitment with bold, innovative dishes that make even the most devoted carnivores do a double take. Dimly lit interiors, dark wood furnishings and crazy pavers set the scene for a cosy yet stylish dining experience.
The Phish and Chips is a must-try—a clever reinvention of the classic fish and chips, featuring flaky marinated tofu battered to golden perfection. Served alongside crispy chips, a refreshing apple, fennel and cabbage slaw and a rich curry sauce, this dish is a nostalgic nod to the takeaway staple, reimagined for the modern plant-based eater.
Gone are the days of uninspired vegetarian options—these restaurants are proving that plant-based dining is anything but restrictive. Whether it’s Sri Lankan-inspired flavours, nourishing grain bowls, or inventive takes on comfort food, Australia’s vegan and vegetarian scene is thriving with creativity. So, whether you're a full-time vegan or just looking to mix things up, these venues offer a deliciously fresh perspective on plant-based eating.
