The best thing about living in Melbourne is the endless Vegan options available everywhere! Step into Fitzroy and you will honestly think it was a purely Vegan community living together. It is absolutely mind blowing not being able to decide what to eat as a Vegan here and it makes me so happy to see how far we have come.
Although abundant it still involves some searching as Melbourne is a huge city so I have made up an easy list based on areas for easy reference with my favourites (there is honestly so many I would have to write about 10 of these to get it all)! I've even added a link to each so you can check out their locations and menu without having to open google (you're welcome). Bookmark it and keep it handy for when you have no clue what to eat and can’t be bothered going to the other side of the city for that one vegan place you know is open. Hopefully this is especially useful for you travellers out there :)
CBD
Lord of the Fries - Does this one really need an explanation? Home of the best faux meat burgers and fries and they’ve recently turned all vegan! They have vegan halal snack packs, big macs, poutine and chicken and chips!
Wings of Glory - A tiny little store dedicated to wings! The Vegan wings here are actually juicy and full of flavour. The beer battered chips are also amazing!
Mr Ramen San - Vegan ramen with actual “roast pork” slices. Enough said.
Supercharger - Who knew you’d be able to find an amazing Vegan place in a shopping centre food court? Perfect place to take a shopping break in Emporium.
INNER-CITY MELBOURNE - BRUNSWICK, FITZROY, ST KILDA, RICHMOND
Transformer - When you can actually get fine dining style foods that are Vegan for affordable prices. The makers of the ever famous Vegie Bar!
Handsome Her - If you love Brunch then Melbourne is definitely the place to be and being Vegan has no restrictions! Another beautiful completely Vegan cafe with beautiful colourful dishes.
Smith and Deli - I still can’t believe my eyes when I read the menu here. Deli style sandwiches that are all Vegan. Think meatball subs, chicken parma sandwiches and philly cheesesteak. They even stock Gardein, BeyondMeat and Follow Your Heart! Vegan heaven!
Smith and Daughters - Okay so they run Smith and Deli but they really know their shit when it comes to Vegan food and faux meats. A place to dine with Spanish inspired options and drinks!
Vegie Bar - One of the most popular Vegetarian and Vegan restaurants in Melbourne with pizzas, wraps, buddha bowls and more! They even deliver on Uber so perfect for when you can’t be bothered leaving the house.
Girls and Boys - Surprise, surprise! Another one from the owners of Vegie Bar. This time it’s all about ice cream and desserts!
Sister of Soul - Vegetarian and Vegan breakfast, lunch and dinner by St Kilda beach!
Matcha Mylkbar - The masters of colourful smoothies, lattes and the vegan egg! Brunch is never dull here and the never-ending puns keep you entertained!
The Vegan Shack by Rawbeet - You’ve probably heard of them from their Instagram page but they are opening their own store very soon selling epic vegan sandwiches! Definitely one to keep an eye on!
NORTHERN SUBURBS - COBURG, KENSINGTON, FLEMINGTON, MOONEE PONDS, NORTHCOTE
The Glass Den - A place where meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans can all eat a super pretty brunch in unison. They don’t cop out when it comes to the vegan option too! It is honest home made seitan and always comes out way too pretty to eat. Their chicken fillet is honestly the closet to Nando’s I have ever gotten!
Loving Hut - They have several locations so you’re bound to find one nearby. Serving amazing varieties of Asian cuisine such as Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese etc. Think Southern fried chicken, sweet and sour pork and pan fried tuna fillets.
Mister Nice Guys - You would never believe that their huge cinnamon buns, doughnuts, unicorn milkshakes, EVERYTHING was vegan. Servings are huge and satisfies the sweet tooth. They also serve chilli cheese dogs and tofu bagels!
Dumpling House - My hidden gem that I’m sharing with you guys. The dumpling places in the CBD have nothing on this place. Get some veggie pan fried dumplings here and thank me later. Super cheap and super tasty.
The Cornish Arms - A pub that has vegan options such as a vegan double downer (that's a burger made with two chicken fillets FYI) and a hot and spicy chicken box.
La Tortilleria - Best authentic and super affordable Mexican place in Melbourne ever. They sell their tortillas all over Australia if you need to get an idea of how amazing they are.
Chef Lagenda - Always the best for cheap eats and curry laksas whether you are vegan or not. Same quality as Laksa King with half the wait time! FYI they were partnered with
WESTERN SUBURBS - MARIBYNONG, FOOTSCRAY, AVONDALE HEIGHTS
(Ok so this one is a bit more biased with Vietnamese food because duh I’m Vietnamese but I promise you it’s all delicious, super authentic and super cheap!)
Nhu Lan Bakery - The best Vietnamese tofu banh mi ever. This is the authentic style of bread rolls and is probably the best in Melbourne!
Particle Cafe - Another cafe to add to your list! The cafe that has mastered the art of epic sandwiches and burgers and super crispy rice paper bacon! Yum!
Saigon Square - Another shopping centre gem. I had really low expectations coming into this one but ended up being pleasantly surprised! I have had vegan pho at famous authentic pho restaurants but they are often quick and easy cop outs of the real thing with little to no time spent on them. You can tell that the broth here was actually made with all the proper spices and simmered so give it a go!
Huong Viet Vegetarian and Vegan- The new kid on the block in Footscray but follows the same typical Vietnamese restaurant menu but all vegan. Winner!
Bo De Trai Vegetarian Restaurant - The OG of Vietnamese vegan food in the West. It is a little run down and not very inviting but ignore all that and get a super tasty vegan meal that is cheap as chips!
If I've missed any that you think should definitely be on this list share it with everyone in the comments below! Happy food hunting!