Where to find Melbourne’s best vegan food

Set inside the dramatic entrance of design hotel Ovolo, Lona Misa has an impeccable pedigree. It’s an ambitious collaboration between vegan queen Shannon Martinez (Smith & Daughters, Smith & Deli) and Melbourne hospitality royalty Ian Curley (French Saloon, Kirk’s Wine Bar).

It serves a variety of Latin-inspired small plates for sharing and highlights perfectly crafted fake meats and seasonal vegetables smoked in their own Jasper charcoal oven.

The bar definitely deserves a visit so you don’t miss the refreshing Pina colada. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can even skip driving and crash in the upstairs luxury suites.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Peri peri chicken ($32)

If you’re looking for an all-rounder, family-friendly destination, Sister of Soul is the way to go.

Set near the beach on St Kilda’s busiest corner, with a second venue in Richmond, it has plenty of outdoor space for kids to feel free. It’s open seven days a week and serves beautifully-plated globally-inspired dishes, including raw, gluten-free, and onion and garlic-free options.

Come in for the popular Sister’s One big brekkie or indulge in comforting bowls like the Satay tempeh bowl and the Bibimbap nutrition. The smoothies and nourishing lattes are worth checking out if an afternoon pick-me-up is called for.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Satay tempeh bowl ($21.50)

Pizza would be an easy vegan-friendly option, if it wasn’t for the difficulty of finding decent dairy-free cheese. Luckily, Red Sparrow is here to solve this problem, with an extensive cruelty-free menu featuring everything from classic Pepperoni to the audacious Cheeseburger pizza.

With three locations spread around the city and reliable, friendly service, this vegan pizza institution was awarded overall Best Pizza in Melbourne by the Herald Sun a couple of years ago.

Ready to explore starters and dessert? Don’t miss the crispy Not (chicken) wings and Notela dessert pizza.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Verde pizza ($23)

If you thought rich ramen broths couldn’t be veganised, Neko Neko is here to prove you wrong.

Although this small Fitzroy meets Tokyo cafe isn’t entirely vegan, its most popular dishes surprisingly are. Beyond the famous ramens, the Teishoku-style bentos feature a combination of well-seasoned Japanese classics such as Agedashi tofu and Nasumiso eggplant and in-house creations like the crispy and creamy vegan croquettes.

Arrive early or come ready to share a spot on the triangular communal table.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Vegan spicy tofu ramen ($23)

In the heart of Swanston Street, you’ll find Gopals. This Hare Krishna cafeteria is perhaps Melbourne’s oldest vegan destination and a peaceful lunchtime retreat.

With set menus starting at less than ten dollars (for two salads and two mains), it’s a surprisingly affordable option that will leave you satisfied every time.

You can find anything from fresh Asian salads, spicy Indian dahls, and hearty Italian “meatballs” in the rotating buffet. Come prepared for a home-cooked meal, and don’t be afraid to mix all the flavours on your plate.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Weekly special ($11.50)

This Balaclava gem might be hard to find, but once you turn into the alley behind Carlisle Street, the smell of roasted coffee will tell you you’ve arrived.

Monk Bodhi Dharma offers ethically-sourced in-house roasted coffees, specialty teas and an almost entirely vegan menu of well presented, nourishing soul food.

It’s all served in a heart-warming open-brick cubicle, with a large communal table in the centre and repurposed Singer sewing tables along the walls. Due to its tiny dining space, it tends to attract big queues on the weekends, but the friendly staff will happily serve you freshly brewed coffee while you wait outside.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Umami mushrooms ($21.50)

If you’re looking for a veg-friendly date night, Fitzroy’s Transformer is an excellent choice.

Set in a refurbished transformer warehouse, Transformer offers casual-chic industrial decor, abundant greenery and plant-forward cuisine. From the same owners of the famous Vegie Bar and its neighbour, Girls and Boys, it features a more sophisticated and experimental cuisine focused on highlighting local vegetables, with influences from the chefs’ Mediterranean and Asian travels.

The tasting menu changes seasonally and is made for sharing, which is why you should bring a date here!

Dish Cult’s top pick: Feed me (Tasting menu – $64)

Before Lona Misa, there was Smith & Daughters! Award-winning chef Shannon Martinez regularly proves that she can make any nation’s cuisine vegan and it’s a formula that works, as there are regularly queues out the door here.

Go for the Mediterranean vibes of Blue cheese loukoumades with date molasses and dukkha or perhaps the Charcoal chicken, heirloom chargrilled vegetables and harissa tahini is more your thing. Whatever you do, don’t skip dessert as Martinez is a whizz at producing ice-creams and pastries free of any animal products.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Halva and chocolate sundae, sweet tomato, sesame tahini crisp ($19)

Fina’s is a Vietnamese restaurant with a loyal fellowship of vegans and vegetarians, where eaters can relax in the laidback atmosphere with friendly staff and an extensive menu that accommodates virtually all dietary restrictions. Driven by a passion for cooking and concerns about animal cruelty, Fina’s is all about wholesome Asian cuisine.

The food stands out for being fresh and healthy without compromising on flavours. Faux meat options include seafood, pork and a popular mock chicken. The Salt and pepper tofu is an obsession for many of the regular customers. It could be considered a crime not to order rice paper rolls in a Vietnamese diner, especially the ones prepared in this family owned and operated venue. Complete the experience with a selection of their delicious raw vegan desserts.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Special noodle soup ($15)

Home Vegan Bar is a cosy oasis in the Docklands which offers thoughtful vegan cuisine and a warm atmosphere. Nourishing meals are made from scratch daily and sustainable practices are applied in every aspect of the business. At Home Vegan Bar you will find love-infused medicine for the soul.

It’s hard to pick a dish with such an elaborate menu of plant-based meals, smoothies and juices made from organic ingredients, but first timers could begin with one of the All day breakfast options. If you want something more soothing, perhaps the Thai coconut soup with chicken is the thing, and don’t forget to stay well hydrated with a wide range of mylks and alkaline waters.

Dish Cult’s top pick: BBQ Pulled Pork Burger ($16.50)