South of the River ain’t that bad, kids!
Trendy spots in Melbourne such as Fitzroy and Carlton are well-known as vegan havens, but did you know there are great vegan-friendly cafes in Melbourne South of the river? OK, so the South side of the river is definitely more dairy-presenting than the North. But there are still some amazing gems you can find. In fact, I would go as far as saying that some of the most delicious vegan food can be found here! I know I shocked a lot of my friends by deciding to live on the “uncool” side of the river (sorry, I’m not a trust-fund baby so I can’t afford to cosplay poor in Fitzroy with y’all), but I have found some great trusty cafes on the South side that have become my go-to’s and I honestly can’t wait to share! Maybe I can convince you to join me on the dark side?
What you will find here:
In this post you will find great vegan restaurants in Southern and Eastern Melbourne that have been taste-tested by me. I moved to Melbourne in 2021 and I have been eating my way through the vegan restaurants since then. Keep an eye out because I’ll be keeping this up-to-date with the best and newest vegan-friendly cafes in South Melbourne. Are you staying North side of the river? I also have a post about the best vegan restaurants North of the river, too.
A25
Recommended For: Vegan pizza
A25 is my go-to pizza place in Melbourne (don’t worry, I love Red Sparrow Pizza, too!). Not only do they have an entire vegan menu for vegan customers, A25 has gluten-free options too. There are a range of vegan meats, pasta, and dessert options on their vegan menu. Another reason they are one of the great vegan restaurants of Melbourne is because you will feel like you’ve been swept away to Italy with their pizzeria vibe.
Location: South Yarra
Price: $$
Ninna’s Kitchen
Recommended For: Meatball sub
In the town of yacht clubs and bathing boxes there is one brave family doing something completely unheard of. They opened a vegan cafe in the heart of Brighton. Ninna’s Kitchen is not just unique in location, their food is a surprise for any vegan. You’re bound to find something here that you haven’t had the vegan-version of yet. The family that runs Ninna’s Kitchen are always trying new things, and it is a good idea to check out their Facebook page and see what they have in this week. Be careful – they sell out fast! It is hard to recommend just one thing here, because it is the type of place I go to and always try something new because I can trust it will be delicious!
Location: Brighton
Price: $
Simply Spanish
Recommended For: Vegan paella
Simply Spanish is a place that has a lot of hype for their meat/seafood based big-dish paella. I first went here because my partner wanted to try that out and I just guessed I’d have to sip a coffee or something. But then I remembered – this is Melbourne! Of course Simply Spanish have a vegan option – and it is epic! Not only is the vegan dish the size of a family-portion, but it is one of the best paella’s I’ve had. This is really one of those great experiences you need to do when you’re in Melbourne: the aesthetic of Melbourne is strong here. Imagine sitting down at a weekend market stall as if in Paris, with the hustle and bustle of tote-wearing, flower-holding, coffee-sipping Melbournians. It is a vibe. Do it.
Location: South Melbourne Markets
Price: $$
Hanoi hannah
Recommended For: Vermicelli/Rice bowls
Hanoi Hannah is just so very Melbourne. A relaxed, aesthetically pleasing low-key grungy-gentrified vibe restaurant, Hanoi Hannah is the sort of place that you can easily walk up to and get a seat in the sun for some afternoon cocktails and asian fusion. That is so Melbourne. They offer meat dishes as well as gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan dishes.
Location: Elsternwick & Windsor
Price: $
Sister of Soul
Recommended For: Chocolate cherry pancakes
If you know me, you know that the vegan & vegetarian cafe Sister of Soul is my jam. It is probably my favourite place to go for food on a lazy Sunday. I love the laid back, light, and airy aesthetic, the brunch and extensive vegan breakfast options, and that it is right in the heart of St. Kilda. I think its the best vegan-friendly cafes in South Melbourne. Sister of Soul‘s big breakfast, pancakes, and avocado on toast are all highly recommended. Very St. Kilda.
Location: St. Kilda
Price: $$
Love Madre
Recommended For: Açaí bowl
Love Madre is one of the best vegan restaurants in South Melbourne for two reasons. Firstly, they always have a wide selection of baked goods for you to peruse so don’t bother checking the menu in advance and making up your mind. Let it come to you. Secondly, their food is really reasonably priced for fresh, home-cooked style foods. I highly recommend the açaí bowl and a pie followed by a big mug of your favourite hot drink (their whole selection is delicious and you won’t be disappointed!). OK, I actually have a third reason: Love Madre have a small pantry, breads, and fridge selection of cheeses to buy. I bought myself a bar of the UK’s vegan Cadbury chocolate bar here to try which I haven’t seen anywhere else in Australia!
Location: Cheltenham
Price: $
Ren Dao
Recommended For: Japanese ‘chicken’ katsu curry
Ren Dao is a vegetarian Asian-fusion restaurant that is all-vegan. The food here is so good, and really reasonably priced. The atmosphere is warm and cosy, half-way between restaurant and home. Ren Dao has a range of fake meats that make it the perfect place to go to if you and your friends can’t decide what food you want to eat, because they have it all here!
Location: Elsternwick
Price: $
VERDICT
Is the South Side Good for Vegan Cafes?
Yes and no. This is Melbourne so of course it is going to be more vegan-friendly than the average city. The North side still reigns supreme in the cute-vegan-cafe awards, but don’t rule the South side out completely. There are still some amazing gems that will keep you coming back for more. I also find that the South has a more relaxed vibe when it comes to vegan restaurants, and they are a lot more inviting than their high-brow Northern sisters.
did this article speak to you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you’re on Instagram, you can find me over here: @apicturesquelife so feel free to reach out or use #apicturesquelife and I’d be happy to connect!
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