Our list of the best vegetarian in Melbourne goes like this.

With an exclusively vegetarian menu, Shakahari creates Asian-inspired food using only fresh and natural ingredients. The Carlton gem is known for its fresh and exotic flavours, but it can be hard to describe precisely what you’ll find as menus are changed quarterly to take advantage of seasonal fruit and vegetables. The last time we visited, we loved the Laksa Hebat with Japanese udon noodles, spinach, mushrooms and bean sprouts in a ginger flower and lemongrass-flavoured coconut stock topped with fried tempeh, tofu, seitan and fresh herbs. Utterly delicious.

Indian cuisine matched with cool décor, Mukka is the perfect spot for quality, hearty vegetarian food in Melbourne. With around a 50 per cent split of meat-free options, this Indian eatery caters for all. A traditional affair, the menu includes classic options like the Veg Korma as well as some hints of traditional Indian street food. Our favourites include the Tandoori mushroom skewers and the paneer tikka. Pair your meal with a rose and cinnamon lassi and you’re good to go.

With a strong South American influence, ONDA Bar & Eatery is one of our favourite vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne. Bringing a touch of soul and familiar hospitality to the table, the menu is a sophisticated mix of traditional and modern dishes with a 50 per cent vegetarian mix full of Spanish and Argentinian specialties. The whole roasted eggplant with jalapeno puree, chimichurri, and lemon balm is a particular favourite of ours. Prices are very reasonable at around $60pp.

If you’re looking for the best fine-dining vegetarian in Melbourne, Attica is the restaurant you’ll want to visit. The world-recognised diner offers a separate degustation menu for vegetarians with surprising dishes that make extensive use of native ingredients as well as an Australian interior with Australian designer tableware and chairs. The long multi-course meal is an experience in itself, one of the most awarded restaurants in Australia, bookings are essential and open at 9 am each morning for 3 months ahead. Think bunya nuts and murnong rather than foie gras, caviar or lobster.

This vegan institution is anything but bland. Award-winning chef Shannon Martinez’s commitment to bringing the world good food and vibes has transformed an older restaurant into one of the best vegetarian spots Melbourne has on offer. Smith & Daughter’s mix of Mediterranean and Italian-inspired menu has a lot to offer. You can’t go past the Bucatini Cacio e Pepe and house-made Wakame, black garlic and tomato Focaccia, the authentic flavours effortlessly transporting you to the streets of Italy. A trip here promises a tasty meal and a good time for anyone.

For us, Mexican is the go-to for vegetarian food. And when it comes to great vegetarian Mexican food in Melbourne, Trippy Taco knows how to satisfy those inevitable cravings. Nestled within the quaint stores and cafes on Gertrude Street, the cantina-style space is relaxed, quick and delicious. They serve up huge tacos with vegan and gluten-free options, as well as burritos and desserts. The Nutella melt, which is Nutella spread on a grilled large flour tortilla is heavenly!

Pushing the boundaries of what we expect from vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne, Transformer is the queen of the Fitzroy dining scene. A former electrical transformer workhouse, the restaurant takes inspiration from a range of cuisines, including a mix of flavours from the Middle East, Mediterranean and Asia. Try the goats and sheep halloumi with grapefruit, black olive, almond puree and honey and finish the meal off with one of Transformer’s unique cocktails.

If you’re looking for the best vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free pizza in Melbourne we can’t go past this small and cosy place that sources local ingredients and prides itself in a light, fluffy and easy-to-digest crust. The traditional homemade pasta and pizzas have attracted a cult following since its opening in 2016. The Il Dottore pizza is a must, with Pomodoro, fior di latte, homemade Calabrian sausage, Italian porcini and parsley – all can be made vegan and gluten-free. If you want the best vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne for pizza, this is one of our favourites.

Raw vegan foodies unite! Combi embodies free-spiritedness with adventure and serves a diverse menu built around healthy and organic eating. Known for its selection of raw cakes and smoothies and acai bowls, Combi is a summer hot spot (or the ultimate place to go to pretend it’s summer) for anyone looking for a fresh and healthy pick-me-up. Combi now has various locations across Australia, slowly but surely becoming ingrained in the quintessential Aussie summer experience. Our go-to? The peanut butter cup smoothie is the perfect healthy, refreshing treat that hits the spot every time.

Sustainable, community-driven and open all day. Sister of Soul has a fully vegetarian menu with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. Even better, the crew team up with community gardens and donate their green waste weekly! Our favourite pick is from the breakfast menu – the apple crumple pancake. Made with buckwheat and topped with stewed apples, the crumble is what makes it so special, made from almonds, walnuts, coconut and hemp seeds and finished off with cinnamon gelato.

Open for lunch, dinner and late into the night, Evies Disco Diner is an ’80s flashback with quality vegan diner-style food options. Before hitting the d-floor grab a vegan chilli-cheese dog with tofu con carne and cashew sour cream or a deluxe vegan milkshake. Perfect for a well-deserved splurge meal, you won’t be having regrets after a visit to this Melbourne vegetarian restaurant.

Almost an institution in its own right, Vegie Bar is often considered the pulse of the Melbourne vegetarian food scene. Located in the heart of Brunswick Street, it’s strictly vegetarian and vegan and has a down-to-earth vibe. Drawing on inspiration from Asian flavours, try the curries and fried noodles for the classic Vegie bar experience. We love the chickpea makhani, a creamy Indian-spiced chickpea curry. Although the place is super big, beware as it gets busy and crowded! You will undoubtedly leave this meat-free restaurant in Melbourne feeling very full, both in your stomach and your heart – a visit making you feel as though you are part of a wider vego family.

A good one for those that need to satisfy both the carnivore and the herbivore – this Fitzroy North venue effortlessly combines local ingredients and Indian cuisine. The street food section of the menu is as outstanding as it is authentic. Try the Papdi Chaat, a bowl of fried wafers, soft potato cubes and chickpeas covered in chutney, yoghurt and pomegranate seeds. Easily one of the best vegetarian restaurants Melbourne has to offer.

The epitome of unpretentious vegan dining in Melbourne, Ballard’s offers cosy vibes, affordable dishes and an extensive list of vegan wines. We love the ragu gnocchi with house-made potato gnocchi, roast tomato, red wine braised mushroom, leek & parmesan foam with the sprouted black barley salad with artichoke cream, broccoli and cranberry on the side.

Described as an experience for the senses, Maha is another fine dining experience for the Melbourne vego connoisseurs. The restaurant prides itself on its array of dishes with strong Middle Eastern flavours, set in a creative and contemporary space. The restaurant has set menus inspired by the best seasonal produce available. Make sure to book well in advance to secure a spot at Shane Delia’s little masterpiece.

This list was compiled through online research, commentary and expert reviews. Moreover, author Aimee O’Keefe drew on their own expertise – as a pescetarian based in North Melbourne, she knows a thing or two about where to go for top-quality vegetarian food in and around Melbourne.

If you’re looking for other things to do in and around Melbourne, we’ve got you covered. You can also check out our list of fun things to do in Melbourne. If you’re looking for more Japanese cuisine recommendations, check out our list of the best Japanese restaurants in Melbourne or the best steak restaurants in Melbourne if you’re looking for something more specific. If you’re full, we can also help you with your search for the best live music venues in Melbourne.