There is a lot to love about Sydney, stunning harbour views, pristine beaches, and beautiful sunny weather, just to name a few. It is also one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world, which gives Sydney a uniquely multicultural and vibrant food scene. With more restaurants offering plant-based menus, Sydney has welcomed the vegan movement with open arms. So If you’re after a great feed in the land down under, here are ten noteworthy restaurants we think are worth visiting. 

1. Shift Eatery – Surry Hills

Think vegan food is boring? Sydney’s first vegan deli is here to prove you otherwise and on a mission to help even the biggest skeptics make the Shift to a plant-based diet. This café serves all the classics you would typically find in your favorite sandwich shop. Stop by for a cup of coffee and one of their famous World’s Best Vegan Bacon & Egg Bagel. You won’t be disappointed. 

2. Eden - Bondi

Head right across the road from the iconic Bondi Beach to find the beautifully decorated Eden. Grab a seat in the courtyard, order a cocktail, and feast your eyes on an all-vegan menu with so many options, you won’t know where to start. We highly recommend bringing friends along so you can try each of their fantastic share plates ranging from a sweet and sticky Popcorn Cauli, decadent Truffle Mac N Cheese, to their famous bright green Eden Sliders. 

3. Kindness Cafe – Darlinghurst

Kindness Cafe prides itself on serving authentic Thai dishes that use all-natural ingredients that really let the vegetables shine. You won’t find any fake meat here, and quite frankly, you won’t miss it. All their dishes are lovingly made with fresh quality ingredients and are jam-packed with flavor. This 100% vegan restaurant makes all their own curry pastes you can purchase in-store to have your own delicious adventures at home. Ask the team for some tips on how to recreate your favorite dishes - they are always happy to oblige! 

4. Bad Hombres – Surry Hills

Looking for good food and a good time? Look no further. This Mexican inspired eatery is all vegan and hits the sweet spot of where fun meets delicious. Their menu is inspired and full of textural delights. Think soft corn tortillas filled with crispy miso eggplant topped with a tongue-tingling pineapple habanero salsa and miso caramel. Genius. Bonus: their margaritas are on point. 

5. Gigi’s Pizzeria – Balmain 

Though not a vegan restaurant, the plant-based offerings at Gigi’s are well thought out. In fact, they have a dedicated vegan menu that is just as long as their regular one. They specialize in wood-fired pizza and even have a vegan, gluten-free option. There is truly something for everyone on their expansive menu, but we believe the winners are in the dessert section. You can order a panna cotta, tiramisu, or zeppola (an Italian doughnut with vanilla gelato and caramel sauce – our favorite!) that you won’t believe are vegan. 

6. Sydney Vegan Market – Moore Park (3rd Sunday of every month) 

If you happen to be in town on the 3rd Sunday of the month – you’re in luck! With up to 130 all-vegan stalls, you will be spoilt for choice. Come with an empty stomach and get ready to be blown away by some of the best food you will ever eat. They even have a dedicated area appropriately called ‘Sweet Tooth Central.’ Market-goers are encouraged to BYO containers. We recommend it so you can buy more things to take home. Trust us, and you can thank us later.  

7. Green Gourmet – Newtown, St Leonards 

A family-owned and run business, Green Gourmet has been promoting plant-based foods since 1998! Over two decades later, it has stood the test of time and earned its badge as a vegan institution and crowd favorite. They don’t use onion and garlic in their cooking, but everything is so flavourful that you wouldn’t be able to tell. Gluten-free and low gluten menu items are also clearly marked. Portion sizes are generous here, and the food is both healthy and comforting. Order their Sea’s Food Laksa and prepare to be mind-blown. 

8. Lonely Mouth – Newtown 

Ramen lovers, rejoice! The team at Lonely Mouth has done the impossible and created an authentic ramen experience without having any animal products on their menu. Here you can get a hemp seed and sunflower based ramen, which replicates the creaminess and richness of a traditional tonkatsu broth. If that’s not your style, you can choose either a spicy Tantanmen or their classic Miso Ramen. No wrong choices here! 

9. Peppe’s – Bondi 

With all the charm you would expect from an osteria, this all-vegan joint specializes in making classic Italian dishes that will knock your socks off. The menu changes regularly, but you are guaranteed to find their trademark perfect pillowy gnocchi coated in a vibrant and hearty sauce.  

10. Yellow – Potts Point 

For some serious wow factor, book yourself a table at this vegetarian bistro located in one of Sydney’s oldest neighborhoods. Their impressive menu boasts dishes that will sit comfortably in any fine dining restaurant without stiff formalities and eye-watering price tags. Their vegan menu is outstanding, and if you want to try a bit of everything, you can since Yellow offers vegan tasting menus of either 5- or 7-courses with optional wine pairing. A truly one of a kind dining experience. 

Photo by Dan Freeman on Unsplash