The 17 Must-Visit Vegan Restaurants in Sydney

A decade ago, Jake Smyth and Kenny Graham drew crowds in Newtown with burgers that could be topped with trashcan bacon. Since then, the restaurant has evolved significantly, now offering a fully vegan menu featuring fried cauliflower, mash with gravy, and four plant-based burger options at all locations, including their Castle Hill branch that opened in 2022.

If you’re longing for the vegan yum cha that Bodhi used to offer (RIP), don’t miss out on Green Sprouts, which serves dumplings, bean curd rolls, and 'pork' buns during weekend brunch. The mall-based Dinogoy also features a comprehensive yum cha menu throughout the week, allowing you to enjoy plant-based har gow, siu mai, and chili-smoked soy and beetroot dumplings even at 8 p.m. on a Wednesday when cravings strike.

It's tough to compete with the stunning postcard view from the 36th floor of the Shangri-La Hotel, overlooking the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. However, the venue's vegan high tea makes a strong case for attention. Service is more affordable on weekdays when window seats are easier to get. Recent standout offerings include decadent date gateau draped in raspberry chocolate, pulled jackfruit kimchi tacos, and fluffy berry jam scones accompanied by light soy cream.

Brent Savage’s flagship vegetarian fine dining restaurant embraced a fully vegan menu during the pandemic, showcasing remarkable creativity under head chef Sander Nooij. The simple dish names — like Braised Leek + Green Garlic + Potato Sauce — belies the intense flavors they deliver. The potato sauce, reminiscent of rich, buttery whipped mash, remains a delightful mystery, even as staff offer detailed explanations. Also noteworthy are the skewered mushrooms, elegantly topped with whipped tofu, fermented chile sauce, and roasted nori, among other standout dishes on the menu.

Shannon Martinez from Melbourne is justifiably one of Australia’s leading vegan chefs. Her famous cheeseless cacio e pepe from Smith + Daughters has made its way to Alibi in Sydney’s Ovolo Woolloomooloo hotel, where she also showcases her Spanish heritage with a stunning egg-free potato tortilla. Don't miss her spanakopita paired with lemon ash, along with soft slices of confit tomato, ricotta, seaweed, and black garlic focaccia.

Junda Khoo’s Ho Jiak restaurants honor his amah, the Malaysian grandmother who greatly influenced his culinary experiences. At the renowned Town Hall location, you can find noteworthy plant-based dishes, including koay kak, where radishes are steamed, cooled, double-fried, chilled again, and then crisped in the wok. These are complemented by bold vegan sauces that Junda has meticulously crafted.

At Annita Potter’s Thai Mytoury, the 2023 chef of the year as recognized by Good Food Guide elevates her vegan fish sauce with fermented pineapple, presenting one of the finest vegan tasting menus in the city. This multicourse, plant-based experience begins with a mandarin appetizer infused with lemongrass, makrut lime, and shallots, followed by delights like green curry wafers filled with coconut-braised radish and longans, red curry potatoes, and stir-fried corn and asparagus adorned with golden garlic.

Natasya Soetantyo’s Indonesian vegan offerings are a hidden treasure. Sample her garlicky batagor (a fried Javanese snack) or the grilled tofu satay, where ultra-soft bean curd becomes caramelized and crispy from sweet-soy basting over charcoal. The tempeh crisps from Ferments’ Lab, created by chef Darwin Su, make a delightful appearance as well.

At Gunjan Aylawadi’s inviting all-day Indian Mytoury, you must try the sabudana vada—spiced hash-brown morsels that chef Dhruv Sadaphal (formerly of Fred’s) keeps vegan-friendly with sweet coconut yogurt. The broccoli wings paired with zesty tamarind sauce and dosa potato jaffles are also plant-based and have garnered a loyal fanbase.

Long before the likes of Impossible Burger and other tech startups made a splash with plant-based patties, traditional Asian restaurants were already catering to Buddhist diners with tofu and mock meats. In Cabramatta, Dinogoies have been serving this humble fare for decades. At An Lac, beloved Vietnamese dishes known for their meaty or seafood profiles are offered in vegan-friendly forms, featuring slurp-worthy bun bo hue and bun rieu.

Many of the city’s beloved food creators (like Comeco Foods, La Petite Fauxmagerie, and I Should Be Souvlaki) began their journeys at this community-centric monthly market. Here, you can indulge in Southern Soul’s comforting vegan jambalaya and mac and cheese, Konjo Mesob’s delightful Ethiopian plates and rose lemonade, and Oh My Days’ plant-based strawberry basil eclairs and finger buns, which also have a permanent bakery in Glebe.

The creators of Vandal taqueria (a staple on Vegan Mile) are broadening their plant-based ventures. The ambitious Greens Supermarket on Enmore Road offers an array of in-house vegan desserts, sandwiches, and ready-to-eat meals. You can also stock up on pantry essentials like caramelized onion camembert and locally made artisan tofu. Bistro-style outdoor seating is available for those who wish to enjoy their visit longer. Keep an eye out for several upcoming attached restaurants.

Before its transition to vegan offerings, Gigi was celebrated by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana for its authentic slices, a prestigious accolade in Sydney. It continues to uphold that recognition even after shifting to a plant-based menu, featuring a classic tomato-garlic marinara and creative vegetable toppings. Gigi stands out as one of the highlights on Sydney’s Vegan Mile.

Yu Ozone’s delightful Japanese cafe, a fantastic stop on Newtown’s Vegan Mile, caters to all dietary needs. The renowned onigiri, katsu curry, celebratory mochi, and sweet potato donuts are free from gluten, dairy, and any animal products. Make sure to explore the new evening hours to enjoy the delicious yuzu-flavored noodles.

For a taste of Egypt, head to an Addison Road car park where Walid El Sabbagh serves koshari just like his grandmother made in Alexandria. Your dish of Egypt’s beloved national meal is topped with crispy fried onions, creating a delightful crunch. From dukkah-seasoned chips to cashew baklava, every item is completely vegan.

Founded in 2001 by John Gebran, this restaurant celebrates Lebanese heritage. While it may not overtly advertise its vegan options, exploring the menu reveals delightful plant-based dishes, especially the shareable meze: crispy fried cauliflower, flavorful falafel, spicy fried potato cubes, and rich baba ghanoush. The beetroot, za’atar, and lemon salad is another intriguing choice.

This vegan cafe serves a delicious plant-based version of the classic French dip sandwich, a nod to the Burger King Whopper, along with a “bacon and egg” roll. Chef Elijah Attard, known for his vegan creations at Yellow and Maybe Sammy, is among its admirers.