ZA ZA TA | Brisbane's best vegan spots
El Planta | Brisbane's best vegan spots
Yoke Kitchen | Brisbane's best vegan spots
Veganyumm | Brisbane's best vegan spots
Plant Vibes Cafe | Brisbane's best vegan spots
Sunshine | Brisbane's best vegan spots
The Twin | Brisbane's best vegan spots
Grassfed | Brisbane's best vegan spots
Netherworld | Brisbane's best vegan spots
Lord of the Fries | Brisbane's best vegan spots
You Came Again | Brisbane's best vegan spots
Yavanna | Brisbane's best vegan spots
Dicki's | Brisbane's best vegan spots
MooFree Burgers | Brisbane's best vegan spots

The round-up: fill up on goodness at Brisbane’s best vegan spots

Put your presuppositions in the bin – plant-based food is not just salad and steamed vegetables. Vegan cuisine is becoming increasingly prominent due to the rise of dietary requirements and a conscientious focus of what we put in our bodies. For those of you who can’t stomach the thought of canning the cutlets and trashing the T-bones in favour of salad, please relax – we aren’t here to sway you to veganism. What we will say is that dining as a vegan can be hard in our predominantly meat-eating society, but also very rewarding – even if you love bacon and eggs. We’ve chosen to point out Brisbane’s best vegan spots well worth sampling.

El Planta, South Brisbane: Love a Mexican feast but not so keen on the meat? El Planta has got you more than covered. The beloved Brisbane pop-up went bricks-and-mortar in 2020, bringing its menu of tacos, nachos, margs and more to a permanent home. Hot tip: the fried spiced corn ribs and El Planta’s take on the classic fish taco are to die for. Get a margarita, too – you can thank us later.

Plant Vibes Cafe, Bowen Hills: After struggling for years to find good plant-based cafe options in Brisbane, Eugenie Hows decided to take matters into her own hands and open her own. Plant Vibes Cafe is a dreamy little Scandinavian-inspired spot that draws influence from the Danish culture of embracing togetherness by creating a menu that everyone (herbivores and carnivores) could enjoy. Must-try dishes include the chilli and chive tofu scramble, mushroom and ‘bacon’ arancini, a vegan cheeseburger and loaded breakfast croissant.

Veganyumm, Everton Park: This all-vegan bakery is a must-try spot for anyone with a sweet tooth. This joint boasts a massive following, and with the likes of Biscoff brownie slabs, vanilla and raspberry cupcakes, and Oreo cookies and cream cakes in the cabinet, it’s easy to see why.

Dicki’s, New Farm and Ascot: When Dicki’s opened near Merthyr Road in New Farm, it was with the promise of showcasing the possibilities of plant-based dining. Vegan eaters will be chuffed with the selection, which includes buckwheat waffles with caramelised banana and maple syrup, grilled corn cakes with guac and spiced-rice burrito with crumbed tofu.

Lord of the Fries, Fortitude Valley: Melbourne-born vegan fast-food chain Lord of the Fries finally made its way north in 2019, plonking down Brisbane’s first outlet in the heart of The Valley. Here you can gorge on meat-free burgers (six kinds!), plant-based hotdogs, and vegan-friendly sides and desserts.

The Green Edge, Windsor: Dedicated vegan grocer The Green Edge has long been a handy spot to get your hands on some nourishing ingredients, but as a lunchtime pit stop The Green Edge also scores top marks. Truffled-mushroom toasties, southern crispy chick’n pancakes and Japanese-style katsu curries feature for breakfast and lunch.

Nonna’s Nightmare, West End: Sure, traditionally minded nonnas might balk at the thought of plant-based Italian, but the team at Nonna’s Nightmare prove that it can be done – and done well! There is a host of vegan pizzas to choose from, from classic margherita to vegan-sausage-laden options. That’s not all – the eatery also served vegan pasta dishes, burgers and desserts. How good!

Pancha Cafe, Hamilton: Hamilton’s storied promenade Racecourse Road is home to plant-based pit stop Pancha, a cafe that utilises fruit and veg from local farms for its menu of nourishing and salivation-inducing eats. Regulars rave about its fluffy souffle pancakes, kimchi burritos and truffle miso and mushroom pasta, but the entire menu looks the goods to us.

Detour, Woolloongabba: Although this fine diner isn’t strictly vegan only, half of its menu is dedicated to plant-based and herbivore eaters. This conscientious and all-inclusive approach has resulted in dishes like coal-roasted broccoli with saffron, dill and garlic, beetroot tartare, fossilised carrots with chia, dukkah and cashew, and Hawaiian curry with sweet potatoes, coconut and lychees.

Naïm, Paddington: This cafe and restaurant reimagines the traditional flavours of the Middle East and Mediterranean, and while it’s not exclusively vegan, there’s a whole section of the menu dedicated to plant-based goodness. Enjoy brunch options like slow-braised ras al hanout jackfruit Benedicts and sticky pomegranate harissa-glazed Fable mushroom flatbreads, as well as dinner dishes like grilled ‘chicken’ with shawarma spices and sticky glazed sweet potato, and chargrilled smoky eggplant with Indian-style palak pulao rice and creamy almond garlic bechamel sauce.

Yoke Kitchen, West End: Yoke Kitchen is a cafe and deli that looks to foster nourishment and connection through plant-based fare. Yoke’s hotbox is filled with nourishing stews, curries, vegetables, house-made sourdough flatbreads and more, while a cold display is chock-full of salads, rainbow wraps, cookies, cakes and brownies – all of which are made in-house.

Vega Cafe, Spring Hill: Plant-based food with happy vibes – this is what the crew at Vega Cafe is putting out into the world and we absolutely love it. This cafe is serving up breakfast eats like croffle stacks with vegan halloumi and pesto tempeh, vegan omelettes and garlic bagels topped with scrambled tofu. At dinner time, swing through for cauliflower buffalo wings, vegan massaman curries and sweet-and-sour plant-based meat.

The Twin, West End: Proving you don’t need animal products to make a great sandwich, the team at The Twin is stuffing slices of  spongy focaccia with mushroom pate with pickles and greens, red sauce, fried garlic, and black pepper cashew cream, and coconut yoghurt, pickle and aloo bhujia.

ZA ZA TA, Fortitude Valley: Middle Eastern restaurant ZA ZA TA made a savvy pivot a few years back to focus on vegetarian cuisine. Don’t fret, vegan pals, you haven’t been left out – ZA ZA TA also boasts a dedicated vegan offering for those of the plant-based persuasion. The sizeable offering included the likes of sesame falafel with tahini and fresh horseradish, spring carrot mahumarra with walnut dukkah, cauliflower shawarma, and rhubarb, rose and sour cherry parfait.

You Came Again, West End: It’s not all cafes and early birds in the vegan dining scene. You Came Again on Boundary Street is Brisbane’s first vegan tapas bar, offering up tasty bites such as mushroom and walnut pate, seasonal fruit carpaccio, miso-rolled eggplant and vegan meatballs.

Brewski, Petrie Terrace: One of Caxton Street’s preeminent beer and burger joints goes the extra mile when it comes to catering to plant-based eaters. We’ve heard rave reviews for Brewski’s beefless burger, pulled jackfruit burger and the phenomenal vegan cheeseburger – each as good as its carnivorous counterparts.

VegeMe, South Brisbane: This little plant-based gem has garnered quite the reputation amongst the Brisbane vegan community – and for good reason! The Asian-inspired menu is packed with delicious treats such as nuggets, drumsticks and buns as well as more substantial dishes along the lines of laksa, risotto and rice-based concoctions.

Tippler’s Tap, South Bank: One of the most popular spots for a craft beer is also a go-to for vegan comfort food. Vegan chilli dogs, vegan cheeseburgers, vegan chicken burgers, and vegan-friendly loaded fries – what more could you need?

MooFree Burgers, various locations: Brisbane’s first dedicated vegan burger bar MooFree Burgers caused an excited stir with its range of mouth-watering morsels. Owners Johnny and Michael Tabet have worked to perfect a range of burgers that would provide the same sort of satisfaction as its meaty counterpart. The VBD Burger is one of the best options on the menu at MooFree Burgers. This handful features a tasty beefless pattie, facon rashers, vegan cheeze, caramelised onion, pickles and mustard mayo.

Yavanna, Paddington: Comfort food is king at Yavanna – a plant-based bar and eatery that focuses on inclusivity. The menu is stacked with comforting eats such as smoky vEEF meatball kebabs, Yavanna’s signature fried chicken, black-bean nachos, and panko-crumbed schnitzels on creamy mash with garlic greens.

Cinnamon & Co., West End: Cinnamon & Co., the bricks-and-mortar sibling of Wild Spice Kitchen, channels seasonal inspirations channelled into plant-based eats like vegan French toast with grilled banana and vegan vanilla ice-cream, chickpea schnitzel burgers, mushroom and red wine bolognese, and its signature mac ‘n’ cheese – made using cashews, onions, potato and cheesy nooch that is then topped with crunchy garlic panko and your choice of roast pumpkin or grilled mushrooms.

Netherworld, Fortitude Valley: Craft beer and bar food get elevated at arcade-themed bar Netherworld, but the menu is distinct for being entirely vegan. Tasty options include crumbed cauliflower drumettes smothered in buffalo sauce, a vegan southern fried-chicken burger, a garlic bread sub, macaroni and cheese, and even a peanut butter Oreo pie.

September 18, North Lakes: North Lakes is home to a popular Malaysian restaurant that offers diners a unique take on the Asian cuisine. Everything from the laksa and satay to the roti canai and nasi goreng is devoid of meat or dairy products, but retains the incredible taste Malaysian cuisine is known for.

Veganyumm, Everton Park: Who said vegans couldn’t enjoy dessert? One of Brisbane’s first all-vegan bakehouse remains a top spot to indulge in dairy-free and egg-free treats. We’re talking brownies, cupcakes, pies, coffee and shakes – everything you could possibly want to indulge in can be found right here.

Antica Pizzeria, Wilston: When we think of Italian food, we usually think of meat-rich sauces, seafood-filled pastas and cheese-laden pizzas. But Italian cuisine is much more versatile than that, and the vegan-friendly menu at Antica in Wilston is proof. The restaurant has an entire section dedicated to vegan antipasti, pasta and pizza, so our plant-based pals will have plenty to choose from.

Grassfed, South Brisbane: When acclaimed fine-dining chef Alejandro Cancino and vegan soft-serve kingpin Jonny Garrison paired up for a plant-based venture, vegans all over Brisbane salivated. Fish Lane’s Grassfed is a plant-based burger joint that used Alejandro’s signature vEEF patties across a range of tasty handfuls, as well as a range of Jonny’s own I Should Coco coconut-based soft-serve ice-cream for a sweet finish.

Sunshine, Fortitude Valley: Initially a vegetarian-only eatery, Sunshine has expanded its menu to include meat. That said, there’s still a large range of vegan-friendly options here you can devour. Pile your plate with baked whole tomatoes stuffed with herbed rice, onion, garlic and lemon, sauteed peas and broad beans in a vegetable-and-herb reduction, and blanched green beans and tomato coated in avocado with capers, lemon and olive oil.

Mylk + Ko, New Farm: Although there are a couple of non-vegan options on the menu, Mylk + Ko is still one of the finest haunts for healthy eats has been flying the vegan-friendly flag since opening. Every single one of its bowls are vegan friendly, as is the chai-licious porridge, teriyaki eggplant burger and Mylk +Ko’s Poppin’ Waffles.

It’s Mirchi Healthy Indian, Paddington: Vegans needn’t be left out when your crew decide on Indian cuisine for the next group dinner – It’s Mirchi has got plenty to offer all comers. There’s an extensive selection of vegan curries, but the daal saagwala is our pick. This  pan-cooked spinach curry comes with lentils, seasoned with ginger, garlic and whole spiced with roasted fenugreek. It’s Mirchi also served vegan breads! So, naturally, we suggest getting a vegan cauliflower and broccoli naan to match.

Rogue Bistro, Newstead: The realm of fine dining is becoming increasingly more inclusive when it comes to plant-based cuisine and the degustation offering at Rogue Bistro is one of the best options for a special splurge. Though the menu changes often, previous degustation menus have included the likes of crispy kalettes with kaffir lime potato foam and toasted quinoa, coal-grilled witlof with koji puree and roasted macadamias, and roasted broccolini with potato-and-leek gratin, fermented grape and citrus slaw.

Loving Hut, Mount Gravatt: You can’t have a list of top vegan eats without including one of the most beloved 100-percent vegan restaurants in town. Loving Hut specialises in vegan cuisine, which makes narrowing our choice to one meal exceptionally difficult. We’re going to pick the vegan laksa with tofu puffs and vegetables, but you could also try the raw-some zucchini spaghetti, vegan lasagne and crispy chow mein.

Ground Alchemy, New Farm: Ground Alchemy’s kitchen dispenses nourishing plant-based nosh, including rose-and-cardamom granola infused with geranium essential oil, roast vegetable and pesto paninis, Mediterranean-inspired pizza breads, vegan croissants and a rotating range of goodness-filled salads.

Vegan ramen: If you’re in the mood for a hot bowl of noodles, seek out Taro’s Ramen for a slurp of its vegan classic, red and fire ramen. Over in Paddington, Hai Hai’s veg ramen can be made vegan friendly, with mushroom and kombu broth, soy tare, tofu, seaweed, green onion, corn and pickled shiitake sure to fill up bellies. Fortitude Valley staple Tatsu Ramen & Gyoza Bar has two vegan options available – a miso-based soup with eggless noodles, broccolini, edamame, carrot, cabbage, bamboo shoots and sesame seeds, and another boasting shiitake stock, eggless noodles, soy bean curd, cabbage, onions, sesame seeds, edamame, carrots and bamboo shoots.

Vegan pizza: Everyone deserves to enjoy a pizza party, which is why it’s important to acknowledge that there are plenty of spots out there doing vegan pizzas. Curious? Check out our round-up of the best places to cop a slice.

Honourable mentions: We could go on and on about sensational vegan-friendly feasts in Brisbane, but we know your time is precious. Consider also spots like Govindas in The City,

Got a suggestion for a vegan-friendly eatery that we’ve missed? Drop us a line at [email protected].

The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Brisbane dining guide with more than 2400 places to eat, drink, shop and play.

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