The Rise of Veganism and Vegetarianism
Sydney has blossomed into a haven for those seeking delicious food with a plant-based twist. This shift reflects a global trend towards vegan and vegetarian dining, with Sydney restaurants catering to a growing demographic that seeks healthier eating options that are both eco-friendly and sustainable.
Vegan lifestyle
Gaining momentum as not just a diet, but a holistic approach to living, veganism positively impacts health, the environment and animal welfare. In Sydney, the vegan lifestyle is more than just a trend— it’s a movement that promotes a compassionate, sustainable way of living, with vegan food at its core.
Sydney’s green scene
Sydney is quickly becoming a leading city in the plant-based movement. With an abundance of vegan restaurants, Sydney has introduced some innovative plant-based cuisine to dining that tantalises the taste buds while upholding sustainable dining practices.
Top Vegan Restaurants in Sydney
For those looking for an exclusively vegan meal, Sydney restaurants offer a host of delicious options. From the best vegan pizza to a tasty vegan Pad Thai, the city’s best vegan restaurants are the perfect representation of the creativity and diversity to be found in plant-based food.
Here are just a few of our favourite restaurants, each with their own unique spin on vegan cooking. These restaurants combine healthy eating with the exploration of new culinary horizons, making them enjoyable for the uninitiated as well.
Kindred Restaurant
Located in Darlington, Kindred is a fine example of a menu that offers inventive vegan options. Their polenta fries with spicy ketchup and creamy mushroom arancini are crowd-pleasers, blending traditional Italian cooking techniques with a modern vegan twist. The spaghetti aglio e olio is a masterful vegan take on the classic, promising a burst of flavours with every bite every diner can enjoy.
Yulli’s
Situated in Surry Hills, Yulli’s is another culinary gem in the vegan landscape of Sydney. The Yulli’s menu is designed to share, making it perfect for couples or groups. It takes its inspiration from a mouth-watering mix of South-East Asian and Mediterranean cuisines, resulting in a menu that has something for everybody. Yulli’s braised shiitake mushroom dumplings and pan-fried tofu with black bean sauce create an unforgettable and delightful taste. Or, for a refreshing twist, their green mango and apple salad is perfect for Sydney’s warmer climate.
Gigi Pizzeria
Standing out from the crowd of Newtown with their authentic Neapolitan pizzas is Gigi Pizzeria. Their commitment to traditional pizza-making, combined with a modernised vegan approach, results in creations that delightfully fuse flavours and textures. Using their dedicated woodfire cooking approach, complete with hand-stretched dough and traditional toppings, Gigi Pizzeria is a must-visit for vegan foodies.
Signature dishes
Each vegan restaurant in Sydney has its specialities. These signature dishes showcase the ingenuity and flair of vegan cuisine, instantly putting to rest any arguments that vegan food can’t be delicious. Don’t miss the chance to try some of these vegan eats:
- Kindred Restaurant’s cauliflower steak is a standout dish, featuring a perfectly grilled, nutty, and savoury flavour that showcases culinary innovation
- Yulli’s Korean fried broccolini is a delight, turning a simple vegetable into a crunchy, spicy, and irresistibly addictive dish
- Gigi Pizzeria’s marinara pizza is the picture of vegan simplicity and excellence, combining tomato, garlic, oregano, and oil into a sublime classic
Vegetarian Delights in Sydney
Sydney’s vegetarian scene is vibrant, innovative, and filled with options. Vegetarian restaurants in Sydney are known for their creative menus and delicious food, which go beyond the conventional to offer a truly unique and flavoursome dining experience.
As varied as they are delicious, the vegetarian dining options of Sydney are undeniably delectable. This list includes just a few of Sydney’s must-try vegetarian restaurants, with mouth-watering menus that will satisfy all palates.
Yellow
Located in Potts Point, Yellow is renowned for its innovative and passionate approach to vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Their menu is a masterpiece of creativity, showcasing seasonal produce with a 6-course meal specifically catered to vegan and vegetarian diners. By treating vegetables similar to proteins, Chef Brent Savage shows that plant-based meals can be just as, if not better than, protein dishes. Each dish at Yellow is a celebration of flavour and texture, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking exceptional vegetarian and vegan dining.
Funky Pies
This quaint Bondi eatery offers a range of delicious, eco-friendly pies that cater to both vegetarians and vegans. Using innovative substitutes for meat, such as shiitake mushrooms, to mimic the classic meat pie, Funky Pies puts a vegetarian spin on a much-loved Australian recipe.
The Sunshine Inn
With a cosy, welcoming atmosphere and a delightful choice of vegetarian and vegan options, The Sunshine Inn is the perfect spot for enjoying a hearty vegetarian meal. From cauliflower wings to jackfruit tacos, this is one dining experience that anyone can enjoy.
Restaurant highlights
Some of Sydney’s best vegetarian eateries and restaurants offer an experience both memorable and flavourful. Known for their eco-friendly recipes, sustainable practices and altogether comfortable ambience, it’s no wonder vegetarian and vegan restaurants are on the rise in Sydney.
- Yellow: A standout offering is the heirloom tomato, Davidson plum, and saltbush dish, which showcases the restaurant’s focus on fresh, local produce and creative vegetarian cooking
- The Sunshine Inn: Capturing their culinary essence is the corn-crusted fennel confit with smoked chats, snow peas, and wattleseed Beurre Blanc. This dish is a perfect blend of innovative vegetarian cooking and Australian flavours
- Funky Pies: One of their most popular offerings is the Funky Chunky Pie, a delightful pie filled with mock meat, offering a comforting and hearty vegetarian meal
Dining Tips
To fully enjoy Sydney’s diverse and sustainable vegan and vegetarian dining scene, here are some practical tips to enhance your culinary experience:
- Plan Ahead: Make reservations in advance, especially for popular dining spots, to ensure a seamless experience
- Try New Dishes: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegan dishes or vegetarian delights to fully appreciate the variety and creativity of Sydney’s culinary scene
- Check Menu Options Online: Before visiting, review the restaurant’s menu online. This can help identify dishes that pique your interest and plan your meal ahead of time
- Look for Seasonal Specials: Many restaurants offer seasonal dishes that feature fresh, local ingredients. These specials can provide a unique and memorable dining experience
- Ask for Recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations. They can often suggest popular or unique dishes you might not have considered
- Pair Your Meal with Local Beverages: Many vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Sydney offer a selection of local wines, craft beers, and artisanal drinks. Pairing your meal with these beverages can enhance your dining experience
Beyond Dining: Plant-Based Lifestyle in Sydney
The vegan and vegetarian culture in Sydney extends beyond dining to embrace a lifestyle that is both sustainable and community-driven.
Community and events
Sydney’s vegan and vegetarian community is thriving, with regular events and markets catering to plant-based living. These gatherings are perfect opportunities for those embracing a vegan lifestyle or for newfound vegetarian foodies to connect, share experiences, and explore new vegan and vegetarian recipes and restaurant recommendations.
Local products and shops
For those interested in cooking their own vegan or vegetarian meals, Sydney offers a range of local shops and markets specialising in plant-based products. Due to the increasing popularity of the vegan lifestyle, there are plenty of places in Sydney where you can purchase vegan and vegetarian items. From fresh produce to vegan deli items, it’s easier than ever to experiment in your own kitchen with tasty and healthy plant-based recipes.
Sydney’s Plant-Based Future
As Sydney continues to embrace and advance the plant-based lifestyle, it sets a precedent for other cities to follow. The future looks bright for Sydney’s plant-based community, with more people discovering the joys of vegan and vegetarian cuisine.
Plan Your Next Trip to Sydney
With central locations across the city, Meriton Suites offers you convenient and luxurious accommodation options in Sydney. Meriton Suites World Tower, Meriton Suites Kent Street, Meriton Suites Pitt Street, Meriton Suites Campbell Street and Meriton Suites Sussex Street all provide you with easy access to the best that Sydney has to offer—including its vibrant vegan and vegetarian dining scene. Plus, with the added convenience of a fully equipped kitchen in every suite, you can stock up on fresh, local produce and whip up a home-cooked meal if you feel like staying in.
Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, flying solo or travelling with a group, Meriton Suites offers you the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With locations in the heart of Sydney and a host of in-house amenities, Meriton Suites is your first choice for apartment-style accommodation in Sydney.
