Entirely plant-based and entirely brilliant, this Fitzroy hotspot is packed every night with diners snaffling up flavor-packed tapas and larger dishes like roasted brussels sprouts with smokey ‘bacon’, apple cider and a garlic crumb. There is a lot of heart behind Shannon Martinez and Mo Wyse’s restaurant, as well as a host of local, organic and small batch suppliers. 175 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, smithanddaughters.com

For more than twenty years, this vegetarian restaurant has been serving up fresh, accessible food to Melbournians in the know. They also specialise in raw food; consider ordering the raw taco made with dehydrated corn and flaxseed, filled with raw chilli and avocado. 380 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, vegiebar.com.au

This completely plant based restaurant serves trademarked vegan ‘eggs’, which have the same protein as regular eggs, and even a similar texture. The vibrant menu also features delicious nutrient packed smoothies and instagram-worthy breakfast bowls. 72A Acland St, St Kilda, matchamylkbar.com

Tucked away in Balaclava, this unpretentious establishment serves all day vegetarian and vegan breakfasts, as well as regular themed degustation diners. Their Umami Mushrooms served on pumpkin polenta bread will make your taste buds very happy. Rear, 202 Carlisle St, Balaclava, monkbodhidharma.com

Their signature dish, the Yin and Yang Charger, is made with a rotating selection of seasonal organic vegetables grown in Seymour. It is served with house-made adzuki miso and vegan kimchi, as well as biodynamic brown rice from Swan Hill. 421 Brunswick St, Fitzroy, yonggreenfood.com.au

Not strictly a vegetarian restaurant, chef Shane Delia’s fine dining establishment makes it on to our list thanks to his dedicated vegetarian degustation and pre-theatre menus. Treat yourself to the six-course menu and enjoy delights like garlic and cumin baked eggplant with tahini, pomegranate and coriander, and maple glazed pumpkin with macadamia, pickled butternut and brik pastry. 21 Bond St, Melbourne, maharestaurant.com.au

The sophisticated big sister to long-time vegetarian favourite The Vegie Bar, Transformer offers a hip, high-end dining experience with inventive vegetarian and vegan dishes. Start with the crispy chickpea panisse served with truffle salt and parmesan, and work your way down the menu enjoying persimmon paired with goats curd and Jerusalem artichokes with pickled pear and walnut. 99 Rose St, Fitzroy, transformerfitzroy.com

One of the first vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne, for more than forty years Shakahari has been serving up an exclusively vegetarian menu. Their beancurd and seitan skewers, smothered in an addictive, lightly spiced satay sauce, will impress even the most dedicated carnivore. 201-203 Faraday St, Carlton, shakahari.com.au

While not entirely vegetarian, this vibrant little spot is largely plant-based, with a focus on nutritious, colourful dishes like dragon fruit breakfast bowls, raw pizzas made with cashew nut cheese, and vegan beetroot brownies. 1/140 Ormond Rd, Elwood, wearecombi.com.au

This Mexican mecca serves simple yet delicious tacos, burritos and quesadillas on both sides of the river. Everything is vegetarian and you can swap out the dairy for vegan cheese and sour cream if you prefer. Share a jug of sangria and a large nachos with a friend or, for something lighter, try the chargrilled tofu taco. Various locations, trippytaco.com.au