The Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes You Need to Order in Sydney

Whatever your dining preference, these vegetarian and vegan meals are a must next time you’re in Sydney. We promise there’s only one (delicious) salad.

Moneybags, Yulli’s

There’s a very good reason this Surry Hills eatery has become a staple for vegie lovers. A small, intimate vegetarian restaurant with a solid wine list and a separate vegan menu (ask for it when you walk in), Yulli’s specialises in small, shareable plates. The star is the crispy coconut and edamame moneybags, packed with shredded coconut and soybeans.

417 Crown Street, Surry Hills; (02) 9319 6609

Patate pizza, Gigi Pizzeria

There was much consternation in 2015 when Gigi announced that it would shut its doors and reopen with an entirely vegan menu. Could pizza without mozzarella really be that delicious? The answer is a resounding “Yes”, as the permanent queue around the block proves. The patate pizza with thin-sliced roasted potatoes, garlic, rosemary and black truffle pâté is an absolute stand-out, with an honourable mention going to the funghi e radicchio pizza, too. Gigi is one of just a few Sydney restaurants to boast membership to the Association Verace Pizza Napolteana, which dictates that dough must be hand-stretched and wood-fired Napoli style, among other requirements.

379 King Street, Newtown; (02) 9557 2240

The Best Vegetarian and Vegan Dishes in Sydney

Veg burger, Mary’s

Pub-style food doesn’t have a reputation for offering quality vegetarian options but Mary’s veg burger enthusiastically bucks the trend. A large field mushroom grilled with garlic butter, served on a white bun with cheese, lettuce and mustard is as simple as it is delicious. Presented in a plastic basket with a side of shoestring fries, this is American diner fare with a vego twist.

6 Mary Street, Newtown

Linguine with black garlic and burnt chillies, ACME

ACME isn’t vegetarian but if you eat dairy there’s still plenty on offer at Mitch Orr’s Asian-inspired Italian joint (we know it sounds weird but it works). One of Orr’s signature pastas is a winning linguine with butter, garlic and burnt chilli, which gets a little extra crunch from toasted panko. Perfection.

60 Bayswater Road, Rushcutters Bay

Dumplings, Bodhi Bar and Restaurant

An evening dining beneath Moreton Bay Figs that twinkle with fairy lights may sound romantic but to make the most of a visit to Bodhi you really want to drop by during yum cha hours (11am-4pm). With almost a dozen kinds of dumplings, you’d be mad to pick just one sort so bring your appetite. Bodhi is family-owned and the dishes are prepared with locally grown, organic ingredients.

2-4 College Street, Sydney; (02) 9360 2523

Tasting menu, The Gantry Restaurant & Bar

Why choose one dish when you can have them all? Chic, waterside dining gets the green treatment at this hatted restaurant. Select from a five- or seven-course vegetarian degustation, both of which feature the divine sheep’s cheese agnolotti with legumes, lemon and thyme.

11 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay; (02) 8298 9910

Image: Jarrad Seng

Amaranth and quinoa noodles salad, Nourishing Quarter

With its kitsch, vintage décor and dim lighting, Nourishing Quarter feels more like stepping into someone’s living room than a restaurant. This vegan, Vietnamese eatery is so popular that they have two sittings (at 6pm and 8.15pm). The crispy tofu that accompanies the amaranth and quinoa noodles salad might as well have its own fan club.

315 Cleveland Street, Redfern; (02) 8399 0888

Roasted cauliflower with almond sauce, Ester

It’s a testament to this omnivorous establishment that even meat lovers consider this dish an essential order. A head of roasted cauliflower served with almond sauce, roasted almonds and fresh mint leaves is a teeny bit sweet and completely delicious.

46-52 Meagher Street, Chippendale; (02) 8068 8279