105 Vegetarian Options in Melbourne

Veggie food used to be fairly predictable and bland, featuring a few pasta dishes, some salads and maybe a meat-free roast, if you were lucky. But nowadays, Melbourne's vegetarian restaurants feature healthy meals from all over the world. For example, there are places that specialise in tempeh dishes from southeast Asia, creating meatless equivalents of Kung Po chicken or curry laksa with all of the richness and spicy goodness you'd expect from the real thing. The masterful chefs at these Asian eateries have found some wonderful ways to turn soy and other veggie ingredients into meals that match their meat-packed cousins, while cutting back on fat and calories, making them a great option for healthy eating fans.

Another great aspect of Melbourne's vegetarian restaurants scene are the many Indian curry houses to choose from. Indian food has always been relatively light on meat. Even if diners in Oz might be more familiar with exports like chicken korma, back in India veggie food often reigns supreme. At Melbourne's best Indian vegetarian restaurants, you can find out how meatless dining is done in the subcontinent. Try dosa pancakes with vegetable curries and coconut sides, tuck into paneer cheese curries with spinach or tikka masala sauces, or go full vegan with a curry platter. With Indian options in the CBD and further afield, Quandoo offers plenty of ways to order up a beautiful curry whenever you feel a spice craving coming on.

Melbournites are famous for their healthy lifestyles and sporting culture. Rugby league, cricket, Aussie rules, tennis, golf, soccer - Melbournites love them all, and you can't move for joggers on the Tan every evening. If you are committed to fitness and healthy living, Melbourne's vegetarian restaurants should be in your regular dining rotation. You'll find great veggie joints near popular jogging spots in St Kilda or next to the MCG where you can fill up on smashed avo after completing your morning run, or order up a Caesar salad before watching some footy. Cooking healthy meals at home isn't always easy, and it gets a little repetitive at times, so let the masters take over by booking a table at one of Melbourne's best vegetarian restaurants. If nothing else, their delicious food will make you look forward to your next run or gym session like never before.

Sometimes everyone needs to detox a little. Work life in the CBD can be stressful, and it's easy to let our diets slide when we are smothered in work or family duties. If you need to zone out and relax for a while, why not treat yourself to a meal at one of Melbourne's vegetarian restaurants? As well as salads and other nutritious meals, you'll find shakes that are crammed with superfoods, boosting your antioxidant levels and getting you ready for your next challenge. Add in low calorie, gluten free and absolutely delicious desserts, and vegetarian restaurants in Melbourne are great places to detox and enjoy an hour or two of relaxation.