Plant-based guide to Prahran & South Yarra, Melbourne

When it comes to eating out in Melbourne, you’re spoilt for choice. I’ve been living in Prahran for several years now and exploring the incredible cafes and restaurants on the south side has been a highlight.

I’ve put together this list of my top places to eat in Prahran and South Yarra, ranging from breakfast and brunch spots, to fast food joints, to juice/smoothie bars.

Most of these are not 100% plant-based, however, they have amazing options available. A lot of the time I’m eating out with friends and family who don’t choose to eat plant-based so it’s useful to know where we can enjoy a meal together.

Plant-based favourite: Herbivore

Herbivore has made the top of the list for good reason. It’s the type of place you can bring your meat-eating boyfriend and he will love it just as much as you. They have some of the best plant-based burgers I’ve had. The Earth Burgers are our go-to (see the image at the top of this post). Even the hot chips are better than your average chip. Add a side of kombucha and you have yourself a darn good meal.
Instagram: @herbivore_chapelst
Address: 361 Chapel Street, South Yarra

Smak Food House

I’ve loved every dish I’ve tried so far at Smak. The Smaked Avo is my top choice for breakfast and I can’t get enough of the little fritters served as  the side. The Vegan Buttermilk Ricotta Hotcakes also taste amazing and are gluten free – definitely try them if you feel like something sweet. Next on my list to try is the vegan burger! They serve great coffee too and make their own almond milk in-house.
Instagram: @smakfoodhouse
Address: 6C Daly Street, South Yarra

The Alley

The Alley is relatively new and so far I’ve only been once. It’s list-worthy though. If you’re a burger-enthusiest like me, you are going to love it. Their menu is completely plant-based – get excited! Other than delicious burgers, they offer salads, pastas, desserts, juices and smoothies. The chocolate-chip cookies are definitely worth a mention, as well as the unusual carrot ketchup.
Instagram: @thealley.au
Address: 417 St Kilda Road, South Yarra (not sure if it’s technically South Yarra but we’ll let this one slide)

Greene St Elixir Bar

I love to pop in to Greene Street on my way home from the gym. The New Yorker is my go-to smoothie, although my latest obsession is the Cashew Almond Latte. I also enjoy their soups and the raw treats are always hard to say no to. The space itself is gorgeous, filled with plants and crystals in the a New York City decor.
Instagram: @greenestreetjuice
Address: Corner Commercial Road & Cato Street, Prahran

Kooks Kitchen

Another one that’s 100% plant-based. Perfect for when you want something quick and healthy after a shop at the Prahran Market. They have a salad bar with plenty of options. I recommend grabbing a selection of two salads, adding some avocado and a side of marinated tofu. They also have juices, smoothies, soups and desserts.
Instagram: @kooks_kitchen
Address: Shop 16, Prahran Market

The Organic Food and Wine Deli

They have an abundance of plant-based meals so I often drop by for lunch. A few of my top picks – the tofu burger, mushroom pie, pesto pasta and any of their curries. If you feel like a treat, the croissants are amazing and the genderless gingerbread figure is delicious.
Instagram: @theorganicfoodandwinedeli
Address: 603 Orrong Road (enter via Sydney Street), Prahran

Palate

The menu at Palate is paleo-inspired and I usually order from their paleo menu, however, I simply switch the meat/eggs for another veg option. They use Almond Milk Co so this is another one of my coffee shop favs.
Instagram: @palateprahran
Address: 132 Greville Street, Prahran

Veg Out Time

All vegan dishes including noodles, curries, stir fries and dumplings that are either already made or cooked fresh to order. I love the Pad Thai and the oil-free vegetable stir fry.
Instagram: Veg Out Time
Address: 366 Chapel Street, Prahran

Tall Timber

To be honest, there’s not a whole lot of vegan options on the menu, although they are more than happy to omit eggs or dairy where they can. I usually order the smashed avo with beetroot hummus, minus the feta. Or I make my own breakfast plate with gluten-free toast and plenty of sides. Tall Timber is another great coffee spot to grab an almond milk latte. And if you sit outside, you are sure to get plenty of dog patting done.
Instagram: @tall_timber
Address: 60 Commercial Road, Prahran

I want to hear from you

Comment below: Where else would you like to see a plant-based guide for? Let me know the location in the comments.

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