From casual cafes to fine dining – Sydney is spoilt for choice when it comes to vegan restaurants.

Do you follow a plant-based diet? Or are you keen to just try something new? You’ve come to the right place!

There’s no denying that Sydney is leading the change with many eateries going vegan entirely. And, let’s not forget those who also feature an expansive list of meat-free menu items. So, whether you’re an Earth friendly fiend or you’re switching up your next night out, read on through for our 2023 guide to the best vegan restaurants in Sydney!

<strong>Alibi Bar & Kitchen</strong>
Image supplied.

Alibi Bar & Kitchen

If you’re looking for the best vegan fine dining restaurant in Sydney, look no further as we have the perfect solution. We welcome you to Alibi Bar & Kitchen! Housed inside one of the most unique boutique hotels in Sydney, Ovolo Hotel, Alibi has made our list and for a good reason. It’s a bar, a high-end cafe and an a la carte kitchen all in one. Led by world renowned plant-based chef Matthew Kenney, Alibi Bar& Kitchen provides a hideout away from home. Focusing on taste, style and of course an earth-friendly lifestyle; if you’re looking for one of the best vegan restaurants in Sydney, this is it.

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Ovolo Hotel, 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011
<strong>Golden Lotus</strong>
Photographed by Jennifer Schmidt. Image via Unsplash.

Golden Lotus

Tucked along King Street in Newtown is a vegan restaurant that has earnt its spot on this list and for a good reason. Transporting guests to Saigon with every bite and sip, Golden Lotus provides an 100% vegan Vietnamese experience with a healthy twist. Alongside the plant-based dishes guests will find some imitation menu regulars including the likes of pork, beef and chicken made entirely from soyabean protein. Still not convinced? We’re sure the vegan vermicelli noodle with char-grilled pork skewer is sure to change your mind.

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341 King St, Newtown, NSW 2042
<strong>Govindas Cinema and Restaurant</strong>
Photographed by Taylor Kiser. Image via Unsplash.

Govindas Cinema and Restaurant

Welcome to Govindas! Found in the heart of Darlinghurst, this vegan restaurant invites visitors to pick and choose from their expansive animal-free buffet and, when you’re done, you can also watch a new release thanks to their in-house cinema. This plant-based Indian restaurant has been operating in Sydney for over 40 years and is a haven for locals and Sydneysiders looking to dish into something new. Described as more of an institution, be sure to clear  your plans and try this vegan restaurant in 2023!

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112 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010
<strong>Ruby Lonesome</strong>
Photographed by Frosty Ilze. Image via Unsplash.

Ruby Lonesome

If you’re in search of the best vegan eatery in Sydney’s inner west, Ruby Lonesome is a contender well worth visiting in 2023. Planted firmly in the heart of Petersham, Ruby Loneosme acts as an eclectic corner cafe serving some of Sydney’s best coffee and a meat-free menu. Pick from breakfast classics including smashed avocado on toast, muesli and more. Or, stick around for lunch and be sure to try their Big Duck Energy curry. If you’re here for something sweet, shake your way through Ruby’s cocktail list or slice your way into their expansive selection of vegan cakes and treats. Now that’s a great way to wake up!

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253 Addison Rd, Petersham, NSW 2049
<strong>Shift Eatery</strong>
Photographed by Jojo Yuen. Image via Unsplash.

Shift Eatery

Welcome to Sydney’s firs vegan deli, grocer and cafe! Tucked away in Surry Hills, Shift Eatery is renowned for dishing out a devilishly delicious menu that acts as the devils advocate for veganism. Don’t expect salads laced by mountains of kale and lettuce, instead you can find vegan bagels with ‘salmon’, ‘bacon’ and ‘eggs’. There’s also subs, toasties, salads, smoothies and more. Beware! If you don’t watch yourself, they might just convert you!

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Shop 4/241 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
<strong>Yulli's</strong>
Photographed by Maddi Bazzocco. Image via Unsplash.

Yulli's

If you’re looking for a brewery and a Sydney based vegan restaurant all in one, then Yulli’s should be at the top of your list. Following an all 100% vegan practice, Yulli’s promises that whatever you eat or drink can be done animal-free. With an expansive selection on offer, visitors can also select from their banquet option or gluten-free menu too. With every dish just as delicious as the last, we recommend you save a spot for dessert that includes the likes of Lava Cake, Sticky Date Pudding, Kanafe and, our personal favourite, the Davidson Plum & Persimmon Crumble. Yum!

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417 Crown St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010

Wanting to stay in? Be sure to check out Sydney’s Newest Vegan Restaurant Meal Delivery Service, IKU. For something sweet you can’t go wrong with these 5 Vegan and Gluten Free Australian Chocolate Brands.

Feature image: Alibi Bar & Kitchen. Image supplied.
This article was first published on May 13 2019. It was updated and edited by Hunter and Bligh on October 31 2022.