There was a time in Brisbane not so long ago, when the only vegan food item on the menu was the two pieces of lettuce and cucumber you got with your steak. But thankfully those days are long gone.
In recent years, the demand for vegan food in Bris-Vegas has grown so rapidly, to the point there are now many vegan restaurants, cafes, and food trucks to choose from throughout the city.
Whether you are a long-time vegan or simply looking to explore a new world of plant-based options, Queensland’s capital now has a lot to offer in its dining scene.
From traditional vegan dishes to creative fusion cuisine, there are several full, or part-vegan restaurants in Brisbane that are dedicated to providing high-quality, nutritious food that is both delicious and sustainable.
If you fancy going out for a healthy plant-based cuisine, here are 11 of the best vegan restaurants in Brisbane you should head to.
1. You Came Again
Vegan Tapas anyone?
You Came Again is another terrific venue in the hip West End region of Brisbane. Serving nothing but drinks and tapas, these guys have a simple game plan, but they execute it brilliantly.
One of the best things about the food in this joint, apart from being delicious is that it is both Vegan and gluten-free. It is also made with ‘with sh*t loads of love’ according to the restaurant, a claim that is hard to disagree with once you take a bite of their pesto-stuffed mushrooms and sensational ‘meetballs’.
Served in a creative and easygoing environment, you’ll come here for the gastronomy but stay long after you have eaten for its intoxicating vibe.
Address: 245 Boundary St, West End QLD 4101
Phone: 0422 281 124
Trading Hours: Mon – 4.30 pm to 10 pm, Tues & Wed Closed, Thurs 4.30 pm – 9 pm, Fri – 4 pm to 10 pm, Sat & Sun 11.30 am to 10 pm
2. Miss Demeanour
Tucked away in an underground setting in the CBD on Rowes Lane, Miss Demeanour is an ambient venue that exudes class, dim lighting and a little bit of mystery.
A modern cafe and restaurant, it is highly regarded for its innovative cuisine and top-notch vegan gastronomy.
Dishing up everything from zesty beetroot salad and spiced cauliflower to their signature BBQ vegan jackfruit burger, this is a terrific place to come for good feed all day.
As well as the cuisine, they also present a terrific range of cocktails, craft beers and wines and host live music a couple of times a week.
Address: Rowes Ln, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Phone: (07) 3221 0032
Trading Hours: Mon – 11 am to 9 pm, Tuesday & Wednesday – 11 am to 10 pm, Thursdays – 11 am to 11 pm, Friday & Saturday 11 am-midnight, Sunday closed.
3. Detour
Over in Woolloongabba, Detour is a fabulous vegan restaurant that serves a delightful range of plant-based dishes, inspired by global flavours made from locally sourced ingredients.
One of the most popular items on their menu is the Big Brekky, which features scrambled tofu, hash browns, grilled mushrooms, roasted tomato and sourdough toast. Their signature Detour Burger is a vegan patty made from black beans, quinoa, sweet potato, and herbs, that is served with vegan cheese, house-made pickles and caramelised onion.
A venue that is committed to sustainability, they use compostable packaging and have a strong focus on reducing food waste via the planning and preparation of all their dishes.
Address: 11 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba QLD 4102
Phone: (07) 3217 4880
Hours: Sun to Mon – Closed, Tues – Thurs 5 pm to 10 pm, Fri – Sat 12 pm to 12 am
4. Tipplers Tap
While Tippler’s Tap is best known for being a craft beer bar in South Bank, it also serves an incredible street food selection of all-American classics.
This includes a menu of pub-style food, including burgers, hot dogs, wings, chilli and fries that can be served with vegan substitutes.
The atmosphere is always terrific here and there is both indoor and outdoor seating available. The bar also has a relaxed and casual interior and best of all it is pretty darn cheap!
All of this means you’ll probably leave with a full stomach, but not so much of an empty wallet.
Address: 5/182 Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Phone: (07) 3846 4200
Hours: Sun to Thurs – 12 pm to 10 pm, Fri & Sat 12 pm – 12 am
5. Fitz and Potts
Over in Nundah, Fitz and Potts have made quite a name for themselves in a relatively short space of time.
The proud winner of the Best Bar in Brisbane in both 2016 and 2018, the venue has been listed as one of the best bars in the country by both Gourmet Traveller and The Australian.
Whilst it is now the alcohol side of things that gets the plaudits, a key component to their success has been the fantastic all-vegan cuisine they offer. In fact, they proudly refer to themselves as ‘vegan as f#*k’ with such delights as jalapeño balls, pumpkin arancini and veggie gyoza having star billing on their menu.
As well as the food and drink, the decor here is well worth coming for. The brightly coloured, retro fit-out includes a lounge space with paisley wallpaper and a tiki bar with is topped with astroturf that screams uber cool.
Address: 1180 (Upstairs, Sandgate Rd, Nundah QLD 4012
Phone: 07 3061 6205
Trading Hours: Mon to Wed – Closed, Thurs – 3 pm to 9 pm, Friday – 3 pm to 11 pm, Sat – 12 pm to 11 pm, Sun 12 pm – 9 pm
6. Greenhouse Canteen
Located on Manning Street, Greenhouse Canteen is a casual dining restaurant that is much loved for its healthy and sustainable cuisine.
With a menu that features fresh, seasonal ingredients and a focus on plant-based and vegetarian options these guys are considered to be one of the best healthy dining options in Brisbane.
Beautifully plated, and presented in a charming space with mood lighting, ‘must try’ dishes include their eggplant parmi and cauliflower mac and cheese.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll want to try their pecan pie, which is served up with a generous amount of cashew cream. While those who are really looking for a treat can indulge in a fantastic five-course degustation meal that will really blow your mind.
Address: 66 Manning St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Phone: (07) 3724 2761
Hours: Sun to Mon – Closed, Tues to Sat 5 pm – 9 pm
7. Grown
Grown is a plant-based cafe and restaurant in the West End.
It is known for its menu of healthy and sustainable cuisine that features plenty of vegan and plant-based options that showcase the best in seasonal produce.
Diners can enjoy a range of dishes served in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating options available.
As its name alludes to, the restaurant is entirely plant-based, however, as a commitment to locally sourced produce, it is supplied by farmers that are situated less than 400 km from Brisbane.
If you want to support somewhere that will do good for your body, whilst congruently helping the local community and environment, this is a terrific place to visit.
Address: Shop G03/21 Buchanan St, West End QLD 4101
Phone: (07) 3036 7213
Hours: Mon – Closed, Tues & Wed 10 am – 2 pm, Thurs & Friday 10 am to 2 pm, 5.30 pm to 8. 30 pm, Saturday 8 am to 2 pm, 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm, Sunday 8 am – 2 pm
8. Yavanna
Yavanna is a popular plant-based cafe and restaurant tucked away on Latrobe Terrace in Paddington.
Much loved for its take on sustainable, healthy and fresh food, this venue is completely plant-based, it is also known for its terrific service.
With options like the fried chicken sando and the truffle mac and cheese which are both dairy free, you’ll be drooling at the mouth the second you lay eyes on their menu.
Address: 9/2 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington QLD 4064
Phone: (07) 3554 0267
Hours: Tuesday – Friday 12 pm- 3 pm/ 5.30 pm- 8 pm, Saturday- Sunday 10 am – 3 pm/ 5.30 pm- 8 pm
9. Otto Ristorante
Otto Ristorante is a renowned fine-dining Italian restaurant located at Southbank.
Although not completely vegan, the establishment is known for its contemporary Italian cuisine, which features a range of plant-based dishes made using seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients.
Presented within a space that has a sleek and modern interior, the venue offers warm, attentive service and exceptional food of which there are no stand-outs. All their vegan pasta dishes are simply to die for.
To match the gastronomy, the chic and sophisticated restaurant also has an exceptional wine list and a terrific range of cocktails.
If you are looking for a romantic date location, this place is hard to beat.
Address: Shop 1, River Quay, Sidon St, QLD 4101
Phone: (07) 3835 2888
Trading Hours: Mon & Tues – Closed, Wed – Saturday 12 pm – 9 pm
10. Grassfed
For those in the know, Fish Lane in South Bank is becoming a bit of a foodie hotspot.
Of the several venues located there, Grassfed has developed a huge following amongst those who love a good, hearty vegan burger.
Committed to sourcing local and sustainable produce, one of their most popular offerings is their take on a Hawaiian burger. Which features a vEEF patty, vegan pepperoni, vegan cheese, pineapple and salad.
Considering there is no meat to be found anywhere on the menu the dishes are surprisingly filling. Just be sure to leave some room for dessert though, as they also offer a fantastic selection of soft-serve ice creams.
Address: 67 Fish Ln, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Phone: 0423751883
Trading Hours: Mon – 11.30 am to 2 pm, 5 pm to 9 pm, Tues – Wed Closed, Thurs & Fri – 11.30 am to 2 pm, 5 pm to 9 pm, Sat & Sun 11.30 am – 9 pm
11. Netherworld
Situated in the heart of the Fortitude Valley, Netherworld is a popular arcade bar and entertainment venue that features a large collection of classic arcade games, pinball machines, and other interactive games.
In addition, it also serves up a great selection of craft beers, cocktails, and wines, as well, quite surprisingly, as a wonderful vegan-friendly menu.
In a nice twist, they provide customers with the option of adding meat to their dishes if they wanted to, which means they can cater to all dietary preferences.
After you’ve eaten, you can also choose to watch one of the live gigs or events that are hosted on a regular basis to keep the good vibes going long after you have eaten.
Address: 186 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Phone: 0424 156 667
Hours: Mon – Closed, Tuesday – Thurs 12 pm to 11 pm, Sat – Sun 12 pm – 1 am