Whether you’re vegan or just “vegetarian” – if you happen to be visiting Sydney, or even a “local” then you’ll love this list of our top ten recommendations for vegetarian friendly restaurants in Sydney.
Vegans and vegetarians tend to be passionate about their diet and the reasons for it, so if you’re one of them, the last thing that you need is to be wandering from place to place, looking for something other than a “bowl of chips”. Fortunately, these days, Sydney boasts some of the best vegetarian restaurants in the country. So depending on your preferences for price, ambience and menu selections, take your pick from the following list.
1. L’Americano Espresso Bar
Set in Coco Republic’s flagship Alexandria showroom in Sydney, L’Americano is the first hospitality offering for the Australian owned premium lifestyle brand. The café combines Coco Republic’s signature American design aesthetic and Vittoria Coffee’s rich Italian heritage.
L’Americano Espresso Bar transports guests to the Italian Riviera, offering artisanal coffee by Vittoria Coffee and an inspired menu by acclaimed Executive Chef Alex Kearns. Drawing inspiration from the 1955 novel The Talented Mr Ripley and the character of Dickie Greenleaf. A life of opulent bachelorism on the Italian coast sets the scene. L’Americano exudes the old world charm of a 1950’s Italian espresso bar on the Riviera that an American playboy, with a lust for the finer things in life, would frequent.
Celebrating the artisan food heritage of the Italian Riveria, L’Americano offers a breakfast and lunch menu with beautiful locally sourced produce and a relaxed Italian style.
For opening hours, image gallery and menu, visit their website:
http://lamericano.com.au/sydney/
2. Thai Pothong
The iconic Thai Pothong restaurant is located in Sydney’s Newtown district has been a favourite since its establishment in 1996. Its reputation for authentic Thai food, impeccable Thai service and a truly Thai ambiance is a good recipe for a truly Thai experience.
They also have a restaruant located in the suburb of Marrickville, as well as a takeaway outlet called the Thai Ways, at Newtown railway station.
The restaurants are fully air conditioned and boast impeccable Thai service. Included is the option for ordering online, but only for pickup service (no deliveries).
For opening hours, image gallery and menu, visit their website:
https://www.thaipothong.com.au/newtown
3. Flavour of India
Flavour of India is a well known restaurant, located in Edgecliffe, Sydney. Their menu captures flavours and cooking styles from every part of India.
They boast a committed long standing core team along with a few new faces, including an acclaimed head chef Hayat, who has been with them from day one. Hayat’s team in the kitchen average 12 years of service and his philosophy as a head chef is that if your team is happy, calm & energetic, then from that, good food full of love will come.
The Flavour of India also provide a delivery service all over Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and their clientele includes not only locals but Hollywood A-listed regulars
For opening hours, image gallery and menu, visit their website:
http://www.flavourofindia.co/
4. Farmhouse Kings Cross
Situated at Rushcutter’s Bay in a very cosmopolitan community where people from all walks of life co-exist, at Farmhouse everything is kept simple. They offer a five course, set menu. Half the menu changes every 2 weeks, so every 4 weeks it’s completely different. Their wine list is all French and Australian and they are fully licensed, so no BYO unfortunately.
In nearby Kings Cross, changing liquor laws are remodeling Sydney’s red light district. These new rules have encouraged trendy cafes and boutiques to pop-up in the area, as well as organic markets on Saturdays. The Farmhouse is one of them. The area’s nightclubs are still popular with youngsters, however, who will dance to the early morning hours on weekend nights. There are plenty of artifacts from Kings Cross’ shady past when gangsters and liquor houses owned the place. Today, one can still find a variety of adult entertainment venues in this evolving area.
For opening hours, image gallery and menu, visit their website:
https://farmhousekingscross.com.au/
5. Friggitoria
Located in Bayswater Road, Kings Cross, the Friggitoria is a traditional Italian restaurant that provides fresh pasta and south Italian street food in a relaxed environment. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, they offer vegetarian friendly, vegan options as well as gluten free choices.
If takeaway or delivery is your preference, then Friggitoria can help you there too. Other features include outdoor seating, a buffet and wheelchair access. Reviews include comments like “it fells like you are in Italy” and “best Italian street food in town at reasonable prices”. Although the food comes in cardboard with wooden cutlery, the patrons say that “it’s worth it”.
Whether you’re a fan of Friggitoria or not, will probably depend on your preferences, as it doesn’t come with the glitz and glamour of more high profile restaurants.
For opening hours, image gallery and menu, visit their website:
https://www.friggitoria.com.au/
6. Malabar South Indian Restaurant
Situated in Darlinghurst and located within an easy walk of trains, buses and parking stations, this restaurant captures the essence of over 22 years of extensive experience, skills and the knowledge of Chef Mohammed, reflecting the culinary legacy of South India. Still to this day, he handpicks all fresh produce, only allowing the best ingredients into the kitchen. True to his philosophy, the best food can only be produced when using the best produce available. It’s perfectly placed for a quick lunch, a feast dinner, large celebratory events and family get together’s.
At Malabar, taste sensations are the pillar of the kitchen, where exquisite recipes come together to ensure an experience that reiterates the greatness of South India with novel additions to the menu. Sprawled over an open space, the 110 seater Malabar boasts great ambience and comfort. It offers a range of dining options from large group tables, through to intimate tables for two, as well as takeaway.
For opening hours, image gallery and menu, visit their website:
http://malabarcuisine.com.au/darlinghurst/
7. Caffe Amici
Situated in Kent Street since 2009, Sydney, Caffè Amici provides a casual and friendly environment where you can taste the best Italian recipes cooked with the finest and fresh ingredients and enjoy imported Italian wines and beers.
This restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and their menus are very reasonably priced. Some patrons have described it as a “hidden gem” and “perfect in every way”. The emphasis is on delicious authentic Italian food and have been given certification from the NSW Food Authority for excellent hygiene and food safety.
For opening hours, image gallery and menu, visit their website:
https://caffeamici.com.au/
8. Zahli
Zahli is a Lebanese restaurant located in Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills. The name comes from a beautiful area in Lebanon where the Bardouni river flows from Mount Sannine. Among other things, Zahlé is steeped in the tradition of Lebanon’s famous mezza and on warm evenings there is nothing finer than dining outdoors at one of the excellent restaurants that line the river banks there. Wine and poetry flow in equal measure – there have been many poets and writers born in Zahlé and some of the best wines and araks in the region, originate in this small area.
The Zahli restaurant has brought this experience to life. They have created an environment, atmosphere and menu that is a modern take on Middle Eastern food. They boast a commitment to delivering excellence in taste, service and unique experiences, with memories to last a lifetime.
For opening hours, image gallery and menu, visit their website:
https://www.zahlirestaurant.com/
9. Social Brew Cafe
The Social Brew Café is a local landmark in bustling Pyrmont. It is the hub and central meeting place in Pyrmont village where locals gather for their favorite local brew and delicious food from their all day menu.
The Social Brew is a modern industrial cafe with an eclectic atmosphere, extending to outdoor dining over-looking a lovely stretch of grass. As such, it is the perfect spot for a picnic with food and drinks from their delicious menu. If you have pets then you’ll be happy because this one is a “pet friendly” restaurant which makes it the perfect location for a summer weekend outing with your fury friends.
Their extended menu is quite versatile whilst maintaining a Sunday brunch/lunch style of food. Light meals and delicious Vegetarian options are available.
For opening hours, image gallery and menu, visit their website:
http://www.socialbrewcafe.com.au/
10. Fortune Village Chinese Restaurant
If “Chinese” is your thing then you’ll like this one. Situated in Clarence Street, Sydney, this restaurant was established in 1981 and continues to be operated by the same family, providing local and international diners with fond, memorable dining experiences.
Simon Chan and his team pride themselves as being a cut above your “local” Chinese restaurant, serving great, reliable Chinese food. Their dishes are traditional, having many provincial influences, and some with modern twists. At Fortune Village, it’s about the personal touch, the smile, the welcome and the “thank you” for choosing to dine with us. If you’re in the city and interested in experiencing some great Chinese food, served with sincere friendly service and with a vegetarian friendly menu, then the Fortune Village is for you.
For opening hours, image gallery and menu, visit their website:
https://www.fortunevillage.com.au/
