Melbourne is well known for its cosmopolitan bar scene and, undoubtedly, a sprinkling of artisan coffee roasters and cafes in almost every suburb of this city.
What Melbourne also does really expertly, though, is provide healthy, nutritious food that is super delicious and affordable.
In the age of Uber Eats, it can feel like a small luxury to actually dine on site and if you can, it is good for your mind, body and soul to take that time to sit and savour your food and whatever company you’re in (even if it’s you and a stack of newspapers).
The following 10 cafes are tried and tested by a Pilates, barre and yoga instructor. All have vegan-friendly meals and a no-bull approach to food, service and atmosphere.
Laneway Greens
Originally based in the city, Laneway has two city outlets now and also a funky Swan Street venue in Richmond.
With communal table, clean and fuss-free fit-out and WiFi, it’s ideal for lunch and for working on the go, meetings, social media updates or for putting aside your tech gear and taking the time to really enjoy a nourishing, delicious bowl of falafel, hummus and crispy tempeh with all food made fresh on site.
Did I mention the hummus? Just making sure.
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Superfluid
The disco-diner every hipster in Melbourne needs to know about.
Owner and founder, Tracey Lester devised this plant-based fuel-stop after decades of experience in hospitality and a personal passion for Eastern health.
With a menu that embraces the rainbow of fruits and vegetables, with plenty of flourishes in seeds, nuts, sauces and dressings to zhoosh up the flavour and satiety factor, this is how to stick to your healthy new year resolutions without feeling deprived.
The juices and mylks are divine and if you’re so inclined, ask about the juice cleanse programme.
The Vegie Bar
This Brunswick Street stalwart has lasted so long for good reason.
There’s never a quiet time either, with word of mouth and reputation ensuring the steady flow of newcomers and local regulars from breakfast through to dinner. There’s some longstanding menu items and some are seasonal like the delicious Raw Pad Thai.
Non-vegetarians won’t feel jibbed at all – the plant-based menu offers protein-rich, satisfying options for every palate.
Monk Bodhi Dharma
Hidden behind Woolworths on Carlisle Street in hipster Balaclava, this beloved, award-winning café proffers a variety of coffee blends as well as a super-yummy menu that both satiates the belly and the eyes (and your Insta-following).
The umami mushroom dish is killer, and the cauliflower and hummus are lip-smackingly good. But don’t smack your lips, it’s a small space and it’s best to keep it all polite and nice.
Industry Beans
This is a Melbourne institution. Beloved for its specialty coffee and in-demand at all hours kitchen and coffee machine, if you skip lunch here you’re really missing out.
I had the Super Salad full of kale, quinoa, cherry tomatoes, sour cherries, blueberries and – while I can’t tell you exactly what this is – beetroot gel, which is delicious. I could eat that salad every day forever.
Recommended. Try using their app to order ahead, plus new users get a $5 bonus credit.
Kooks Kitchen
This vegan salad bar is far from your mung-beans and alfalfa idea of a salad.
A rainbow of cauliflower, almonds, mandarin slices, crispy mushrooms, vibrantly fresh seasonal veggies every which-way will have you returning over and over again. There’s an outlet in South Melbourne and also in South Yarra.
If you prefer a smoothie or soup, or simply a juice, they’ve got you covered on all fronts.
Try the baked sweet potato with guacamole for true soul-nourishing fulfilment or my fave, the roast cauliflower and tahini salad.
Pachamama’s Kitchen
Every salad here is full of sacred goodness. With a holistic approach to food as fuel, medicine, a joyful ritual and vital for quality of life, Pachamama is beloved by the inner north locals (especially the yoga, CrossFit, Pilates and cycling enthusiasts).
As of March 2019, the renovation will see a much bigger space for the café and wholefoods area.
Whether you’re vegan, gluten free, vegetarian, low carb or Paleo, the menu caters to all dietary proclivities.
The Origin Tales
The Origin Tales in Brunswick is a relative newcomer. All vegan, all super big servings to satiate a hardy appetite. My personal favourite is the poke bowl but I can also vouch for the vegan burger and fries.
Melbourne is spoilt for choice when it comes to healthy, gourmet food. This is my ten, but I’m open to trialling and testing hummus and salads anywhere you recommend.
What have I missed that should be on every fit foodie’s radar?
