Five great vegetarian-friendly restaurants
Posted on
Ten or so years ago, finding a ‘vegetarian-friendly’ place to eat in Canberra was a bit of a mission. Often, if a meal out wasn’t properly researched, it was not uncommon for the vego at the table to end up with a plate made up of sides or a sad looking garden salad with a breadbasket. Thankfully, plant-based diets have become more mainstream over the years and a quality, meat-free meal is now much easier to come by in the Capital.
For me, eating out should be a fun and inclusive experience. Nothing fills me with more joy and satisfaction than sitting down for a delicious meal, knowing my vegan partner and family of omnivores will enjoy every last morsel on their plate.
So, for those of you planning a meal out with a vegetarian or just looking to try some amazing new places to eat out, I have done all the research for you.
Here are five great vegetarian-friendly restaurants around Canberra that are sure to satisfy even the most stubborn carnivore on the guest list.
Sweet Bones, Braddon
At the heart of Londsdale Street Traders, Sweet Bones Bakery & Café is your go-to spot for hearty vegan meals, sweet treats and green smoothies.
[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Nbz1nX-lVkk/VBAZA24ojpI/AAAAAAAAI08/137YCS1CURo/s144-c-o/Food.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/FiveGreatVegetarianRestaurantsInTheCapital02#6057369001337065106″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”Food.jpg” pe2_img_align=”center” ]
The team at Sweet Bones serve up some of the best vegan food in Canberra, with North American inspired dishes that will satisfy any hunger. From chilidogs, BLT burgers and spicy tacos, to hearty, wholesome salads and fresh young coconut. There is a meal at Sweet Bones for almost everyone.
When you head in for lunch or even breakfast, be sure to leave room for dessert. Sweet Bones also serve up an array of vegan cupcakes, banana breads and raw cheesecakes. Prepare to overindulge.
Malaysian Chapter, Belconnen
I have to confess, I came across Malaysian Chapter while researching for this very article. I put the word out on Facebook for the best vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Canberra and this place came up too many times to ignore.
[pe2-image src=”http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OYu2QgqSkUw/VBAZA9ScDkI/AAAAAAAAI08/6jR5ivUcme4/s144-c-o/Malay.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/FiveGreatVegetarianRestaurantsInTheCapital02#6057369003055910466″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”Malay.jpg” pe2_img_align=”center” ]
Malaysian Chapter is a hidden gem in the heart of the Belconnen CBD, serving up traditional Malaysian style meals for both vegetarians and meat eaters alike.
With an entire menu dedicated to vegetarian variations of traditional Malaysian meat dishes, the food is sure please everyone at the table. From beautifully slow cooked Rendang curries to Malay style Mee Goreng, there is no shortage of choice on the menu. I recommend taking full advantage of the variety on offer by ordering one of their banquets to share.
Penny University Roasters, Kingston
opened its doors in Kingston earlier this year, serving up a great range of high quality, Modern Australian cuisine within a relaxed and intimate café environment. Although it’s not strictly a vegetarian café, the chefs at Penny University always have two or three quality vegetarian meals on the menu that can usually be changed to suit vegans too.
With good food, friendly staff and a variety of excellent juices and smoothies on offer, Penny University is one of my go-to vegetarian friendly cafés on the weekends…this place is yet to disappoint!
A note to the spontaneous, this cafe gets really busy on weekends. So you don’t end up waiting on the street, visit on a weekday or remember to book ahead.
The Cupping Room, Civic
The Cupping Room on University Avenue is the latest installment by the Ona Coffee team and by far one of the best spots to grab a coffee and a meal in the city. When you visit The Cupping Room, the staff are always keen to teach you all about the different brewing methods and flavours you might not have otherwise noticed in their coffee beans.
[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oUSC3AIfpo4/VBAZA-9eeoI/AAAAAAAAI08/Mvypamkg4uk/s144-c-o/food5.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/FiveGreatVegetarianRestaurantsInTheCapital02#6057369003504859778″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”food5.jpg” pe2_img_align=”center” ]
With a great vegetarian-friendly menu at breakfast and lunch, The Cupping Room serves Modern Australian food, with clear nods to Spanish and Japanese cuisine throughout the menu. With spring well and truly here to stay, here’s hoping the next menu rotation stays kind to their vegetarian customers.
A Bite to Eat, Chifley
I have been taking friends and family to A Bite to Eat since I first discovered the place about seven years ago. Since then, it has changed hands but maintained its eclectic charm and passion for wonderfully simple, home-style food. One of the best parts about A Bite to Eat (besides the food) has got to be its charming interior design. Sitting inside feels like you are in someone’s kitchen or living room enjoying a great homemade meal. At night the lights go down and the atmosphere becomes quite intimate, if not romantic.
[pe2-image src=”http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SoWE-2kWs9g/VBAZAze-UQI/AAAAAAAAI08/vh67qOinV5w/s144-c-o/food1.jpg” href=”https://picasaweb.google.com/108454826374315674707/FiveGreatVegetarianRestaurantsInTheCapital02#6057369000424132866″ caption=”” type=”image” alt=”food1.jpg” pe2_img_align=”center” ]
With cheeky menu item names like ‘Never been feta’, a roast vegetable and feta salad with sesame miso dressing and garlic toast and ‘Hit the Beet’, a delicious set of rosemary and barley cakes served with a side of beetroot and feta salad, the venue is charming and the food is always fresh and creative. The kitchen staff are always happy to accommodate for vegetarians and vegans, which is what keeps me coming back after all these years.
Do you know any vegetarian-friendly restaurants and cafes that weren’t mentioned in this piece? We’d love you to share it with us in the comments below.
The Essentials
Where: Lonsdale Street Traders, Lonsdale Street, Braddon
When: Open for breakfast and lunch, Tuesday to Sunday
Find them on Facebook for their open times and menu specials
Where: 8 Weedon Close, Belconnen
When: Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday.
Check out their website for open times and menu specials
Where: 15 Kennedy Street, Kingston
When: Open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Sunday and dinner from Thursday to Saturday
Find them on Facebook for open times and menu specials
Where: 1/1-13 Univeristy Ave, Canberra City
When: Open for breakfast and lunch, Monday to Sunday and dinner from Thursday to Saturday
Check out their website for open times and menu specials
Where: Shop 8 Eggleston Crescent Chifley
When: Open for breakfast and lunch Monday to Sunday and dinner from Wednesday to Friday
Check out their website for open times and menu specials
Leave a Reply