Best Vegan Food in Brunswick East Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Brunswick East has genuine best vegan food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Room and Felix’s lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 5km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Inner West region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Lygon Street extends into Brunswick East with cafes and Italian heritage. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Brunswick East resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Nell’s — 366 Thomas Grove, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (vegan food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Nell’s has been operating in Brunswick East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Elm Grove is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

2. Ada’s — 40 Brunswick Lane, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (vegan food) The one that surprised us Cost: $8-13 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Ada’s has been operating in Brunswick East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($11) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 46 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The seasonal special ($13) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Brunswick East roaster — ask which one.

3. Nico House — 116 Creek Parade, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (vegan food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $15-24 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Nico House has been operating in Brunswick East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($16) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 42 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The lamb shoulder ($19) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

4. Table — 110 Creek Parade, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (vegan food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: families

Table has been operating in Brunswick East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 30 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($23) — the best version in Brunswick East Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

5. Hugo Union — 211 Creek Parade, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (vegan food) A quiet achiever Cost: $18-24 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Hugo Union has been operating in Brunswick East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($23) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 56 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Worth knowing: The charcuterie board ($21) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

6. Marco — 309 Thomas Grove, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (vegan food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $10-24 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Marco has been operating in Brunswick East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($11) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 33 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Ask for: The crispy chicken ($13) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

The Reality of Brunswick East

Lygon Street extends into Brunswick East with cafes and Italian heritage. CERES environmental park. The best vegan food options here reflect Brunswick East’s character. For Brunswick East locals and anyone in the area, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

7. Leo’s — 207 Elm Grove, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (vegan food) A solid local spot Cost: $21-27 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Leo’s has been operating in Brunswick East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($26) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 36 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The house-made relish ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

8. New Bench — 249 Creek Parade, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (vegan food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $13-18 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

New Bench has been operating in Brunswick East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($14) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Elm Grove is usually fine.

Start with: The crispy chicken ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

9. Store — 364 Elm Grove, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (vegan food) The one that surprised us Cost: $18-27 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Store has been operating in Brunswick East for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($22) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 31 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Come back for: The mushroom pasta ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The back courtyard has tables nobody knows about.

10. Mia’s — 147 Creek Parade, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (vegan food) No-frills excellence Cost: $10-21 per person Best for: groups

Mia’s has been operating in Brunswick East for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($13) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 64 and fills on weekends. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Brunswick Lane is usually fine.

Get the: The daily soup ($15) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

11. Red Mill — 363 Elm Grove, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (vegan food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $9-18 per person Best for: people who need three hours and a laptop

Red Mill has been operating in Brunswick East for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($10) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 55 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The house-made relish ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.

12. Kai’s — 310 Blake Drive, Brunswick East VIC 3024

What it is: (vegan food) Under-the-radar gem Cost: $8-18 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Kai’s has been operating in Brunswick East for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($9) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 60 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The fish special ($10) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Brunswick East farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

• West Footscray Best Vegan Food — same vibe, different suburb
• Brunswick East Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Brunswick East Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Brunswick East Complete Guide — everything about Brunswick East
• Compare Suburbs — see how Brunswick East stacks up
• All Brunswick East Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best vegan food options in Brunswick East?

Cellar is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Brunswick East good for best vegan food?

Yes. Brunswick East has 12+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Brunswick East known for?

Lygon Street extends into Brunswick East with cafes and Italian heritage.

How far is Brunswick East from Melbourne CBD?

Brunswick East is 5km, 15min tram, 12min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Brunswick East is the kind of suburb you move to for practical reasons and stay for the character. Give it six months. You’ll stop driving to the inner city for everything.

Last updated: March 2026