Best Vegan Food in Richmond Melbourne — 2026 Guide
| Pick | |
|---|---|
| Our #1 | Theo’s |
| Zero-cost winner | Ada’s |
| Kid-approved | The High Union |
| Under the radar | The Good Cellar |
| Wet day saviour | Lena’s |
The best vegan food scene in Richmond is growing every year. Start at The White Table, then check out The Long Mill. Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips. Located 3km from the CBD, Richmond is part of Melbourne’s Inner East region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Richmond locals actually recommend.
1. River — 276 Edward Avenue, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: (vegan food) The one that surprised us Cost: $21-35 per person Best for: the whole crew
River has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($25) 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 space seats about 39 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bell Crescent is usually fine.
Order this: The sourdough bread ($25) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
2. Lucky Pantry — 100 Edward Avenue, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: (vegan food) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-24 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Lucky Pantry has been operating in Richmond for several years 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.
The room holds 42 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The daily soup ($15) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Richmond farmers market when it runs.
3. Zara’s — 228 North Street, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: (vegan food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book
Zara’s has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($18) 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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Go for: The crispy chicken ($22) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
4. Otto’s — 231 Albert Parade, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: (vegan food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $10-16 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd
Otto’s has been operating in Richmond for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($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 space seats about 55 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Street parking on Bay Lane is usually fine.
Don’t miss: The sourdough bread ($12) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Richmond roaster — ask which one.
5. Works — 287 Albert Parade, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: (vegan food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $10-18 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200
Works has been operating in Richmond for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($12) 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 space seats about 45 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Worth knowing: The fish special ($12) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.
6. Luna’s — 119 Edward Avenue, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: (vegan food) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-22 per person Best for: dates
Luna’s has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($18) 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 46 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Bell Crescent is usually fine.
Ask for: The mushroom pasta ($21) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
What Nobody Tells You About Richmond
Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips. Victoria Street is Melbourne’s Vietnamese food heartland. The best vegan food options here reflect Richmond’s character. For Richmond 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. The White Commons — 340 Edward Avenue, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: (vegan food) Worth the detour Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: families
The White Commons has been operating in Richmond for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($17) 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 55 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Bay Lane is usually fine.
Book ahead for: The charcuterie board ($15) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.
8. Cleo’s — 344 Bell Crescent, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: (vegan food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace
Cleo’s has been operating in Richmond for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($13) 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 60 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.
Start with: The house-made relish ($10) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: The staff will let you modify most dishes if you ask nicely.
9. Hugo’s — 72 Edward Avenue, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: (vegan food) No-frills excellence Cost: $17-23 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet
Hugo’s has been operating in Richmond for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($20) 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 30 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Come back for: The fish special ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
10. White Post — 11 North Street, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: (vegan food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $16-29 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
White Post has been operating in Richmond for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($20) 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 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on Albert Parade is usually fine.
Get the: The crispy chicken ($18) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: They source produce from Richmond farmers market when it runs.
11. Ada’s — 46 Edward Avenue, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: (vegan food) The one that surprised us Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy
Ada’s has been operating in Richmond for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the lamb shoulder ($23) 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 44 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Order this: The lamb shoulder ($23) — the best version in Richmond Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.
12. River Kitchen — 106 Albert Parade, Richmond VIC 3158
What it is: (vegan food) The one regulars swear by Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: dates
River Kitchen has been operating in Richmond for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the fish special ($23) 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 50 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.
Try this: The fish special ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Come on a Tuesday for the quietest experience.
Explore More
- Collingwood Best Vegan Food — same vibe, different suburb
- Richmond Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
- Richmond Things to Do — the full activity guide
- Richmond Complete Guide — everything about Richmond
- Compare Suburbs — see how Richmond stacks up
- All Richmond Guides — everything we’ve written
FAQ
What are the best best vegan food options in Richmond?
Theo’s is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.
Is Richmond good for best vegan food?
Yes. Richmond has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.
What is Richmond known for?
Bridge Road and Victoria Street are major dining strips.
How far is Richmond from Melbourne CBD?
Richmond is 3km, 5min train, 8min drive from Melbourne CBD.
Richmond isn’t trying to be the next Fitzroy. It doesn’t need to be. What it does, it does with zero pretension and real substance. That’s worth more than a trendy postcode.
Last updated: March 2026

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