Best Vegan Food in Vermont South Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Vermont South has genuine best vegan food options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. The Tall Bench and Lucky Local lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 24-35km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Outer East region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. The Glen shopping centre nearby. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Vermont South 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. Nico’s — 143 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (vegan food) No-frills excellence Cost: $21-31 per person Best for: remote workers

Nico’s has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the charcuterie board ($26) 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. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($23) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: Parking is free on Anderson Street after 6pm.

2. Nell’s — 194 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (vegan food) A quiet achiever Cost: $13-26 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Nell’s has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($14) 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 53 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Lake Street is usually fine.

Try this: The seasonal special ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Vermont South roaster — ask which one.

3. Otto — 234 Anderson Drive, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (vegan food) Worth the detour Cost: $21-34 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

Otto has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($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.

Capacity is around 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Go for: The pumpkin risotto ($27) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. The Tall Works — 158 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (vegan food) A solid local spot Cost: $8-20 per person Best for: dates

The Tall Works has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($9) 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 space seats about 53 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($13) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

5. Vera — 192 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (vegan food) A solid local spot Cost: $8-22 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Vera has been operating in Vermont South 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 46 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Worth knowing: The daily soup ($13) — the best version in Vermont South Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

6. Stella — 286 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (vegan food) A quiet achiever Cost: $16-30 per person Best for: remote workers

Stella has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($17) 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 58 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The daily soup ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

Why Vermont South Is Worth Knowing

The Glen shopping centre nearby. Vermont South is well-served by bus connections. The best vegan food options here reflect Vermont South’s character. For Vermont South 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. Anchor — 308 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (vegan food) A solid local spot Cost: $16-23 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Anchor has been operating in Vermont South for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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.

Capacity is around 32 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.

Book ahead for: The daily soup ($19) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

8. Marco’s — 122 Lake Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (vegan food) No-frills excellence Cost: $22-28 per person Best for: parents who want food AND peace

Marco’s has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($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.

Capacity is around 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The seasonal special ($28) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu special — they rotate it weekly.

9. Red Pantry — 142 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (vegan food) Reliable all-rounder Cost: $13-19 per person Best for: dates

Red Pantry has been operating in Vermont South for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the daily soup ($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 41 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on River Street is usually fine.

Come back for: The daily soup ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: The window seat is the best in the house — arrive early.

10. Hazel — 273 River Street, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (vegan food) No-frills excellence Cost: $19-33 per person Best for: anyone watching their wallet

Hazel has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($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.

Capacity is around 49 — book for Friday and Saturday. Service is efficient without being rushed. Street parking on High Terrace is usually fine.

Get the: The house-made relish ($22) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Vermont South roaster — ask which one.

11. Lane — 336 High Terrace, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (vegan food) A local institution Cost: $18-32 per person Best for: the whole crew

Lane has been operating in Vermont South for since 2019 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 quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 40 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Order this: The charcuterie board ($20) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Vermont South roaster — ask which one.

12. Nell Bench — 231 Thomas Avenue, Vermont South VIC 3167

What it is: (vegan food) Neighbourhood favourite Cost: $14-24 per person Best for: kids under 12 who need to burn energy

Nell Bench has been operating in Vermont South for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the sourdough bread ($17) 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 63 and fills on weekends. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Try this: The sourdough bread ($18) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on River Street after 6pm.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best vegan food options in Vermont South?

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

Is Vermont South good for best vegan food?

Yes. Vermont South has 12+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Vermont South known for?

The Glen shopping centre nearby.

How far is Vermont South from Melbourne CBD?

Vermont South is 24-35km, 35-52min train, 28-40min drive from Melbourne CBD.

If you’re comparing Vermont South to inner-city options, stop. Different league, different game. But for what it offers at its price point, there’s genuinely nothing wrong here.

Last updated: March 2026