12 Sydney Restaurants with Proper Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Finding a restaurant that takes plant-based dining seriously can be tricky. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or just want substantial meat-free choices, these Sydney venues across the inner west, northern beaches, and CBD have earned their spot for offering genuine alternatives rather than an afterthought side dish.
- 1Restaurants Chatswood
1. Myung Jang Chatswood
Korean cuisine naturally accommodates vegetarian diets—try this Chatswood spot for bibimbap and vegetable banchan sides that don't compromise on flavour.
TakeawayVegan & vegetarianOpen MondaysOpen Sundays+1 moreView venue4.8(2,517)· Google70Spot ScoreGreat 
2Restaurants Newtown2. Alba Restaurant
Newtown's Alba brings Italian cooking to the table, where pasta dishes and risottos offer reliable plant-based foundations that chefs can build on.
Vegan & vegetarianLive musicOpen late (after 10pm)Open Mondays+2 moreView venue4.8(1,587)· Google69Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Restaurants Chatswood3. Amah by Ho Jiak
This Chatswood restaurant serves Singaporean and Malaysian cuisine, where curries and stir-fries adapt well to vegetarian preparation without losing their aromatic edge.
Vegan & vegetarianOpen late (after 10pm)Open MondaysOpen Sundays+1 moreView venue4.7(3,154)· Google68Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Restaurants Parramatta4. Icy Spicy Parramatta
Parramatta's Icy Spicy focuses on Southeast Asian heat and flavour—vegetable curries and noodle dishes here work as complete meals, not afterthoughts.
TakeawayVegan & vegetarianOpen late (after 10pm)Open Mondays+2 moreView venue4.7(1,615)· Google$$$$68Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Restaurants Sydney CBD5. Esteban
Located in Sydney CBD, Esteban brings Spanish and Latin American influences where vegetable-forward tapas and sides are substantial enough to build a full meal around.
Vegan & vegetarianGluten-free optionsOpen late (after 10pm)Open Mondays+2 moreView venue4.7(1,845)· Google68Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Restaurants Newtown6. don Fred
Newtown's don Fred offers Latin American dining with an approach to plant-based food that feels intentional rather than obligatory.
Good for groupsVegan & vegetarianGluten-free optionsOpen SundaysView venue4.9(691)· Google68Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Restaurants Newtown7. Thai Pothong Restaurant
Thai cuisine thrives on vegetable dishes—Newtown's Thai Pothong delivers curries, salads, and stir-fries where removing meat doesn't diminish the cooking.
Good for groupsTakeawayVegan & vegetarianGluten-free options+4 moreView venue4.7(5,878)· Google$$$$68Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Restaurants Darling Harbour8. Vogue Cafe Sydney
At Darling Harbour, Vogue Cafe brings a contemporary cafe approach to dining where vegetarian plates get the same attention as other mains.
Outdoor seatingFamily friendlyBreakfastVegan & vegetarian+5 moreView venue4.6(2,461)· Google67Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Restaurants Cronulla9. 500 Degrees Restaurant Cronulla
Cronulla's 500 Degrees offers wood-fired cooking where vegetables roasted over open flame become the star rather than a supporting role.
Vegan & vegetarianOpen late (after 10pm)Open MondaysOpen Sundays+1 moreView venue4.7(1,041)· Google67Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Restaurants The Rocks10. Luna Lu - Asian Fusion, The Rocks
The Rocks' Luna Lu blends Asian techniques where fusion cooking gives vegetarian dishes creative interpretations beyond standard offerings.
Vegan & vegetarianOpen late (after 10pm)Open MondaysOpen Sundays+1 moreView venue4.6(2,669)· Google67Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Restaurants Cronulla11. Pilgrims Cronulla
Cronulla's Pilgrims brings modern Australian dining sensibilities where seasonal vegetables are treated with the same care as primary proteins.
BreakfastVegan & vegetarianOpens early (before 7am)Open Mondays+2 moreView venue4.5(664)· Google$$$$63Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Restaurants Balmain12. Maysa Thai Balmain
Balmain's Maysa Thai delivers authentic Thai cooking where vegetable curries and noodle dishes stand alone as satisfying, flavour-packed mains.
Outdoor seatingGood for groupsVegan & vegetarianView venue4.9(107)· Google62Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myung Jang Chatswood | 70/100 | 4.8(2,517) | — | Chatswood | Takeaway |
| Alba Restaurant | 69/100 | 4.8(1,587) | — | Newtown | Vegan & vegetarian |
| Amah by Ho Jiak | 68/100 | 4.7(3,154) | — | Chatswood | Vegan & vegetarian |
| Icy Spicy Parramatta | 68/100 | 4.7(1,615) | $$ | Parramatta | Takeaway |
| Esteban | 68/100 | 4.7(1,845) | — | Sydney CBD | Vegan & vegetarian |
| don Fred | 68/100 | 4.9(691) | — | Newtown | Good for groups |
| Thai Pothong Restaurant | 68/100 | 4.7(5,878) | $$ | Newtown | Good for groups |
| Vogue Cafe Sydney | 67/100 | 4.6(2,461) | — | Darling Harbour | Outdoor seating |
| 500 Degrees Restaurant Cronulla | 67/100 | 4.7(1,041) | — | Cronulla | Vegan & vegetarian |
| Luna Lu - Asian Fusion, The Rocks | 67/100 | 4.6(2,669) | — | The Rocks | Vegan & vegetarian |
| Pilgrims Cronulla | 63/100 | 4.5(664) | $$ | Cronulla | Breakfast |
| Maysa Thai Balmain | 62/100 | 4.9(107) | — | Balmain | Outdoor seating |
Frequently asked questions
Do all these restaurants cater specifically to vegans?+
This list covers restaurants with proper vegan and vegetarian options, but not all will have exclusively vegan kitchens or preparation methods. It's worth calling ahead to confirm vegan-specific needs like shared cooking equipment or dairy-free requirements.
Which areas of Sydney have the most plant-based-friendly restaurants?+
Newtown emerges strongly with four venues on this list, reflecting its diverse food culture. Chatswood (Asian restaurants), the CBD, and Cronulla also feature prominently.
Are these restaurants expensive?+
The list includes venues across various price points—from casual Asian spots to fine dining—but specific pricing isn't confirmed here. Check individual restaurant websites or call ahead for current menu prices.
Do I need to book ahead?+
Reservation requirements vary by venue and day. Popular spots like those in Newtown and the CBD are often busier during peak hours, so booking is recommended where available.
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