Paddington is situated near some of the city’s best plant-based dining options. With innovative menus and cosy atmospheres, these dining options are popular spots for herbivores and omnivores alike. Here are five of the top vegan and vegetarian restaurants near Paddington.
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Yavanna
Address: 9/2 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington
Website: https://www.yavanna.com.au/
Social media: https://www.instagram.com/yavannaeat/
Yavanna, the iconic plant-based hangout that has won the hearts of health-conscious foodies in Brisbane, continues to flourish under the stewardship of its new owners. Established by passionate foodie Cale Drouin, Yavanna’s journey from inception to becoming a beloved culinary destination has been nothing short of remarkable.
Cale’s inspiration to launch Yavanna came while working at a vegan distribution company, where his love for plant-based cuisine ignited a dream. Over five years, Yavanna gained immense popularity for its exceptional menu and cozy ambiance. However, in April 2022, a changing of the guards occurred as the reins of the eatery were handed over to the exceptional team at It’s Mirchi. The local community warmly welcomed the announcement, knowing that Yavanna’s legacy was in good hands.
Yavanna’s success is not solely attributed to its mouthwatering favourites like the sumptuous fried faux-chicken, the cauliflower bites, the tofu miso burger, and the vegetable paella but also to the community it has fostered. Through their inventive menu and commitment to quality, Yavanna has managed to transform even the most skeptical palates into enthusiastic advocates of plant-based cuisine.
Grown
Address: Shop G03/21 Buchanan St, West End
Website: https://grownbne.com/
Social media: https://www.instagram.com/grown_bne/?hl=en
Tucked away on a quiet street near the Brisbane River, Grown has become one of the go-tos for plant-based breakfast and brunch. The airy, light-filled cafe opens early, with windows wide open to let in the morning breeze. Inside, the menu celebrates local, seasonal produce, with native Australian ingredients as well as vegetables and fruits sourced from nearby farms.
Popular dishes include the scrambled tofu and their house-made hashbrowns. Coffee is courtesy of artisan roasters St Ali, perfectly dialled in to complement the fresh, vegetable-focused menu.
After a satisfying meal, take a post-brunch stroll along the riverwalk just steps away. Grown’s breezy location and dedication to Aussie flavours makes it a go-to for a relaxed weekend brunch.
Insane Acai Bar
Address: 120 Boundary St, West End
Social media: https://www.facebook.com/insaneacaibar/?locale=
In Brisbane, Insane Acai Bar is the place to go for the city’s best acai bowls. These creamy concoctions come in gigantic servings piled high with slices of fresh fruit. Dig your spoon into a base of pureed acai berries swirled with granola and banana. Then relish the topping of strawberries, kiwi, mango and more. It’s a tropical fruit lover’s dream.
Beyond overflowing acai bowls, Insane offers smoothies and an array of baked goods. Try the vegan and gluten-free cupcake for something sweet. Or order a birthday cake like the raw vegan peanut butter and snickers cake.
With cold treats perfect for Queensland’s climate and plenty of plant-based options, Insane Acai Bar is a must-visit to experience Brisbane’s tastiest acai bowls.
Nonna’s Nightmare
Address: Shop 4/156 Boundary St, West End
Website: https://www.nonnasnightmare.com.au/
Social media: https://www.facebook.com/nonnasnightmare/
If you’re looking for one of the popular vegetarian restaurants near Paddington, this is the place to be. The cosy pizzeria crafts each sourdough crust in-house using their secret flour blend, then tops it with tomato basil sauce and melty vegan mozzarella. Their handmade gnocchi and ravioli pastas are always crowd-pleasers too, cooked to perfection in savory sauces.
Everything at Nonna’s is 100% plant-based, right down to the tiramisu for dessert. Enjoy it all with one of their specialty vegan wines – the restaurant boasts an all-vegan bar focusing on natural, biodynamic and organic varieties.
With fresh housemade pasta, pizzas that rival the classics, and an Italian-inspired menu that just happens to be fully plant-based, Nonna’s Nightmare is redefining plant-based dining in Brisbane.
Bookings
Coco Bliss South Bank
Address: 178 Grey St, South Brisbane
Website: https://www.cocobliss.com.au/
Social media: https://www.facebook.com/cocoblisssouthbank/
Coco Bliss was founded in October 2013 by friends Candice Roat and Mellita Rayner, who wanted to create the healthy cafe they wished existed. Their goal was to provide convenient, refined sugar-free, superfood-boosted food and drinks for busy people on the go.
They aimed to make juices and smoothies with real, nutrient-dense ingredients, not just fruit. Coco Bliss became a place where customers could satisfy their sweet cravings without guilt. Ten years later in August 2023, Coco Bliss continues to provide healthy, guilt-free treats to the community.
Newport’s Cafe
Address: 29 Merivale St, South Brisbane
Social media: https://www.facebook.com/newportscafe/
When you need an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city without actually leaving it behind, Newport’s Cafe is a must-visit.
Newport’s is especially known for its delicious gluten-free breads and pastries, which are hard to find done well in many restaurants. Customers rave about the cafe’s perfect croissants, which strike just the right balance between flaky and tender.
Another highlight of the menu is Newport’s bunless burgers, which allow gluten-free and paleo diners to enjoy a juicy burger experience. The burgers come in mouthwatering flavours like chicken and mushroom. To complement your meal, be sure to order one of Newport’s specialty chai lattes, made with freshly brewed tea and aromatic spices.
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Difference between Vegan and Vegetarian
Plant-based eating provides health and environmental benefits, but it’s important to understand the distinction between vegan and vegetarian diets.
Vegan diet: Vegans strictly avoid all animal products, including meat, fish, dairy, eggs, honey, and animal-derived ingredients. A vegan diet relies entirely on plant foods for nourishment. People often choose veganism due to ethical concerns about animal welfare, environmental impacts of animal agriculture, or potential health advantages.
Vegetarian diet: Vegetarians omit meat, poultry, and fish from their diet. But vegetarians may still consume dairy, eggs, honey, and other animal by-products. There are variations of vegetarianism, like lacto-ovo vegetarians who eat dairy and eggs or lacto-vegetarians who include dairy.
Both vegan and vegetarian diets can provide balanced nutrition. The choice depends on an individual’s values, beliefs, and personal preferences regarding animal products.
With the growing interest in vegan and vegatarian restaurants near Paddington, it’s no surprise that you can find an array of meat-free menus utilising fresh, seasonal produce in the area. Whether you’re craving healthy salads and bowls, plant-based takes on classics like burgers and pizzas, or sweet indulgences like cupcakes, Brisbane has you covered.
Published 4-August-2023
