Vegie Bar

Vegie Bar is a thriving vegetarian restaurant in the heart of Brunswick Street, Fitzroy with a down-to-earth vibe and an infectious bonhomie, it has made a name for serving up strictly vegetarian (including vegan, gluten free and lactose-intolerant dishes) for over 25 years.

What began as a relatively straight-forward warehouse conversion has, over the years, become something much bigger, with an extension reaching into the building next door, a mezzanine floor and a bar/courtyard out the back. The menu features broad range of dishes that reflect a mostly Asian focus. Dishes might include fried noodles, large vegetable curries with various sauce choices and a range salads. Daily specials include a variety of pizzas and pasta bakes. The portions are generous, so you’re guaranteed to get your vegetables for the day. It is also popular for its take away smoothies and roti-wraps.

Although the restaurant keeps growing, there never seems to be enough space to accommodate the crowd, so stake your claim early or come during the quieter hours of the afternoon to spread yourself out at one of the communal tables. Our pick is to grab some friends, the window seats, the raw cheesecake for dessert and to sit back and enjoy the bustling street scene over a long lunch.