Q  What do you do if you're a vegetarian and your family/partner/friends don't want to go to a vegetarian restaurant?

A  You all compromise and go to a 'vegetarian-friendly' restaurant! (Or you just go to a vegetarian restaurant without them!)

From personal experience, there have been many occasions (mainly birthdays and Mother's/Father's Days), when my meat-eating family and I (a vegan) have gone out to dinner, but have had all sorts of dramas about where to go - I prefer vegetarian places but some family members insist on eating meat. So sometimes we've gone to vegetarian restaurants (along with my family's complaints about missing out on meat), and other times we've gone to places where I have been very dissatisfied - 'vegetarian' menu items contain fish paste, the waiters have had no idea what a vegan is and after you explain it to them they suggest a dish that has cheese in it, and you finally end up just selecting the boring napolitana pasta. Sound familiar?

To help prevent situations like this we've put together this list of vegetarian-friendly restaurants. By "vegetarian-friendly" we mean establishments that serve meat, but also cater quite well for vegetarians and vegans. Usually this will mean they have good range of vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu, and that they actually know what 'vegetarian' and 'vegan' means!

Please note:
- We have not been to all of the establishments listed below ourselves, so we do not know how "vegetarian friendly" they actually are, or the standard of their food. The information is provided from recommendations from visitors to this website.
- What does and does not constitute as "vegetarian-friendly" differs from person to person so this page  should be used as a guide only.
- We recommend that you contact an establishment beforehand to determine whether they suit your requirements.
- If you have a bad experience at any of these establishments please let us know.

Please help us keep this page up to date. If you know of any other suitable restaurants, or any changes to the details below, please email us at webmaster@vnv.org.au.

It is advisable for vegans to notify these restaurants beforehand!

Metropolitan Melbourne

Balaclava	Brunswick	Carlton
Chelsea	City	Doncaster East
Fitzroy	Frankston	Glen Iris
Glenroy	Hawthorn	Lilydale
Maribyrnong	Melbourne	Mordialloc
Port Melbourne	Richmond	South Yarra
St Kilda	Templestowe	Wantirna South
Warrandyte

Regional Victoria

Ballarat	Daylesford	Geelong
Healesville	Kyneton	Lorne

 

METROPOLITAN MELBOURNE

Balaclava

Feedmee 215 Carlisle Street, Balaclava VIC 3183                                                 Ph: 03 9527 4511 Opening hours:  7 days 11.30am-11pm BYO/Licensed:  No Features:  Feedmee is a spud, salad and soup bar offering an exciting range of healthy meals. A set menu is offered along with an option for creating your own spud, salad and soup dishes from ingredients of your choice. The set menu includes several vegan options such as the Raw Power spud, the Tiny Tummy and Great Bowl of China salads, and several of the soups. Leftovers at the end of the day are given to needy people. Very reasonable prices, ranging from $10 to $12. Seats 40. www.feedmee.com.au

Brunswick

The East Brunswick Club 280 Lygon Street, East Brunswick VIC 3057                                          Ph: 03 9388 2777 Opening hours:  Mon-Fri 12noon-3pm & 6pm-10pm, Sat 12noon-10pm, Sun 2pm-10pm BYO/Licensed:  Licensed Features:  Separate vegan menu of pub favourites – mock chicken parma using vegan mozzarella with chips and salad, “fish” and chips with vegan tartare sauce, crispy “chicken” salad and assorted starters such as nachos (also with vegan cheese). There are usually a couple of additional vegan choices on the specials board. These have included Thai “fish” cakes, “chicken” curry and a sweet potato and lentil burger. www.eastbrunswickclub.com

Sugardough Panificio & Patisserie 163 Lygon Street, Brunswick East VIC 3057                                          Ph: 03 9380 4060 Opening hours:  Tue-Fri 7.30am-5pm, Sat 7.30am-4pm, Sun 8am-4pm BYO/Licensed:  No Features:  A traditional Italian bakery-cafe with a substantial range of vegetarian and vegan options. As well as the many types of breads available for sale, Sugardough is open throughout the day for coffee, sweet treats and lunch. Lunch options suitable for vegans include a pumpkin and vegetable pastie served with chutney. There are usually at least two types of vegan cake on offer, including apple and raspberry, apple and cinnamon, and lemon poppy seed pistachio. Whole cakes are also available for purchase. Be sure to try their delicious soy chai lattes and decadent Italian hot chocolate. Cash sales only.

Carlton

Thresherman's Bakehouse 221 Faraday Street, Carlton VIC 3053                                                    Ph: 03 9349 2319 Opening hours:  7 days 6am-11pm BYO/Licensed:  No Features:  Being only 5 minutes walk from Melbourne Uni this bakehouse has a wide variety of food suitable for veggos - noodle, rice and pasta dishes, salads, grilled vegies, sandwiches, veggo pizza, foccachias, fresh juices, plus a good range of sticky buns, pastries and cakes; veggo soup (free of meat-based stock) is always available; 70% of the food is veggo; some of the food is also available for vegans (but be careful, most of the breads contain milk powder); very reasonably priced; eat in or take away; footpath seating. VNV Members receive a 10% discount on all non-sale items.

Chelsea

Borneo Cafe & Noodle Bar Shop 16, 446 Nepean Highway, Chelsea VIC 3196                                  Ph: 03 9776 1034 Opening hours:  Mon-Sat 10am-3.30pm & 5pm-10pm BYO/Licensed:  BYO Features:  This vegan-friendly Chinese restaurant offers an amazing range of mock-meat dishes, including soy 'fish', soy 'chicken' and soy 'beef' all cooked in a variety of ways, e.g. blackbean, combo etc. The curry range is also impressive, with Indian, Malaysian and Thai curries provided. VNV Members receive a 5% discount on everything.

Doncaster East

Haveli Indian 31-33 Turnstall Square, Doncaster East VIC 3109                                   Ph: 03 9842 9375 Opening hours:  Lunch Wed-Fri 12pm-2.30pm, Sunday 11am-2.30pm                         Dinner 7 days 6pm-10.30pm BYO/Licensed:  BYO (wine only) Features:  Exclusive Vegetarian Buffet at Sunday lunch; cuisine is currently North Indian but they are starting to introduce some South Indian fare; ample parking in front of and next to restaurant; private parties can order vegetarian banquet at dinner; seats 120 people. www.haveli.com.au

Fitzroy

Juanita's Cafe 370 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC 3065                                                 Ph: 03 9415 9396 Opening hours:  Tue-Sun 12pm-late BYO/Licensed:  No Features:  Juanita's Cafe offers cakes, pastries and Spanish pies, some of which are vegetarian. As a vegan option they offer churros (donuts) with chocolate sauce. Seats 30.

Zenzero Blu 32 Best Street, Fitzroy North VIC 3068                                                  Ph: 03 9481 3393 Opening Hours:  Tue-Fri 4pm-late, Sat-Sun 10am-late BYO/Licensed:  Licensed Features:  8 Course Vegetarian Degustation Menu, available every night for $25 per person, $30 including a glass of house red/white wine. Minimum 2 persons. Not available for lunch. Menu changes weekly. Bookings essential. www.zenzeroblu.com

Frankston

Great Flavours 34 Playne Street, Frankston VIC 3199                                                   Ph: 03 9770 5511 Opening hours:  Mon-Fri 7am-4.30pm, Sat 7.30am-3pm BYO/Licensed:  Licensed (wine & beer) Features:  80% of the menu is vegetarian (ovo-lacto), however many dishes contain cheese (ricotta, feta, mozzarella or cheddar) which is not the rennet-free version. On the other hand, there are plenty of dairy-free options for vegans: roasted veggies plater, brown rice salad, chick pea salad, couscous salad, bokchoy & coconut milk salad.  For dessert they always have some dairy-free cakes such as orange & almond flourless cake, or passionfruit flourless cake, but unfortunately these do contain eggs. Food selection changes daily according to whatever produce is currently in season.

Glen Iris

Cafe Buddha & Galerie 17 High Street, Glen Iris VIC 3146                                 Ph. 03 9885 2279 or 0439 302 958 Opening hours:  Tue-Thu 11am-5pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-5pm BYO/Licensed:  BYO ($1.50 per head) Features:  Traditional Buddhist cuisine. Vegetarian options include chickpea water-chestnut salad, Chhar Chamros (mushrooms, bamboo shoots and bean curd in a spicy marinade), and Chap Chhay Ot Sach (vegetable casseroles). Some of the other meals, such as the Kuong (rice paper rolls) and the Salade have both a meat and a vegetarian version available. The Mie Royale (crispy noodles) can be made with tofu instead of chicken or pork, and due to popular demand, the Kari Moan (Buddha curry) is now being offered with chickpeas instead of chicken. Desserts include Ansam Chek (banana and sticky rice) and kiwifruit or coconut icecream.

Glenroy

Eat Pizza 1/749 Pascoe Vale Road, Glenroy VIC 3046                                           Ph: 03 9304 4040 Opening hours:  Sun-Thu 4pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 4pm-11pm BYO/Licensed:  No Features:  Eat Pizza now offers Redwood Cheezly, Redwood Cheatin' Pepperoni-style slices, and Redwood Cheatin' Ham-style & Chicken-style slices on their fantastic pizzas!

Hawthorn

High Tech Burrito 838 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122                                                Ph: 03 9818 1482 Opening hours:  Sun-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm BYO/Licensed:  No Features:  Our fresh cooked food is Mexican in heritage and has been deeply infused with Californian healthy cuisine options. We combine the finest ingredients around with a menu loaded with customised options and unique choices. Our food is always fast, fresh and made your way - we know that the best burritos and tacos are the ones custom-made to your tastes. That’s why we give you the freedom and flexibility to choose just how you want your burrito. All will be prepared right before your eyes. You name it and you will get it. Our menu has many vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Try the Braised Tofu, Fresh Veggie or California burrito. Or, replace the meat on all our burritos and tacos with tofu and/or fresh veggies. Or, try the burrito bowl (replace the tortilla and serve in a bowl with extra lettuce). Our full menu can be downloaded from our website. (Please note that High Tech Burrito does not use rennet-free cheese.) www.hightechburrito.com.au

Araliya Restaurant 629 Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122                                                Ph: 03 9818 5120 Opening hours:  Lunch - Thu-Fri; Dinner - 7 days BYO/Licensed:  Licensed Araliya is a Sri-Lankan inspired fusion restaurant that offers a cuisine that is bold yet intricately laced with delightful spices. From fresh ingredients and produce, our food is made exactly to your tasting be it mild or hot. Come visit us and try more than 10 vegetarian selections offered on our menu. Dishes like pumpkin braised with mustard seeds, twice cooked eggplant with dates or green beans with cashew nuts are must tries and will leave your mouth watering for more. Nearly the whole menu is gluten and dairy free and we are also able to cater to the vegan palette. Come enjoy the Araliya experience where food prevails and conversation follows.

Lilydale

Ahaan Thai Shop 13, Castella Street, Lilydale VIC 3140                                           Ph: 03 9739 6224 Opening hours:  Mon-Thu 5.30pm-10.30pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-12 midnight BYO/Licensed:  BYO Features:  All dishes can be converted to vegetarian.

Maribyrnong

Eat Pizza 44 Raleigh Road, Maribyrnong VIC 3032                                                Ph: 03 9317 7977 Opening hours:  Sun-Thu 4pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 4pm-11pm BYO/Licensed:  No Features:  Eat Pizza now offers Redwood Cheezly, Redwood Cheatin' Pepperoni-style slices, and Redwood Cheatin' Ham-style & Chicken-style slices on their fantastic pizzas!

Melbourne/City

Coventry Blue 313 Coventry Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205                                     Ph: 03 9682 5844 Opening hours:  Tue-Sun 7am-5pm BYO/Licensed:  BYO Features:  70% of dishes are vegetarian; vegans catered for; a vegan cake and a wheat-free cake are always available; all muffins are vegan; all food made fresh on the premises; courtyard; footpath seating; relaxed atmosphere.

Creperie Le Triskel 32 Hardware Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000                                                 Ph: 0466 406 404 Opening hours:  Tue-Thu 7am-4pm, Fri 7am-9pm, Sat 8am-4pm BYO/Licensed:  Licensed Features:  Creperie Le Triskel is an authentically French creperie and cafe in the heart of Melbourne, specialising in a range of savoury galettes (made with buckwheat flour) and sweet crepes. Ingredients range from sweet melted chocolate, pure maple syrup, jams and fresh fruits to quality imported French cheeses, French bechamel sauce, vegetables and lots more....many vegetarian, gluten free, lactose free. Vegan options available. All crepes are cooked on the spot with fresh, quality ingredients and make for great breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. You will also find a full range of hot and cold beverages ranging from freshly roasted organic Fairtrade coffee and organic teas as well as organic juices, soft drinks, French cordials and soy options. Creperie Le Triskel offers a special breakfast menu including freshly baked croissants and 'pains au chocolat', 'croque monsieur' and tasty 'tartines' (toasted baguettes with a range of toppings, traditionally served with 'le bol de cafe au lait'!) Creperie Le Triskel offers customers a unique cultural experience with French speaking staff and some of the latest magazines and newspapers from France. Sit down and enjoy the unique atmosphere and quality food in one of Melbourne's best known lanes! Take away available.

Emerald Budda 227 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205                                   Ph: 03 9696 6300 Opening hours:  Mon-Fri 11.30am-3pm, Mon-Sat 6pm onwards BYO/Licensed:  Licensed and BYO (wine only) Features:  Thai cuisine; rear courtyard. Emerald Budda advertises itself as being vegetarian, but they also have seafood dishes.

Fanatical Foodie Gourmet Hot Dogs Federation Square                                                                               Ph: 0417 019 042 Opening hours:  Wed-Sun 11am-6pm (Summer); Fri-Sun 11am-6pm (Winter) BYO/Licensed:  No Features:  We sell Redwood Vegan Hot Dogs from our gourmet hot dog kiosk in Federation Square.

Habib Wholefoods 260 Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000                                              Ph:  03 9639 6411    (across the road from Flinders Street Station; previously called Flinders Organics) Opening hours:  Mon-Fri 7am-8pm, Sat-Sun 8am-7pm BYO/Licensed:  No Features:  Habib Wholefoods has a takeaway/eat-in cafe offering organic coffee, vegetarian/vegan pies and snacks, and a great range of vegan cakes (chocolate brownies, muffins, friands, apple and apricot tarts). They also sell fresh organic produce, vegan/vegetarian and gluten-free products and groceries. Their range includes Redwood sausages, Cheezly, Tofutti icecreams, tofu, tempeh, pasta, skin care, beauty, health and cleaning products.

The Organic Food & Wine Deli (TOFWD) 28 Degraves Street, Melbourne VIC 3000                                               Ph: 0413 125 514 Opening Hours:  Mon-Fri 7:30am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm BYO/Licensed:  Licensed (for dine in & take away) Features:  This tiny cafe tucked away in trendy Degraves Street features a delicious range of vegetarian foods to eat in or take away, with possibly the best range of vegan snacks and meals in the CBD area. You can choose from items such as tofu/mushroom and shepherds pies, seaweed rolls, curries, and hearty sandwiches and not to forget their mouth-watering sweets including vegan chocolate fudge slice, muffins in various flavours and other smaller snacky items. This cafe is great for those rushing through the city or wanting to hide out for a coffee and a chat in one of Melbourne's funky alleyways. www.tofwd.com.au

Zoom Organic2go Shop 10, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000                                  Ph: 03 9662 3217    (Madame Brussels Lane) Cnr Elizabeth & LaTrobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000                              Ph: 03 9662 3217 Zoom Organic is the place for a great tasty Organic lunch, or even just a cake and coffee. As well as delicious vego food, you can shop for eco-living products, hand made soaps, hair and body care products and mineral supplements. Zoom uses organic produce, Fairtrade coffee and has plenty of vegan options (including soy milk). VNV Members receive a free hot drink with any lunch purchase over $6. www.zoomorganic.com.au

Mordialloc

Cafe Blah Blah 576 Main Street, Mordialloc VIC 3195                                                    Ph: 03 9580 4576 Opening hours:  Mon-Wed 5pm-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat 9am-10pm, Sun 9am-9pm BYO/Licensed:  Licensed with bar; BYO (wine only) with $2 corkage per person Features:  A beautiful cosy and friendly little place on the main street of Mordialloc. There is seating out the front - which is beautiful in the warmer months when all the lorikeets are in the trees, as well as more seating out the back. They have gorgeous art on the walls, which is for sale. The cuisine is Asian and Italian and includes noodles, curries, pastas, rice, wraps and burgers (including a veggie burger), with noodles being the specialty. The menu includes a "Vegan Dessert of the day" such as Mud Cake or Choc Banana Cake. "I'm a Vegan and they have always been very helpful whenever I ask if something on their menu is vegan." www.yourrestaurants.com.au/guide/cafe_blah_blah/

Port Melbourne

Urban Burger 167 Bay Street, Port Melbourne VIC 3207                                              Ph: 03 9646 6030 Opening hours:  7 days 11.45am-10pm BYO/Licensed:  No Features:  Our new vegetarian burger option is called Lite & Lush and is a burger with grilled eggplant, bocconcini, fresh basil, baby spinach, relish and pesto. From vegan style burgers to the garden vegetable variety Urban Burger is about freshness, quality and tantalizing a wide range of taste buds. With low GI bread or the no bread option our burgers have something for everyone. We also have veg-friendly fries! (i.e. tallow-free). Eat in or take away. "This burger bar has a burger called the Vegan Vibe, and a tofu and a mushroom burger that can be made vegan on request. The burgers are probably the best vegan burgers I have ever had." Please note: As at October 2006 the cheese at Urban Burger still contains animal-derived rennet. They are currently looking into sourcing an alternative that is suitable for vegetarians...

Richmond

Thanh Nga Nine 160 Victoria Street, Richmond VIC 3121                                                Ph: 03 9427 7068 Opening hours:  7 days, 10am-10pm BYO/Licensed:  BYO (wine only)/Licensed Features:  Recently rated pick of the Victoria Street strip in The Age, a specials board (in Vietnamese only) features 19 vegetarian/vegan versions of Vietnamese staples and specialties, most of which are found in an updated English menu. Most dishes feature mock meat, are excellent approximations of the real thing and great value (mains $8-12). The Pho is fantastic and the mini pancakes come highly reccomended. Chef Than Nga prefers to cook vegetarian meals so you can be sure there is no risk of fish sauce or beef stock making it into your dishes.

Urban Burger 174 Swan Street, Richmond VIC 3121                                                   Ph: 03 9429 9822 Opening hours:  Sun-Thu 12noon-10pm, Fri-Sat 12noon-10.30pm BYO/Licensed:  No Features:  Our new vegetarian burger option is called Lite & Lush and is a burger with grilled eggplant, bocconcini, fresh basil, baby spinach, relish and pesto. From vegan style burgers to the garden vegetable variety Urban Burger is about freshness, quality and tantalizing a wide range of taste buds. With low GI bread or the no bread option our burgers have something for everyone. We also have veg-friendly fries! (i.e. tallow-free). Eat in or take away. "This burger bar has a burger called the Vegan Vibe, and a tofu and a mushroom burger that can be made vegan on request. The burgers are probably the best vegan burgers I have ever had." Please note: As at October 2006 the cheese at Urban Burger still contains animal-derived rennet. They are currently looking into sourcing an alternative that is suitable for vegetarians...

South Yarra

Mandala restaurant & bar 133 Commercial Road, South Yarra VIC 3141                                               03 9827 9297 Opening hours:  Lunch -  Wed-Sun 11.30am-3pm; Dinner - Mon-Sat 5pm-10.30pm BYO/Licensed:  BYO & Licensed Features:  We have a good selection of vegetarian items on the menu, and most items on the menu can be requested as a vegetarian option. The specials board always displays at least 2-3 vegetarian selections each time. We are also able to cater for people requiring gluten-free meals. On Monday nights we now have Vegetarian Affair, where all our meals are vegetarian. Each week there is a different innovative vegetarian menu. Where does the name Mandala come from? Mandalas are a spiritual art, prepared almost exclusively by Buddhist monks. They serve as a visual instrument during meditation as they contain the path to enlightenment. Buddhist monks are famous for creating large sand Mandalas, which after weeks of work are destroyed to symbolize the impermanence of all that exists. Drawing inspiration from the Mandalas, we strive to serve your gastronomical taste to the fullest, here at our restaurant. Just like the monks who put so much rigor and discipline into preparing these Mandalas, we too have put great care and attention into preparing your meal. We hope you have an enjoyable experience here at Mandala Restaurant. www.mandalarestaurant.com.au

St Kilda

Loco's Burritos 1/29 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda VIC 3186                                                   Ph: 03 8598 9859 Opening hours:  7 days noon-late (11pm or 12am depending on the day) BYO/Licensed:  Licensed only Features:  We serve Fresh-Mexican - for both vegetarians and nonvegetarians. Our "meat" options include Tofu... or you can have any of our menu options (Burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, salads, or tacos) with just salad. We use a separate grill for our vegetarian dishes, and nothing is cooked in animal fat. We have seating inside for parties up to 30 and can do catering for business/special occasions etc. (Please note that Loco's Burritos do not use rennet-free cheese.) www.locosburritos.com

Templestowe

Rajbhog Indian Restaurant Shop 1, 47 Anderson Street, Templestowe VIC 3106                               Ph: 03 9846 2588 Opening hours:  Sun 11.30am-2.30pm, 7 days 5pm-10.30pm BYO/Licensed:  Licensed and BYO (wine only) Features:  Lunch on Sundays is completely vegetarian. www.rajbhog.com.au

Wantirna South

Bar Bosh Kitchen Knox City Shopping Centre (Opposite Village cinema) 509 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South VIC 3152                                   Ph: 03 9887 5611 BYO/Licensed:  Licensed Opening hours:  Mon-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri 11am-midnight, Sat-Sun 9am-midnight Features:  Bar Bosh is stylish, contemporary and casual and caters for a broad clientele of movie goers, shoppers, coffee lovers and food lovers. The menu is loosely Southern European with a fantastic tapas selection and a wide range of offerings from Turkish pizza to fresh salads to coffee and cake. Bar Bosh Kitchen endeavours to cater for all dietary requirements and have the following menus available on request: Nut-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Garlic-Free, Onion-Free, Chilli-Free, Lactose Intolerant. The restaurant, bar and lounge is fully licensed. www.barbosh.com.au

Warrandyte

Nardee Indian Restaurant 282 Yarra Street, Warrandyte VIC 3113                                                 Ph: 03 9844 3674 Opening hours:  7 days, 6pm-10.30pm BYO/Licensed:  BYO & Licensed Features:  50% of dishes are vegetarian; vegans well catered for; all breads and rice are vegan; gluten-free dishes available; spacious dining; outside eating area; located in a bush setting overlooking the Yarra.

REGIONAL VICTORIA

Ballarat

Boah Organic Supermarket & Café 100 Bridge Mall, Ballarat, VIC 3350                                                       Ph: 03 5333 3720 Opening hours:  Mon-Thu 10am-5.30pm, Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-3pm BYO/Licensed:  Yes Boah Organics is based in a small shopping area of Ballarat and offers a great range for the single shopper through to the family breadwinner. Its has a café tucked away at the back of the store where you can sit down and relax with a refreshing cup of organic coffee along with a snack or larger meal. There are many things on offer during their daily menu and items change depending on the demand and season. Organic pies, muffins and soup were available during a visit when I went there for lunch in the winter season.  Towards the front of the store you will find all your organic produce and products for the home pantry. Its range is organically certificated meaning you know that the items brought are safe for the family household.

Jasmine Thai 213 Sturt Street, Ballarat VIC 3350                                                        Ph. 03 5333 2148 Opening hours:  7 days, 5.30pm-10pm BYO/Licensed:  BYO only Features:  Separate vegetarian menu with vegan options specifically labeled. All your favourite Thai entrees, soups, curries and stir fries. All mains are available with the addition of tofu (and unlike many places they don’t skimp on the protein compared to the veggies). A vegetarian banquet is also available for groups of two or more. www.ballarat.com/jasminethai

Daylesford

Organic Wholefoods & Harvest Café 29 Albert Street, Daylesford VIC 3460                                                    Ph: 03 5348 4022 Opening hours:  Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm BYO/Licensed:  Licensed Features:  We are licensed and sell a good range of organic wine and beer. We cater for vegetarian and gluten-free diets. Meat dishes are made using certified organic and free range meat. We seat 30 people in the cafe, 6 out the front and up to 20 in our sunny courtyard. The coffee is sensational using East Timor certified organic and fair trade coffee. www.wholefoods.com.au

Geelong

The Sprout and The Bean Organic Cafe 163 Malop Street, Geelong VIC 3220                                                     Ph: 03 5222 1270 Opening hours:  Mon-Fri 8am-3pm, Sat 9am-3pm BYO/Licensed:  No Features:  A small, cosy cafe, with friendly staff. Great offerings for breakfast and lunch. Vegan muffins and slices, sweet and savoury. Soups, tofu wraps and burgers with vegan sauces and chutney. While you're there you've got a great opportunity to stock up on groceries, including wine and organic stuff, next door at the 'Organic Larder' (for details refer to our Great Places to Shop page).

Healesville

Bodhi Tree Cafe Bar Gallery 317 Maroondah Highway, Healesville VIC 3777                                       Ph: 03 5962 4407 Opening Hours:  Wed-Fri 5.30-late, Sat-Sun midday-late. Other times by arrangement. BYO/Licensed:  Licensed Features:  For thousands of years, people have come together to eat, drink and enjoy themselves; around a fire and under a tree. For a little less time, but no less significance, the Bodhi Tree Cafe in Healesville has been the place to meet and enjoy good food and good company in the most relaxed and unique cafe in the Yarra Valley. Funky wood fired pizza, pasta, noodles and local wine, beer and coffee are our specialties and they're served by our friendly local staff while the wood heater burns and the music plays. There's even a tree in the cafe! A number of vegetarian and vegan dishes are available. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights. www.bodhitreecafe.com.au

Kyneton

The Inner Biscuit 34 Piper Street, Kyneton VIC 3444                                                        Ph: 03 5422 1129 Opening hours:  Thu-Mon 9am-4pm BYO/Licensed:  No Features:  Friendly and tasty organic bakery and cafe for brunch or lunch. The owner/chef is a vegetarian who used to be vegan and so really understands what that means. Lots of vegan biscuits and cakes. A simple range of vegetarian and vegan food is cooked to order with an awareness of the need to separate vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Vegetables are very fresh and organic. It's small inside with some pavement seating. The only meat served is the addition of ham or chorizo to dishes that are perfectly tasty and nutritious without them. If you eat there why not encourage her to stop serving the meat? www.innerbiscuit.com

Lorne

Swing Bridge Cafe Mouth of Erskine River, Lorne VIC 3232                                                 Ph: 0408 895 022 Opening hours:  Fri-Mon 8am-6pm (and all weekdays on school holidays and public holidays) BYO/Licensed:  No Features:  Child, family and dog friendly. Vegan and OGF (onion & garlic free) on request, separate gluten-free and children's menus. Café/kiosk food. Stunning location, Aireys Inlet can be seen on a clear day. 60 people can be seated, take away available. Paddle boats for hire. www.lorneswingbridgecafe.com