The Shire’s Best Restaurants And Cafes For A Vegetarian or Vegan Feast
From vego banquets to vegan bacon and eggs, we chat you through the Shire’s vibrant vegetarian and vegan scene
Pilgrims, Cronulla
Up until a few years ago, vegan and vegetarian restaurants were few and far between. Now, vegetarian menu options are sprouting up all over the Shire. Whether you’re cutting down on meat or have been a vegetarian or vegan from day dot, we have compiled a list of our favourite hot spots, serving pizzas to dumplings and everything in between. You might even be a tad surprised by some of the restaurants whose menus are bursting with vego delights. Read on for the goods…
Jensens
Walking into a restaurant and being presented with a dedicated vego/vegan menu is one of the best feelings, especially when the dishes are THIS good. Prepare for your friends and fam to be envious of your dish as the Jensens vegan menu has been crafted to harness some pretty incredible flavours. The menu changes with the seasons but you can expect goodies like Eggplant, Cabbage and Chestnut Dumplings and Pumpkin Feta Pizza. Psst. How does a vegan Banana Pudding with Hot Butterscotch Sauce and Sorbet sound for dessert?
Kareela village, 1/13 Freya Street, Kareela
7th Heaven
7th Heaven is the holy grail when it comes to both vego and vegan items. They don’t only cater to vegetarians but they excel at producing scrumptious and aesthetic meals for breakfast through to lunch. You can order almost any dish off the menu with meat substitutes aplenty! They also offer vegan milkshakes, alternative lattes, smoothies and juices. Oh, the options! Best of all, you’ll find them in two locations - Kirrawee and Sutherland.
South Village, G11, 580 Princes Highway, Kirrawee and 4/41 Eton Street, Sutherland
Pilgrims
This local fave is a dedicated vegetarian cafe and their food lives up to the hype. Pilgrims has oodles of tasty salads, wraps, burgers, pies, toasties and breaky favourites on the menu alongside some top-notch coffee, fresh juices and smoothies. We love the Pancakes, Haloumi Stack and homemade Granola! On Friday and Saturday evenings, the cafe transforms to host their very popular Mexican nights - there’s sangria, beer, wine, cocktails and plenty of vego delights to go around.
97 Gerrale Street, Cronulla
Blackwood
Cult fave Blackwood isn’t just for the meat-eaters. This delish brunch spot serves some amazing flavours for vegetarians with our top picks being the Miso Avo, Green Goddess Salad and Truffled Chilli Scrambled Eggs. Grab a Mimosa whilst you’re at it and you’re morning is sorted.
5/33 Surf Lane, Cronulla
Salt Meats Cheese
Woodfired pizza is always a good idea and Salt Meats Cheese are about it. They’ve also got a heap of salads and pastas on offer too. Best of all, you can make any of their vegetarian pizzas vegan by switching in their vegan cheese. We know it’s always a risk ordering vegan cheese but this one is the goods, guys. Tried and tested!
Shop 1/66-70 Cronulla Street, Cronulla
Mr Paisley’s
Mr Paisley’s is a nice and cruisey brunch spot that serves up some of the best vego-friendly eats and healthy fare. Expect salad bowls, wraps and breaky specials alongside smoothies and juices. They have a lovely sunny courtyard and expansive home-style cafe so there are plenty of nooks to settle in for a catch-up.
88 Cawarra Road, Caringbah
Mint Organics
Located directly opposite the lush expanse of Gunamatta, Mint Organics is a petite cafe choc full of healthy bites. They’ve got all your usual brunch bandits including Avo Bruschetta, Acai Bowls and Chia Pudding as well as a Green Bowl and Wraps for lunch. Order takeaway and soak up some rays over at the bay.
26 Nicholson Parade, Cronulla
Sealevel
Okay, hear us out. We know Sealevel specialises in phenomenal, fresh seafood but what a heap of people don’t realise is that they have a stellar vego menu too. Updated seasonally, you can expect goodies like Vegetarian Tasting Plates and Burrata with fig-infused honey and chilli walnuts. Want to induce some serious food envy from your fellow diners? The Vegetarian Pappardelle is to die for.
2 Kingsway, Cronulla
Antonio’s Pizzeria
Antonio’s have gone above and beyond to ensure that vego pizzas are no longer limited to margarita and vegetarian supreme. In fact, they have even sourced some of the best meat alternatives in Oz to offer options galore. The Vegan Garden Of Eden pizza is our sneaky fave but be sure to save some room for dessert. Their homemade rice pudding is something else!
11/360 Kingsway, Caringbah and 3/127 Belgrave Esplenade, Sylvania Waters
Alphabet St
Alphabet St doesn't just offer your standard vegetarian fare. Keen to share the love, they’ve created the ultimate Vegetarian banquet, which, let us tell you, is incredible. For $65 a person, you’ll be treated to Betal Leaf, Silken Tofu, Vegetarian Rice Paper Rolls, Yam Pak, Vegan Yellow Curry, Jasmine Rice and Greens. Pair with an Apple Martini or two and you’re set for a great night.
5/8 Kingsway, Cronulla