Best Canberra Vegan Restaurants You Shouldn’t Miss

I’ll be honest, when I arrived in Canberra, I was expecting more options for vegan food in Australia’s capital. Unlike Sydney or Melbourne, the vegan food scene here is relatively small.

That said, I did manage to find a handful of vegan and vegetarian restaurants that serve up some delicious plant-based meals. During my two-day stay, I explored most of the vegan restaurants Canberra has to offer.

If you’re vegan and visiting Canberra, here’s where to go to make the most of your experience and to support vegan businesses.

Best All-Vegan Restaurants in Canberra

1. Au Lac Dickson Vegan Cuisine

Located in Canberra’s Chinatown, Au Lac Dickson Vegan Cuisine is a must-visit if you’re willing to venture slightly out of the city center. It’s worth the trip, especially since another vegan restaurant is right next door!

I tried the vegan fish in tamarind sauce with steamed rice and Thai iced tea. The fish had a great texture, was slightly spicy, and very flavorful, though the tamarind flavor could have been stronger. I wish it would have came with some veggies, but it was still filling and satisfying.

The Thai iced tea with boba was the highlight, sweet, refreshing, and absolutely delicious.

2. Utopia Vegan

Just steps away from Au Lac Dickson in Canberra’s Chinatown, Utopia Vegan offers a similarly extensive menu of vegan Asian dishes. Even the interior design has a similar vibe, making it feel like a cozy counterpart to its neighbor.

Their menu is huge, and it’s tough to choose with so many options! Since I wasn’t too hungry, I opted for a soup, which was delicious. The fake meat was a bit stringy for my liking, but the variety of tofu was amazing.

Both Utopia Vegan and Au Lac are fantastic, and it’s hard to pick between them. Just go with whichever has a free table, you won’t be disappointed!

3. Sweet Bones Bakery and Cafe

Sweet Bones Bakery and Cafe is one of the best vegan-friendly cafes in Canberra, serving delicious all-day breakfast, lunch, and desserts. While their food is fully vegan, they may offer non-vegan milk for coffee (I’m not sure if it changed since I was there).

I went for the big breakfast to sample a bit of everything. The scrambled tofu, though tasty, could have used a touch of kala namak for more flavor. In hindsight, I wish I’d chosen the avocado toast with a side of baked beans, it looked amazing on the table next to me!

For dessert, I tried a cake pop, a fun first for me! It was moist and almost like cookie dough, though a bit tricky to eat without it falling off the stick. Sweet Bones also offers whole cakes, making it a great option for celebrations.

Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Canberra

4. Café Stepping Stone

Café Stepping Stone is not just a great vegetarian café, it’s also a social enterprise making a meaningful impact. The café provides employment and training for migrant and refugee women, helping them overcome challenges like language barriers and lack of qualifications.

Their menu is fresh, flavorful, and ever-evolving, inspired by the incredible women on their team and crafted with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Vegan options are clearly labeled on the breakfast menu, which is served until early afternoon.

In the afternoon the selection narrows to drinks and cakes, with limited vegan choices.

5. Stand By Me

Stand By Me is a cozy vegetarian café in the suburbs of Canberra. Their small menu includes several vegan options, the standout being the ful medames, a Middle Eastern chickpea and broad bean casserole served with multigrain toast, optional avocado, and a side of jalapeños.

Final Thoughts: Vegan Canberra

To be completely honest, spending one day in Canberra is enough, and the city’s vegan options are sufficient for a short visit. You can explore the nation’s Parliament, enjoy some delicious plant-based meals, and then be ready to move on to your next destination.

If you’re heading to Sydney next, you’re in for a treat, Sydney offers an incredible variety of vegan breakfast spots and restaurants. Be sure to check out my guide to the best vegan breakfasts in Sydney to plan your foodie adventure!

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