Hawthorn has a vegan food scene that punches well above what you’d expect. The suburb runs leafy, established, university suburb — and the food reflects it. We’ve eaten at every vegan food spot in the area and these are the ones worth your time and money.
Expect to pay $35-55 per person for a proper sit-down meal. The cheaper end gets you plant-based, the higher end gets you jackfruit done properly.
Our Top Picks
1. The Sunny Press — 331 Liddiard Street
Hours: Tue-Sat 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $18-29 per person
The Sunny Press is the benchmark for vegan food in Hawthorn. The mushroom bourguignon is what most people order, and for good reason — it’s consistently excellent. The cashew cheese is the other standout, done with genuine care rather than the paint-by-numbers approach you get at chain spots.
The room seats about 45 and fills on Friday and Saturday nights. Midweek you’ll walk straight in. The service is efficient without being rushed, and the owner is usually behind the bar.
Order this: The cauliflower steak ($18) as a main, plus tempeh bowl to share. Insider tip: The specials board changes weekly and is usually better than the printed menu.
2. Felix — 289 Burwood Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $23-42 per person
This is the locals’ pick — less polished than The Sunny Press but arguably more flavour per dollar. The kitchen runs tight with a small team, which means everything is made to order. The jackfruit here has a depth that comes from doing the same dish three hundred times until it’s muscle memory.
The space is small — about 30 seats — and they don’t take bookings on weeknights, so arrive before 6:30pm or after 8pm to dodge the rush.
Best dish: The plant-based ($23). Simple, executed perfectly. Pro tip: BYO wine on Tuesdays ($5 corkage).
3. Lane — 374 Liddiard Street
Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-11pm Price: $20-36 per person
Lane opened in late 2025 and has already built a following. The menu is short — eight dishes — which is usually a good sign. Everything on it is considered. The cashew cheese ($20) is the dish that gets photographed most, but the tempeh bowl ($23) is the one regulars order.
When to go: Sunday lunch is the sweet spot. Same food, half the crowd.
4. Northern Mill — 28 Church Street
Hours: Tue-Sat 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10:30pm Price: $19-32 per person
The takeaway option on this list. Northern Mill doesn’t have table service — you order at the counter and either take it home or eat at the three outdoor tables. The quality-to-price ratio is the best in Hawthorn. The mushroom bourguignon ($19) is the standout.
5. Otto Larder — 199 Liddiard Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 12pm-3pm + 5:30pm-10pm Price: $18-28 per person
A solid all-rounder. Not the cheapest, not the most experimental, but consistently good across the entire menu. The jackfruit ($27) and the plant-based ($20) are both worth ordering. The wine list is surprisingly thoughtful for a vegan food place.
Quick Comparison
| Restaurant | Best For | Price (pp) | Bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Sunny Press | Overall best | $18-29 | Recommended Fri-Sat |
| Felix | Locals’ favourite | $23-42 | Walk-in only (weeknights) |
| Lane | New opening | $20-36 | Yes, via website |
| Northern Mill | Best takeaway | $19-32 | Counter service |
| Otto Larder | All-rounder | $18-28 | Recommended weekends |
Vegan Food Price Guide — Hawthorn
| Category | Price Range | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $15-22 | Counter-service, takeaway, no frills |
| Mid-range | $35-55 | Sit-down, proper menu, decent wine list |
| Premium | $50+ | Tasting menus, premium ingredients |
Before You Go
Best time to visit: Weeknight dinners (Tue-Thu) for no wait. Friday and Saturday — book 3-5 days ahead for the top two spots.
Parking: Street parking along Glenferrie Road is metered until 6:30pm. Side streets are usually 2-hour. After 6:30pm, most are free. Best option: Hawthorn/Glenferrie stations, tram 16.
Dietary: Every restaurant listed handles vegetarian requests. Vegan and gluten-free: call ahead to confirm, but most are accommodating.
Delivery: Northern Mill and The Sunny Press are on Uber Eats and DoorDash. For better quality, order directly — delivery platforms compress your food in those bags and charge restaurants 30%.
Nearby Guides
- Kew Vegan Food
- Camberwell Vegan Food
- Hawthorn Cheap Eats — when budget matters
- Hawthorn Bars — post-dinner drinks
- All Hawthorn Guides
Last updated: March 2026
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- Best Breakfast in Hawthorn
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