On the hunt for delicious vegan or vegetarian meals? Wollongong's food scene truly delivers!
From those quick, healthy bites when you're on the go, to memorable dining experiences perfect for a special night out, we've explored some of the best plant-based friendly spots just for you, with unique vibes and delicious flavours!
Karma Tea House
Seeking a truly peaceful escape? Karma Tea House lives up to its name, offering a wonderfully Zen, tranquil, and community-focused atmosphere. It’s a serene retreat designed for enjoying nourishing meals and a delicious 100% vegan menu.
Located on Keira Street, this hidden gem specialises in Taiwanese-inspired vegan cuisine, with a vegan menu that’s packed with bold flavours and creative plant-based dishes. Beyond its extensive tea selection, highlights include the black truffle fried rice, Sichuan double cooked vegan pork, dry-fried string green beans, and super vegan prawns. The mushroom noodle soup and steamed buns are also local favourites.
The space is calm and welcoming, with light incense and relaxing music setting the tone. Staff are known for their warmth and generosity, often going the extra mile to make guests feel at home.
Balinese Spice Magic
Stepping into Balinese Spice Magic is like being instantly transported to Bali. You’re immersed into an atmosphere that is filled with the captivating scents of Indonesian cooking. While they're celebrated for their authentic Indonesian flavours, we love that Balinese Spice Magic also offers a great selection of easily adaptable vegetarian and vegan choices. Their dishes burst with aromatic spices and traditional preparations, promising a truly flavourful plant-based journey. With an entire page of vegan options, this spot is a dream for plant-based diners. The menu features tofu, tempeh, jackfruit and locally sourced produce, all spiced to perfection. Favourites include the Vegan Magic Plate, Pepes Jackfruit, and Tahu Isi (tofu filled with vegetables and spices, steamed in banana leaves). There’s also vegan spring rolls, mushroom soup, and banana pancakes with gelato for dessert. The team is known for being incredibly accommodating, and Jules, the owner, is widely loved by locals. Balinese Spice Magic is a veggie gem that brings bold flavour and warm hospitality to the CBD.
An Chut Chut
For those who appreciate fresh and flavourful Vietnamese cuisine, An Chut Chut is a hidden gem tucked beside the IPAC in Wollongong’s Arts Precinct. With its humble charm and handwritten daily menu, this cosy lunch spot has become a crowd favourite for plant-based eaters.
The menu changes daily, based on the weather, what was served the day before, and what the chef wants to cook for the family that night. Vegan options are always available, and they’re anything but an afterthought. Expect dishes like vegan pho made with a rich, aromatic broth of cabbage, melon, roasted onion, radish and celery, plus fresh herbs and spices imported from Vietnam. There are also rice paper rolls, crispy rice flour pancakes, and a rotating vegan set meal featuring multiple small plates - from tofu and pickled veg to taro soup and coconut tapioca dessert.
Ingredients are sourced fresh each morning from local markets, with weekly trips to Cabramatta to fill in the gaps. They're dedication to quality and tradition, and that's what makes An Chut Chut a true plant-based gem in the Gong.
Kneading Ruby
Kneading Ruby is a modern Italian restaurant that’s earned a solid reputation among plant-based diners in Wollongong. They've gone above and
beyond to ensure a fantastic dining experience for everyone, with a superb selection of vegetarian and vegan share plates. Among the sides and smalls, garlic bread, fried olives, charred greens, and patatas bravas are all vegetarian and can be made vegan, with the exception of the polenta chips, which are vegetarian only. Salad lovers rejoice! All three of Kneading Ruby's refreshing salads are vegetarian and can be easily made vegan. For a heartier main, their delicious eggplant large is vegetarian with a vegan option too. And the best part for pizza enthusiasts? Vegan cheese can be added to any vegetarian pizza, so you don't have to miss out on those cheesy cravings!
Taylor's Healthy Grocers
Out and about in Crown Street Mall and need a clean and green fix? Taylor's Healthy Grocers is packed with vegan and vegetarian-friendly options that make healthy snacking easy and delicious. The shelves are loaded with high-quality products like collagen powders, bone broth, mushroom extracts, and more... but the real draw is their fresh, locally sourced vegan and gluten-free treats available, plus a daily selection of vegan pies & salads. Taylor’s is perfect for a quick bite between shops or a stock-up session for your pantry. A true veggie gem in the Gong, Taylor’s proves that healthy choices can be fast, fresh, and full of flavour.
Lettuce B. Frank
If you’re chasing plant-based goodness in the Gong, Lettuce B. Frank is a must-stop. Tucked away near Wollongong Train Station, this spot is all about fresh flavours, feel-good food, and a vibe that’s as wholesome as the menu.
Whether you’re powering up with their Vegan Breaky or diving into the Green Goddess Bowl, every bite is packed with colour, crunch and clever combos. You know that feeling when you just know what you're ordering is going to be good for you? That's the vibe here, whether you're settling in for a bit or dashing off with your goodies.
Perfect for a sit-down brunch or a grab-and-go lunch, Lettuce B. Frank is one of those veggie gems that makes eating well feel easy + and seriously tasty!
Saigon Senses
Located in Crown Street Mall, Saigon Senses is a true delight that's earned its spot as a go-to for vegan and vegetarian eats in the CBD. The menu is packed with bold, authentic Vietnamese flavours, and their plant-based options are standouts! As a regular go-to for many, it's no surprise it's a popular lunch time spot (like really popular). Favourites include the Vegan Pho, Vegan Banh Mi, and the highly praised Vegan Laksa. There’s also lemongrass tofu vermicelli, vegetarian spring rolls, and rice paper rolls that keep the regulars coming back. It’s fast, fresh, and full of vibrant herbs, spices and textures that make every dish sing.
All Good Things Café
Step into All Good Things and you’ll instantly feel the love, from the smell of fresh brews to the friendly faces behind the counter (and the occasional puppy out front). Almost everything is made in-house, from their raw gluten-free vegan treats, nut milks and bone broth, to their delicious main meal offerings. Run by locals Matt and Cindy Russell, their focus is on ethically sourced, nutrient-dense goodness that’s kind to your body and the planet.
If you’re looking for something truly unique, don’t miss their vegetarian Fermented Crumpets served with cultured butter and your pick of organic honey, house chia jam, or Everymite. And don’t skip the treats - they’re dairy-free, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and often vegan.
You can even order organic fruit & veg boxes online, making it easier than ever to bring the goodness home.
Wollongong's vegan and vegetarian scene continue to grow and evolve, offering excellent choices for everyone embracing a meat-free or plant-based lifestyle. Check out more of the amazing dining options Wollongong has to offer!