Long gone are the days where ‘vegan’ meant bulk lentils, pureed spinach and tofu for days. Now, just about everything has a decadent plant-based alternative, from jam donuts and cookie dough ice cream to custard tarts and caramel slice. Melbourne’s northern suburbs have well and truly embraced the #veganlife, but south of the river, a little more digging around has to be done. We’ve uncovered a list of spots on the south side with mouth-watering desserts that are 100% cruelty free.
Sister of Soul
73 Acland St, St Kilda
Located in the heart of St Kilda, Sister of Soul is a haven of vegan-ness, with a huge variety of plant-based breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Indulge the soul in one of their devilishly good desserts with your morning coffee or evening cocktail – they’re open morning ‘til late.
Our pick: The chai cheesecake on a cacao and almond crust, served with fresh fig, raspberry and chia jam.
[More Info + Gallery] | [Contact Venue]
Monk Bodhi Dharma
202 Carlisle St, Balaclava
Coffee and cake – vegan style. Monk Bodhi Dharma lives down an alley way in Balaclava, and is known for its speciality coffee, cruelty free menu and cosy atmosphere. From a post-dinner tiramisu to a coffee scroll on your way to work, this south side gem has everything your little sweet tooth could ever desire.
Our pick: Any of their slices (especially the vegan lamington…we’re squealing too, don’t worry).
[More Info + Gallery] | [Contact Venue]
Urban Projuice
315 Montague St, Albert Park
You’ll find the homey Urban Projuice nestled away in an old terrace house on Montague St. With nourishing whole foods, signature vegan dishes and free meditation sessions on offer, the café is all about inner wellness. Best of all, they offer an array of plant-based desserts, including scrumptious pancakes and… wait for it…a vegan golden gaytime (!!).
Our pick: A definite tie between vegan golden gaytime and wagon wheel.
[More Info + Gallery] | [Contact Venue]
The Alley
417 St Kilda Road, South Yarra
Situated on St Kilda Road, The Alley could only be described as ‘vegan chic’, with its stylish décor and adorable array of desserts. They quite literally have a vegan answer to everything – donuts, soft serve, birthday cakes and pumpkin pie for Halloween. You’ll be in a post-Alley daydream for days afterwards, drool and all.
Our pick: The Peanut Butter and Jelly cupcakes. Or the Oreo Cookie Dough Sandwiches. You decide.
[More Info + Gallery] | [Contact Venue]
Soul Press
265 Nepean Highway, Edithvale
Along with a huge selections of super foods, acai bowls and smoothies, Soul Press houses some wickedly good vegan desserts.Tuck into homemade snickers, mini magnums or truffles and sun yourself in the Bali-inspired courtyard out the back. The vegan life has never tasted sweeter.
Our pick: It’s very hard to go past a vegan magnum…but we’re absolutely nuts about the snickers.
[More Info + Gallery] | [Contact Venue]
By Sinead Horne
