5 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Sydney (2026)

This Chat Thai branch sits above World Square shopping centre and runs the same broad Thai menu found across the chain's Sydney locations, not a vegetarian-focused one. Its menu spans curries, salads, noodles and grilled meats, though at least one reviewer specifically praised the strength of its vegetarian options for a group dinner. The kitchen leans toward bold, sweet-and-spicy flavours and draws a mixed weekday and weekend crowd.

Esteban is a contemporary Mexican restaurant in the Sydney CBD built around a tasting menu, margaritas and small plates that include meat and seafood, not a vegetarian concept. Reviewers note the kitchen can run largely gluten-free on request, though the menu isn't structured around vegetarian dining specifically. It works well as a date-night or special-occasion spot for a mixed group rather than a dedicated vegetarian kitchen.

Yulli's has run as a dedicated vegan and gluten-free restaurant and bar in Surry Hills since 2008, making it one of two genuinely vegetarian-focused kitchens on this list. Its menu is built entirely around plant-based small plates designed for sharing, and even diners who aren't vegetarian consistently report not missing meat. The restaurant also hosts regular events like live music and spoken word nights alongside its dinner service.

Shift Eatery is a vegan cafe and deli in Surry Hills, serving breakfast and lunch alongside an online vegan grocery and deli delivery service. Its menu centres on plant-based versions of comfort food classics, including a bacon-and-egg bagel and vegan meat alternatives reviewers say convincingly mimic the real thing. The business closes mid-afternoon each day, positioning itself firmly as a breakfast and lunch spot rather than a dinner restaurant.

Aalia is a two-hatted Middle Eastern and North African fine-dining restaurant in the Sydney CBD, built around dishes drawn from historic regional cookbooks rather than a vegetarian concept. Its menu centres on shared mezze and larger plates that include lamb and duck alongside vegetable-forward dishes like smoked eggplant and labneh. It was named Gourmet Traveller's NSW Restaurant of the Year and is one of the more awarded restaurants on this list.