Looking for delicious plant-based eats in Wollongong? You don’t have to stick to all-vegan cafés to find them. Across the city you’ll discover restaurants, bars, and beachside spots serving up tasty vegetarian and vegan-friendly options that go way beyond the standard side salad.
From hearty brunch plates to flavour-packed dinners, Wollongong’s dining scene makes it easy to enjoy a meal that’s both wholesome and indulgent – whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just keen to add more plant-based goodness to your plate.
Mylan – Vietnamese Favourites with a Plant-Based Twist
A true Wollongong dining institution, Mylan has been serving up authentic Vietnamese cuisine for nearly two decades – and it’s still a crowd favourite. Known for its warm, family-friendly vibe and speedy service, this beloved spot proves that fresh, vibrant flavours never go out of style.
While their menu is packed with classics, plant-based diners are especially well looked after. Think zesty lemongrass and vegetable vermicelli salad, flavourful stir-fries loaded with tofu and crisp seasonal veggies, and plenty of light yet satisfying options that hit the spot every time. Whether you’re vego, vegan, or just in the mood for something fresh and colourful, Mylan makes eating well seriously easy.
Longboard Café – Beachside Bites That Nourish
With front-row views of City Beach, Longboard Café is the kind of place where you’ll want to linger a little longer. Known for its whole food approach and ever-changing seasonal menus, this bright and breezy spot takes café favourites and gives them a healthy, feel-good spin. Plant-based eaters are spoiled for choice here, with dishes that are as hearty as they are wholesome.
The vegan buddha burger is a standout, packed with flavour and texture, while the cinnamon and almond milk porridge is the ultimate cosy breakfast. And if you’re after something fresh and filling, the brekkie bowl loaded with king brown mushrooms and fried eggs is guaranteed to keep you fuelled for the day.
Kneading Ruby – Stylish Dining with Serious Flavour
Kneading Ruby has become one of Wollongong’s go-to spots for good reason. Tucked away on Crown Lane, this modern pizzeria and restaurant brings a touch of sophistication to the city’s seaside dining scene. Step inside and you’re met with soaring ceilings, trailing greenery, and a space that feels just as inviting for a long lunch as it does for a dinner with friends.
The menu champions seasonal produce and wood-fired perfection, with plenty of love shown to plant-based diners. Vegan and vegetarian options slide seamlessly into the line-up – think golden pumpkin fritta, addictive polenta chips, and a mushroom pizza that rivals any meaty counterpart. Whether you’re sharing plates with a big group or indulging in your own feast, Kneading Ruby proves that veg-friendly dining can be both refined and downright delicious.
Dew Drop Inn – A Tranquil Vegetarian Escape
For a dining experience unlike anywhere else in Wollongong, head to the Dew Drop Inn at Nan Tien Temple. Set against the peaceful backdrop of temple gardens, this tea house blends calm ambience with a menu that’s entirely vegetarian. Expect Taiwanese-inspired dishes such as steaming bowls of wonton noodle soup, flavour-packed rice plates, and comforting dry egg noodles, alongside a wide selection of teas and coffee.
The space itself is part of the experience – natural timber accents, Buddhist art, and serene views make it a spot to truly slow down. You can even browse delicate Chinese tea sets and elegant chopsticks to take a piece of the tranquillity home. Whether you’re after a nourishing lunch or simply a quiet cuppa, the Dew Drop Inn is a hidden gem for mindful, plant-based dining.
ilu ilu bar – Cocktails, Spice and Plant-Based Delights
If you love your nights out with a side of spice, ilu ilu bar is the place to be. This Indian-inspired cocktail bar and tapas spot in Wollongong serves up inventive drinks and a share-style menu that’s perfect for grazing with friends. While the cocktails are a huge drawcard – from Indian-inspired signatures to timeless classics – the food is just as impressive, especially for vegans and vegetarians.
Expect flavour-packed plates like crisp vegetarian samosas, hearty chickpea and peanut masala, and the standout Bengali sweet pumpkin, cooked with a fragrant five-seed spice blend and garlic. With so many plant-based choices on the menu, you can mix, match, and sip your way through a night that’s equal parts vibrant and delicious.
An Chut Chut – Fresh, Flavourful and Veggie-Friendly
Right in the heart of Wollongong, An Chut Chut dishes up Vietnamese classics that are as vibrant as the restaurant itself. The menu is packed with favourites – from steaming bowls of pho to crisp bánh xèo pancakes and freshly rolled rice paper rolls – many of which can be enjoyed as vegetarian or vegan. Their bánh mì is also a must-try, with plant-based options that don’t skimp on flavour.
Pair your meal with a traditional Vietnamese iced coffee or a refreshing juice and you’ve got the perfect balance of fresh, light and satisfying. For anyone looking to enjoy authentic Vietnamese with plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices in Wollongong, An Chut Chut is a standout.
Balinese Spice Magic – Authentic Bali with a Plant-Based Focus
Bringing the flavours of Bali straight to the centre of Wollongong, Balinese Spice Magic is more than just a restaurant – it’s a cultural experience. Passionate about community, sustainability and local produce, this welcoming spot blends authenticity with a big dose of heart. While the menu showcases the full spectrum of Balinese cuisine, plant-based diners are in for a real treat.
Alongside gluten-free options, there’s an entire vegan menu dedicated to celebrating vegetables, spices and traditional cooking techniques. Think aromatic curries, fragrant stir-fries and vibrant salads, all layered with the complex spice mixes Bali is famous for. It’s a must-visit for anyone craving something fresh, soulful and packed with flavour – proof that vegan and vegetarian dining in Wollongong is every bit as exciting as the traditional.
From beachside cafés to cosy restaurants and lively bars, Wollongong’s dining scene makes it easy to enjoy vegan and vegetarian-friendly meals without compromise. Whether you’re craving authentic Vietnamese, modern Italian, Balinese spice or nourishing café classics, there’s always something fresh and flavourful on offer.
The best part? You don’t need to be strictly plant-based to enjoy it – these dishes are made for anyone who loves good food. So next time you’re planning a meal out, skip the side salad and dive into Wollongong’s growing menu of vegan and vegetarian delights.