As the vegan and gluten-free scene has gained momentum over the last few years, Sydneysiders are truly spoilt for choice. With Sydney’s evolving culinary scene, this city is beaming with some of the finest vegan and gluten-free foods you can find. Mexican, Japanese, Chinese, Middle Eastern, gluten-free bakeries, or a classic Aussie brunch, we got you covered for some seriously delicious eats that are both gluten-free and vegan!
Look for the Foodini verified sign for menus and ingredients reviewed by our Accredited Practicing Dietitian.
Green Gourmet
St. Leonards
Family owned Green Gourmet first opened its doors in 1998 as a 100% vegan Chinese restaurant, and is known to attract vegans and meat-eaters alike. Owner – Colin, established Green Gourmet with a mission of producing plant-based foods that nourish both our bodies and minds. Mission accomplished: today Green Gourmet is always mentioned among the top 10 vegan restaurants in Sydney. Pop into this yum-cha eatery and you’ll be spoiled by the extensive menu that also includes gluten-free options. From Barbeque (not) Pork Buns, Chia ‘Prawn’ Dumplings to ‘Duck’ Spring Rolls, what is not to love? You’ll also fall in love with house-made desserts – Royal Earl Gray Sponge Cake, Tofu Ice Cream, and Baked Passionfruit Cheesecake! Green Gourmet also offers catering services, meal kits, as well as a handful of premium groceries throughout Sydney and the Central Coast.
Pilgrims Vegetarian Cafe
Bronte
As the name suggests, Pilgrims has garnered attention as one of the best vegetarian cafes in Sydney. It’s no wonder that they’ve expanded to now include 5 locations – Milton, Bronte, Huskisson, Corrimal, and Cronulla. For the love of ACTUAL GOOD FOOD, this 40 year old icon takes a creative spin on simple ingredients and serves it in generous portions. With a dedicated vegan and gluten free menu, Pilgrims deserves chef kisses for taking care of your dietary needs. If you’re headed for the Bronte chain, it’s the perfect spot for not only a breezy brunch but for a Mexican feast during the night. 3 out of 5 Pilgrim cafes open for dinner, so be sure to check accordingly. The Vegan Bliss Burger, Millennium Steak and Enchilada all are definite must-try!
Rising Sun Workshop
Newtown
If you’re in Newtown, slurp your way through bowls of ramen in this rustic yet chic ramen joint. Not only does Rising Sun whip up killer Asian-fusion cuisine, it doubles as a communal motorcycle workshop. Since day one, gluten-free ramen has been the main star. Instead of the traditionally used wheat noodles, Rising Sun uses konniyaku. It’s a starchy tuberous vegetable that has more bite than rice noodles and leaves you more satisfied than GF ramen noodles. For the early birds, The Breakfast Ramen with a Japanese twist is a must! During midday, choose from 3 types of broths – the Light, Dark, and Monk, topped with an assortment of ingredients, such as an oozing onsen egg. For my fellow vegans, The Monk which is miso-based can be ordered as vegan, and pairs perfectly with Agedashi Tofu.
Wholegreen Bakery
Waverly, CBD
Calling all coeliacs, vegans, and bread-pastry lovers, stop and drop everything! This Sydney Fine Food Awards winner was crowned as the best gluten-free bakery in Sydney! For the love of everything bread, Wholegreen also bakes the impossible for those who are dairy and egg-free. Their Gluten-free Sourdough Bread comes in different flavor combinations such as Turmeric and Activated Charcoal, so you’ll never get bored of your usual loaf. If you’re in a hurry, their CBD bakery has a cart for grab-and-go pastries and coffee. Be sure to grab the ever popular Gluten-free Croissant! During midday, the lunch menu features gourmet pies (French Lentil Pie is most raved about), gluten-free sandwiches and pasta. Ohh, remember to grab their award winning Chocolate Eclair and Lemon Meringue Tart.
Bare Wholefoods
Mona Vale & St. Leonards
Real. Balanced. Goodness. Bare Wholefoods’ philosophy is clearly reflected in offering it’s community a balanced diet and lifestyle, one nutritious meal at a time. Transparency in quality and premium produce is paramount to Bare Wholefoods – meat is grass fed, fruits and vegetables are organic, and chicken is free range. They serve modern Australian food that shines spotlight on its 100% gluten-free and refined sugar-free menu. Signatures include Smoked Pork Belly, Spiced Lamb Ribs and Brothies – a nourishing bone broth. For the vegans, you’ll also be taken good care of. Banoffee Plantcakes, Mushroom Risottos, salad bowls, vegan cakes, you name it! Coffee here gets the green light, the beans are fair trade and organic, and available in your favorite alt-milks. Your next brunch meal is sorted!
Momo Bar
Manly & Dee Why
As catchy and cute as ‘Momo’ sounds, it also translates to Nepalese dumplings. At Momo Bar, you’ll not only find these flavor bursting balls of goodness, but Hawaiian Poke as well! Although you might think that dumplings and poke bowls make for an odd couple, they actually marry incredibly well together. Each dumpling is made fresh daily with each filling made from scratch. Different dumpling styles include traditional, Nepalese, and of course, vegan and gluten-free. The dumpling skins are thin yet chewy, and come in 5 fillings – pork, chicken, organic lentils, lamb, and mixed vegetables. Spoon these momos in various broths or dip in natural yogurt for a creamy twist. You definitely wouldn’t want to miss out on the gluten-free Chicken Dumplings. Pair with paprika butter, garlic yogurt, and sriracha to spice it up. For the poke lovers, you get your fair share too. Think bright curls of carrot, rosy pink salmon, crisp green cucumbers, tofu that sucks up the creamy dressing, the list goes on.
Daily Greens
Paddington & Gateway
Get your dose of Daily Greens from one of the best gluten free cafes in Sydney. With a philosophy of ‘Grow, Harvest, Serve’, this Sydney gem stands strong on sustainable, zero-waste, and traceable food. Daily greens gives you the power and convenience to nourish your body with real and honest food, without compromising on flavor. For the early risers, have 100% gluten free artisanal tartines with house-made Beet Hummus, Avocado with roasted seaweed, or Smoked Salmon with poached eggs and a spread of chive cream cheese. You’ll also find warm and cold bowls to fuel you through the day. For a creative flair in your bowls, you can customize it with a fun selection of bases, fillings, dressings, and toppings. Pair it with speciality lattes and your favourite vegan smoothie, and you’re up for a health-punching day!
Ella & Beau
Forest Lodge
Located at Ross Street, Ella & Beau is the perfect spot for an all-out brunch feast. Ella & Beau really practice what they preach, with a strong emphasis on sourcing local, free range, organic, and sustainable produce. Besides loving nature one bowl at a time, indulge in the variety of vegan or gluten-free breakfast and other options on their menu! Popular choices include the Big Breakfast Burger stuffed with grilled mushrooms, bacon (vegans can swap for halloumi), eggs, hash browns, and a generous handful of fresh greens. You’ll also find the classic gluten-free Eggs Benedict, Artisan Sourdough topped with grilled mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or have it caprese style. Ella & Beau also has grab-and-go meals of various cuisines that will have you coming back for more.
Pure Wholefoods
Manly
Established by two Paleo practitioners, Pure Wholefoods has become a local favorite for Sydneysiders. This little health hub satisfies a multitude of dietary requirements such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, raw, and refined sugar-free. Start the day with the oh-so-popular gluten-free Pancakes, with creamy coconut yogurt and fresh fruit. Although coffee here is organic (of course) and does hit the spot, you should give their Immunity Shots a shot (not pun intended)! Our bodies definitely deserve this goodness as they work wonders on our health and wellbeing. The Scrambled Turmeric Tofu also finds its way as one of the highlights, sitting on a bed of greens and toasted rye sourdough. Other epic menu finds include grain-free salads, gluten free wraps and burgers, and an assortment of raw desserts. This healthy heaven is a definite crowd pleaser! (don’t blame us for the food baby).
Nutie
Balmain & Surry Hills
Located in Balmain is Nutie’s hallmark pink-neon doughnut logo featuring baked in-house vegan and gluten-free sweet treats. Nutie has been baking memories since their early days with small batches of artisanal gluten free donuts around Sydney’s markets. Donuts are baked with only the best ingredients (almond meal, almond milk), hand dipped, and decorated for that instagram worthy picture. Start with the OG Glazed Donut to warm up your palate and go nuts for the Couch Potato vanilla choc-chip donut covered in dark Belgian chocolate and topped with potato chip clusters. Following a major success with their Balmain store, Nutie welcomed their Surry Hills store that serves a full brunch menu. The best part is, the whole menu is gluten-free with an array of vegan options too! Kick off your weekend brunch with savory options including a Waffle Benedict, Green Goddess Bowl, and complementing it with a Lean Green vegan smoothie. Nutie is definitely making life sweeter!
Bad Hombres
Surry Hills
Bad Hombres is coming in hot for all the vegans with thier 100% vegan menu. With an 80’s inspired party vibe playlist, dim lighting, and bright red tables, get ready for an explosive night of Mexican flavors with your favorite party peeps! For starters, the Charred Corn with Chipotle Mayo & Sweet Pepita Powder gives you the perfect intro to authentic Mexican. Tacos here are based on seasonal produce, so watch out for the taco of the week. The Miso Eggplant Taco topped with Pineapple Habanero Salsa and Miso caramel will surely satisfy your Taco Tuesday! Moving onto the big boy platters, the BH Cauliflower with cashew cream, oregano-paprika salt and salsa is a must try! And yes, all the dishes mentioned are gluten-free! For those in need of a drink, this Surry Hills Mexican sensation has a natural wine list and other boozy fun drinks to cheers to. Do book in advance, and remember to share the tacos and Sweet Corn Creme Brulee!
Khamsa Cafe
Newtown
Stop by this vegan Newtown hub for a traditional Palestinian brunch! Owner – Sarah Shaweesh’s inspiration to open Khamsa started with her humbling catering business of raw vegan cakes. Located at the end of King Street, Khamsa’s modern space with floor-to-ceiling windows invites you to a delectable journey of Middle Eastern flavours. Open daily from 8am to 2pm, you’ll find brekkie and lunch items infused in Middle Eastern spices. The crowd favourite – gluten free Jerusalem Bowl with falafels, hummus, quinoa, and cauliflower is a definite must try! The classic brunch dish of a Smashed Avo Bagel has Khamsa’s spin with zaatar and pomegranate, that will make you say “I love you for avo”. The Mushroom Shawerma with garlic tahini cream have become fast favorites of both vegans and non-vegans. Khamsa doesn’t stop right there as they also have vegan cakes such as Orange and Rosewater Cake. Pair it with their creative vegan beverage menu from Turkish Delight Coffee (sparkling iced rose coffee with maple), Golden Nights Elixir Latte, to Mailer McGuire kombuchas.