Looking for some green and clean eats on the Gold Coast? We’ve got the vegan restaurants Gold Coast guide for you. Whether you want plant-based ramen bowls, vegan sushi, or a delicious smoothie bowl, here are 10 amazing cafes and restaurants for you to try.
Table of Contents
1. The Cardamom Pod
This gorgeous cafe has some of the most instagrammable dishes on the Gold Coast. Their kitchen is fully plant-based, free from dairy and animal by-products (however, they do offer a cow milk option for coffees for those that request it). With locations at Southport and Broadbeach, you’ll be able to eat amazing yogi protein bowls, vegan bennies, and delicious smoothie bowls, that will keep you coming back for more.
- Style: Fusion meals, smoothies and salads
- Price: $$$
- Menu items to try: Bollywood burger (with a vegetable cutlet patty, mango chutney, crispy kale fritter) & Peachy Smoothie Bowl
- Location:
- The Brickworks Centre, 3/3 Brolga Ave, Southport QLD 4215
- 1/2685-2689 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
- Cardamom Pod Opening Hours:
- Southport 7:30am – 4:30pm 7 Days (kitchen closes 3:30pm)
- Broadbeach: Mon – thurs: 11am-9pm, Friday & Saturday: 8am – 9:30pm, Sunday: 8am – 9pm
2. Greenhouse Canteen and Bar
This popular eatery is cruelty-free and killing it! With delicious dishes like Eggplant Parmigiana, mushroom cheeseburger and quinoa chilli nachos, even your non-vegan friends will love eating here. The space is beautiful and green, with plenty of indoor plants. We especially love the glass roof at the Coolongatta’s location, it’s like being in an actual greenhouse!
They also have options for takeaway containers. However, we always try and bring these reusable products with us to reduce waste when out and about! If you end up in a food coma after eating here, there are some beautiful Coolangatta Airbnb stays nearby.
- Style: International, small & big eats
- Price: $$
- Menu items to try: Cauliflower wings & Arancini Balls
- Location:
- 1916 Gold Coast Hwy, Miami QLD 4220
- 1/140 Griffith St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
- Greenhouse Canteen Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm, Saturday and Sunday from midday
3. BKA Vegan
The folks at BKA (Be Kind Always) have put together a delicious plant based menu. Whether you like mushroom spring rolls, vegan ramen or want a bali style bowl, there are plenty of tasty options to choose from. This is one of the best vegan restaurants Gold Coast style.
The cool, minimalist interior and friendly staff make this a great place to hangout or meetup with friends.
- Style: International Cuisine
- Price: $$
- Menu items to try: The smoothie bowls are incredible, and filling
- Location: 1/1837 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
- BKA Vegan Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 12 pm – 3 pm, 5 pm-9 pm
4. Izakaya Midori
Another one of our favourite vegan restaurants Gold Coast is Izakaya Midori. This is a fully plant-based Japanese restaurant offering some incredible well-priced dishes. With Japenese hosts and chefs, authentic and exquisite flavours, you’ll want to try every item on the menu!
The food layout is amazing and colourful (they use edible flowers in the presentation). Each meal is like a little piece of art.
- Style: Japanese
- Price: $$
- Menu items to try: The Karaage bowl & Midori Ramen
- Location: Shop 7/50 Woodland Dr, Reedy Creek QLD 4227
- Izakaya Midori Opening Hours: Monday, Thursday and Sunday 11 am – 8 pm, and Friday, Saturday 11 am – 9:30 pm
5. Blendlove
Blendlove is a funky little vegan cafe in Southport. Offering tasty plant-based meals with large portions, you’ll be feeling good after eating their soul food. They also do not use or create any food that has been highly processed, or use any foods containing refined sugar!
Check out the amazing cake decorations, they’re sure to get any sweet tooth in the mood. Or, if you are looking to take away, say no to plastic by bringing your own reusable products.
- Style: Fusion meals, smoothies, and salads
- Price: $
- Menu items to try: Panko crumbed Mushroom burger and Vegan Cheesecakes
- Location: 1/253 Ferry Rd, Southport QLD 4215 (It is on the main road so there is a bit of noise)
- Blendlove Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 7.00am to 3.00pm, Sunday: 8.00am to 3.00pm
6. Hidden Cherub
A new plant-based option on the Gold Coast, The Hidden Cherub opened its doors to the public in January 2020. It’s a warehouse-style cocktail bar, featuring black and white striped booths and beautiful hanging plants. Featuring delicious plant-based chicken burgers, Tempura Avocado tacos, it’ll be easy to find a meal to pair with your cocktail!
With such a beautiful interior it’s the perfect spot to take some good food envy photos!
- Style: Californian Cuisine
- Price: $$
- Menu items to try: Spicy Southern Burger & Tempura Avocado Tacos
- Location: 2/29 Lemana Ln, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
- Opening Hours: Fri – Sun: 12pm-late (Happy hour 3pm to 6pm)
7. Goodness Gracias
This colourful little joint in Palm beach will be sure to satisfy your plant-based Mexican food cravings. With a whole range of Tacos & Burritos to choose from, you can choose to eat in or take away.
They also have some desert options for those looking in the mood to indulge.
- Style: Mexican
- Price: $$ (however they have $3 tacos on Wednesdays!)
- Menu items to try: The Pina chicken burrito and one of the sweet treats
- Location: 1a/1114-1116 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach QLD 4221
- Opening Hours: Wed – Fri: 4pm – Late, Sat & Sun: 11am-late
8. I Like Ramen
After a series of restaurant takeovers and pop up events, Bobby and Dom from I like Ramen opened a restaurant in Nobby’s beach. It is 100% plant-based with plenty of tasty ramen bowl options and Bao buns. Whether you want a shitake mushroom both ramen bowl or a plum glazed “duck” bao, these dishes will be sure to warm you up!
Close to some of the Gold Coasts best bars, its a great place to stop in on a night out.
- Style: Japanese style ramen
- Price: $
- Menu items to try: Shiitake mushroom broth Ramen Bowl & Panko Mushrooms
- Location: 2251 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach QLD 4218
- Opening hours: Wed & Thurs: 11:30am-10pm, Fri – Sun: 11:30am – late
9. The Milkman’s Daughter
This beautiful vegetarian eatery in Mermaid beach has plenty of vegan options! Whether you want a colourful dish like the Rainbow Bowl (sweet chili tofu, beetroot hummus, roasted pumpkin, crispy kale, quinoa w cranberries, black current, brussel sprouts, beetroot, roasted carrots & greens), the instagrammable vegan pancakes, or a dink from the cleanse bar, you won’t want to leave this cafe. If you want a special experience, book a seat online in their “igloo” tables surrounded by Devils Ivy hanging vines!
- Style: Modern Australian
- Price: $$
- Menu items to try: Vegan lemon ricotta pancakes & Rainbow Plate
- Location: 43 Alfred Street, Mermaid Beach
- Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 7am – 2.30pm, Sat & Sun: 7am – 3pm
10. Nude Sisters Wholefood Cafe
This beautiful wholefood kitchen in Mermaid is 100% vegetarian, with some vegan options. With a bright and airy decor and some delicious sweet treats, this is a great place to visit for a coffee and treat.
There’s lots of cute little details, right down to the pink plates that make it a great overall dining experience.
- Style: Modern Australian
- Price: $$
- Menu items to try: The smoothie bowls & Green Breakfast Bowl
- Location: Shop 3/90 Markeri St, Mermaid Waters
- Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 7:00am-2:00pm
Where To Stay on the Gold Coast?
There are plenty of unique things to do on the Gold Coast, making it a great place to stay for a holiday. There are nearby farms to visit, and beautiful waterfalls to explore. If you want a unique experience, try staying in one of these Gold Coast Airbnbs instead of a standard hotel. There are glamping tents in the mountains, rainforest retreats, and beautiful beachside apartments.
Any Thoughts?
We love finding vegan and vegetarian restaurants when we visit new places as it’s a great way to be an eco traveller. If you’re looking for ways to get inspired to eat more plant-based, try watching a sustainable documentary like Cowspiracy or Game Changers.
Have you got any favourite vegan restaurants that you go to on the Gold Coast? Or a place that has an amazing plant-based menu item? Share your vegan restaurants gold coast tips it in the comments!
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Vivien de Greef is a co-founder of The Dharma Trails and a passionate advocate for sustainable living and slow travel. Her unique background in Occupational Therapy enriches her approach, blending well-being with environmental consciousness to inspire eco-friendly travel worldwide.
Lifestyle:
Originally from Brisbane, Australia, Vivien embodies the essence of a sustainable lifestyle, integrating her professional insights from mental health and occupational therapy into everyday living. Her approach to life is all about balance and sustainability, whether it’s through her travel choices or daily habits.
Writing Focus:
On The Dharma Trails, Vivien specialises in creating content that encourages an eco-friendly approach to travel. She explores themes such as:
- Sustainable travel destinations
- Eco-friendly living tips
- Slow travel experiences
- Conservation efforts globally
Interesting Points:
- Hometown: Brisbane, Australia
- Expertise in regions: Caribbean, California, and Australia
- Travel style: Slow and Sustainable
- Professional background: Occupational Therapy
- Passionate about bars and local cuisine
- Has been traveling since 2015
Connect:
Expertise:
Vivien’s background in Occupational Therapy and her work in mental health provide a deep understanding of human well-being. Her experiences, including a significant period in Madagascar providing occupational therapy, inform her comprehensive approach to sustainable travel, emphasising health and environmental preservation.
Travel Insights:
- Favorite Travel Experience: Witnessing the breathtaking sunrise over Baobab Alley in Madagascar.
- Where I’ve Lived: Australia, Madagascar, California and the Caribbean.
- Travel Tip: Open up google maps in satellite view to find hidden secret beaches.
Need More?
For further insights into Vivien’s travels, sustainable tips, and more personal tips, follow her journey on The Dharma Trails where every path tread is a step towards sustainability.
