Vegan eats have certainly had a glow-up in the last little while. Not particularly surprising when you consider the number of hard-working venues serving up epic plant-based dishes even the most intense meat lovers among us will adore. Because of this, it was only a matter of time before full-blown vegan restaurants on the Gold Coast were a thing. Whether you’re a carnivore at heart or vegan by nature, that’s beside the point: these eateries are for everyone — creating knock-out tasty food. Period.
Here’s a list of the very best so you may indulge your inner plant lover anytime you please.
Plants and Me
When it comes to eating a delicious plethora of vegan eats — which you’re hard pushed to discern from their meaty equivalent — Plants and Me is a place you need on your radar, stat. Operating primarily as a café, you’ll also discover a lunch menu worth dropping everything for with multi-coloured burgers (think green and red brioche-style buns) dyed with veggie colouring, all the way to a kaleidoscope of the very best looking fruit juices and smoothies. They have also just started making their own selection of incredible meat (free) pies — so good you won’t even know the difference.
Where: 4/20 Scarborough Street, Southport
i like ramen
Serving up more mouth-watering vegan dishes than you can poke a chopstick at, i like ramen is one of the most beloved venues (vegan or otherwise) on the Gold Coast. They’ve created ramen dishes that are as good as (if not better than) any other you’ll sample, plus goodies like baos, burgers and personal faves Panko Crusted Mushrooms and Kimchi Potatoes we’d sell our souls for. Oh, and there’s a slew of epic cocktails too.
Where: 2251 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
Greenhouse Canteen
One of the OG vegan restaurants on the Gold Coast, Greenhouse Canteen’s menu is as good as it gets. They’ve got a botanical bar so that you can order a selection of vegan cocktails, wine or beer and the space is always packed with good vibes. To eat, we’d go for the Jackfruit Enchiladas or the Eggplant Moussaka. Also, if you feel like eating at home, Greenhouse has takeaway packs along the lines of Kentucky Fried Jackfruit. Ohhh yesss!
Where: 1916 Gold Coast Highway, Miami
Goodness Gracias
Goodness Gracias has long been a vegan favourite on the Gold Coast, serving plant-based Mexican food in a vibrant Palm Beach space. Eat-in or takeaway and choose from delicious eats like burritos, tacos, nachos and plenty of tasty sides and salads. We’re regulars here, and it’s always tasty and of the highest quality. Plus, who doesn’t love Mexican food? Nobody is who!
Where: 1114-1116 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Lord of the Fries
If there is one thing we can get behind, it is a fast-food venue made up primarily of potatoes. Precisely what is happening at Lord of the Fries – all of the vegan fries, peeps. Not only those crispy, delicious gifts from God, though, Lord of the Fries is also serving up Veggie Burgers, Onion Rings (Lord of the Rings), Vegetarian Nuggets and Vegetarian Hot Dogs and everything is kosher and Halal. One taste, and you’ll be a big fan: no contest.
Where: Paradise Centre, 8 Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise
The Hidden Cherub
After close to 2 years of operation, a relative newbie to the vegan Gold Coast scene is a little tucked away laneway bar/plant-based eats venue: The Hidden Cherub. The Miami bar is decked out with a sleek, industrial-esque look, greenery dripping from the walls and black and white striped bench seating. While the drinks here are the main event, the entirely vegan packed food menu is filled with delicious share plates, burgers, tacos, salads and sides. In terms of burgers, there’s a Spicy Fried Chick’n, The Californian, and The Classic. Tacos come in combos like Tempura Cauliflower, Chick’n in Abodo sauce and Three Bean. Mouth-watering goodness.
Where: 2/29 Lemana Lane, Miami
Cardamom Pod
Cardamon Pod at Southport and Broadbeach has long been a favourite amongst Gold Coasters (and influencers), offering both vegetarian and vegan choices. On the menu, you’ll find dishes like Apple Pie Pancakes, a Snickers Acai Bowl and a Blinged Out Avo Benny, to name a few, plus plenty of raw treats, organic coffee and gluten-free options too. All dishes are almost too pretty to eat.
Where: 1/2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach & 3/3 Brolga Ave, Southport
Plant-Based Cafe
This cafe opened in Paradise Point last year and quickly became a massive hit amongst the locals. Every single dish is stunning, and — yes, you guessed it — you’re going to want to sample them all. For example, the California Dreamin’ burger is next-level with a stacked crispy ‘chikn’ fillet on a bed of American-style slaw with all the trimmings. So tasty. There are smoothies, coffee and acai bowls, too, and it’s the perfect spot for a brunch date, vegan-style.
Where: 1/2 Grice Avenue, Paradise Point
Easy House Vegetarian Restaurant
Easy House has been around for some time and is as much-loved as it’s always been. The menu consists of Asian vegetarian and vegan dishes, and it’s all flavour-packed and fresh. The XO Noodles are to die for, and the dumplings are one thing you could eat every day forever. Don’t miss out on this one.
Where: 90 Markeri Street, Mermaid Beach
Doko Demo V
Offering an entirely vegan wholefoods-based menu, Doko Demo V is the work of Head Chef Jared Peck. The menu ranges from breakfast through to lunch and dinner and is bursting with beautifully prepared dishes that are both healthy and of the eyes-are-bigger-than-your-belly variety. The Lamb Souvlaki is a fave with marinated greek plant-based lamb, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, smokey bbq, mint yoghurt in a wholemeal wrap. YUM.
Where: 1908 Gold Coast Highway, Miami
Izakaya Midori
You’ll find a trove of plant-based Japanese food at Izakaya Midori in Reedy Creek. There are dishes like Tofu Chocolate Gâteau, Creamy Corn Croquettes, Spicy Lime Karaage and Tempura Tofu to name a few. You can also grab things to takeaway. Should we mention their vegan cheese Party Animal Platter? Need we say more?
Where: 50 Woodland Drive, Reedy Creek
Lovechild Kitchen and Bar
REOPENING 4TH NOVEMBER: Stay tuned to see what the team at this popular vegan spot in Mermaid Beach have been working on! You’re promised to be impressed with the tasty selection of burgers, tacos and cocktail selection very soon…
Where: Shop 1C / 2375 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
The Gold Coast restaurant scene has been quick to catch up to the increasing number of people jumping on board the vegetable train.
While everyone is dishing up tasty meatless treats these days, there are plenty of veggie only venues the locals are loving. Here are 11 of the best from north to south.
Plant Based Cafe
The newest on the block, Plant Based Cafe is both aptly named AND slinging some absolutely incredible vego eats. The kitchen is headed up by former Masterchef contestant Christine Laker and she has nailed every single dish. Of course. The Zucchini and Corn Fritter Stack is next-level with a stack of low-fat, baked fritters served with tomato relish, smashed avocado and a lightly-dressed petite salad. So tasty and perfectly presented too. Try them all for yourself.
Where: 1/2 Grice Avenue, Paradise Point
Giri Kana Café
Southport’s famous vegetarian and vegan café is just as loved by meat eaters as it is by vegos. Their emphasis is on fresh and wholesome foods that are good for the body, mind and spirit – and to this end, their food is cooked with love and devotion. With salads, burgers, breakfast, juice and smoothie options you’ll be spoilt for choice at this welcoming little café. P.s they now do breakfast too.
Where: Ground Floor, H2O Broadwater, Corner Nind Street and Gold Coast Highway, 82 Marine Parade, Southport
Blendlove
The delightful folk at Blendlove believe nothing is worth eating, if it hasn’t been created with love and let it be known that everything they create there, is worth eating. Co-founders Ricki-Lee and Sharlene pride themselves on serving the tastiest, freshest and healthiest plant-based food on the Gold Coast. Everything in their space is made fresh daily without the use of refined sugars, artificial colours or preservatives. One of the very best.
Where: 253 Ferry Road, Southport
Cardamom Pod
For many years it’s been a firm favourite amongst lovers of a delicious vegetarian dish. So much so that a second Pod opened at The Brickworks on Ferry Road. They offer creative, colourful eats and the most magical of mocktails. In a first for the Gold Coast, Cardamom Pod also offers a vegan high tea made up of a selection of their finest raw desserts. There’s a reason this place has been around for years, go discover it for yourself.
Where: Shop 1/2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach and Brickworks, Ferry Road, Southport
Easy House
It’s a little eatery tucked away in Mermaid Beach serving vegetarian yum cha on the daily. The locals love it and it’s easy to see why. They also offer regular meat-free meals like the yummiest of stir-fry’s. Don’t go past the dumplings, there are many kinds so save it for a day when you’re absolutely ravenous, trust us, you won’t want to stop.
Where: Markeri Street, Mermaid Waters
i like ramen
If there is a perfect food for keeping you warm and nourished in winter, it is ramen. Particularly ramen by the boys at i like ramen. Which is vegan honestly but that also means it’s vegetarian and you should eat some ASAP. We love the Spicy Kimchi Ramen with a side (or three) of Panko Mushrooms and probably also a beer to wash that down. Big fans of everything about this place.
Where: 2251 Gold Coast Highway, Nobby Beach
Greenhouse Canteen
The holy grail of health food. With the motto ‘anything you can do, we can do vegan’ they’re onto something. In the short time they’ve been open they’ve amassed a huge following of both vegans and meat eaters who can’t go past the flavour-filled foods. All produce is sourced from trusted suppliers and farmers markets with the belief that food is medicine and it should nourish the mind, body and soul.
Where: 1916 Gold Coast Highway, Miami
Tian Ran Vegetarian
Meaning nature in English, Tian Ran provides the purest of vegetarian and vegan Asian cuisine. Their meals are free from meat, dairy, alcohol, garlic, onions and MSG and they also offer a gluten-free menu. The team are passionate about providing quality food and make their meat substitutes with soy, wheat, yam, seaweed and mushrooms. The restaurant is run by authentic, loving people who strive to provide full of goodness and flavour. Make this one a must visit.
Where: Shop 8/ 2462 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
The Milkman’s Daughter
The funkiest little vegetarian joint around is Mermaid’s The Milkman’s Daughter, tucked away on Alfred St and serving up some of the very best (and most stacked vego food). The interior is as cool as they come filled with cascading greenery and terraniums built into tables, you’ll be Insta-snapping up a storm. The entirely vegetarian menu is made up of both all day breakfast and lunch options and my word, will you be hard up to make a choice. The Housemade Lemon Pancakes are a real treat. Get excited for this one gang.
Where: 43 Alfred Street, Mermaid Beach
Doko Demo V
One of the most diverse eateries on the Gold Coast vegetarian scene is Doko Demo V in Miami. The menu is both breaky and lunch all day, as of just recently, dinner too and it’s filled with beautifully prepared dishes that are both healthy and of the eyes-are-bigger-than-your-belly variety. We’d go the Mexican Chicken* Brown Rice Poke Bowl because it’s a fresh, tasty option with Spanish beans, smashed avocado, ‘chicken’ made from tofu protein and a corn and coriander salsa. Plus, Mexican always. They’ve got a little bit of everything and the produce is super fresh and super delicious. So good.
Where: 1908 Gold Coast Highway, Miami
Govindas
It’s a vegetarian institution on the Coast and if you haven’t been there, you haven’t lived. With options from potato bake and lasagne to an array of salads and desserts, there’s always something tasty to try and a line up of people waiting to get in on the goodness. Eat in or takeaway and definitely don’t forget to indulge in the lemon, mint and ginger refresher, it’ll make your day.
Where: 20 James Street, Burleigh Heads and 72 Griffith Street, Coolangatta
Words by Kirra Smith.
This is the perfect healthy cake for your a Sunday afternoon BBQ or an upcoming birthday celebration.
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
Pre-heat the oven to 175 degrees celcius and line the base of two round springform cake tins with baking paper and grease the sides. (I only had one tin so just baked one after the other). In a food processor whizz half of the dried dates and half of the coconut flour until they are finely ground down, add more dates and coconut flour until all of the ingredients are ground down and combined. Add the coconut, baking soda, cinnamon and salt and combine in the food processor. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the mashed banana’s, water, coconut oil and apple cider vinegar and whisk together until there are no lumps. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and combine with a fork. Add the pineapple and mix through. Place half of the cake mixture in each cake tin and place in the oven for 40 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Once cooked place on a cake wrack and let cool. Place a layer of coconut yogurt on top on one of the cakes and place the second cake on top. Cover the rest of the cake with coconut yogurt, top with crushed walnuts and serve.
For more great recipes by Gold Coast local Caralee Caldwell, check out her page here.
No matter how you’re feeling right now or what you’re current situation is, there’s no doubt we can all use a little bit more health and happiness in our lives. So we’ve collected the five top tips to ensure your week is that little bit healthier from now on in. Take care of yourselves Gold Coasters.
Get up an hour earlier
It doesn’t seem like much but you’d be surprised how much you can fit into an hour. There’s nothing worse for your brain than waking up, going to work, going home, watching TV and going back to bed – where’s the relaxation? Instead of reaching straight for your phone the minute you wake up, roll straight out of bed and into some sort of exercise or stretching routine, play with the dog, cook yourself a healthy breakfast and ease into your day. You’ll soon see that starting your morning in a slower, more relaxed way sets the tone for the rest of your day.
Plan your meals
It sounds a little bit like something your Nanna would do but trust us, planning your meals will make life a million times simpler and healthier. Everyone knows what happens when you go to the supermarket after work, usually on an empty stomach and with very little willpower – you end up with an entrée of cheese and biccies followed by garlic bread and a big old bowl of spaghetti bolognaise. Delicious sure, but not so much on the healthy side. Planning allows you to choose healthy options, buy everything you need at once and not be tempted by the lure of excessive carbs.
Sleep enough
Ahh the ever elusive shut eye. It’s highly likely you aren’t getting enough of it what with work, exercising, eating and those all-important Netflix binges taking up so much of your time. Something’s gotta give though and usually that thing is your health, or your sanity. They say you need at least eight hours but in truth, you need as much as you need. If you’re tired, sleep more, it’s imperative to both your mental and physical health (and the people who have to put up with you). If you need a nap through the day, go for it, this is your permission slip.
Take time out
You’ve been hearing people bang on about the miraculous benefits of meditation for awhile now and those people aren’t lying. It is one of the best ways to calm your mind, find out the answers to life’s big questions and generally just take time out from the chaos of day to day life. Seems overwhelming though right? Sitting down in silence and trying not to think. It can be simple though, start with five minutes of deep breathing and don’t be discouraged if your mind wanders, just stay there and enjoy the serenity, before you know it you’ll crave that time out.
Move your body
Although it’s easier said than done to get up off the couch when it’s cold out, the benefits are about three million fold. Even if you just go for a short walk around the block or do some easy stretching, your body will absolutely thank you. There are plenty of online workouts and yoga classes to choose from too so you don’t need to spend money on exercising to see the benefits. Morning is probably the best time of day to move, it’ll make you feel good all day but anytime will do. You’ll be happy you did.
Words by Kirra Smith
