Blog Post

When you think of Cairns, it might be tempting to only picture the Great Barrier Reef or the lush tropical rainforests. However, beneath the canopy and beyond the coral, a culinary revolution has been quietly simmering. For those who prefer plant-based plates, Cairns offers a diverse array of vegan options that don’t skimp on flavour. This guide delves deep into the best vegan restaurants Cairns has to offer, ensuring your gastronomic journey is as thrilling as any underwater adventure.

 

 

Vegan Breakfasts Delights

A bunch of bagels on a table at Bury Me Standing Bagels.

Savour mornings with the delectable vegan offerings from Bury Me Standing. This establishment, with its unique name, is renowned for its vegan bagels, which are crispy on the outside and delightfully chewy inside. The cinnamon rolls are another must-try, their sweet aroma perfectly accompanying the morning air. With a rustic charm and a friendly staff, this spot ensures every breakfast feels warm and inviting. Make it your regular stop, and you might just find a few more hidden vegan gems on their menu.

 

Every bite at Guyala Cafe is a journey in taste, but their truffle toastie stands out. Veganism meets gourmet at this charming spot. The rich aroma of the truffle melds seamlessly with the crunch of the toastie, creating a morning symphony for the palate. Beyond this delight, Guyala prides itself on sourcing local ingredients, ensuring freshness in every dish. Its cozy ambiance makes it a perfect spot to catch up on some reading or enjoy a quiet morning chat.

 

Lillipad cafe coffee with some flowers set up behind on a red table.

Variety and volume—that’s the promise Lillipad Cafe holds for its vegan customers. This place is a haven for those who love exploring diverse vegan options without compromising on portion sizes. Each dish is prepared with careful attention, bringing out unique flavors that resonate with vegan values. Lillipad’s diverse menu is backed by an atmosphere that feels both homely and energetic. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself lingering here longer than planned, sipping on their organic brews.

 

Moku Bar + Grill elevates the conventional buffet breakfast to a grand affair. While they serve up an array of sumptuous dishes, they haven’t forgotten the vegan guests. The real magic, however, unfolds as daylight spills into afternoon.

Daily lunch and dinner specials become the talk of the town. Every day brings with it a fresh vegan surprise, making repeated visits to Moku Bar + Grill a tantalising prospect. Curious about the day’s delight? The daily specials are listed here, ensuring you’re always in the know.

Not only do they serve a daily vegan special to tease your palate, but their swim-up pool bar also beckons. And guess what? It’s open to the locals. So, post that meal, you can dip into a refreshing pool. Dive, float, or simply lounge with a cocktail in hand. 

 

breakfast in cairns area at Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort with the pool in the background.


Lunch & Dinner Options

Falafellicious's falafels with sauce dripping down the peta bread.

When craving something hearty, flavourful, yet unmistakably vegan, Falafellicious has the answer. Perfect for both a midday lunch or a bustling late-night outing on Mondays and Saturdays, this place celebrates the richness of vegan cuisine. Their falafels are a crispy, golden delight, embodying both tradition and innovation. Every bite is a reminder of the care and authenticity poured into the dishes. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or someone just dabbling, Falafellicious promises a culinary adventure.

 

Italy meets Cairns in the most vegan-friendly way at Vitalia’s Italian. The restaurant showcases that Italian cuisine isn’t just about cheese and meats. Vegan pastas, pizzas, and risottos here sing tales of Mediterranean shores and Italian nonnas who knew the secret to heartwarming food. Dine under the stars or inside their quaint interiors; every meal here feels like a vegan Italian dream come alive.

 

A photo of a loaded pizza with some wine in the background on the deck at Vitalia's Italian Restaurant.
The deck view at Miss Chief with a swinging wooden chair.

Romance and veganism dance together at Miss Chief. This elegant establishment, perfect for dates, offers an array of vegan dishes that are as tantalizing to the eyes as to the palate. And for those looking to elevate the mood, their happy hour ensures spirits remain high. The ambiance is a blend of chic and comfort, making it easy to lose track of time. With every visit, there’s a new vegan delicacy waiting to be discovered.

 

Pho Street is where traditional Vietnamese flavours embrace veganism. The broths are rich and aromatic, the ingredients fresh, and the overall experience, soul-soothing. Vegans seeking a hearty bowl of pho will find their expectations exceeded here. Every dish tells a story of tradition, tweaked slightly to resonate with vegan principles. A meal here is both a journey back in time and an exploration of modern vegan interpretations.

 

Exterier of Pho Street
A person scooping rice out of a bowl at Spicy Bite.

Turn up the heat with Spicy Bite. This restaurant, true to its name, promises a spicy vegan escapade that tantalizes the taste buds. Their menu is a canvas of fiery flavors, ensuring that veganism is anything but bland. With each dish, there’s a play of textures, spices, and warmth, making it an unforgettable dining experience. It’s a place that beckons vegan spice lovers time and again.

 

 

Dive into the heart of Japanese vegan culinary arts at Wawawa Izakaya. This spot expertly merges traditional Izakaya vibes with vegan delights. From tempura to vegan sushi rolls, every dish is an ode to Japanese culinary traditions, reimagined for the vegan soul. The ambiance, resonating with soft lantern lights and wooden aesthetics, adds to the charm, ensuring every meal is a delightful vegan sojourn.

 

 

Cairns, with its kaleidoscope of flavours, proves that vegan dining is far from boring. Whether it’s an early morning feast, a lazy lunch, or a candle-lit dinner, Cairns’ vegan scene has got you covered. So the next time you find yourself in this tropical paradise, remember, the culinary journey is as mesmerising as its natural wonders. Dive deep into the vegan delights of Cairns and discover a treasure trove of flavours waiting to be explored.