Touch down on the other side of the planet, a country renowned for its stunning beaches, an assortment of Mother Nature's beautifully crafted terrains, Vegemite, mullets, the outback, and unique creatures (that may or may not be trying to kill you!) to Sydney. 

While Sydney might not be as famous as Melbourne for its vegan status (boasting 4th in the world), the city holds its own in the vegan world.

After one year of living in Sydney, every corner seems to be sprinkled with vegan-friendly choices. Every coffee shop is full of plant-milk varieties, and vegan options are staples on most menus; one suburb (Newtown) even shows off a street lined with vegan eateries. Choices? You’ve got plenty. Here are my seven go-to vegan eateries in Sydney.

7. Oh My Days 

A revelation for anyone sceptical about vegan baking, Oh My Days has a treasure trove of pastries that could convert even the most devout traditionalists.

Offering both sweet and savoury, each pastry is flaky, buttery and crafted to perfection; from almond croissants and cinnamon rolls to indulgent apple crumble danishes, they have mastered the art of vegan sweet treats, but it doesn't stop there; their savoury selection includes burgers, burritos, ‘chicken’ bahn mi, croissants, and everything in between prove that they can match and even surpass their traditional counterparts.

My recommendations: Almond Croissant, Apple Crumble Danish, and Macadamia Milk Latte.

6. Peace Harmony

Nestled in the middle of Sydney's CBD, this dainty hole-in-a-wall restaurant has one colossal menu, with an array of Thai cuisine to choose from. 

Prepare for a taste explosion: Expertly seasoned dishes are robust and bursting with complex flavours that provide satisfying depth when hitting the palate. The staff at Peace Harmony are attentive and eager to provide the perfect recommendation for you!

My recommendation: Curry Puffs, Soy Chicken Satay, and The Jungle Curry (pictured below).

Callum Weir

5. Gigi Pizzeria

One of the standout stars of Newtown has redefined the vegan pizza landscape, everything that I assumed a plant-based pizza could be has been blown out of the water by Gigi. 

Their commitment to authentic, flavourful, and entirely plant-based Italian cuisine is evident in every dish they serve. 

Fresh ingredients, infused with bold flavours neither overpowering nor understated, with a crust perfectly crisp created by the fire concealed in their centrepiece stone oven. 

Forget vegan cheese that doesn’t melt and sticks to the roof of your mouth like a film, Gigi’s has some witchcraft in that kitchen because this stuff is phenomenal.

My recommendation: Salsiccia E Broccoli (Beyond sauce, garlic, and chilli sauteed broccoli, nut ricotta, mozzarisella, green vie parmesan and extra virgin olive oil).

4. Little Turtle

On the outskirts of Enmore, another Thai restaurant, Little Turtle, shines through with its inventive dishes while being committed to being health-conscious. 

Brimming with creative plant-based dishes, the menu leaves me both impressed and satisfied. 

You’re drawn in through the door by the smell of aromas that embody the essence of traditional Thai cooking with a modern twist. An ideal spot for both vegans and those looking to explore plant-based cuisine

My recommendation: Hor Mok (pictured below), Trio of Baos, and Pineapple Rice. 

Callum Weir

3. Shift Eatery

Tucked away in the streets of Surry Hills, Shift has become my morning go-to for coffee every day (I'm writing this while drinking their iced latte). 

Although quaint, it's a place that challenges and delights, showing that the shift towards veganism is not only easy but incredibly delicious. 

The moment you step inside, you'll be greeted by the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the welcoming staff. Their friendliness and efficiency are the heartbeats of this little café. 

They've somehow perfected vegan boiled egg slices that are visually convincing and packed with an authentic flavour that leaves you both confused and amazed. Paired with the smoky, savoury vegan bacon, it’s an excitingly unreal combination.

My recommendations: The Best Vegan Bacon and Eggs Bagel in The World.

2. Vandal

Located in the heart of Newtown, Vandal offers an extraordinary dining experience that transcends the typical ‘vegan tax.’ Their set menu, an absolute steal at $35, presents a six-course journey that escalates in flavour and innovation with each dish. 

The culinary adventure has an array of mindblowing creations, such as the Ceviche Tostada (pictured below) featuring ‘no-fin tuna’ that challenges your taste buds in the best way possible, both in texture and flavour - this dish sets the tone for a menu full of surprises. 

Vandal is more than just a dining spot; it celebrates the potential of vegan cuisine. It's a place where each course is a discovery, each flavour a revelation. For anyone looking to explore the heights of what plant-based cooking can achieve, Vandal is a must-visit destination.

My recommendation: The Set Menu.

Callum Weir

1. Funky Pies

Funky Pies in Bondi holds the title of my favourite spot in all of Sydney. Despite its modest size, this place is nothing short of incredible. 

I've indulged in every pie they offer, and they always impress. 

Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Funky Pies is a pioneer of vegan eating in Sydney. Their pies are second to none, the mash impossibly creamy, and the gravy satisfyingly thick. 

Each visit is accompanied by a warm smile, a friendly chat, and the assurance of enjoying the best pies around. Opting for a vegan pie elsewhere would feel like an insult.

And I'm not alone in my adoration. As I scroll through Instagram as I write this, I see Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian Barker enjoying a meal at this quaint, family-owned establishment. I'm not the only one with great taste! Funky Pies isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a landmark in Sydney’s vegan scene, cherished by celebrities and locals alike.

My recommendations: The Funky Chunky (shown in the feature image) or the Butterish Chic’n Pie with mash, peas and gravy. 

Spoilt for choice is an understatement in Sydney, with 53 vegan eateries on HappyCow (and that's without the array of restaurants showing off their plant-based options). The city promises vegan culinary delights, ensuring that you'll never leave hungry. 

If you're intrigued by veganism across the globe, why not explore the vegan scene across the pond in Medellín, Colombia, or how about closer to home with a top-notch trip to Leeds?