Vegan
International
Beer/Wine
Take-out
Casual vegan restaurant and wine bar. Menu includes small and large dishes as well as sides and dessert. Drinks include wine, beer and cocktails. A degustation option is available. NOTE: Closing time is flexible, so check ahead. Open Tue-Thu 6:00pm-10:00pm, Fri-Sat 6:00pm-10:30pm, Sun 5:30pm-9:00pm. Closed Mon.
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- Outdoor seating
- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 12 Jul 2023 by Tiggy
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Added by Kittybiscuit on 15 Jun 2019
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58 Reviews
First Review by Kittybiscuit
Gnomeyana
Points +49
Plant-Forward Feast in Melbourne! - Edit
Every time I visit this quaint and quirky spot I am blown away by the dishes! You won't find fake meat here, just vegetables being celebrated through thoughtful and artful preparation in the kitchen. The menu is regularly changing to whatever the chef is experimenting with, from turnip croquettes with baked beans mayonnaise, to a 6-hour braised bourguignon cabbage, everything just drenched with luscious flavours abound! Check the social media for menu updates. They play with smoking, pickling, charring and infusing all sorts of foods so maximise the palate and every time I'm wowed with a new dish! Although I always get the Burnt Eggplant dip with fresh focaccia; I can't get past the smoked tomato oil they drizzle on the dip, scrumptious!
Read moreThe atmosphere is wonderful with eccentric decor but cosy warm lighting, the cutlery appears to be supplied from an op shop which makes me think of sustainability and adds to the charm, and the down to earth staff are always making a friendly effort to look after you swiftly, it's a great environment for an intimate night out, whether a date or a catch up with a friend. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Updated from previous review on 2025-04-28
Pros: The plant-focused dishes, Good price for the quality you receive, Environment full of character
Cons: No disability access (step at doorway & toilets), No take away - I always want dessert for home!, Small venue - not super roomy
Guest
junojunerson
Points +75
My favourite restaurant in Melbourne - Edit
Ballards is by far the best vegan restaurant in Melbourne. The dishes are always tasty and perfectly balanced, and there's always something new to try which blows my tastebuds away. I always take out-of-town visitors here (usually non-vegans) and every damn time they freaking love it (and demand to return next visit!). EVERY SINGLE TIME. While there are many vegan restaurants in Melbourne, Ballards always nails it. I hope this place never closes because it is a godsend to the vegan community. And they do an excellent dirty martini too!
Read moreGuest
AngusCraig
Points +18
Absolute must-try - Edit
Had a fantastic evening at Ballard's. The atmosphere was great, staff were fantastic, and the food was exceptional - with an impressive range to choose from.
Read moreWill definitely be back soon.
Pros: Food, Staff, Atmosphere
Guest
Tofulicious
Points +1425
Nil ‘Customer Service’, Overpriced Greasy Salty Food - Edit
I have to agree with the previous reviewer re the attitude of the staff (and/or manager) towards (potential) patrons. The staff member (owner/manager?) who take bookings was so rude, arrogant and hostile that I wouldn’t have gone near this place if it weren’t for the fact that my dining companions were already set on it (at my suggestion no less!)
Read moreNevertheless, the food was fairly good (personal favourite was the eggplant turnip dish), if not spectacular; and the $30 banquet pretty good value. My main qualm with the ‘banquet’ (only option that night) was that they brought out all the bready carby stuff first, so that by the time the *good* food arrived, there was almost nowhere to put it. And the chef, whilst placing the first dish on our table, stood there scratching his greasy hair with the same hand that had just deposited said bowls on the table 🤢
TBH the best thing about this restaurant is the words they use to *describe* the dishes 😂 far, far more mouthwatering than the actual meals themselves.
26/04/2025: Update from previous review 26/10/2019 - you know those venues that aren’t great, but you return every couple of years to see if anything’s changed?
The only thing that’s changed is the dishes are far more costly and much, much smaller.
The food is still heavily over-salted halfrate fare drowned in heavy oily sweet nondescript sauces; the service ranges from inattentive to rude; it’s just much, much more overpriced.
Reckon I’ve done my dash. Thanks Ballards.
Updated from previous review on 2019-10-26
Pros: some deliciousness in some of the dishes, semi-schmancy alternative to Smith & Transformer, great to have vegan options in Thornbury!!!
Cons: terrible bedside manner, no customer service, poor communication and attitude towards patrons
Guest
EllenStringfellow
Points +276
Worth Making the Trek - Edit
We had the just feed me and with one exception (that my friend loved, so it was just a personal taste thing) it was all incredible. Fabulous range of flavours and textures, and excellent value for money! As other reviews have mentioned, come for the incredible culinary art, stay for the batshit Instagram memes 🤣
Read morePros: Creativity, Variety, Music
Guest
peterlalich
Points +18
I french kissed a cabbage! - Edit
I was lucky enough to celebrate my 60th birthday here late last year with my son & some friends, despite slipping over in the shower and fracturing a bone in my arm (confirmed at The Alfred) the next day.
Read moreThe service staff were great, and the food was exceptional, I can never look at cabbage and broccolini the same way ever again.
I must have raved to at least 4 medical staff at The Alfred the next day about the quality of the dishes served up on the night.
I’m glad I persevered through the pain, it was a night to remember, and on the way back to the car my spirits were so high we even stopped to perform a rusty rendition of the Nutbush.
We will be back for sure!
Pros: The food (duh), The staff, The manic ramblings of the owner
Cons: Pina Coladas aren’t available!
Tiggy
I don’t know what emoji to post: a delicious emoji for the food 😋 or a horrified emoji for your accident😨
Read moreGuest
Squizsh
Points +961
Have y’all never eaten salt before? - Edit
What’s with all the reviews on here talking about the food being salty? Where are your taste buds people???
Read moreBallard’s is an explosion of flavour in an enchanting atmosphere with a hilariously unhinged owner running the kitchen. Recommend following their Instagram, it’s very much a good time.
We recently attended the Valentine’s Day degustation and got some seriously frikken good food. The lion’s mane and the onion dip were definitely stand outs for me, if that onion dip goes on the permanent menu I’ll be back every single week. Even outside of events, I heartily recommend Ballard’s as being one of the best vegan spots to grab a phenomenal dinner with the love of your life, best bud, sister, grandma, or just by yourself. Go here! And don’t you dare complain about the salt content you absolute peasant!!
Guest
BiddyChloeone
Points +64
Somewhat Disappointed - Edit
Good atmosphere and love that it's entirely vegan. However, my excitement at going to a restaurant where, as vegan, I didn't have to order chips and salad, was dimmed by overly salty dishes and a heavy hand with a herb (tarragon or fennel?) in one dish where the flavour should have been predominantly mushroom. Eating out is expensive, so I would not go back. I'm sad.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-01-18
Pros: The boho decor and beer garden are great, Service was friendly , Mac n cheese sticks were very good
Cons: Flavours not always right, Huge 'dump' of chips on plate was unappealing
vegiegirl18
I agree regarding the salt-i went awhile back for the roast night-too salty a few of the dishes
Read moreGuest
RachaelBlyth
Points +274
Delicious - Edit
Had the feed me experience with 4 friends (2 non vegan) and it was incredible. We left so full and happy. The braised cabbage was a standout. Place and decor is very unassuming but incredible food
Read morePros: Incredible food, Tasting menu well priced, Great drinks selection
Cons: Music and vibe was a bit instense 😆
Guest
samsoncharles
Points +146
slightly disappointed! - Edit
came here on recommendation from an australian vegan influencer and was really excited!
Read morewe ordered a few small dishes and a main, and said we would be sharing. the small dishes came out quickly and were delicious, if not very salty. we waited for the main course and it wasnt coming so i had to chase and it then came out.
the main was the lions mane steak which i added chips onto - thank god i did as it was so small without them, i dont know how $36 is justified for the portion size. again it was very salty!
service was also quite slow and when we asked for the heater to be turned on (as we sat outside) the staff member said ‘as long as you dont spend just $20 im sure its fine’ - in a non-humorous way
Pros: good menu, nice flavour, cool restaurant
Cons: expensive, very salty, questionable staff interaction
Guest
Pips
Points +1630
Amazing! - Edit
Ballard’s is brilliant. Had the just feed me menu. Lots of different foods all delicious and interesting flavours. Service was amazing. Favourite dish was the lions mane mushroom steak. I’d have that dish every day of the week if I could. ❤️❤️❤️
Read moreGuest
NilsHeymann
Points +868
The “Just feed me” menu is yummy - Edit
Great vibes, all dishes are imaginative and impressive. We will be back!!!
Read moreWay too much food so go hungry
Guest
saaurik
Points +110
Wonderful dinning experience - Edit
Incredibly tasty vegan food. Creative, great flavours, definitely leading the vegan food game. Saying yum after every bite!
Read moreI had 2 crochets and the braised cabbage. Plus a mocktail. Which was probably the best mocktail I’ve ever had.
Pros: Exceptional food, Friendly staff, Prompt service
Guest
styvbdz
Points +42
Vegan fine dining at its tastiest - Edit
All the food is sophisticated, fresh and delicious. Order the ‘Just Feed Me’ option and see what comes out - had insane beautiful dishes like Heirloom tomato w smoked mezcal sorbet, almonds & horseradish.
Read moreGuest
AndyH
Points +66
Best vegan restaurant in Melbourne - Edit
wonderful rich flavours. The smoky eggplant dip with homemade foccacia alone is worth the trip. Reasonably priced for exceptional quality food. The proprietor/chef is a crazy genius, long may he cook😊
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-10-08
Guest
BiancaLouise
Points +44
Lovely food and drinks - Edit
Everything was delicious, but I found the food a little too salty for my liking. I had the Lions Maine steak and gin sour mock tail. The mock tails were around $15 each and the steak was average main meal price ($32, I think). It was on a bed of spinach, but no other veggies. It was filling though.
Read moreMy friend had crispy eggplant and ordered potato skins. She said hers was salty too, but she likes it like that. Her mock tail was full cream ahead and she loved it!
Cool venue. Great location. Easy parking. Very friendly and helpful staff.
Pros: Good service, Lovely ambiance, Vegan restaurant
Cons: A bit too salty for me, Pricey
Guest
CabernetS
Points +391
Delicious degustation - Edit
I’d seen many recommendations for this restaurant. It completely lived up to expectations, even exceeded! We went the chefs menu. Food was delicious, we were absolutely stuffed full. Couldn’t believe how much delicious food we got for $65.
Read morePros: Delicious food , Friendly staff
Guest
BalmainLarger
Points +44
Killer food, killer vibes! - Edit
Killer food, killer vibes! Amazing flavours & fresh AF ingredients, I’ll be going back again for sure!
Read moreGuest
luigurl7
Points +328
An amazing little gem in the north of Melbourne - Edit
This place was recommended to us and it does not disappoint at all! Everything is so tasty and substantial, the only challenge is picking what to get especially on your first time here. Everything could be shared as portion sizes are quite large. You could always take away what you don't finish which was what we did. Would definitely come back!
Read morePros: Tasty, seasonal food! Drinks were nice , Food can be shared, Good service
Guest
Seitanicveg
Points +1285
Hit and miss - Edit
Came here for Tuesday night steak night. Very under-whelmed. Garlic bread was okay. Wasn’t a big fan of the sweet fig and fennel flavour.
Read moreWanted to love the lions mane mushroom steak. It had some nice seared bits, but was under seasoned and lost on the plate. Too much salad (also under seasoned) and too many fries. Not much cauliflower purée. I wonder if this dish would have been better on the regular menu night.
Green man’s arm’s do a much better mushroom steak.
Second time eating here and would not rush to go back, but would give it another go.
Updated from previous review on 2024-05-22
Pros: creative, veg focused/centric, vegan
Cons: Limited indoor seating , Service variable
Guest
Caitlee
Points +312
My favourite restaurant in Melbs - Edit
Truly the best vegan restaurant I’ve been to in Melbourne - a must visit. Everything is to die for and I can’t wait to go again!
Read moreGuest
jesseMC1991
Points +23
Best vegan restaurant I’ve been to - Edit
Great food, unpretentious, everything is vegan so ordering is fun because everything is an option!
Read moreGuest
MeaganKiely
Points +991
The cabbage 🤤 I could eat this every day. Seriously delicious!! - Edit
Great vibe and even better food! Very well priced and friendly staff. You won’t be disappointed.
Read moreGuest
StephF
Points +139
The best feed I’ve had in a while! - Edit
The FOOD here - oh my god! So delicious. These people know their vegetables! It’s a cute little venue with a lovely outdoor area. The cocktails were a particular highlight. Would definitely come again.
Read morePros: Delicious food, Interesting variety, Great cocktails
Cons: Music was a little loud for conversation
Guest
jacintascarfone
Points +75
Soooooo good!!! - Edit
Will definitely be coming back, sat in the courtyard which was adorable and had the cosiest vibe inside! Good cocktails too!
Read moreGuest
belinda.ralston
Points +24
Amazing food! - Edit
We were so impressed by the food!! We had the Fed Me menu and were so impressed by the quality and flavours of the food! We will be back again for sure!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-12-28
Guest
omgvegan
Points +72
Vegetables have never tasted so good - Edit
I went for the feed me option and enjoyed every single dish. Everything had so much flavour and I’m already looking forward to my next visit. My only wish is that the dessert wasn’t shared as a vanilla slice is not easy to share and not big enough for 2.
Read moreGuest
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