CLOSED: Soulmama Global Vegetarian Cafe

Soul Mama is great for a big tasty soul food meal with family and friends; vegan, veggie and your meat-eating pals alike. Try to book ahead for large tables and request a position near the bay window for gorgeous views of Port Phillip Bay. 80% of the time the food is scrumptious, hot and well cooked. Food is served by staff from behind a buffet so pick from the fullest trays to assure the freshest food. If ordering a ticket for your meal of rice plus four or five options of hot and cold servings then when prompted by staff choose a bowl over the tray every time. More vegan options in the buffet would be nice, but there are usually enough to suffice. The wine list is always being updated and there are plenty of vegan wines and beers to choose from. Apple crumble dessert is a must with soy cream. Dining in summer is fantastic too, as there are outdoor tables on the decking also with a fabulous view. Enjoy!

I always find this place best for a big group: birthday with extended family, catch up with a big group of friends etc. Your food is already there waiting for you in the buffet/cafeteria style set up, and the view of the bay is just incredible: any other restaurant you'd be paying triple, just for that view. Because the food changes, sometimes it's average and sometimes it's fantastic, but it's always worth going to!

Good food with a good selection

Review: Fantastic location.
Best view of the bay in St Kilda.
Pricey for what is effectively wet food.
Always a wide selection of vegan options from the buffet.
Could have more vegan desserts to choose from, but they are always nice.
Very loud and usually full, especially when the weather is good.
It's also a shame they no longer do fresh juices.
Bookings are recommended.

fantastic place to take non veg friends and family

We have been to Soul Mamas many times. Its always fun, filling and tasty. Its a great place to dine in company, vegetarians and non vegetarians enjoy the experience. Good to have a bar for entertaining guests. It's a bit 'hip' and nicely decked out in a modern style. My teenage daughter had a birthday party there and they all had fun. We always try to have a walk on the beach, down the pier after. Its a great Melbourne venue, with a pleasant lounge/bar and very clean and mod loos (complete with wall telly)! There are board games to while away the time if you like. The only down side is that it can be a bit noisy but that's part of the style and I guess well, we probably blend in well with that!
I don't think its expensive and we generally go with at least our family of five. If you don't have a big appetite, you may like to choose a smaller meal option.

Good atmosphere with a great view of St Kilda beach and luna park. Good vegan options as well as vegan beer and wine options.

Despite the food all being pre-cooked, it was scrumptious and not over-cooked. Plenty of vegan options and clearly labelled so you don't have to ask a million tiresome questions. But best of all, a different vegan cake every day with a jug of soy cream on the side. We kept going back just for that. Worth the trip to Melbourne! Relaxing, casual atmosphere with great views and friendly helpful staff. I imagine it could get noisy on weekends or when entertainment is on, but great for a quietish lunch. Overall a very pleasant experience.

I have eaten at SM's three times, two times good and one very ordinary. It was always crowded and noisy, and the ordering/payment system is a bit complicated. Vegan desserts are a plus, but the bad experience included being served non vegan ice cream (during an animal liberation fundraiser!!!). This place is however worth a look to decide for yourself, and to see if you agree with the owner's comments below :P