Vegan
International
Buffet
Delivery
Take-out
Catering
Vegan buffet restaurant opened Sept '21. Serves a range of different cuisines including pizza and pasta as well as curries and other meals. Confirmed closed March 2024.
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34-36 Little La Trobe St, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 3000
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- Accepts credit cards
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Last update on 31 May 2024 by tardis3
Update business info -
Added by Kittybiscuit on 17 Sep 2021
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153 Reviews
First Review by Kittybiscuit
deniseashley
Points +44
We need more places like this - Edit
Out of the 10 days in Melbourne we went here 5 times for dinner. Lovely concept, beautiful and helpful staff, and delicious food. Plenty of variety with meals changing daily. Atmosphere is clean and inviting. The negative reviews are completely absurd and undeserving. Will definitely be back.
Read morePros: Completely vegan, Plenty of gluten free, Delicious and consistent options
ClaireBoyle
We are worried we will eat here every day we are in Melbourne now too! Soooo good and want to try it all
Read moreSARMUHABATSINGH
Thank you heaps for your beautiful review 😊🙏💚
Read moreGuest
jazzy.g
Points +449
fun - Edit
Food was great and very affordable. Fun to get to try different things through the buffet style. Also the top seating is a nice spot to people watch and enjoy the cbd
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-02-28
Pros: Heaps of options , Friendly staff, Affordable
SARMUHABATSINGH
Thank you for your review 🙏😊💚
Read moreGuest
Naust
Points +574
Impressive - Edit
I was actually quite impressed. With a buffet the food can often be a bit bland but I found all the things I had were quite flavourful. I didn’t pay for all you could eat, just got one plate full and it was only $17 and was plenty.
Read moreI was expecting more food to choose from in the buffet, but still, what I had was tasty.
Pros: All vegan
Cons: Could have more options for a buffet
SARMUHABATSINGH
Thank you so much for your review 😊🙏💚
Read moreGuest
vegan mikal
Points +632
Trying too hard - Edit
This venue opened with so much fanfare online, and the idea behind it seems great - on the surface. But it fails in that it tries too hard to do too many things at once, and it doesn't really get most of the food right.
Read moreThe vegan buffet restaurant is a rare thing in Australia, but we have had a few successful examples of it in the past, especially with Indian and Chinese vegan cuisine.
My issue with Vegie Tribe was that almost every option available - and I did my best to sample all the great-looking food on offer - lacked flavour, and not just because it was hot food that had gone cold. The stew/curry-type dishes were watery, the 'sushi' tasted of nothing, and even the colourful mini-pizza was pretty dull. The best option I came across was the rice noodle dessert in coconut milk; at least the end of my rather disappointing meal was a hit.
I would love to see this place reduce its variety and focus only on those dishes that can withstand sitting in a bain-marie for more than five minutes, hot or cold. A greater focus on deeper flavours and much thicker/richer sauces would really boost the dining experience. Moreover, making great vegan sushi or pizza is not just throwing some ingredients together; there's a good deal of trial and error involved before other businesses establish themselves as successful purveyors of either. There's no need to offer niche items such as vegan sushi or pizza in a buffet situation; stews, curries and salads can all tolerate a bain-marie far better, and don't waste as much time in the kitchen.
I'm glad to see that the owners are reviewing their operations and taking constructive feedback. I look forward to returning in the future for a far better dining experience.
Updated from previous review on 2022-02-08
Pros: Very clean and organized, Lots of options, Good dessert
Cons: Many options tasteless
ClaireBoyle
I nearly didn’t go because of your review but I’m so happy I tried anyways, this place was nothing like you described.
Read moreThey are nailing all the different styles of vegan food, tones of flavour & was warm
vegan mikal
Claire, have you considered the fact that my review is from January? And that this venue might have actually improved since then? Maybe you should thank me, rather than berate me. Seriously 🥺
Read moreGuest
Ekat
Points +11
Overpriced bellow average food - Edit
Very overpriced for what you get. Not fresh, food sitting in bain marine for who knows how long. Disappointed with the food and price. Do not recommend and would not return.
Read moreCons: Expensive , Not tasty or fresh
SARMUHABATSINGH
I am so sorry about your experience at Vegie Tribe. Food is kept and discarded as per the food safety guidelines. We are learning and improving every day. We genuinely are very remorseful that we could not meet your expectations. we are working on improving the model so that no one leaves Vegie Tribe disappointed. I truly hope you will give us a second chance.
Read moreClaireBoyle
Have you been to a buffet before? Of course food is prepared earlier,
Read moreGuest
lildumpling
Points +368
I really wanted to love this place - Edit
I remember walking past whilst they were still undergoing renos, yet to open and being really excited by the thought of a new vegan place in the city. Finally went to try some time mid November and boy was I disappointed… We filled our plates moderately and according to the pricing we would be charged more than the unlimited buffet deal so we ended up paying for the unlimited deal which was $28 each.
Read morePersonally the food was nothing memorable. Some of it was good but the rest were pretty bad, especially because most of it was cold.
SARMUHABATSINGH
My deal fellow vegan, I am sorry that your experience at vegie tribe was not pleasant. We are constantly learning and improving. There are some drastic changes coming with more variety and better pricing. We are still learning and overall this time is extremely extraordinary to start such a difficult business model. We did not cut any corners in setting up the place, and our intentions are to have the best and the largest variety of vegan food at the most affordable prices. We are also learning to keep the food at the best temperature for the fullest favours. We request your support by ignoring the isolated incident. We are looking forward to having you there again.
Read moreGuest
AlexMøller
Points +55
False marketing and expensive - Edit
I understand that everything is organic and locally sourced but when I have to pay a total of $64 for 2 plates with rice, veggies and a few things (even though the max buffet price is $28.. go figure), I start questioning how fair their model is.
Read moreTo start with, on Happy Cow there was a decently priced brunch menu that caught my and my partner's eyes. When we got there, the girl working at the counter didn't know anything about the brunch menu and the second girl gave my partner and me a shpiel that they're experimenting with a 'coming soon' menu which didn't make any sense to either of us. We came for brunch and we had to settle for their buffet (which is apparently a max price of $28 and means you can refill as many times as you like.. for two people that would logically total $56). We weren't interested in the buffet because we weren't that hungry (but we did travel far) so we both just filled a modest serving each and when we got to the counter, we told the lady that we're only having 1 serve each which to anyone with common sense would translate to being either the same price as the buffet or less. Nope. We were charged a total of $64, which of course I had to pay out of my own pocket. We didn't even order drinks. My girlfriend and I are still trying to figure out how we paid more than people who probably ate 3 times more than us. I'm baffled. It left me feeling deceived and screwed.
If you don't have a brunch set menu PLEASE DON'T ADVERTISE IT ON HAPPY COW. We're both livid that we came all the way to this place for a brunch menu only to not get what we wanted and then pay more for less. MAKES NO SENSE. Actually, put a downer on both our days. They must think that money grows on trees for people.
Unless they attend to the above points, I cannot recommend them. Thank you.
Pros: I love the vegan message and that they donate, Food is reasonably tasty, Friendly Staff
Cons: Expensive for what you're getting, Model sucks. You pay more for eating less, Menu on Happy Cow was non existent in the eatery
SARMUHABATSINGH
Dear Alex,
Read moreI truly apologies for your experience at Vegie Tribe. Profits are the last thing we are concerned at Vegie Tribe. Our honest intentions are to have the most variety of delicious vegan food, at accessible prices and support the community. We are revisiting our pricing model. We have absolutely no intentions of cleverly overcharging customers. You will see changes coming in the next few weeks. regarding the brunch menu, totally agree with you If it's not available it shouldn't be advertised. There has been countless set backs for us, Lockdowns, staff shortage, and now omicron. This is a very challenging time to start a business model which itself is very challanging. We request you to reconsider us in future. We endeavour to improve every day.
Thank you.
Guest
KatieBatty
Points +1512
Finally a vegan buffet in Melbourne! - Edit
This place is fantastic. So many options- I got pasta, fried rice, sushi and roast veggies. My plate was $11. There are also soups and desserts. Loads of dining space including upstairs. Love it!
Read morePros: All vegan buffet, Dessert, Good price
Cons: None!
Guest
MikeSpencer
Points +38
Eat up buttercup - Edit
So much choice for a vegan, I'll be coming back again!
Read morePayment model of weighing your food is interesting and novel... although I wonder if it's cheaper to stay away from the soup?? Either way it was delicious and worth it's weight 😋
Guest
YohanⓋ
Points +6847
Tasty and healthy, but expensive! - Edit
The food is quite tasty, especially the dumplings,mash and potato salad. The rice pudding is next level too! The price is a bit high in my opinion. My food came to $28 (they weigh the tray as well) so I was able to have the ‘all you can eat’ option. I just thought it was a bit too much. $20 would be more reasonable for this kind of meal. I’ll be back, but I won’t eat there often because of the price.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2021-11-24
Pros: Tasty and healthy, Lovely and friendly staff, Nice place
Cons: A bit too expensive
Guest
Aniketh_J
Points +68
Tasty as fooods - Edit
Great atmosphere, art work and food
Read moreDefinitely worth a visit
Updated from previous review on 2021-11-20
Pros: Whole place is Vegan , All you can eat option, "Clean foods"
Cons: Tad pricey (but hey that's all relative)
Guest
CarolineDickenson
Points +46
Would happily eat here daily! - Edit
We were so impressed with Vegie Tribe. The staff, the atmosphere and of course the food. We went on a Thursday, so enjoyed their Thursday menu (different menu for each day). The best butter chick'n i have ever had, same with the Nasi Goreng. The mashed potato was even amazing! Hubby also enjoyed the pizza and the stuffed mushrooms and our daughter loved the mashed potato, money bags and dumplings. Faultless meal!!
Read morePros: Everything is 100% plant based, Staff are helpful and friendly, Price is beyond fantastic!!
Cons: Parking is a real issue with metered 30 min only
Guest
JaimeHunter
Points +149
Awesome vegan food! - Edit
Vegan buffet with a huge selection. Choice of pizza, pasta, curries, stir-fries, rice, sushi. Either pay by weight, or pay $28 for all you can eat
Read morePros: All vegan, Lots of choices that rotate daily, Great value for money
Guest
mb98
Points +16
Amazing food!! Spread the word about this amazing new restaurant - Edit
Warm and welcoming staff, and amazing food! So great to have as an option in the heart of the CBD
Read moreGuest
TabithaA
Points +5638
Nice find right in the city - Edit
Very happy to find this place on HC as ee were in the area. Friendly service, really nice food, and its easy and fast too. Plenty of seating, quiet setting. Will happily come back. The lemon coconut cake is divine!
Read moreYou can choose to pay by weight or all you can eat.
Pros: All vegan, Al ready to eat, Self serve buffet
Cons: A tad expensive
Guest
Aloo
Points +7705
This tribe is worth joining! - Edit
A little haven in the middle of the City. Gorgeous plants and a chilled vibe. Lovely, friendly service and too many options!
Read moreIt is an all you can eat deal, unless you want to purchase by weight. I couldn't stop at trying just a couple of dishes. There are so many chose from (at least 16 I estimate) including salads, curries (think yellow curry, japanese curry), pizza, dim sum... There is also dessert.
Everything I tried was delicious.
Coffee and drinks are additional.
Takeaway is pay by weight.
I will be back!
Pros: So many options!
Cons: Difficult to not overeat!
Guest
Kittybiscuit
Points +9949
Delicious meal - Edit
22.10.21. They are open now and have an extensive buffet. I tried a few things and the dishes were really tasty. I also had a smoothie which was nice.
Read moreWe walked up to collect. At the moment it is take away only and I ordered the Ethiopian Berbere Vegan Chicken Curry. It was tasty. Also have pizza for tonight.
Updated from previous review on 2021-09-17
Guest
BecTsiamas
Points +60
the most delicious food i’ve ever eaten - Edit
kind staff, delicious food - incredible menu! and reasonably priced!! i’m coming here everyday
Read moreGuest
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