Renee Buckingham is a content creator, podcast host, and entrepreneur with a passion for food, wellness, and community storytelling. She is the founder of the World Vegan Guides network, including Melbourne Vegan Guide, which has become a go-to platform for discovering plant-based dining and lifestyle experiences. She hosts and produces multiple podcasts, including Principle of Hospitality, where she highlights voices shaping the hospitality industry, and she frequently collaborates with chefs, creatives, and brands to create content you’ve almost definitely seen in your feed.
Her mission is to spread joy—whether through conversations, events, or content—and she has a keen interest in sharing solid and informed recommendations, especially when it comes to eating well and finding that heck-yes cup of coffee.
Here she is now with a delightful and delicious Melbourne.
My local is Prahran Market. The whole place is a vibe, and there’s food for every mood. You’ll find me there most market days. I love the community, the familiar faces, and the endless range of good eats and takeaway supplies. Come summer, you can bet I’ll be stocking up on picnic supplies, salads and wine for a good time.
The best new thing I’ve found is Suga Rays – a plant-based gelato bar in the CBD. My old Facebook URL used to be @icecreamismyheaven because I take ice-cream very seriously. So when I say it’s good, it’s good! Think flavours like ube, pistachio, Thai tea, strawberry chilli salt, and a must-try wasabi edamame. The Suga Pan was something I’d never had before and, naturally, I’m now obsessed.
When I want to celebrate an occasion with a special meal, I’m going to Hopper Joint. For me, a special occasion should feel interactive, fun, and down-to-earth. This place ticks all the boxes and is easily one of the best hospitality experiences I’ve had in a while. It just gets fun and flavour. Plus, it caters to all dietary needs – a winner.
When I want to show off the city to friends from out of town, I take them to Collingwood. I lived there for years, and it’s the place for food, art, thrifting, and an abundance of ice cream. My tour usually starts with matcha or coffee, brunch at Smith & Deli, then thrifting and a wander through Rose Street Markets on the weekend. Afternoon drinks at Glou, dinner at the new Japanese eatery Obanzai Mama (think Japanese grandma’s cooking), and naturally, dessert at Fluffy Torpedo. My only rule? Take them hungry.
One thing I love about vegan dining in Melbourne is the variety. There’s literally something for every craving. The hospitality scene here gets it and no one is too cool for school. Venues care, they’re passionate, and they want to share stories. Oh, and the fact that we have places open on a Monday – lifesaver!
My favourite place to load up on supplies is Prahran Market, especially Pino’s Fine Produce; $35 for a fruit and veg box on the weekend? Say less! You’ll also have a jolly good time with John and the team. Get ready to catch a banana or two.
There’s no better value in the city than Just Falafs. Honestly, for under $20 you’ll get the yummiest falafel pita or plate loaded with every crunch, texture, and flavour you could want. It’s my go-to for those Friday nights when I CBF cooking or for a summer picnic in the park. My order? The harissa plate, or a salad box with a side of falafels (because one is never enough).
And I wish more people would experience the excellence of Ballard’s. It’s redefining plant-based eating with the sassiest social media in town. Think seasonal plates with punch, in a low-key ambience that feels like home. What you see is what you get – hearty, wholesome, nostalgic meals and drinks. Whatever you do, order the potatoes. Or be adventurous and try something like the beer-battered artichoke “oysters” with saffron potato salad, pickles, and mayo.
And there’s no place in Melbourne more joyful than Gojey. This is hands-down the most underrated spot in Melbourne. It’s owned by the loveliest couple who care about every single detail, ingredient, and process. Not many people know it’s 100 per cent plant-based, but if you want an honest, natural frozen yoghurt experience – this is it. I dream about it and have begged them to let me invest in another venue. My order: choc hazelnut, vanilla, and chocolate swirl topped with halva, chocolate soil, strawberries, and a PB date roll.
My defining food moment in Melbourne was Eat Pierogi Make Love. I’ve been eating their Polish dumplings at markets for years, but dining in their space is a whole new experience. Polish cuisine is an underrated gem. The cauliflower dish is something I pray never leaves the menu. I’ve sent so many people there, and they’ve all sung its praises. This is a recommendation you cannot question – just go.
If there was one thing I could change about eating and drinking in Melbourne it would be clearer dietary labels on menus, both online and offline. I want to dine in, but sometimes I’m unsure if it’s safe to take the risk. It’s the easiest shift any venue can make – and it means more customers through their doors.
Oh, and coffee before 7am, please. Some of us crazy ones are up at 5am, and the homemade brew just doesn’t cut it.
But the thing I hope never changes here is the service. In Melbourne, hospitality is treated as a long-term game. I love walking into a venue and instantly feeling at home. That’s the Melbourne magic – and it’s what makes dining here so damn good.
Follow along for more at @renee_buckingham and catch her latest vegan reccommendations at @melbveganguide.