Melbourne is swiftly gaining a reputation as one of the leading cities in the world when it comes to everything vegan. We have the festivals, the stores, the people, and most importantly the food. It’s no surprise that there is always a new vegan restaurant popping up somewhere, so it was my absolute pleasure to call into the grand opening of The Alley, Melbourne’s newest plant-based eating experience.
Located on St Kilda Rd, The Alley have set themselves up as the ultimate ‘grab and go’ venue. With burgers, salads, smoothies, and a beautiful mac ‘n’ cheese on the menu, I was already a convert. The dishes are inventive, and a welcome change to the somewhat bland options at some other vegan eateries. The Maple Bacon burger ($12.95) was scrumptious with coconut bacon, and a portobello mushroom, sweet potato and adzuki bean patty. As was the Hawaiian burger ($12.95) with bbq pulled jackfruit. If a salad is more your thing, The Alley Signature Macro Bowl ($12.50) was to die for! Never has kale tasted so good. Made with quinoa, sweet potato, adzuki beans, carrot, nori flakes, pickled vegetables and that delicious kale, eating healthy has never been easier.
The atmosphere at The Alley is very relaxed with not a hint of the pretentiousness you may find at other vegan venues. It is very unassuming and simply offers fantastically thoughtful and healthy options. Their breakfast dishes look incredibly tantalising, especially The Alley Crumpet’s ($5.95). These gluten free house baked crumpets come with whipped maple butter which would make for a lovely decadent start to anyone’s morning. The soft serve vegan ice cream ($4.95) is a dream, it doesn’t lack creaminess, and I personally preferred this over any other dairy ice cream I had tasted. I’m extremely excited to come back and try the Goji Berry Latte ($6.95), and also pretty much everything else on the menu, as it all sounds positively extraordinary.
Just a short tram ride away from Flinders St Station, this Vegan-first eatery is definitely worth calling into for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a simple snack! I love the variety and thoughtfulness that goes into planning a vegan menu and venue, so it’s fantastic to see another great eatery being added to Melbourne’s already thriving vegan scene.
The Alley
Address: 417 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne
Contact: 03 9820 8314
Website: thealley.net.au
Hours: Mon 7:30am-4pm; Tues-Thurs 7:30am-7pm; Fri 7:30am-8pm; Sat 10am-4pm
Images supplied.
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