Smith & Deli, a pioneering vegetarian and vegan café and grocer based in Melbourne, has opened its second location on Degraves Street in the CBD. The new site operates as an 'upscale cafeteria' offering a variety of plant-based hot dishes, including options like red lentil dhal, crispy tofu, and cauliflower cheese. Popular menu items such as the Egg Martinez, pies, and jam doughnuts are available, along with grab-and-go salads, sandwiches, and frozen meals. In the evening, the space transforms into a tapas bar, featuring plant-based snacks inspired by the now-closed South Yarra restaurant Lona Misa. The venue is open to walk-ins, offers takeaway services, and caters to solo diners, couples, and those seeking vegetarian or vegan-friendly dining.
Smith & Deli, the innovative plant-based café and grocery store founded by Shannon Martinez, has expanded its presence in Melbourne with the opening of its second location. This new branch, situated on Degraves Street in the heart of the city's Central Business District (CBD), marks a significant step in the evolution of the brand. The establishment, which opened on June 30, 2026, brings together elements of a café, deli, and bar under one roof, catering to a diverse range of customers seeking both convenience and culinary variety.
The new venue operates as an "upscale cafeteria," offering a dynamic menu that changes regularly. Patrons can customize their meals by selecting from a wide array of hot dishes, such as red lentil dhal, crispy tofu with Thai basil, cauliflower cheese, and roasted carrots with tahini and date molasses. These options reflect the restaurant's commitment to vegetarian and vegan cuisine while maintaining a high standard of quality and creativity. Popular items from the original Collingwood location, including the Egg Martinez—a breakfast item reminiscent of a McMuffin—pies, sausage rolls, and jam doughnuts, have been brought to the CBD, ensuring continuity in customer favorites.
In addition to these offerings, the space also provides grab-and-go salads and sandwiches, along with pre-prepared freezer meals for takeaway. This combination of fresh, prepared food and convenient packaging caters to the fast-paced lifestyle of urban dwellers. As the day progresses, the venue transforms into a tapas bar, introducing a more social dining experience. The tapas menu features plant-based versions of traditional Spanish snacks, such as dips and pickles, “cheesy” croquetas, Spanish tortilla, and kofta. Drinks include signature cocktails like the Gilda-topped martini and the kalimotxo, a unique blend of cherry wine and treacle cola, highlighting the fusion of global flavors within a local setting.
The choice of Degraves Street, a bustling laneway between Flinders Street and the broader city, underscores the strategic positioning of the new location. This area is known for its vibrant street life and concentration of cafes and restaurants, making it an ideal spot for attracting a broad audience. The venue is open to walk-ins only, emphasizing a casual and accessible approach to dining. It offers takeaway services, making it suitable for individuals who prefer to bring food back to their homes or offices.
Shannon Martinez, the founder of Smith & Deli, has a history of contributing to the plant-based food scene in Melbourne. Previously a consultant at South Yarra’s now-defunct Lona Misa, she has applied her expertise to shape the menu at the new CBD location. The inclusion of familiar elements from past ventures ensures a sense of continuity and authenticity in the offerings.
Looking ahead, the success of this new location could influence future expansions or collaborations within the city. The integration of multiple service types—café, deli, and bar—suggests a versatile business model that can adapt to changing consumer preferences. As the community continues to embrace sustainable and health-conscious eating habits, Smith & Deli’s expansion reflects a growing trend in the Australian food landscape.
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The pioneering plant-based cafe and grocer Smith & Deli has opened a second location on Degraves Street in Melbourne's CBD. This new site offers an all-day, vegetable-focused menu featuring a variety of hot dishes that customers can customize on their own plates. Popular items such as the Egg Martinez, pies, sausage rolls, and jam doughnuts are available, along with grab-and-go salads, sandwiches, and ready-made freezer meals. In the evening, the space transforms into a tapas bar serving plant-based versions of Spanish-inspired snacks like croquetas, tortilla, and kofta, alongside drinks such as Gilda-topped martinis and kalimotxo. The venue operates on a walk-in-only basis and is suitable for solo diners, offering takeaway options.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on the opening of a new restaurant and does not engage with any politically charged topics, officials, policies, or controversies. There is no framing that suggests a particular ideological slant.
The Sydney Morning HeraldIndependentCenter4 days ago
Smith & Deli, a pioneering vegetarian and vegan café and grocer based in Melbourne, has opened its second location on Degraves Street in the CBD. The new site operates as an 'upscale cafeteria' offering a variety of plant-based hot dishes, including options like red lentil dhal, crispy tofu, and cauliflower cheese. Popular menu items such as the Egg Martinez, pies, and jam doughnuts are available, along with grab-and-go salads, sandwiches, and frozen meals. In the evening, the space transforms into a tapas bar, featuring plant-based snacks inspired by the now-closed South Yarra restaurant Lona Misa. The venue is open to walk-ins, offers takeaway services, and caters to solo diners, couples, and those seeking vegetarian or vegan-friendly dining.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a restaurant opening and does not address politically charged topics such as government policies, elections, or social issues. The content is purely informational and promotional, centered around food service and local business activity.
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