My favourite place on Smith Street, hands down. FOE is an underrated vegan destination serving a rotating daily lunch special plus an assortment of pies, pizzas and sweet baked goods. I absolutely love everything they serve and sell, plus the lovely team who keep the place going.
I recently enjoyed a lunch of pumpkin curry, Dahl, rice, salad and toasted coconut, plus a jackfruit pie and side salad. Lunch plates are always organic and gluten-free, which isn't a necessity for me but is an added bonus. I also love that a range of non-dairy milks are available at no extra cost. Coffee is always nice, as are the speciality teas. If you're up for a dessert, my top pick is the Crumbs chocolate cake or iced strawberry donut.
FOE gets very busy during lunch (for good reason) so get in early if you want to snag a seat. Otherwise, they do provide eco containers to take food away.
Love this place, I used to teach yoga across the road and would go in for lunch with my partner after every Friday last winter. The always changing Vegan GF bowl is always delicious and hits the spot. This co-op is worth supporting as they are really doing the work of feeding the community in a non-pretentious grass-roots way. Awesome truly healthy food and so many bulk things hard to find elsewhere. Their bulk loose leaf tea selection is well worth a visit. Keep up the good work.
The Wandering Reviewer
+5
This place feels like it's been here forever. It certainly attracts some regulars and fits well into the Smith Street community. There are a couple of parts to this place. Firstly the cafe/restaurant at the front where you can order from a nice menu of healthy food that is mostly made with seasonable items plus you can order your coffee or refreshments here. The vegetarian/vegan food is reasonably priced as well. Then there is a fridge area where you can buy vegetables and eggs. Towards the rear, there are items such as handmade soaps, candles, herbs & spices and even handmade beanies which at the time of writing this - end of May cold snap, is quite appropriate. There are also packets of seeds available for purchase. Plus there is more. Love the sign at the counter about allergies (see picture). You are encouraged to bring your own bags and where possible, buy items that are sourced ethically and buy in bulk.
As you can expect, there are many flyers and items on what's happening locally in regards to community events, community action groups and organisations that are looking for assistance. If you'd like to volunteer for a few hours, just ask the staff.
Wheelchair friendly. Kid friendly. Good parking in Smith Street. A must visit and only wish there were more of these places around Melbourne.
Heck yes to this sort of hippie green value. If there's anything I like more than good food, it's a whole lot of good food for a low, low price.
Had lunch there and the food was fantastic. Really clean healthy plant based food, highly recommended. for those looking for vegan/vegetarian options.
The daily plates are good value for a healthy and balanced meal. The pizza slices are normally super delicious too! Plus baked vegan treats are spot on.
The doughnuts and coffee are delicious. We frequent FoE for their fabulous range of fresh produce and their wide range of very well priced, top quality bulk goods. As a family of four, we strive to consciously consume ethically, local where possible and with minimal waste. FoE is our Savior in that regard! Love!!!!
Stumbled across Friends of the Earth when wandering down Smith st for some donuts, and I’m really glad I did. Didn’t realise at the time they are a not for profit, which probably says even more about the great experience. I went with the Pizza of the day and Salad, which was a Potato, pumpkin and Almond Feta number. With the salad having a mix of leaves with Broccoli. I wasn’t expecting the salad to be much, but it was actually surprisingly delish. The pizza itself was great, one slice was enough and it was made with a great dough and crust. I saw the lunch special they did as well, which was a mix of a number of dishes for around $10, almost disappointed I didn’t try it. I’ll have to come back! All in all the experience was great and the set up inside is quite nice. Couldn’t recommend it enough, make sure to stop by when you’re in Collingwood!
Eat And Be Merry Crew
+4.5
Friends of the Earth (FoE) Melbourne is a non for profit organisation working for a socially equitable and environmentally sustainable future. What's there not to love with that? The co-op is situated on Smith St with plenty of tables to dine in and an eco store and book store within for you to poke around afterwards. The food is seasonal and vegetarian / vegan. I ordered a tofu burger for myself. Tofu burgers do not as a rule inspire me as the ones I have had before were rather bland. But this one was different. It came with fermented kraut, a dill mayo and rocket leaves on a sourdough roll. Very substantial and full of flavour.
Lovely energy here. Just dropped in for dandelion tea with almond milk. Very good. Oh and a gingerbread dog! ☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️
All have a coffee and something to eat before I start my shopping. Fantastic place to shop for those interested in plastic free shopping. And yummy vegan food.
Ivan Thomas George Daniels
+5
I absolutely love F.O.E.
I have know this place for 30 odd years
Long term campaigners for social justice and the environment. Deeply committed community organisers.
They are working for a safer world for everyone...
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