Tootsie Roller

Tootsie roller is a modern indian inspired cafe serving a full vegan and vegetarian menu jammed full of authentic flavour. The small humble cafe located in Fitzroy has only a few seats out the front on busy St Georges road but the main attraction is discovered within, not in the cafe area itself but out the back to the gorgeous relaxing courtyard featuring umbrellas and a mishmash of furniture. 

On a sunny lazy Sunday afternoon and a morning picnic at Edinburgh gardens, Tootsie Roller caught our eye as it wasn’t too busy due to it almost being 2.30 in the afternoon so we popped in to see what the go was. There wasn’t a soul sitting inside the cafe though we where greeted by a friendly waiter who gestured us to sit out the back. It was like entering a secret garden where we snagged a seat under the metal arches draped in flowering vines. We where given menus and where left to enjoy the quite, tranquil atmosphere along with only two other customers sipping on cocktails in the afternoon sun. 

The menu was mouthwatering with numerous options to feast on, from sweet coconut waffles to curries galore, deciding what to eat was a mighty challenge. We started with drinks ordering a long black along with a coconut milk mocha until we could narrow down what dishes we where going to try. 
The drinks arrived quickly and after much discussion we went big ordering the exquisite Thali plate and old favourite granola.The long black was pungent and acidic with a rosewater flavour profile bringing out the subtle tartness of the brew. The iced coconut mocha was huge and was lusciously creamy with plenty of sweet chocolate sauce that paired well with the nutty coconut milk. Slightly on the weaker side an extra shot of coffee would have been preferred but it was still enjoyable. 

Time flew by as we sipped on our drinks chatting and enjoying the lazy Sunday vibes when our jaws dropped and our food was brought out. Both dishes where presented with care and utter respect to the fresh produce. The Thali plate was a meal fit for a king featuring a Hara Masala curry of pumpkin and kale, a spinach and green bean curry with chickpea panner, cold activated cashew and sprouted chickpea curry with pickled cauliflower and apricots and if they wasn’t enough sides of basmati rice a spiced salad, nanna bread, papadums and lime where on deck as well. The Hare Masala was flavoursome with cardamom and earthy aromatics, although sadly it wasn’t spicy as it. The green bean curry was delicious and the chickpea panner was soft and creamy. The chickpea curry was surprisingly better than expected with sweetness provided by the stewed apricot. The fluffy naan was the highlight taking on all the flavours of each curry as we dipped and and scooped our way throughout the meal. The rice ensured the dish was filling and the papadums added just the right amount of crunchy. This dish certainly won’t leave you hungry enabling your palate to try multiple flavours and dishes in one well crafter meal. 

The granola with toasted oats , buckwheat clusters, nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, orange blossom, strawberries, blueberries coconut yoghurt and my preferred choice of almond milk was a soothing filling bowl of goodness, The coconut yoghurt was light and plentiful. The chewy oats absorbed the almond milk well combining into a thick nutty paste that was perfect. The fresh berries added sweetness and the toasted coconut flakes and nuts added a crispy aspect, with a slight bitterness through the almost overly roasted clusters. Overall it was a perfect simple dish served with pride and passion.

Tootsie Roller is a marvellous cafe run by friendly staff serving up meals of utter class with a heavy Indian influence. The environment is supper chill and the coffee is decent. I can see this cafe becoming a very popular spot quickly as the menu is unique and outrageously tasty.

At my recent experience at Tootsie Roller with friends and family, we were enjoying some great meals with a friendly and efficient service. We sat outside in the courtyard in a cosy rustic setting.

I ordered the Thali plate that was beautifully presented and enjoyed the Indian spices of the generous meal.

I would like to recommend the waffles as a special treat. They were a mouthwatering way to round off a perfectly great lunch.
Next time I'm in the area I intend to try out some of the other dishes.
Keep it up Tootsie Roller!

Fitzroy North’s best cafe!

I absolutely adore this place, from its super friendly, down-to-earth staff to its refreshing interior and one of the best, most homely courtyards you’ll find this side of Italy.

Menu is something you won’t see everyday and the food is consistently good - all vegetarian! Prices are the lowest in the area by far.

The coffee is the best in the area by far, and the smoothies are out of this world... seriously.

So much going on here! Things seem to constantly evolve and I was just told the other day that they host the occasional exhibition and film night every now and then with drinks available.

So glad this place is around! Used to come in a while back when it was the Mexican place but that went down hill fast towards the end... good to see such a beautiful space being used well.

So much fun to visit for a meal and coffee on my weekends, will continue coming back.

Highly recommended.

Such a great atmosphere combined with delicious food and great coffee! Also really reasonably priced which is a bonus! The staff were very helpful and accommodating to our group with kids and dogs. Ordered the Wild Rice Zest Salad which was so good! My partner ordered the Thali Plate, he couldn't be happier or more full. No negatives to talk of.

Stumbled across this place by accident and I'm so glad I did. It is bright and funky. It has a bit of a relaxed vibe, which is what you want on a weekend. I don't usually think about this when I go to eat, but the staff play really good music. 
I had the vegan waffles with vegan ice cream. They were so pretty I nearly didn't want to eat them, but they were delicious.
It is a must to check out this place if you are vegan or vegetarian. 
I will be back.

Really fresh, tasty colourful food. I though it was so refreshing and nice to finally go to a cafe that has very different things on the menu like eggs on naan and vegan coconut waffles. I'm a vegan myself and I rate this place for the best breakfast I've had. Really nice happy staff. Amazing coffee ! All round fabulous place. I'll definitely be back and have recommended it to all my friends.

I had a great time at tootsie roller. It has become my local go to breakfast spot, everything is so fresh and flavourful. It has a beautiful garden at the back perfect for after work drinks. My aperol spritz was delicious.

Such a relaxing place for brunch or drinks. The food was fresh and tasty (omg the rainbow roll 💕) and great coffee too!

The food and coffee here are amazing. The breakfast tacos are a real highlight - super tasty, fresh and incredibly filling.