Gong De Lin

Take the elusive lift up to Level 3 on Swanston Street—if you know, you know. Up there sits Gong De Lin, a minimalist space plating up some of Melbourne's most unapologetically brilliant, 100% vegan Chinese fare. Omnivores routinely drop their chopsticks over the uncanny textures of the sizzling Szechwan 'beef' and crisp sweet and sour 'pork'. It’s authentic, allium-free Shanghai-style cooking with serious wok hei. Think plump tofu dumplings stuffed with watercress, fiery mushroom claypots, alongside steaming stir-fries, soups, and noodle dishes that hit every comfort craving. Plant-based veterans and curious meat-eaters alike champion this elevated dining room for its fiercely flavorful mock meats and wallet-friendly prices. Slip in during the quieter hours, and the warm, attentive staff make it feel like you're dining at a friend's family table—serving up hearty, plant-based brilliance without a hint of pretense.