Friends of the Earth Melbourne Food Coop

There’s a bit of a glum vibe here and it can all be a bit standoffish almost as if they’re at pains to accept your business. Once the food does come out it’s semi-tasty but all a bit soft, clumsy and reminiscent of a student run cafe. Good value and a great coffee but yeah better around

What an amazing place. I have to say we need to really appreciate community cafes like this one. Food was so good. Staff were excellent and the prices were reasonable. I would recommend the Lunch plate which starts at 12.

Friendly atmosphere, great food, fresh produce and excellent selection of bulk food and household items

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.

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.

Friends of the Earth Melbourne Food Coop is a nice grocery shopping place and coffee
Sell some organic foods and you could bring your own containers to buy groceries to save this planet

Lots of great things about this place. The restaurant offers healthy, seasonal and tasty options. You can also buy package free groceries in bulk and ethically sourced products. Not just food, but you can get sustainable and low waste products like soaps, personal care products, bar shampoo etc.
This venue also functions as host to lots of community action and activist organisations. You can find out about upcoming activism events and local collectives and get involved with the friendly community!

This amazing place is so welcoming and generous. I was initially worried that I am not friendly enough towards to earth to step in here. After months of gathering up the courage, I did, and they provided me with so much information and warmth and vitality! Their options are endless and the staff reminded me of all the good I am already doing and encouraged me to go at my own pace and continue doing whatever I can. Loved it and will most certainly be back - the fact that they have bulk tofu and tempeh is a massive selling point!

I love this place! Take your jars and fill up with all sorts of flours, beans, nuts, olives, feta, miso and so much more. Staffed by super friendly volunteers and a great cafe attached.

Small plate, soup, slice of pizza, etc, everything is vegan, and absolutely yum. You also can buy organic veges and other ingredients here. I love this place and never ask what's in the plate, because whatever they cook, always satisfying.

Super healthy, reasonably priced great little lunch spot to catch up with a friend or eat alone

Used to go here every day when I worked in Collingwood. I had no idea vegetarian food could be so delicious; their meal of the day is just awesome.