Restaurant in St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
Lentil as Anything
Pay-as-you-feel vegetarian restaurant with community focus. Buffet-style plant-based food supporting social inclusion.
Lentil as Anything is a pioneering pay-as-you-feel vegetarian restaurant and social enterprise operating in Melbourne, Australia. Founded in 2000 by Shanaka Fernando, the organisation operates on the principle that everyone deserves access to nourishing food regardless of financial means, making it one of the most distinctive dining concepts in Australia and an internationally recognised model for community-driven hospitality.
The St Kilda location at 41 Blessington Street is among the organisation's flagship sites, serving a daily-changing buffet of vegetarian and vegan dishes prepared fresh each day. The food draws on global plant-based traditions — Sri Lankan dhal, Middle Eastern salads, Indian curries, roasted seasonal vegetables, rice and grain preparations — with the menu shifting according to available produce and the backgrounds of the kitchen team, which includes volunteers, trainees, and staff from diverse cultural backgrounds.
The model is straightforward: diners serve themselves from the buffet, eat, and contribute whatever payment they feel is fair or can afford. There is no minimum charge and no judgement about contribution levels. This approach has made Lentil as Anything both a community landmark and a social institution, welcoming backpackers and tourists alongside pensioners, local residents, and regulars from across Melbourne's inner south.
The dining space at the St Kilda venue maintains a relaxed, communal character, with shared tables, eclectic decor, and an atmosphere that reflects the organisation's broader social inclusion mission. The environment is informal and welcoming, with a noise level that rises to lively during busy sittings. The St Kilda neighbourhood itself — beachside, bohemian, and diverse — provides a fitting context.
Beyond the restaurant, Lentil as Anything offers volunteer programs, community events, and cooking workshops as part of its wider social enterprise activity. The organisation employs people from marginalised backgrounds, and the kitchen team's varied origins directly influence the daily menu. Multiple Melbourne locations have operated over the years; the St Kilda and Abbotsford Convent sites are the most consistently open.
No reservation is needed. The experience suits those looking for affordable, community-focused plant-based dining with genuine social purpose attached.
Signature dishes
- Vegetarian buffet — Pay what you feel
- Vegan curry — Pay what you feel
Hours: Daily 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Reservations: Not needed
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +61 3 9534 5833
Location
41 Blessington St, St Kilda VIC 3182
-37.8681, 144.9789 — View on map
Highlights
- Australia's best-known pay-as-you-feel vegetarian restaurant — diners contribute what they can after eating
- Daily-changing buffet of vegetarian and vegan dishes drawing on Sri Lankan, Indian, Middle Eastern, and global cuisines
- Social enterprise employing people from marginalised backgrounds as part of a community inclusion mission
- Relaxed communal atmosphere in St Kilda — inclusive of backpackers, locals, and all financial circumstances
- Volunteer kitchen programs available for those who wish to contribute time rather than money
Tips
- Pay what is genuinely fair — the model relies on those who can afford more doing so to support those who cannot
- Arrive early in each sitting for the freshest and most varied selection from the daily buffet
- Check the organisation's website or social media before visiting as hours and location availability can shift
- Volunteer programs are available for those interested in spending time in the kitchen — inquire on arrival or via the website
- The Abbotsford Convent location has a notably beautiful heritage garden setting worth visiting as an alternative
FAQ
How does the pay-as-you-feel model work at Lentil as Anything?
Diners serve themselves from the buffet, eat, and then contribute whatever payment they feel the meal is worth or what they can afford. There is no minimum charge and no pressure applied regarding the amount given.
Is all the food vegetarian or vegan?
The menu is entirely vegetarian and largely vegan, drawing on a wide range of global cuisines with plant-based ingredients. The daily offering varies and is influenced by the kitchen team's cultural backgrounds.
Are walk-ins accepted?
Yes. No reservation is required. Lentil as Anything operates on a first-come, first-served basis during opening hours.
Does Lentil as Anything accept volunteers?
Yes. The organisation actively welcomes volunteers to assist in the kitchen and with operational tasks. Interested visitors should inquire directly at the restaurant or via the organisation's website.
Are there multiple Melbourne locations?
Yes. Lentil as Anything has operated several Melbourne sites over the years. The St Kilda (Blessington Street) and Abbotsford Convent locations are the most consistently available; checking the website before visiting is advisable.
Accessibility
The St Kilda venue at Blessington Street has street-level entry and is generally accessible for wheelchair users. The interior has a casual layout with varied seating arrangements including shared tables. Guests with specific mobility requirements are encouraged to call +61 3 9534 5833 ahead of visiting to confirm current accessibility conditions.