This is certainly the best vegetarian restaurant in Melbourne; the views of St Kilda beach are mesmerising and the ambience is light, comfortable and very relaxing. The buffet is excellent value for money and the 5 choices + rice ($18.50) is large enough for two. I like the idea of being able to sample a variety of dishes and they were all flavoursome and fresh. Excellent chai lattes and the desserts are also divine.
I am not a vegetarian however half my family is and I have friends with specific dietry restrictions. It's great value for money & even though half my family aren't vegetarians we can always find something to eat. I get agitated waiting in line to get my food, but the fact who's serving you can explain to you to the smallest detail what's in the food is impressive. The views are amazing. Ate outside at sunset one night with a bottle of wine. I will continue to return there.
We originally came here 9 months ago, although I did not review it then. Had I done so, it would have faired much better than today, as the meal we had then was most excellent. We were spoilt for choice amongst tasty unusual delights and had I had another 5 choices would have had everything.
Not so this time, and struggled to find anything to appeal. The choice was rather dull. It was reasonably tasty, but nothing special, unlike previously. There is clearly considerable variability in quality. The desserts both times were lovely, and the staff pleasant. The views are magnificent, and the prices pretty good all things considered.
The place has an great location and amazing views. That is about all that works for it.
We were served by a waiter who had pretty bad BO and insisted on leaning on the table while explaining how to order. One person doesn't define the establishment, but when that same person uses uncovered hands on his greasy hair to serve you cutlery, that says something about the management.
The food was average, though the selection was good. The concept is very interesting, though the pre-cooked food takes away the charm making it seem like a fancy buffet, though not all-you-can-eat. To be fair, the portions are a decent size. The entree were less than ordinary.
SoulMama sums up as a place that you can visit if you are after an average vegetarian eat at a good location. But don't count on having a great experience.
I am an extremely open-minded restaurant goer and although I am not a vegetarian, I still quite enjoy vegetarian cuisine, however, I find Soulmama to be very overrated. I have been to Soulmama two times because usually I like to give things a couple of tries before drawing a complete conclusion. The first time, I was taken there by two of my dear friends who are very enamoured of the joint and first of all, our waiter was surly and was kind of mocking us as he was taking our drink orders.
This wouldn't have been as bad if he was actually funny or even mildly on the mark. Blithe would best describe this particular waiter. Then lo and behold, the food. I don't mind spending good money if the food is right. This was pricey and from a baine maree no less. When I saw this I thought it was a joke. A popular, fancy vegetarian restaurant in a hot area serving pre-cooked food. Not to mention bland taste and dehydrated.
All and sundry raves about this establishment but I just cannot see it. My second visit was marginally better than the first but still sealed my opinion that this is solidly below par. Fine diners should steer clear of this place as there are hundreds of more deserving restaurants around.
This place is my favourite restaurant in Melbourne, and certainly deserves a high rating. Took a friend here for Sunday lunch and she was dellighted with the very helpful, friendly and energetic staff, low-key and funky atmosphere and, of course, great food.
We started with some chai lattes, and then had a selection from the buffet (love the fact you can get brown rice!!) which has a great range of delicious vegan options, and finished off with the vegan apple crumble with soy cream. We only paid about $30 each which I considered an absolute bargain - we even had a great view of the bay!! Definitely recommended!!
We're both non vegetarians and we loved this place as much as the veggies obviously did. The location is fabulous, almost on the beach with a beautiful view of the sea through the huge floor to ceiling windows, lovely layout and décor. Even though there are the normal trappings of veggie places, protest leaflets and stickers, it has a sophisticated air to it. One couple seemed to be having a champagne lunch. There's even a lovely marble-clad self serve area where you can chose filtered water at different temperatures.
The food selection covers various different cuisine styles from deep south, middle eastern, indian and there's a big selection of salads and desserts. And a juice bar. And a bar bar! They've thought of everything, from a waiting area where you stand to be called forward and make your choice from the buffet (so as not to block the corridor) to the middle eastern style cushioned seating area so you can lounge over your tea. Recommended.
If you're a vege, I think you'd appreciate what this is about. Reviews from these will be favourable but as a guy that has an open mind about most cuisines, I find the food flavorless. Service reminded me that I am just a customer and not a guest - sorry! Nice surroundings but not my cup of tea!