Just Open: The Plant Gallery vegan cafe, Bondi

You don't have to be vegan to be intrigued by The Plant Gallery, which recently opened in Bondi.

Its meat-free menu includes mushroom ceviche, eggplant bacon, beetroot carpaccio and a tasting plate of innovative plant-based food inspired by Peruvian ingredients.

The raw vegan eatery, owned by David Ortega and Juan Carlos, is shaped by 'the art of healthy eating' (a mission statement which is marked on the cafe's front door).

Carlos, who trained in Switzerland as a chef, decided to live off a raw plant-based diet after the loss of a close friend to cancer and this health-conscious approach has inspired The Plant Gallery.

Here, the menu includes banana pancakes with Thai basil syrup and coconut chantilly cream ($15), mushroom ceviche with sweet potato chips ($18), sweet onion pizza with nut cheese ($16) and a big breakfast with smoked eggplant bacon and onion bread ($18).

The 'bacon' is one of The Plant Gallery's signature creations.

"Obviously not actual bacon, the eggplant is dehydrated with added flavours such as tamari added," says Carlos. "We then smoke it and it becomes a delicious offering for breakfasts and lunches."

The venue is currently developing a garden area at the rear of the building, where the owners will grow organic produce to be used by the restaurant.

As part of its sustainable and community-based approach, The Plant Gallery supports local produce and a zero-waste policy and will also hold regular art exhibitions of local works, which will be available for purchase.

Open Tue 5pm-10pm; Wed-Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri 11am-11pm; Sat 7am-11pm; Sun 7am-10pm.

95 Bondi Rd, Bondi, 02 8971 3674, theplantgallery.com.au