Review: Smith & Deli Degraves Street, Melbourne

Review Smith & Deli Degraves Street Melbourne

Smith & Deli has earned a loyal following over the years and is often recommended as one of Melbourne’s must-visit vegan destinations. Having previously enjoyed positive experiences at their Collingwood location, I was looking forward to visiting their recently opened Degraves Street store and seeing how it compared.

One of the biggest drawcards is the location. Tucked away in the heart of Degraves Street, just a short walk from Flinders Street Station, it’s fantastic to have a dedicated vegan option in one of Melbourne’s most iconic laneways. Whether you’re meeting friends, arriving by train or simply exploring the CBD, it’s an ideal spot to stop for a coffee, lunch or an afternoon bite while watching the crowds wander along Degraves Street.

Stepping inside, it’s immediately clear that a lot of thought has gone into the design. Rich burgundy walls and ceilings, warm timber finishes and black bentwood chairs create a cosy, contemporary space that feels both modern and distinctly Melbourne. Upstairs is a cosy dining area with seating for around 16 people. It features a handful of tables along with bench seating by the window, creating a relaxed spot to enjoy a coffee or light meal while people-watching along Degraves Street. The quirky artwork and thoughtful fit-out give the space plenty of character.

The food displays are neatly organised into chilled, fresh and warm sections, offering a selection of sandwiches, grab-and-go meals, pastries, desserts, and a variety of cold drinks.

On this visit, however, I left feeling a little underwhelmed.

I arrived shortly after 2:30 pm and wasn’t greeted as I walked in. With no welcome or acknowledgement, I initially wondered whether I’d arrived close to closing time. After asking, I was told lunch service finishes at 4 pm before transitioning to a tapas-style menu, with the venue remaining open until 9 pm.

As a first-time visitor, I also found the ordering process a little unclear. After looking around for a menu, I eventually asked a staff member, who explained that the display cabinets were the menu. I wasn’t told where to order or invited to come back when I was ready, so I was left a little unsure of what to do next before eventually making my way back to the counter.

After ordering, I took a seat in the upstairs dining area, and my coffee and vegan lamington were brought to my table. While it was encouraging to see the café had clearly been busy earlier in the day, almost every table and the window bench still had used plates and cups on them. Although there were no other customers upstairs when I arrived, the dishes remained throughout my visit, including on the table where I sat. In such a compact dining area, the uncleared tables made the space feel untidy and detracted from an otherwise inviting atmosphere.

Overall, I left feeling a little disappointed, not because the venue lacks potential but because the customer experience didn’t quite match the quality of the space itself. The fit-out is stylish, the location is fantastic and it’s easy to see why Smith & Deli has built such a strong reputation within Melbourne’s vegan community.

I don’t want my experience to deter anyone from visiting and it’s important to note that I’ve previously had positive experiences at the Collingwood location. This was simply my honest first impression of the Degraves Street store. Perhaps I visited on an off day, or maybe the venue is still finding its rhythm. Either way, I’d happily return in the future and hope my next visit better reflects the reputation Smith & Deli has built over the years.

The Verdict

Would I go back?

Yes. I’d happily return, particularly if I was meeting someone in the city. I’d like to give the venue another chance and hope my experience was simply a one-off as the team settles into the new location.

Would I recommend it?

Yes. It’s great to have a fully vegan café in such a prime CBD location, just moments from Flinders Street Station. While my first visit wasn’t quite as polished as I’d hoped, I still think it’s worth experiencing for yourself.

What I ordered

Soy latte, Vegan lamington $15.50

Overall rating: 6/10

LGV!