Mama Said Café Review – New Vegan Café in Red Hill, Melbourne

If you’ve been searching for your next vegan café adventure near Melbourne, then Mama Said Café in Red Hill is the newest addition to the vegan food scene and it’s already winning hearts. Red Hill is located about an hour out of the Melbourne CBD, and the location is well-known for its wineries, fruit picking, and nature walks.

Now, with Mama Said Café in the mix, there’s yet another reason for vegan foodies to plan a day trip down the peninsula and experience one of the best vegan cafes in Melbourne.

Mama Said Cafe Signage — *Vegan Loaded Fries*

A Familiar Vibe for Vegan Foodies

If you’ve ever visited Wombat Café in Dromana, you’ll notice something familiar about Mama Said Cafe in Red Hill. Many of the friendly staff who once worked at Wombat are now at Mama Said Cafe, bringing the same warm, homely vibe. In fact, Mama Said Café is just 10 minutes from Wombat Café, making Red Hill and Dromana a true hotspot for vegan dining on the Mornington Peninsula.

The café itself is cosy with about 15 seats indoors, but there’s plenty more seating outside and in their courtyard. Parking is easy with spaces out front and behind the shops. Even better, there’s a nature walk directly behind the café, which acts as the perfect spot for strolling with your vegan toastie and coffee.

Red Hill is a destination in itself, with plenty to do nearby:

Cape Schanck lighthouse walks
Wineries and breweries
Fruit picking farms
Boutique shopping

Mama Said Cafe is perfectly placed to be part of a full day outing, especially if you’re travelling a bit further out.

Mama Said Cafe Menu

Mama Said Café keeps things simple with a laid-back menu perfect for a quick lunch before exploring Red Hill. Instead of the typical full vegan breakfast plates or pancakes, the menu takes a more simplified approach:

Vegan toasties (like mushroom and pesto or tofu scramble)
Toasted croissants (cheese and tomato was a standout!)
Loaded sandwiches with plant-based fillings

Prices range from $12.50 for a cheese and tomato croissant to around $19 for a schnitzel sandwich – great value compared to many other Melbourne vegan cafés.

For me personally, the schnitzel roll was a highlight with the added chilli sauce slaw that gave it a nice little kick!

Sweet Treats and Cabinet Delights

Like any good vegan café, Mama Said Cafe in Red Hill has a cabinet full of goodies. On my visit, there were:

Yay Foods sausage rolls
Cookies, muffins, brownies, and slices
Lemon tarts and other rotating sweets

Perfect for a coffee and treat stop, or to take something home for later.

More Than Just a Café – Vegan Essentials Too!!

Mama Said Cafe also doubles as a mini vegan grocer, with the café stocking some vegan essentials such as:

Vegan cheeses
Chocolates and snacks
Household items

This makes it easy to grab a bite to eat and pick up essentials in one stop.

Is Mama Said Cafe worth checking out as a vegan?

Absolutely!

Mama Said Café is a fantastic addition to the vegan café scene in Victoria. With its friendly staff, laid-back menu, great treats, and range of vegan essentials, it’s the perfect spot for a casual lunch before exploring Red Hill.

If you’re a vegan in Melbourne looking for a day trip destination, add Mama Said Cafe to your list. You won’t regret it.