Mama Roots

Northcote has plenty of places serving plenty of meat – roasts on the spit, charcuterie, chicken and chips, steaks. Until now the only meat-free option has been Northcote Social Club’s extensive choice of vegetarian and gluten-free pub grub (although they also do a killer parma too.)

Enter Mama Roots, a vegan and vegetarian restaurant located right on the corner of High Street and Darebin Road.

The recent addition to the Northcote food scene has barely been open for a week, but excited locals have been booking the restaurant out on most nights.

A shot of sweet mint tea is served upon arrival and attentive staff are happy to answer any questions you may have. The menu is much like the tea, short and sweet, with basic dishes such as the pumpkin and fresh curry-leaf gnocchi, served with napoli sauce and parmesan cheese ($14.50), polenta served with roast vegetables in a tomato-based sauce ($13.50) and a tofu and tempeh burger served with sweet potato chips and green tomato chutney ($14.50).

Charlie’s Juices and smoothies are on offer, as are Phoenix sodas. For mulled wine aficionados, a glass will set you back $6.50. Three dessert offerings were available at the time of visit, a banana cake ($6), lemon tart ($6.50) and apple strudel ($6.50), all baked in-house.

As a affordable restaurant staffed with cheerful people located right outside a tram stop, Mama Roots might just stay long enough to grow roots of her own.

MAMA ROOTS
599 High Street, Northcote
9481 5558
Tue-Sat, currently open for dinner from 5.30pm onwards