Edit 06/05/2021: Mantra Lounge is now closed.
I have an unfortunate habit of eating lunch at my desk; I have a more mobile friend on campus to thank for getting me back to Mantra Lounge after almost three years! It's a little different (with the neon decorations mellowing and the menu becoming 100% vegan) but mostly, reassuringly the same, offering homely veg*n food from bain maries at student-friendly prices.
Their popular lasagna is permanently on the menu, and there's a rotation of curries that you can order in various meal deals. My eyes were drawn to the pie warmer for a sausage roll ($5), and I filled out my plate with tahini-kale salad ($6). It proved to be much more than a scoop of green respectability on my plate - tender and well-dressed, with big broccoli florets, a few sun-dried tomatoes and olives. I could have settled with a glass of water, but the Mexican hibiscus tea ($3) was much more entertaining.
The upstairs seating was very relaxed, and I'm coaching myself to get out of the office and visit more often. Here's hoping I make it back for the Korean BBQ burger, and any one of the other salads!
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You can read about an early visit to Mantra Lounge here. Since then it's been positively reviewed on Veganopoulous and Wandering Mint, and there are mixed messages on Curious Charlie.
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Mantra Lounge
167 Grattan St, Carlton
0433 531 345
food, drinks & desserts
http://www.mantralounge.com.au/
Accessibility: Mantra Lounge has clearly given accessibility some thought - there's a ramp up from the footpath and plenty of space around the counter, where ordering, payment and food pick-up occurs. There's a unisex toilet with wheelchair accessibility signage on this level. There are a few moderately spaced tables downstairs; the stairs themselves are wide and sturdy with a hand rail.
The place I normally stay when I visit Melbourne is in Drummond St, and I have walked by Mantra Lounge a million times! I only went there for the first time when I was down in June, and that time I was staying with Leigh out at her place, but it was near her work. I was only there for afternoon tea, but I LOVED their giant cinnamon chocolate chip cookies.
ReplyDeleteSusan, you have hit my weakness! Taking refuge there with a giant cookie and a chai would be my ideal afternoon.
DeleteI loved that cookie so much that I took a bite and literally went straight back to the counter to order a second one. ;)
DeleteI don't get out for lunch very often but I have my eye on the mantra lounge so am happy to hear it is still doing well. One day.....
ReplyDeleteIt's perhaps not worth travelling out of your way for, but it's a comfort to have this food available in the neighbourhood.
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