Four of the best: Vegetarian dining

White Restaurant. Photo / Janna Dixon

1. The Grove
St Patricks Square, Wyndham St, ph 09 368 4129.

One of the pioneers of thoughtful vegetarian food in a fine dining restaurant, The Grove updates its menus with the seasons. Chef Benjamin Bayly also offers a full vegetarian tasting menu of nine dishes ($120).

2. Vinnies
166 Jervois Rd, ph 09 376 5597.

Chef and owner Geoff Scott has continued Vinnies's venerable tradition of carefully looking after diners, so special menus for any dietary requirement are never a bother. The summer menu features soft herb goat's cheese with pickled anjou pear and roast hazelnuts.

3. Soul Bar & Restaurant
Viaduct Harbour, ph 09 356 7249.

One of the rare restaurants to offer a full vegetarian menu - not just a few dishes - Soul Bar will even create fully vegan dishes. Summer favourites include olives with a smoky baba ganoush, while the pasta and risotto options will attract the most hardened meat eaters.

4. White
Hilton Hotel, Princes Wharf, ph 09 978 2020.

Chef Cristiano De Martin has driven the homegrown concept of locally sourced and seasonal produce, so an attractive vegetarian (and vegan) selection is a natural follow on. And with 24 hours notice you can book a vegetarian tasting menu.