Good vegetarian food isn’t just a meal without meat; it’s a creation in its own right. At Shakahari you’re assured a creative meal that’s not at all bland. The large restaurant is quite low-key, and there’s a lovely courtyard out the back. The signature satay dish—skewered, lightly fried vegetables and tofu pieces with a mildly spicy peanut sauce—is a perennial favorite. Also available are curries, croquettes, green papaya salad, a linguine dish, and a fragrant laksa. A second restaurant, Shakahari Too, is located in South Melbourne.