Lental As Anything - Abbotsford

Lentil As Anything has multiple locations, with this particular one located within the historic Abbotsford Convent, which previously served as a refuge for underprivileged women. The restaurant continues to embrace this philosophy by providing nutritious vegetarian meals to all diners. While there is a recommended price for the dishes, customers are encouraged to contribute what they can afford. The menu also includes a variety of teas and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests have the option to dine indoors or al fresco. Prior to visiting, I was unaware of this unique concept, but I found it to be quite impressive. Furthermore, the food served was not only delicious but also satisfying.

My family and I had a wonderful lunch together at this restaurant. We tried a variety of delicious dishes in a beautiful and peaceful setting. We look forward to returning again in the future.

Came with a friend who had been many times before. This is a very alternate place, none like I have ever experienced. It has certainly opened my mind to new and different ideals. Lentil as Anything is a unique not for profit community organisation. At our core are the pay as you feel restaurants where customers give what they feel the food is worth and have the opportunity to contribute towards a world where respect, generosity, trust, equality, freedom and kindness rule.Our philosophy has been working successfully for over 13 years now, with three long-standing restaurants in Abbotsford Convent, St Kilda and Footscray, and now also in Preston and Sydney, with a growing involvement in education and ongoing community projects.This cafe is in the middle of The Convent, Abbotsford, quite a lot of choice, however, this was chosen as other than its uniqueness, you pay for what you feel the meal is worth and the money goes to great causes helping the local community.The staff you see before you are actually volunteers from all walks of life.The atmosphere is unique from what I have experienced in Melbourne and whilst initially it placed me outside of my comfort zone, by the end of brunch, I wanted to stick around (however time was against me), so I will be back to try other dishes and to meet new people (most people appear exceptionally friendly and there appeared a stranger is just a Long Lost family member).Do not come here expecting fast service - come here and people watch and speak with others and get in amongst the community. Coffees ordered were a long macchiato and The Dirty Happy Hippy (chai, chocolate and coffee shot).Both coffees were tasty and I STRONGLY recommend the dirty happy hippy.(Took 20min from time of order to receive coffee)Food wise we ordered the potato Rosti and Sri Lankan Dosa.Both were delicious dishes, full ofFlavour and well presented.I would definitely get either of these meals again. (Took 40min from time of order to receive meals).Service wise, the team were slow, however, very friendly (keep in mind they are volunteers).These guys do breakfast, lunch and dinner but do stick very tightly to breakfast finishes at 11.30 (placing order).Lunch is a buffet.I do encourage all that read this to try it and form your own opinion- it's a unique experience for a good cause and whilst I will put my hand up and say I was outside of my comfort zone, I did enjoy the environment and the genuinely lovely people.The food was great and certainly different to that you would get at a standard cafe.There is no meant not alcohol served here.All in all I paid what I would at a higher end cafe as I thought the coffee and the food were delicious and the environment that created the atmosphere was different to what I have ever experienced (in a good way!).Service. 2/5Atmosphere. 4/5Coffee. 4/5Food. 4/5Price Range (Low, Medium, High): Mid, however you pay what you believe the meal is worth.Value for money. 5/5 (value is what you personally believe it is and pay what you genuinely believe the meal was worthQuality/availability of Restrooms 3/5Parking. 5/5Total 27/35

Serve only pure organic vegan food. Run by volunteers. Vegs all home grownI was so impressed by the various salads and pasta dishes from n the buffet style restaurant. Also the delicious deserts all for donations only so all can afford to eat thereSeating inside or out in the lovel peaceful gardens of the old historic convent.

The name 'Lentil as Anything' is a play on the name of a legendary Australian pop-rock band, Mental as Anything. The band was founded in 1976. The Lentil as Anything restaurant chain was founded in 2000 by a far-sighted, generous and unusual man. There are now about six Melbourne restaurants in the group, with the one at the Abbotsford Convent perhaps the busiest. The Abbotsford Lentil as Anything is the only one in the chain that I've visited so far. I recommend it for a vegetarian meal and for the concept (you pay what you choose) and for its values (cosmopolitan, refugee-friendly, giving help and training).