News Melbourne’s vegan scene just got tastier: Smith & Deli is expanding to the CBD

Big news for Melbourne’s vegan food lovers! Smith & Deli is expanding into the heart of the CBD, with a brand-new deli opening on the iconic Degraves Street…

Smith & Daughters and Smith & Deli have long been two of Melbourne’s most beloved plant-based dining spots — the kind of places proving vegan food is bold, indulgent, and seriously satisfying. Now, their founder and creative force, Shannon Martinez, is bringing even more vegan magic to the heart of Melbourne CBD. 

Soon, tourists, city workers, and curious foodies alike will be able to swing past a brand-new outpost of Smith & Deli on the iconic Degraves Street laneway — marking an exciting new chapter not just for the business itself, but for Melbourne’s thriving vegan food scene.

A new chapter in the Smith & Deli story, and a big win for vegan foodies

If you’ve been following the plant-based food scene lately, you’ll know it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. Rising costs and economic pressures have forced some vegan restaurants and plant-based food brands to close their doors in recent years… making the expansion of a long-standing vegan venue like Smith & Deli a particularly thrilling win.

After more than a decade championing plant-based cooking, Broadsheet Melbourne has reported that Shannon Martinez is growing her food empire with the help of impact investor Kelly Jarrett. Together, they’ve launched a new venture called Tomorrow Food Group — bringing together Smith & Daughters, Smith & Deli, and any future food projects under one ambitious umbrella. 

The new Degraves Street deli is the first step in a much bigger vision: making delicious plant-based food easier to find, easier to enjoy, and more accessible than ever before. 

Cafeteria-style eats for the city crowd 

Designed for quick city lunches, the new spot will lean into cafeteria-style dining. Think cafeteria-style Bain Maries filled with rotating seasonal dishes — from hearty hot mains to vibrant salads and warming soups, perfect for grabbing on the go between meetings or before hopping on the train. 

Of course, Smith & Deli’s famous stacked sandwiches and iconic vegan treats will still be available, too, which will be prepared in the Collingwood kitchen and delivered fresh to the city each day. 

Once evening rolls around, the space will shift gears entirely. With a late liquor licence, the deli will transform into a cosy tapas-style wine bar inspired by the Spanish flavours that made Smith & Daughters famous. What more could city vegans ask for? 

Smith & Deli — signed, sealed, delivered! 

And guess what? The “Smith &” expansion doesn’t stop at brick and mortar. Smith & Deli has recently launched a long-awaited home delivery service, making it easier than ever for people across VIC to enjoy their food at home. Through the brand’s online store, customers can now order ready-made meals and pantry items straight to their door. 

That means their cult favourites — like hearty lasagnes, cheesy pasta and potato bakes, and other delish deli staples — can be stocked in your freezer for those nights when you want something gourmet from the comfort of your couch.  

For busy households or anyone looking for convenient vegan meals, it’s truly a game changer. 

The future looks bright for the vegans of Melbourne and beyond

Beyond the new deli and delivery service, the S&D team has indicated long-term goals to expand even further — including potential new interstate locations, plus a wholesale venture designed to help chefs incorporate high-quality plant-based ingredients into their menus. 

In other words, this isn’t just about opening more venues; it’s about building infrastructure that supports the wider growth of vegan food across Australia. And that’s something worth getting excited about. 

So, if you find yourself wandering down Degraves Street later this year, make sure you pop into the new Smith & Deli for a bite. Between stacked sandwiches, hearty cafeteria plates, ready-to-heat dinners and late-night tapas, it’s shaping up to be yet another delicious milestone for plant-based food in Australia.