Love the concept!!! As a Bay Area Californian visiting Melbourne, I was pleasantly surprised to find this place. I was given a ton of Berkeley / Oakland vibes (except this place was a ton cleaner, ha). Not sure what else I can state that other reviews haven't stated below, but Lentil As Anything is a donation based restaurant. $12 AUD covers the meal, which you can pay in either card or cash at the end of your meal. Everyday the menu changes (for this location) and its buffet style which is nice! I would say classic etiquette is to not take more than what you can eat, as you're always welcome to go back and grab more food. Drinks are extra - but they have a nice variety of coffees and a juice that changes daily. Vibe here was great; everyone was so nice and friendly. Also loved that it was in Abbotsford Covent where there's outdoor seating for you to enjoy a sunny day. read more

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Amazing concept with food to match. Pay as you feel but done right! The food is all vegan and served by volunteers; all of whom wear a happy smile and are always happy to have a chat. There is live music sometimes and on a nice day the courtyard / outdoor area is super pleasant. A must visit if you are touring the Coventry :) read more

Lentil As Anything - 12/8 spread - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Abbotsford, VIC

My favorite thing about Lentil is the idea behind it. It's a community restaurant where they believe everyone has the right to eat. Your payment is basically a donation to keep it running, and if you don't have enough money to pay, you can donate your time by volunteering. Everyone here really brings their all and you can tell the volunteers and people running it believe in the mission and ideas behind it. And I hands down love that about the place. To the food: They serve a lot of people every single day and with breakfast, lunch and dinner, they are open every day. Each day is themed, Lebanese, Indian, Italian, it keeps things fun. And it's vegetarian, vegan, sometimes gluten free; each item has a sign of what it is. You feel healthy and not guilty about everything you eat here. The food is tasty, keep in mind the idea behind Lentil, it'll make you appreciate everything they offer. How you are served can vary at different times. For lunch and dinner it's mostly buffet, self serve. You have a line coming out of the serving station, which really makes you feel like you are in a community cafeteria or soup kitchen. You fill up your plate with what you want, and then take a seat. On some nights (and mornings I think), they do it more as an a la carte service, where you order what you want. A big issue they have at Lentil is with food wastage, obviously a buffet, you fill up your plate with big eyes, eager to try it all. But c'mon guys, really you should just be taking what you know you can eat. To the setting: This Lentil, in Abbotsford, is the biggest Lentil is Melbourne. The area is perfect and fitting for what it is, being in an old convent. You do get the hippie, traveler, hipster vibe going on here, and it suits it. There is indoor seating, where they sometimes have a musician playing for you. The outdoor patio is nice too. This Lentil is cool because you can take your meal to the grassy park nearby, to sit on the lawn to eat. Another side fact, is that each Lentil you go to is different, different layouts, chefs, food, decor, each one is just as unique to go to.The atmosphere brings so much to this establishment, really good world vibes here. read more

Lentil As Anything - The Lentil culture - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Abbotsford, VIC

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Lentil as Anything is a non-profit vegetarian eatery, with the Abbotsford branch located on the beautiful Abbotsford Convent grounds. Lunch and dinner are buffet style and breakfast is ordered off a menu. The concept behind Lentil as Anything is that patrons pay what they feel the meal is worth and can afford. So it's achieved a cult following among some of my backpacker and starving artist friends. A number of the staff are volunteers and are gaining hospitality experience (and free meals.) For this financial model, the food they produce is pretty decent especially considering what I've seen other Melbourne eateries charge for similar fare. The buffet includes salad, dessert, and variety of dishes like rice and bean based curries & dahl. (A good source of fibre!) There are also coffees and teas available on order from the staff. As a (mostly) vegetarian, I love that I can sample any and all of the food there without worrying if there is some sneaky meat hiding in the sauce. There are long communal tables inside and seating can be a commodity. There is frequently a musician or three crammed into the corner. If the weather is nice, head outside for the outdoor seating, or just sit in the grass in the sun. You can watch the roving hippies and jugglers as the 'floor show' entertainment to go with your meal! read more

Lentil As Anything - Communal table seating at Lentil as Anything - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Abbotsford, VIC

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Lentil as Anything is a fantastic veggie eatery, set in an old convent. Beautiful surrounds and a great atmosphere. The idea behind the restaurant for social inclusion is brilliant and everyone who works there is a volunteer, even the band! You can pay as much as you want for the meal, which is really tasty and throughout your dining experience, you have access to free tea. They have different themed nights which is fantastic as it offers variety. I highly recommend it. read more

Lentil As Anything - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Abbotsford, VIC

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It's awesome place to eat vegetarian in Melbourne! The meals are delicious and the atmosphere is very nice. It also has a nice terrace and sometimes there are live music. The pay method as you can afford is a great idea. Simply I love it! :) read more

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If I could, I'd give it 3,5 stars: I love the concept and the food is nice, but the location and opening hours make it difficult for me (last order at 8h30). On the concept: I absolutely love that it's "pay as much as you can", and that they have volunteers waiting tables. It's a laid back atmosphere, and people are super nice, so definitely on the plus side. Food wise, I think the menu changes pretty much everyday (every week?), and last night we had tortilla chips with a Mexican bean dip; followed by eggplant parmesan with mashed potatoes, and a weird desert made of a couscous based cake with nuts and seeds. The food was good, the plates are good looking, but the portions are kind of tiny. I guess you could always order a second main course if needed, but then again you need to get there pretty early to do so! read more

Lentil As Anything - Eggplant parmesan with cheesy mash - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Abbotsford, VIC

I love going to Lentil and sitting down for a meal. I don't really care about the fact that the price is up to you; I just like the food and appreciate how hard it is for a lot of people to get a foot in the hospitality industry door. Lentil offers practical experience for lots of people, and it also offers the customers a unique dining experience. I like coming here for lunch and came here the other day with my partner for the buffet. There were curries, soups, pastas, puddings and salads all laid out in heated dishes and you simply walk past and help yourself. T he seating inside can get a little cramped and noisy so we generally take a seat out under the trees and with a view of the convent entrance and garden. It is actually quite peaceful there (unless it is market day), and the wait staff will come around and ask if you are after a hot drink. I have a real problem with people that don't pay for their meals here. I've noticed that on a couple of occasions people simply eat and sneak off - not cool guys. The food is really good and all the wait staff are friendly and welcoming. Even if you don't have that much cash on you at least put something in. It really can make a difference. read more

Lentil As Anything - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Abbotsford, VIC

The philosophy behind this incredibly laid back vegetarian eatery embraces the values of trust, generosity and respect. In short, you decide how much you want to pay at the end of your meal. Sounds perfect! And it's such a nice change from the string of over priced restaurants out there. Because Lentil as anything is a not for profit organisation, having a meal there is not only cheap (please be honest when donating) but you can do your bit for the cause. Expect delicious pasta, dhal curries and fresh vegetable salads. The menu changes all the time so every visit is a brand new experience in itself. Live entertainment keeps the crowd bubbly while a wide variety of people from multicultural backgrounds dine harmoniously. It sounds cliché but it's true! Keep in mind though, this place fills up really fast and is highly popular on weekends so get there early. Dogs are welcome too so bring your four-legged friend along for the experience. If you sit outside, look for the wise owl in the big tree... read more

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Lentil's aka the soup kitchen saved my life. I actually went broke when I arrived in Melbourne. But I still had this annoying need to eat. That's when my equally poor housemates introduced me to lentil as anything. It exists because sometimes you can't afford a hot meal. It exists because you know that's only temporary and you can pay them back once you can afford it. It exists because you still have dignity. It's a nice place. You could take a date here and have it go well. It's good veg food. Rice and curries, always a dessert. It's... Perfect. read more

This is the kind of places you go with some friends, during a sunny and warm evening. The Abbotsford Convent is just... some kind of magical place, a park, a small market, an open air cinema, a bakery, and Lentil as anything. First of all : YOU PAY WHAT YOU WANNA PAY You spent too much money on food this month, trying to get more and more reviews out of Melbourne ? Well come down here, and pay what you can afford for the meal. This is vegetarian, and this is usually not a good thing for me, as a meat lover. BUT I have to admit that I was impressed. Ok it's a "canteen" kind of place, but it was really not bad. Been there twice, and yeah, both times were pretty tasty. Get in the line, which can be long during the weekends (wait with all kind of people, from homeless to hipsters, which strangely can look the same) get a plate, put some money in the jar (anything you want) and get what you wanna eat. You usually have a lot of choice, and I always end with a weird mix of everything since I want to try all of the dishes. Sit inside if you want to, but the best way is just to leave with your plate and go in the park just behind the restaurant, and eat on the grass, hippie style ? Whatever, it's pretty neat. You can have breakfast too, and I heard they make pancakes, never tried yet, but I definitely will Hooray for the Abbotsford Convent Bonus : On one of the building I could admire some pretty ladies doing some interpretive dance. So you can eat and being a stalker at the same time. Amazing read more

Enjoyed my super hearty meal. Came here for breakfast and had the Spanish patatas witch poached eggs. It was delicious. Simple meals but full of flavour. We paid $20 for 2 dishes. read more

Lentil As Anything - Yum - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Abbotsford, VIC

This is my number one eatery in Melbourne to take friends. Lentil as Anything always has an incredible selection. I've never been disappointed by what's on offer. My all time favourite dishes from LaA include their coconut dhal, spicy beans and their Chinese buns with chilli dipping sauce. The pay what you can afford system is also an incredible policy. When I was recently out of work I could give $5, other times I give $10. It also allows you pay for what you eat. Sometimes, if I'm not feeling so hungry, I just grab a small plate and pay a little less than $10. read more

The concept of Lentil is a really wonderful one! Melbourne isn't the easiest place to get a break in hospitality because there is such a flooded pool of wonderfully trained staff from our wealth of bars and eateries. Lentil gives people an opportunity to learn the skills they need and get the experience they need to get the experience - on a volunteer basis! The restaurant itself is vegetarian and is "pay what you feel/can". For breakfast they have a menu you can order your items from, and lunch/dinner is buffet, so help yourself! Coffee/tea can be ordered from the roving waiters, and you put your money in the boxes at the end to "pay" or your meal! They're fine with you either sitting on-site with your meal, or taking it down to the beautiful convent lawns and just bringing your crockery back at the end! There's a great notice board just inside the door as well - if you're looking for a housemate, a masseuse or a music teacher! They also have live music some days/eves, and they're also a "pass the hat around for a donation" deal! Definitely worth getting there early for dinners, the line can get really long! The only reason this lost a star was for food. There is a huge output of food by the wonderful volunteers, so it's tasty, nutritious and filling, but not super-fancy! That said, I'm here a lot and I love the ethos, atmosphere a community!! Definitely come along and visit and support the beautiful space! read more

I'm one of those people who eats meat, but I don't really care for it. Lentil as anything is a very happy place for me because owing to the fact the entire menu is vegetarian / vegan they know what they're doing with those vegies. I'll be honest too, the whole 'pay what you feel it's worth' system really appeals to me too. I've heard that with no guidance, people actually tend to be overly generous rather than stingy and as other reviewers have pointed out, given Lentil now has four restaurants across Melbourne, I suppose it's true. If you're one of those people who believes a meal needs to contain meat in order to be flavoursome or nutritious, I suggest a meal here before you continue on your way of thinking. read more

Delicious food and such a lovely atmosphere. Also delicious food! There's also a book swap read more

Lentil As Anything - Satay pumpkin salad and Japanese curry - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Abbotsford, VIC

Situated in the grounds of the Abbotsford Convent, Lentil As Anything dishes up flavourful vegetarian dishes buffet style. Arriving on a Saturday, I found myself intrigued by the long line and soft tunes of Indian music. The food theme on my visit was Malaysian inspired and the food was on point! The pay as you feel system was intimidating as a 1st time customer, however they have guidelines so you know how much it costs to cover your meal. All the staff here are volunteers and added to their values of respect, generosity and trust! Will definitely go back.. read more

If you don't mind waiting 45 minutes for your coffee, you should totally brunch here! First time I went was hands down the best brunch I've ever had. Recently was also rather great and each time there are some interesting breakfast variations on the menu. The setting is spectacular of course. If you haven't been to the convent, you should cancel everything you are doing on the next sunny day and head down with a picnic blanket. Food here is vegetarian, not vegan. Perhaps to better cater for the more mainstream breakfast crowd? read more

This place is more to socialise then eat. The food is of low quality but it's great to meet people here. Unfortunately I feel the place is quite dirty and the food is cheap, but there's a benevolent aspect behind the eatery so that's what you really go for as well. read more

Lentil As Anything is about as good as it gets. A wholesome, varied, delicious meal, cooked and served to you by volunteer chefs and staff, for the good price of what you can afford (donation basis). And to top this already perfect scenario, Lentil inhabits a beautiful monastery surrounded by gardens just of the Yarra River trail. I don't even want to decorate this review with more superfluity, you will LOVE Lentil, so just go! read more

I love that these dudes have broken free of the usual capitalist model of buying and selling food like it's a fuckin' luxury. And given the expansion the place has undertaken in the last few years (there are now four restaurants in Melbourne!) their new model of pay what you wanna pay seems to work. It's weird because all I see when I eat here is an ocean of hippies. And if you know anything about hippies, they're not renowned for their overt generosity. Lentil As Anything do curries, breads, starches and salads and you can get a combo plate for whatever price you deem appropriate. You always get a mountain of food and it's tasty as all hell. You do have to put up with some pretty severe armpit hair and dread-locked wankers, but if you can tolerate the odd 'groovy man' or 'far out, there's sultanas in my dal', you'll probably love it. read more

Lentils As Anything is one of the best places I have ever been to! They have so many options for vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters! Love how you pay as much as you wish. Definitely coming back here with other friends. Recommend 10/10. read more

Lentil As Anything - A beautiful photo of the amazing art at Lentils As Anything! - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Abbotsford, VIC

A friend and I have an agreement that we will both marry the French singer/songwriter we saw performing last time we ate at Lentil. He doesn't know this yet, but we're hoping he won't mind. This is just the kind of thing that happens when you spend some time at the Convent, eating at Lentil. Despite the crowded tables, buffet style food and very low budget seating (the art that adorns the walls, however, is often superb, and regularly changed), this is possibly one of the most romantic places in Melbourne, especially now, since Ponyfish opened and one can no longer sit alone under a bridge on the Yarra. The principle behind Lentil as Anything is that you pay what you feel the meal is worth or if you're strapped for cash, you pay what you can afford. I suppose it's a testament to the loving feeling created by this place that it can stay afloat. It is staffed by friendly volunteers, and has a constantly changing menu featuring dishes from all over the world. Now there's no reason to complain, because even if the food isn't to your taste once, it's worth coming back and trying again. read more

Lentil As Anything - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Abbotsford, VIC

Set in the beautiful grounds of the Abbotsford convent, this restaurant is one unto its own. There is a vegetarian smorgasbord that varies daily comprising of curries, rice dishes, vegetable concoctions, soups, deserts and more. The unique element to this restaurant is that it requires the customer to pay the price they feel is right. You can be sly or you can be generous, yet if you take the first option, lentils karma will certainly sort you out. Inside the dinning hall is an array of changing art that adorns the walls, never there for more than a month or two. Huge shared dinning tables fill the centre of the room with smaller ones ringing the outside. A lot of volunteer workers are there getting hospitality experience, so be easy on them if your latte isn't there on time. If you come in the evening you'll usually find a live band and a silent movie being projected onto the far wall. If you're there for breakfast then you'll be treated to an a la carte menu. All the food is fresh and delicious and depending on the barista, they do a pretty good coffee too. read more

Lentil As Anything - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Abbotsford, VIC

Really nice veggie place. You pay that you want depending how you feel the food. First time I saw this concept and it works. A lot of young people as hipsters. Good ambiance, they have musician band who comes to play. I recommend this place if you want to try. Even if you're not so hangry, you can pay according your quantities. read more

Don't just eat a delicious vegetarian meal... change your life instead! Lentil As Anything is a vibrant and unforgettable restaurant that provides nourishment for the body and the soul. Spend a happy afternoon sipping delicious coffee surrounded by creative, authentic, unique individuals that hail from all walks of life. The exquisite vegetarian buffet, open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, 3 meals a day, is filled with delectable creations that are lovingly crafted by the dedicated and inspirational kitchen staff and served to you by the colorful and caring wait staff. And the added bonus? The restaurant is a living, breathing testament to generosity, culture, and community. It is supported entirely based on its revolutionary "Pay-As-You-Feel" philosophy, which means that you can set your own price, and then donate a gold coin or two (or ten!) on top of that to support patrons who may not be able to pay as much as they'd like. read more

Refer to other comments about social enterprise. The location, food and staff are also lovely. Great on a balmy evening.

This is one of the few places that offer a great variety of vegetarian food on their menu. Every meal is very tasty, delicious and yummy. The atmosphere is great and the staff friendly. read more

Great part of Melbourne. As a traveler you love finding a place like this where you can get as full as you can on a budget. The buffet style service is awesome and everything is really nice. The staff also always come around and offer you hot drinks. There is usually some sort of live music as well. Perfect place to bring a bunch of friends. read more

Best place if your low on busget. Food isn't that bad considering its up to you to donate the amount you choose.walk is about 15 mins from Collingwood station and that also gives you a semi work out too! read more

The food here is delicious, and I love the atmosphere. A great place to eat a vegetarian meal. 5 stars without a moment's hesitation!

I love the concept, and the food is surprisingly yummy! Breakfast is especially delicious. Coffee is great too. Great atmosphere and all in all a wonderful place. read more

I really liked this branch of Lentil As Anything. It is the perfect place to have an outdoors meal in the edge of a park. Food is as good as in St Kilda's with a different menu. The buffet style speeds up the flow of people. read more

Great food. Excellent business model bc you get what you pay for! Eating area can be renovated/upgraded. Will recommend to everyone and will frequent often! read more

Came here first time tonight. I like the food as it's not greasy, too creamy and cheesy. It looks healthy, taste fresh and flavoursome. Even my husband who's not big fan of vege liked it. read more

Great food for donation.worth to donate 20$ if you can afford.nice people. Great location

one of my favourite places in Melbourne. the food is amazing and the surroundings at the Convent are so peaceful and beautiful. in summer there is music playing outside as well. read more