Announcing the winners of the 2026 Edgy Veg Awards
Published on 15 May 2026
Returning to the Macedon Ranges for the fifth year of vegetable-powered fun, and to Mount Alexander Shire for the second fabulous year, 2026’s Edgy Veg Award winning scores are now in!
With the hugest number of scores yet in our five years running, 946 customers tried a vegelicious dish and cast their vote this year!
So, who among our local cafés, restaurants, bars and pubs who threw down the gauntlet to prove that vegetables can be crave-worthy and indulgent, have won?
Mount Alexander Shire's winners
In the Mount Alexander Shire, the highest scoring dishes for the restaurant, pub and bar category was for the second year in a row Shedshaker Brewing, for their supremely delicious Pumpkin & Ricotta Ravioli. Described by voters as “Delicate, sublime flavours. Beautiful presentation. Left me wanting more!”, “Made with love - flavour all the way through!” and “It is a wow factor dish. I don't expect such rich flavour from a veg dish!”
In the café category, there was a tie for first place between Saffs Café and Togs Place Café! Hearty congratulations to both.
Saffs’ rave reviews included: “I can't believe you don't have this exciting delicious dish on your menu. Thank you for making it for the competition. We had never been to Saff's cafe and were drawn by the description of this unique dish.” Togs’ dish was described as, “Beautiful presentation! Fresh and flavorful, I would definitely recommend this and order it again”.
Mount Alexander also celebrated a category of bakeries this year, with Johnny Baker taking the award for their delightful zesty Ginger, Carrot and Pineapple Cake! Described as, “Absolutely sensational. A beautiful combination of flavours that feels decadent yet healthy” and “So yummy! I have never had this combo in a cake before and it really worked!”
Mt Alexander 2026 winners and runners-up summary
Bakery
- Johnny Baker (Winner)
- Maldon Bakery
Cafe
- Saffs and Togs Place (Equal winners)
- Five Flags Merchants
Restaurant and bar
- Shedshaker Brewing
- Klua Sathorn Thai
Mount Alexander Shire Mayor Toby Heydon said that Council was proud to support the Edgy Veg Awards.
“The awards celebrate the chefs, local business, growers and communities at the heart of our local food system. Our winners are leaders in our communities, championing fresh, vegelicious dishes and helping to build healthier communities across our shire.”
Edgy Veg’s competing local business owners have again said the burst of interest and increased custom from both locals and visiting Edgy Veg Awards diners, has really helped ease things for their businesses during a cost-of-living crisis.
This project is delivered by Veg Action of the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group and generously supported by Healthy Loddon Campaspe, Mount Alexander Shire Council and Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Community Bank Gisborne & District, Snap Fitness Woodend and RT Edgar.