Creative vegan fusion spot with standout small and medium plates, lively vibes, and occasional service hiccups; great for vegan and veg-curious diners.
Yulli's delivers exceptional creative vegan cuisine with inventive fusion dishes that justify its loyal following, but inconsistent execution in timing and seasoning prevents higher standing. Friendly, knowledgeable service is undermined by slow pacing during peak hours, and tight spacing limits comfort. The restaurant excels at what it does—contemporary vegan dining with strong value—yet operational inconsistencies keep it competitive with, rather than ahead of, the area's better neighborhood restaurants.
Tucked into Surry Hills, Yulli's feels warm and bustling with shareable plates zipping through the room and street-side tables under the awning. Service is often friendly and thoughtful—one server even mapped out a vegan bakery crawl—though a few guests report slow pacing or rushed two-hour turns. A diner summed it up: "We wiped the sauces clean and still wanted more." The cooking leans contemporary and fusion-forward—think kimchi, XO, tom yum, and wasabi layered into inventive vegan dishes rather than meat substitutes. Standouts include the moneybags, Korean fried broccolini, and a surprisingly luxurious cauliflower pappardelle. Some plates skew sweet or under-seasoned for a minority, but most praise the creativity and range. For families, it is reasonably friendly: the pappardelle and pizza are kid-accessible, while bolder items suit adventurous eaters. No kids menu is listed, so order simply from small and large plates. Space is tight at peak times; early bookings help if you are wrangling little ones.
Area vibe: Trendy inner-city neighborhood with creative venues, bars, and casual-chic dining; attracts veg-curious locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, busy streets at night with strong foot traffic and lighting.
What's nearby: Close to bars, boutique shops, and entertainment along Crown and Oxford streets; easy access to city attractions.