For the Zulueta siblings Justine, Lexi, Choy and Diana, plant-based is not a diet – it’s a lifestyle. Their New Farm cafe, Dicki’s, saw the family’s fondness for vegan eats translated into an engaging epicurean outpost that helped prove that meat- and dairy-free dining was more than a culinary trend. More than three years on from Dicki’s opening and vegan-centric hospitality has proliferated across Brisbane – with fast-food outlets and meatless Mexican concepts joining a glut of charming cafes on the city’s ever-growing list of dependable diners. Even with the increase of veg-centric operators entering the market, Dicki’s remains at the forefront. Last week saw the Zulueta’s expand Dicki’s footprint north with a second site on the corner of Racecourse Road and Lancaster Road in Ascot, transforming the site formerly home to Meltz Gourmet Pizza Bar into a fetching day-and-night dining spot. Dicki’s Ascot is a little bit brighter and sunnier than its New Farm sibling courtesy of its corner location and ample street-facing exposure. The team is maximising the site’s sun-soaked frontage by crafting a light an airy interior (conceived with help from CluiDesign and 77Architecture) to match, featuring a white and sage colour palette, polished-concrete floors, blonde-timber furnishings and brass accents. Between the interior and a cluster of shaded footpath tables the cafe offers seating for around 65, but folks on the move can pop in to grab something quick from the cafe’s takeaway window.

Much like its New Farm sibling, Dicki’s Ascot kicks off its day of trade with breakfast. Early bird options like tofu scramble with pesto and zucchini ribbons, spiced vegan mince on Turkish bread and waffles segues into all-day options like breakfast burritos, sticky ‘duck’ toasties with slaw, ELTs (the E stands for crumbed eggplant), build-your-own baos and smoky jackfruit tostadas. The drinks counter slings espresso brews (made using Dicki’s own signature coffee blend), tea, cold-pressed juices and smoothies, with the latter boasting a shot of pea protein for added nutrients. Dicki’s Ascot surpasses its predecessor with its evening service and boozy beverage menu. Locals are encouraged to saunter in after dusk for spiced ‘mince’ cigars, mushroom arancini balls, eggplant parmigiana, jalapeno ‘cheese’ sticks and a collection of tacos stuffed with the likes of chick’n tenders, crumbed mushrooms and spicy Mexican-style ‘mince’. A tight wine list features three sparkling wines, three whites, three reds and two rosés – all available alongside craft beer from Stone & Wood and Fortitude Brewing Co., and a tight array of cocktails encompassing frozen margaritas, Aperol spritzes and espresso martinis.

Dicki’s Ascot is now open to the public. Seek out its opening hours and contact details in the Stumble Guide.