If you thought you couldn’t have a great pizza without salami or a pasta without real-deal parmesan on top, then think again. The Gemellini chefs have pushed the boundaries to bring vegan and plant-based foodies of the Gold Coast a taste of their traditional Italian fare, minus the animal products. After all, just because you’re vegan, doesn’t mean you should have to miss out on delicious pizzas and creamy handmade pasta, right? Damn straight.

The menu features dishes like handmade linguine with green beans, basil pesto, potatoes and dairy-free parmesan and a mixed-mushroom carpaccio with burnt sage and crushed almonds. Keen for pizza? There’s a decent spread of vegan toppings, with combinations like thinly sliced potato with black truffle paste, rocket, garlic and rosemary, as well as the dairy-free mozzarella with fried eggplant, grilled zucchini, mushrooms and woodfired capsicum. Like anything, the longevity of this is entirely dependant on the public’s response – so if you’re vegan or simply love authentic Italian fare and want a night off the animal products, then get down there with the crew and have a plant-based feast. The vegan and vegetarian menu will be available at Gemellini every Tuesday from March 20 until April 10.