Veganism has been on the rise for the last decade, as people make a lifestyle choice that’s not only good for your health, but also for the planet. Looking for a vegan restaurant in the USA? We have you covered.
While many people are converts, others remain unconvinced of the tastiness and benefits of plant-based food. To celebrate the exciting plant food movement across the USA, we’ve released the country’s 50 best vegan restaurants.
This list is sure to give you some ideas of the best places to eat vegan dishes in every state.
Will 2019 be the year you start embracing vegan food? Check these great eateries out and you might just be surprised.
The judging criteria:
How do these rankings work?
- Finalists were selected from across America with the best restaurant from each state named
- Restaurants were chosen on their dedication to plant-based food and sustainable and seasonal menus. While not all finalists have a 100% plant menu, they all play their part in promoting vegan choices and opening up the conversation towards a plant-based lifestyle
- Votes were cast in poll of Big 7 readers, across our 1.5million community on social media and by a panel of food experts
- Online reviews, previous media coverage and notable blogs were also included in the overall rating
- Did we miss out on any hidden vegan super-kitchens? Please do let us know
Best Vegan Restaurants AmericaHow do these rankings work?
1. Golden Temple Health Food Store – Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham’s only exclusively vegetarian restaurant also has some seriously tasty vegan dishes. Golden Temple has been leading the way for years in Alabama in pushing a healthier way of eating for all the community. A superb little spot.
2. Middle Way Cafe – Anchorage, Alaska
This bright and airy cafe embraced gluten-free and vegan/vegetarian options very early on, and has been serving delicious casual eats and ethically sourced coffee for years. While they do have non-plant options on their menu, they make sure to only use sustainable and local ingredients.
You’ll struggle to find a better vegan restaurant.
3. Green New American Vegetarian – Phoenix, Arizona
Green is a 100% vegan-vegetarian restaurant that cooks up all your favorite comfort foods and celebrates vegetables in the tastiest way possible. Chef Damon Brasch uses the freshest top shelf ingredients and chooses organic whenever possible. What’s on the menu? Think vegan cheese steaks and eggless wonton rolls.
4. The Root Cafe – Little Rock, Arkansas
Through food, education, and community, The Root Cafe aims to make Little Rock a better place to live by helping to create a more just, sustainable, and delicious food system for central Arkansas. There’s plenty of options for vegans here.
5. Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar and Izakaya – San Francisco, California
This 100% vegan sushi bar combines classic sushi techniques with local, seasonal ingredients to create healthy and flavourful dishes. Sushi is filled with smoked beets or spicy tofu and is absolutely to-die-for.
6. Santana’s Vegan Grill –Colorado Springs, Colorado
This droolworthy Drive-Thru is all vegan – for real. Classic diner treats such as Bacon Cheeseburgers, Chicken Parm, Buffalo Strips and more are all completely plant-based. This will change the mind of even the most stubborn carnivore on the creativeness of vegan dishes.
A seriously delicious vegan restaurant
7. ION Restaurant, It’s Only Natural – Middletown, Connecticut
Every single dish at this lovely neighbourhood restaurant is vegan, cruelty free and organic. Their menu is constantly evolving, with chefs focusing on local ingredients to create fantastic lunch and brunch options. Their range of vegan desserts (try the coconut cake with almond frosting!) is a great pick-me-up.
8. Drop Squad Kitchen – Wilmington, Delaware
This all-American family driven boutique restaurant in Wilmington specializes in plant based foods inspired by their Aboriginal heritage. They serve zesty spins on classics, such as vegan hotdogs and tacos. Drop Squad Kitchen makes all their own meat substitutes, and you can taste the quality.
9. Plant Miami – Miami, Florida
Plant Miami has a modern plant-based approach with an emphasis on vibrant organic living foods. With vegan, kosher dishes naturally inspired by the South Florida landscape, they use the purest ingredients and highest sustainability practices in the industry. Plus, most of their farm-to-chef ingredients are locally sourced from their very own Paradise Farm.
10. Viva la Vegan – Atlanta, Georgia
Viva la Vegan’s goal is to keep veganism tasty and funky by crafting dishes to fit your tastebuds, and they seriously deliver. Fresh and sustainable dishes include Fishless Po Boys and Jerk Jackfruit. This is simple, good food that will appeal to both plant and meat eaters alike.
11. Vegan Hills – Honolulu, Hawaii
If you want gourmet vegan food that’s as pretty as a picture and tastes delicious, Vegan Hills is the place for you. They do 100% plant-based, vegan food and cocktails that are works of art.
12. BBQ4LIFE – Boise, Idaho
A unique mixture of full meat BBQ and vegan dishes, so there’s something for everybody. These loaded vegan baked potatoes show just how wholesome and exciting the food is. You can mix and match meat mains with vegan sides as well if you want to just dip a little toe into the vegan world.
13. The Vegan Cafe – Lockport, Illinois
This charming café has a laid back, friendly atmosphere and offers a wide variety of vegan fare that will please even the fussiest eater. The menu is completely raw, non-GMO, gluten free, and organic. Highlights include their zucchini lasagne and the fact that the place is BYOB.
14. Three Carrots Fountain Square – Indianapolis, Indiana
This fun place has all the plant food you could want from dawn to dusk. They also do a vegan brunch (tofu and grits for the win!) but it’s their Banh Mi that’s a real star. Seitan marinated in ginger, soy sauce, and lime juice served on a baguette with pickled carrots and daikon, jalapeños, cilantro, and avocado mayo.
15. Trumpet Blossom Cafe – Iowa City, Iowa
Trumpet Blossom Cafe specializes in creative seasonal dishes while focusing on sustainability, by using no animal products and sourcing as many local ingredients as possible. Their vibrant menu includes brunch, lunch and dinner options that are all superb. Add in an order of the coconut bacon to any dish – it’s delicious.
Vegan restaurant food at it’s very best.
16. Cafe Gratitude – Kansas City, Kansas
This 100% organic plant based restaurant supports local farmers, sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly products. So not only does the food taste good, it does good. Poke Bowls and housemade kimchi will go down a treat.
17. Morels Cafe – Louisville, Kentucky
Morels Cafe say they do “vegan food that doesn’t suck”, and we have to agree. Their cheat-meal style menu has all the classic comfort foods that are associated with meat, but with a plant based twist. Think Sports Bar seitan wings and waffle fries.
18. Well+Fed – Shreveport, Louisiana
All of the food here is food is 100% vegan and gluten-free, so you know you’re eating only the highest levels of nutrition and quality. The menu is casual and small, with yummy avocado or vegan cream cheese toasts, salads and soups. Sometimes less is more, and that’s the case here.
19. The Olive Branch Café – Lewiston, Maine
This wholesome cafe serves up tasty plant based options of classic dishes, including a great vegan burger. Feeling really hungry? Get the Haystack: organic corn chips, chili, cheez sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion, served with salsa, guacamole, and house spread.
A seriously delicious vegan restaurant
20. Great Sage – Clarksville, Maryland
The Great Sage has a fully vegan menu that’s inspired by exotic and bold flavours. Their Smoked Cajun Jackfruit Burger is a must try— house-made Cajun jackfruit patty topped with tomato, romaine, pickled beets & fennel and toasted mustard seed aioli on a pretzel bun, served with potato-corn hash.
21. Zhu’s Garden – Arlington, Massachusetts
Zhu’s Garden is a Pan-Asian restaurant with a difference to the norm – it’s 100% vegan. They use no MSG, and seitan and soy proteins to replace animal ingredients traditionally used in Asian food. From tangy Malaysian curries to Seitan Lo Mein, this will be your new go-to.
22. Detroit Vegan Soul – Detroit, Michigan
At Detroit Vegan Soul, you can enjoy your favorite comfort foods with confidence that the ingredients are fresh, mostly organic, and completely plant-based. Fuel up for a busy day with their delicious DVS Breakfast sandwich: veggie sausage, spinach, tomato and a tofu egg in whole grain toast!
23. J. Selby’s – Saint Paul, Minnesota
J. Selby’s offers comfort foods such as cheeseburgers made with meat and cheese substitutes, as well as dishes that are more vegetable based such as falafel and bowls. It’s a great place to introduce plant foods into your diet, as the menu is familiar. Their breakfast tacos and soft serve ice cream are just two highlights.
24. Magic Vegan – Gulfport, Mississippi
The Magic Vegan cafe specializes in Southern Style comfort food, that’s all totally vegan. This includes rich, chocolate pies, creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, plant based BBQ dishes and so much more. Come for lunch and stay for the droolworthy desserts.
25. Main Squeeze Natural Foods Cafe – Columbia, Missouri
Main Squeeze is Mid Missouri’s only vegetarian kitchen, serving certified organic and locally sourced foods, fresh juices and smoothies. Their nourishing bowls and wraps are full of local veggies and bursting with flavour, and they also have vegan cheese substitutes.
26. The Grotto – Billings, Montana
Gluten-Free + Organic + Dairy-Free + 100% Vegan = pure goodness. That’s exactly what you’ll find at this cute cafe and Kombucha Taproom in Billings. As well as a dedicated kombucha taproom, with 15 flavors on rotation, they also serve tasty and colourful plates of food.
27. Modern Love – Omaha, Nebraska
Swanky vegan comfort food is the name of the game here. Case in point? Their Jerk Mushroom Tacos! Crispy oyster mushrooms all spicy and citrusy with hints of cinnamon and allspice. With cool purple slaw and Grilled Pineapple Salsa, then drizzled with Jamaican Curry Crema. There’s a lot to love here.
28. VegeNation – Las Vegas, Nevada
This community-based restaurant only uses 100% plant-based ingredients. They also try to cook with locally grown vegetables by adopting school gardens, supporting community gardens, and freight farms. Try their loaded bloody mary called ‘all the things’. Loaded with buffalo cauliflower, fries, jalapeño pepper, and magic. it’s damnnnnnnnn good.
29. Green Elephant Bistro -Portsmouth, New Hampshire
The Green Elephant uses ingredients and flavors from Thailand, Malaysia, China and India into a meat-free menu with something for everyone. Fragrant coconut soups, tofu Tikka Masalas and Indian flatbreads make up the seasonal menu that tastes as good as it looks.
30. Killer Vegan – Union, New Jersey
Killer Vegan is a fantastic all-vegan eatery serving homemade Latin, Italian and American comfort food made with organic, fair-trade ingredients. Don’t miss out on their All You Can Eat Brunch on the 1st & 3rd Sunday of the month. Feast on scrambled tofu, tempeh bacon and buttermilk pancakes.
31. Thai Vegan – Albuquerque, New Mexico
Thai Vegan is exactly what the name suggests – vegan Thai food that tastes absolutely incredible. With three locations in New Mexico, you’re never too far from your foodie fix either. Choose from a variety of curries, fresh and zesty salads or soy protein mains.
32. Blossom – Manhattan, New York
One of New York’s top vegan restaurants, Blossom has two locations in the city; one in a historic Chelsea townhouse. Their fresh organic ingredients come from local farms and all of the dishes are completely animal free. Food that’s beautiful and delicious.
33. Bean Vegan Cuisine – Charlotte, North Carolina
The wholesome food here will excite and surprise vegans and non-vegans alike. From burgers to breakfast, BBQ to buffalo fingers, and everything in between, their menu offers the kind of variety for vegan comfort food that’s missing in North Carolina.
34. Babb’s Coffee House – Fargo, North Dakota
North Dakota is pretty sparse when it comes to vegan or even veggie food, but there are a few vegan friendly options in the state. Babb’s Coffee House is a Seattle-style cafe with a vegetarian section on the menu that has some good vegan options. A foolproof choice for hungry herbivores.
35. TownHall – Cleveland, Ohio
TownHall set out to create a NON-GMO menu using mostly organic ingredients, and have a beautiful greenery-filled space. While the menu does feature some animal products, the range of vegan options is outstanding. How good do Wild Mushroom Chimichangas sound?
36. The Loaded Bowl – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The Loaded Bowl was formed in 2013 as Oklahoma’s first vegan food truck and now has a permanent home, dishing out vegan goods all day long. By creating one of a kind recipes using plant based foods and ethically sourced ingredients, they’re doing their bit for the environment. Plus, the food is damn good.
37. Homegrown Smoker – Oregon, USA
What looks like an absolute carnivore’s playground at first glance is actually a vegan BBQ in Portland that goes above and beyond when it comes to plant based comfort food. Deliciously smoked seitan transforms into beef ribs that wouldn’t be out of place in the south.
38. Vedge – Pennsylvania, USA
Vedge proves itself time and time again with an exciting dining experience inspired by seasonal vegetables. The dinner menu has cold dishes and vegetable charcuterie to get started, as well as richer main plates and vegetable sides. Order the Romanesco “Carbonara” and get ready to drool.
39. The Grange – Providence, Rhode Island
The Grange is a seasonally inspired vegetable restaurant that has a huge choice of delectable vegan dishes. Serving locally sourced and organic food, the creative menu includes Mock Eel & Tofu, Kashmiri Sweet Potato and a Miso Ramen. A great spot for a quality night out.
40. Gnome Café – Charleston, South Carolina
This cute vegan café serving breakfast & lunch in Charleston has vegan versions of all your favourite dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or curious carnivore, this spot will show you just how satisfying plant-based cuisine can be.
41. Sanaa’s Gourmet – Sioux Falls, South Dakota
This lovely Mediterranean restaurant has an array of aromatic, tasty dishes with heaps of choice for vegans. There’s new menu items for lunch and dinner every week, making the most of what’s in season so you can be sure you’re eating only the best ingredients.
42. The Wild Cow – Nashville, Tennessee
The Wild Cow serves vegetarian & vegan fare in a fun, casual environment in the heart of East Nashville. Most of their produce is grown locally and much of it is organic, with everything made fresh daily. There’s also a separate Soy Free menu.
43. Spiral Diner & Bakery – Dallas, Texas
Since 2002, Spiral Diner has been serving up all the food you grew up loving — burgers, hearty sandwiches, hot plates, cookies, cakes, ice cream and more — it just happens to be 100% plant based. There’s locations in Fort Worth and Denton, too.
44. Buds – Salt Lake City, Utah
Plant-based deliciousness is waiting for you in the heart of Salt Lake City at this cosy food joint that has all your favourites. From zucchini cookies to Seitan pizzasteaks and a super popular Buffalo wrap, Buds proves you don’t need meat to have a serious feast.
45. Pingala Cafe & Eatery – Burlington, Vermont
Pingala’s goal is to to make vegan food fun, delicious, and approachable, and they’re absolutely smashing it. There’s everything from carrot cake whoopie pies and chewy cookies, to the “grilled cheesiness” and the “ELT” – an eggplant sandwich that’s to die for.
46. Hang Space – Richmond, Virginia
Hang Space is a 100% vegan eatery, restaurant, event space, and hangout with awesome food. Their desserts are rich and indulgent, yet all plant based. Heaven. Try the Chik Fil Ain’t – it’s exactly what it sounds like.
47. Wayward Vegan Cafe – Seattle, Washington
Wayward Vegan Cafe serves classic American dishes with an all-vegan twist. What started off as a beloved breakfast joint quickly grew to add dinner options to the menu. It’s now an all-day eatery with delicious vegan grub. From ‘Ex-Benedict’ to a seitan Stroganoff, you won’t leave here hungry.
48. Kelley Farm Kitchen – Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Kelley Farm Kitchen started off as a farmers market vendor and then grew into the charming restaurant it is today. They serve vegan treats such as BBQ Jackfruit and mac and cheese. Portions are HUGE, so bring an appetite. Although with food this good, you won’t be leaving a single crumb.
49. Cheeze Factory – Baraboo, Wisconsin
The Cheeze Factory serves freshly prepared vegan, non-GMO and gluten-sensitive dishes from their own recipes, and ‘to-drive-for’ cakes, pies and cookies from their in-house bakery. Chow down on Sesame Stir Fry and Coconut Chocolate Truffle desserts. And yes, despite the ‘cheeze’ in the name, it’s all 100% vegan.
50. Sweet Melissa Cafe – Laramie, Wyoming
Sweet Melissa Cafe is a super veggie restaurant where almost every item can be made vegan on request. Be sure to order the Cuban Plate: spicy seitan served with coconut rice, black beans fried plantains and tortilla.
Bonus! Elizabeth’s Gone Raw – Washington DC,
Elizabeth’s Gone Raw is fine dining experience with the most beautiful raw-vegan creations imaginable. The seven-course menu changes monthly, as do the craft cocktails to match. Open only on Friday and Saturday nights, be sure to book ahead.
Looking for more delicious vegan restaurants across the world? We’ve got you covered. Check out Big 7 Travel’s list of the world’s best vegan restaurants here:
I’m surprised that Garden Grille in Pawtucket, RI and Walnut Grille in Newtown Highlands, MA are not on this list.
I stand by Vedge in Philly. Best meal of my life, vegan or otherwise.
Top 50 Vegan Restaurants article missed out big time on not including PLANT restaurant in Asheville, NC. Chef/owner Jason Sellers is a master of magic in his vegan kitchen, creating amazing and beautiful plant-based foods and delectable desserts. He makes his own cheese and ice creams….
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Thank you for this great list of vegan and organic restaurant options. My husband and I are trying to transition over to veganism. We’ll have to see if there’s a restaurant with those options where we live.