Today I'm treating you to a guest post by one of the writers for The PETA Files. Enjoy!
Let's say you got a big check as a holiday gift. Or maybe you just have the post-New Year's blues and need something to look forward to. Either way, we know what you need: a really great meal. But it can be tricky to find the right place—one that will bring the big vegan yumliciousness in style. So we've put together a list (you know how we love lists) of the eight most outstanding veggie restaurants in the good ol' U.S. of A.
•Candle 79, New York City: I was lucky enough to eat here a couple of years ago—almost too yummy. It made me a seitan worshipper. And check it out: The food is not only vegan but also organic.
•Madeleine Bistro, Los Angeles: OK, technically, it's in Tarzana, but it's definitely worth the trip! Hey, Proust wrote his seven-volume masterpiece after eating a madeleine—just imagine what you'll accomplish after eating this Madeleine's chocolate soufflé.
•Green Zebra, Chicago: Chef and owner Shawn McClain won the 2006 James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Midwest, so it's no surprise that this veggie hotspot features phenomenal food.
•Horizons, Philadelphia: Horizons specializes in "new vegan cuisine." What does that mean? Well, the current menu features delicious dishes such as saffron cauliflower soup and Pacific Rim grilled tofu. If that's new vegan cuisine, count me in!
•Millennium, San Francisco: A pioneer in gourmet vegan dining, Millennium features multiculture fusion food. Heck, the whiskey chocolate tiramisu cake may be worth a cross-country trek all by itself!
•Sublime, Fort Lauderdale, Florida: A fine-dining experience like no other, Sublime offers exquisite, fresh vegan cuisine from across the globe. Known for its creative dishes and upbeat, unique atmosphere, Sublime's delectable entrées—such as the sublime piccata, Bangkok raw, Tuscan quiche, and ravioli—will leave you begging for more.
•Dragonfly Neo-V, Columbus, Ohio: Chef Magdiale Wolmark describes it as "fun, whimsical, and a great introduction to vegan cuisine." That sounds just about right. And the first call any vegan Columbus resident should make after getting engaged is to Neo-V—it caters events too.
•VegiTerranean, Akron, Ohio: Opened by rock legend Chrissie Hynde in her hometown, this sleek, modern eatery offers gourmet vegan fare with an Italian flare.
Of course, if you don't live in any of these cities, don't worry—there are more and more vegetarian (and vegetarian-friendly) joints popping up every day all over the place. And if you need help finding them, we can hook you up.
Know another restaurant that should be on our list? Tell us about it in the comments.
Posted by Jeff Mackey of The PETA Files.
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Comments ( 43 )
You really need to include Bloodroot in Bridgeport, Connecticut! A great vegetarian restaurant and feminist bookstore, right near the water. It's been in business for years and has a wonderful selection of seasonal dishes. Try it!
Posted by Jerry Sawyer | January 7, 2009 1:59 PM
Posted on January 7, 2009 13:59
Millenium is just about an hour away from where I live, but I still haven't been... gotta get over there!
Posted by DJ Karma | January 7, 2009 2:44 PM
Posted on January 7, 2009 14:44
There is an all-vegetarian restaurant in Chapel Hill, NC called Sage that is wonderful. It's both vegetarian and vegan, and everything I've had is delicious. Try the soy chicken cutlets in coconut curry sauce!
Zen Palate in NYC is also delicious, and reasonably priced for the city and the cuisine. Their seitan is wonderful.
Posted by Sno Flake | January 7, 2009 2:55 PM
Posted on January 7, 2009 14:55
I must emphatically add NYC's Pure Food and Wine to this list. The textures and flavors of their raw cuisine is phenomenal.
Posted by Colleen | January 7, 2009 7:40 PM
Posted on January 7, 2009 19:40
d'oh. dc loses again.
must move now!
Posted by Sophie | January 7, 2009 10:43 PM
Posted on January 7, 2009 22:43
Hey, Sophie! Don't give up on D.C. yet! If you haven't already, consider checking out Sticky Fingers Bakery: http://www.stickyfingersbakery.com/.
They don't just do baked items. I went for brunch with some Columbia Heights locals, and we had breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Next time I'm in D.C., I'm definitely heading back to Sticky Fingers. :)
Posted by Julian C. | January 8, 2009 2:06 PM
Posted on January 8, 2009 14:06
Considering its one of the foremost tourist destinations in the world, Orlando resturants are generally pretty lacking in veg options. But we do have a few awesome dedicated places off the beaten path.
Garden Cafe - All veg Chinese restaurant. They do amazing things with mock meats. I recommend the Orange Beef/Chicken or Sesame Eel!
Ethos - All vegan restaurant. Their Philly Cheese Steak is so so so good.
Posted by Matt | January 8, 2009 3:07 PM
Posted on January 8, 2009 15:07
Spiral Diner and Bakery has two fantastic vegan locations, one in Dallas, the other (unbelievably) is in Fort Worth, Texas.
Yummy baked goods, fresh sandwiches, and hearty fare. I take my husband and kid (neither are vegan), and anyone else who is willing, and get nothing but raves.
Posted by Jennifer | January 8, 2009 3:21 PM
Posted on January 8, 2009 15:21
Here's 5 more:
1. The Veggie Grill, Redondo Beach, CA. Amazing 'burgers' & sandwiches. Menu is small and uncomplicated; all vegan fare-you won't beleive it!
2. Vegan Glory, Los Angeles, CA. This is a vegan Thai restaurant; extensive menu with lunch & dinner combo specials.
3. Cafe Gratitude, Bay Area, No. Cal. All organic vegan & raw. You have to experience this place to appreciate it; their macro-bowls are the best!
4. Morning Glory Cafe, Eugene, OR. A veggie/vegan delight right next to the train depot. Open breakfast and lunch only.
5. Leaf, Los Angeles, CA. A vegan, organic, raw food cafe (You can buy some of their products in Whole Foods).
Posted by Starrpwr | January 8, 2009 4:17 PM
Posted on January 8, 2009 16:17
Someone already mentioned Zen Palate, but Blossom and Candle Cafe in NYC should definitely be on the list. Blossom is great for special occasions - a little pricy, but AMAZING food. Candle Cafe is more casual and a bit cheaper. Both restaurants are great!
Posted by Christina | January 8, 2009 5:51 PM
Posted on January 8, 2009 17:51
The Laughing Seed Cafe in Asheville, N.C. is also a wonderful vegetarian spot.
Posted by Krista | January 8, 2009 11:32 PM
Posted on January 8, 2009 23:32
Ohio gets two? Somehow that doesn't seem quite right. Oh well. Go Buckeyes! Or something.
Personally, I like my dirty messy vegan junk food. Give me Soul Veg and Food Swings over the fancy stuff any day! :)
Posted by vegetarian | January 9, 2009 7:43 AM
Posted on January 9, 2009 07:43
yuan fu vegetarian in rockville, md is amazing...100% vegan chinese food...huge menu.
also, araya's vegetarian place is a wonderful vegan thai restaurant in seattle. scrumptious!
Posted by susan | January 9, 2009 3:28 PM
Posted on January 9, 2009 15:28
This chef is not in the biz to help animals or the planet. Check out his other restaurant called The Custom House in Chicago. They serve veal cheeks, octopus, duck, rabbit, quail, beef, chicken, pork and even fois gras while it was banned in Chicago. Bad man, bad place to support.
Posted by Julie Gianni | January 9, 2009 9:03 PM
Posted on January 9, 2009 21:03
Hi there, I live in Montreal, Québec and noticed that you do not have any restaurant listings for us! There is a fantastic 100% vegan restaurant here called "Aux Vivres" which makes a great mock BLT sandwich with smoked coconut bits among other great menu items. They even have a small take out counter where you can buy some of their homemade vegenaise or a quick lunch to go! Since we do have a lot of American tourists up here, it would be a good idea to mention Montreal's many vegan places. Thanks!
Posted by Marianne Talbot | January 10, 2009 9:08 AM
Posted on January 10, 2009 09:08
Grass Root is an amazing vegan/organic restaurant in Tampa, FL (and now in Lakeland). I went there to celebrate being named Peta's Sexiest Vegetarian Soldier in the Air Force and ate the Ginger Chick-un. Incredible and reasonably priced - the food was reason enough to celebrate! Don't forget to try The Incredible Hulk.
Posted by Gina | January 10, 2009 5:31 PM
Posted on January 10, 2009 17:31
Veggie Garden is a wonderful vegan Asian style fare buffet. It is a simple, quiet, family business. The food is excellent and the owner is so sweet. It's on Arapaho Rd. in Richardson TX a suburb just north of Dallas.
Posted by Louise | January 12, 2009 11:45 PM
Posted on January 12, 2009 23:45
Don't forget Strong Hearts Cafe in Syracuse NY.
The cafe uses completely biodegradable "to-go" containers and serves organic fair trade coffee and tea and is 100% vegan.
Posted by Anonymous | January 14, 2009 7:00 PM
Posted on January 14, 2009 19:00
One of the best vegan restaurants I have ever visited is right in my own backyard at the Jersey Shore in Belmar, NJ. It is called Kaya's Kitchen. The food there is so good that many non-vegetarians and non-vegans go to eat there anyway!!! Simply a wonderful experience with the widest variety of vegan food imaginable.
Posted by Matt | January 15, 2009 9:31 AM
Posted on January 15, 2009 09:31
Upstate NY Albany area, go to Antipasto's. It's an all veg/vegan italian restaurant. Wonderful food.
Posted by Rebecca | January 16, 2009 12:34 PM
Posted on January 16, 2009 12:34
I agree with Colleen, Pure Food and Wine in NYC is amazing! I hope you'll add them to your next list. They know how to make luscious food that even an omni would love.
Posted by Dana A. | January 18, 2009 6:57 PM
Posted on January 18, 2009 18:57
I can highly recommend The red bamboo in N.Y.C., near NYU, A M A Z I N G !!!
Posted by Kenia C | January 21, 2009 4:10 PM
Posted on January 21, 2009 16:10
I highly recommend GREEN in Scottsdale, AZ. They have a huge varied menu. Their pizzas are to die for. Another great place is Mandala Tearoom in Scottsdale. Also a varied menu from breakfast through dinner items. All good.
Posted by Lillian Anderson | January 22, 2009 4:47 PM
Posted on January 22, 2009 16:47
how about native foods in southern california - yummmmmmmy vegan fare!
Posted by kimberly | January 24, 2009 8:49 PM
Posted on January 24, 2009 20:49
Thanks for the list! Another great vegetarian restaurant (mostly vegan too) is in Portland, Maine. It's called the Green Elephant. They have amazing food and a wonderful, trendy atmosphere.
Posted by Danielle | January 25, 2009 10:26 PM
Posted on January 25, 2009 22:26
Chrissie Hynde (of The Pretenders) has an AWESOME restaurant in Akron, OH. (You'll often see her there!) Called "VegiTerranean"
Link is below:
http://www.thevegiterranean.com/
Posted by Lisa | February 3, 2009 9:12 AM
Posted on February 3, 2009 09:12
Please include:
Soul Vegetarian East
205 E. 75th St. - Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 224-0104
http://www.soulvegetarian.com/restaurants.php
I have patronized this restaurant since 1984, when vegetarianism was not popular in the Midwest.
Posted by A W Bolden | February 3, 2009 11:09 AM
Posted on February 3, 2009 11:09
The Mandala Tea Room in Scottsdale is my favorite. It is a beautiful, relaxing restaurant with a varied menu. The desserts are to die for. My favorite are the raw fruit pies! The staff are really friendly and knowledgeable. They offer brunch, lunch and dinner with reasonable pricing for such great food!
Posted by MJ | February 4, 2009 6:21 PM
Posted on February 4, 2009 18:21
Luna 61 in Tivoli, NY is the BEST! All the food is vegetarian or vegan and it's wonderful! My favorite entree is the sweet potato enchilada and the desserts are out of this world!
http://www.luna61.com/www.luna61.com/Home.html
Posted by Courtney | February 15, 2009 11:28 AM
Posted on February 15, 2009 11:28
Sublime's Tuscan Quiche is to die for! When I lived in South Florida, I had to have it at least once a week. I've been having withdrawals since moving; but, I won't even try to recreate that nomness in my own kitchen!
Posted by Ali | February 18, 2009 10:15 PM
Posted on February 18, 2009 22:15
In Sacramento:
Andy Nguyen - Broadway St.
Au Lac Veggie - Stockton Blvd.
In San Rafael & SF:
Cafe Gratitude
In Encinitas, CA:
Swami's Cafe - Hwy 101
In Solana Beach, CA:
Zinc Cafe - Cedros St.
Posted by claudia bordin | February 21, 2009 3:11 AM
Posted on February 21, 2009 03:11
Definitely Angelica Kitchen in NYC needs to be on the list. (http://www.angelicakitchen.com/) The food is not only vegetarian but vegan, and it is crazy-good. I have been a vegetarian and a carnivore at various times in my life but even in my meat-eating days I loved the food at Angelica. I love the way they source their ingredients (a lot of the stuff is locally grown and they make a tremendous effort to support small farms and independent companies), but even on terms of taste alone the food is amazing.
Also, regarding the commenter above who recommends Luna 61 in Tivoli, NY, I have to add that I had breakfast there once and it was indeed really really good.
Posted by Tiny Banquet | February 24, 2009 6:17 PM
Posted on February 24, 2009 18:17
My favorite vegetarian restaurant in Boston Ma. is Veggie Planet in Harvard Square. Not only can you get a fantastic, economical veggie meal, you can also partake in the music of up and coming new musicians. A really special place.
Posted by girlsgoneveggie | February 26, 2009 10:13 AM
Posted on February 26, 2009 10:13
Vegan House in Los Angeles, CA!! My absolute favorite hole-in-the-wall vegan joint! Large menu, thai dishes as well as a great breakfast menu, for insanely cheap prices :D
My favorite dish is the Pineapple Curry (put the brown rice that comes on the side into the delicous curry soup, YUMMMM!)
Posted by Natalie | February 26, 2009 1:31 PM
Posted on February 26, 2009 13:31
the tomato head restaurant in maryville tennessee and knoxville tennessee. serves the best vegetarian and vegan dishes.. everything from pizzas, calzones, burritos, quesedillas, salads, and unique sandwich creations..DELICIOUS!!
Posted by kristy | February 27, 2009 12:29 PM
Posted on February 27, 2009 12:29
There is a vegan chinese food restaruant called Green Melody. :-) It's located in Jericho, Long Island New York. It's amazing! I'm in love with their Orange Sensation made with seitan... the sauce is amazing! They also have the best boneless bbq vegan "ribs" and the best spinach noodles in a cold peanut sesame sauce! If you're in the neighborhood-must try this place!
Posted by Alysha | March 4, 2009 7:45 PM
Posted on March 4, 2009 19:45
I can't believe Follow Your Heart in Los Angeles was not mentioned!! It's been there since the 60's I believe..AWESOME food, old school cafe feel and attached grocery store. I eat there a couple times a week when I visit. Sublime has already been mentioned but definitely big thumbs up-I take all my non-veg friends there.
Posted by Samantha | March 5, 2009 5:34 PM
Posted on March 5, 2009 17:34
Boston: Vej Naturals
Posted by corey | March 8, 2009 6:44 PM
Posted on March 8, 2009 18:44
Reggae Shack Cafe is a little hole in the wall in Gainesville, Fl. It's not a fully vegan restaurant, but they have many awesome main dishes as well as sides, drinks, and desserts. The 'vegan steak' and 'curried tempeh' are my favorites.
Posted by Alix | March 10, 2009 8:14 AM
Posted on March 10, 2009 08:14
Sophie, I live in the DC area too and there's a great little asian restuarant called Sunflower that has amazing vegan food. There's one by Tyson's Corner mall in VA and the other is in Falls Church.
Posted by lola | March 16, 2009 2:21 PM
Posted on March 16, 2009 14:21
Blue Sage in Southampton, PA (Bucks County) and All Ways Cafe in Huntingdon Valley, PA are excellent vegetarian restaurants and vegan friendly.
Posted by Faith | March 21, 2009 8:50 AM
Posted on March 21, 2009 08:50
I've eaten at vegetarian/vegan restaurants all over the country and in other parts of the world. Two of my favorites are right here in Asheville, NC (an extremely vegetarian friendly city). The Laughing Seed and Rosetta's Kitchen are both amazing! Rosetta's has a killer vegan chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting.... yummmmm.
Posted by Kat | April 7, 2009 9:56 AM
Posted on April 7, 2009 09:56
There are two or three restaurants which have been completely missed and deserve mention.
Malabar (also called Asian Rose) in Santa Cruz is the best vegetarian restauraant north of Los Angeles. I would call it the best vegetarian restaurant in the world but I wouldn't want to offend my friends at Madeleine Bistro in Tarzana, CA.
Another favorite is Au Lac in Fountain Valley, CA. In addition to its Vegetarian Chinese/Veitnamese menu it has a complete raw menu by Chef Ito.
And the best value is Happy Family in Monterey Park, CA. For about $12 you get the all-you-can eat menu of the best vegetarian chinese restaurant in the World. The veggies are so good, you often eat the veggies and leave the faux meats.
Mike
Posted by Mike | April 12, 2009 11:42 AM
Posted on April 12, 2009 11:42