The plant-based revolution is sweeping the States, with vegan and vegetarian restaurants serving food that even meat-eaters rave about. We've searched every American state to find the best vegetarian place to eat, basing our selections on a mix of diners' reviews, awards, and personal experience. Here's the best vegetarian restaurant in every state, from casual diners and incredible comfort food spots to fine-dining places putting new spins on meat-free dining.
A veg-packed menu that moves with the seasons is on offer at Eve's Garden. This health-focused shop-cum-café in the southeastern city of Dothan serves plenty of raw vegan options and offers up imaginative daily specials. Diners rave about the "satisfying" plant-based burger, as well as the smoothies in flavors from chocolate to strawberry banana blast.
Falafel is king at this laid-back spot in Fairbanks. At Pita Place, the chickpea morsels are piled into pillowy pitas, doused in tahini sauce and hummus, and topped with salad and pickles. Punters love the "fresh" and "flavorful" offerings and say they're best enjoyed with a bottle of kombucha.
Phoenix is known for its forward-thinking foodie options, and Green New American Vegetarian doesn't disappoint. This hip joint claims to "master all comfort food and celebrate vegetables" – and it does just that with delicious results. Favored menu items include the Big Wac, a playful, plant-based spin on the classic McDonald's burger with Green's very own special sauce. The vegan buffalo wings, served with house-made ranch, are award-winning too.
Southern comfort food gets a vegan twist at this friendly spot in Little Rock. Diners at Blue Sage Vegan Bistro will find all the classics, from a 'chick'n' fried steak sandwich and a smothered burrito to grilled cheese on garlicky Texas toast. They're all best eaten with a heap of the crispy spiral fries.
You're spoilt for choice when it comes to vegetarian dining, and sushi bars, in the Golden State – and this sleek venue in San Francisco combines the two. Beginning as "an experiment in ocean conservation through responsible dining", Shizen is a sushi restaurant and izakaya that gets glowing reviews from customers. Top picks include the California rolls, with shredded tofu and avocado, and the shiitake maki with a sweet soy sauce. Prettiest of all is the Proud Peacock roll with eggplant, tofu, pickled mango, and seaweed pearls.
Tipping itself as "Denver's original vegan restaurant", Watercourse Foods' mission is straightforward: dish up delicious dishes that are simple, comforting, and completely plant-based. The menu delivers a string of imaginative eats like carrot 'lox' toast, a root vegetable hash, and pumpkin alfredo. The cauliflower wings are a crowd favorite.
Bloodroot has its fingers in plenty of pies: the place is described as "a feminist restaurant and bookstore" and the focus is on local, seasonal, and organic food. The menu is ever-changing, but visitors can expect dishes like crêpes with a shiitake mushroom stuffing, or beet and orange salad with olives and pumpkin seeds. The chocolate mousse gets full marks from diners too.
Vegan soul food is Drop Squad Kitchen's forte. Describing its menu as "spirit driven", "ancestral", and full of "soul", the restaurant prides itself on dishes that tell a story. Made-from-scratch plates include things like barbecue jerk 'chicken' sandwiches, vegan 'steak', and a 'lobster' mac and cheese. It gets high praise from diners with many tipping it as the best vegan joint in the region.
Full Bloom is an elegant and elevated spot in Florida's swanky Miami Beach. The vegan, fine-dining restaurant serves imaginative plates bursting with color, from carbonara with Italian oyster mushroom guançiale to garlic chili noodles with Korean BBQ seitan. Diners wax lyrical about the "creative" menu options and the courteous staff.
No dish is short on flavor at this pan-Asian restaurant in Atlanta. At Herban Fix, appetizers range from soft steamed buns parcelled with soy 'duck' to crisp tofu with a sweet and sour sambal. For mains, there's a pad Thai with tofu or a nut-packed rainbow fried rice. The 'steak' made with seared pom pom mushrooms and served with veggies is particularly tasty.
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Health comes first at this bright café. The menu at Farmacy Health Bar brims with rainbow-colored dishes from fruity açai bowls to nutritious salads and vitamin-packed juices. Diners give the tasty jackfruit dishes a thumbs up: visitors can try plates from jackfruit tacos to a barbecue jackfruit sandwich.
It's hard to believe that the rib-sticking dishes at Oh Vegan Soul are totally plant-based. The restaurant, which touts itself as the only one of its kind in Idaho's capital, comes highly recommended: it even won PETA's Vegan Soul Food award in 2020. The menu is jam-packed with vegan spins on the classics – think vegan barbecue ribs, oyster mushroom fried chicken, and 'fish' made from banana blossoms.
"Meat-free since '83" is the strapline of this down-to-earth vegetarian diner. Four decades on and it's still a Windy City favorite, well-loved for its country-fried steaks, giant Reuben sandwiches, and warming poutine. In classic diner style, the menu is big and the vibe is down-to-earth and friendly.
The word 'diner' typically conjures visions of meat feasts, from chicken fried steaks and mighty burgers to American breakfasts with all the trimmings. But 10th Street is a diner with a difference. At the totally vegan joint, diners can dig into menu favorites like a seitan Reuben sandwich, 'chorizo' chimichangas or one of the day's specials. Snapped here is a comforting fried chick'n and mashed potato bowl.
Vegan, gluten-free and delicious – that's the promise at this raw vegan café in Cedar Rapids. Rawlicious is run by husband-and-wife team Jessica and Tony, and their menu is filled with goodness, from their Not Tuna Sliders with pickled onions and salad to their veggie sausage and sweet potato burrito. Diners love the creativity that's gone into making the menu too.
If you're searching for veggie bites in the Sunflower State, you can't go wrong with Lotus Leaf Cafe in Wichita. It's not 100% vegetarian, but the health-focused spot has plenty for those looking to cut their meat intake. Diners wax lyrical about options like the vegetarian tacos, with fried cauliflower and chipotle, and the black bean burger with zingy agave lime margarita vinaigrette.
The mission of this beloved spot in Louisville is to celebrate vegetarian food with a mindful menu of delicious pan-Asian dishes. The summer rolls, traditional pho, and spice-packed curries are all highly rated by diners. Right next door, fast-casual spot Heart and Soy shares the same owner: Louisville restaurateur Huong 'CoCo' Tran.
With Uptown and Downtown locations in the Big Easy, Breads on Oak brands itself an "old-world bakery" and serves a cornucopia of tasty baked treats and casual meals. The best thing? They're all completely plant-based. The cafés are well loved by NOLA locals, who rave about the Big Daddy Burger made with beetroot, mushrooms, and soy protein, and the pumpkin Cheddar biscuit with vegan sausage and tofu scramble (pictured).
For more than a decade, chef Dan Sriprasert has been bringing imaginative, vegetarian pan-Asian dishes to the people of Portland at the Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro. Inspired by cuisines from Thai to Malaysian, he's whipped up a menu that includes delicacies like veggie citrus 'spare ribs' and tofu tikka masala. There's a mouthwatering pad Thai on offer too.
Soul food goes vegan at this award-winning spot in Baltimore. Over the years, mega stars like Stevie Wonder have come through the doors at The Land of Kush to feast on plant-based versions of soul food classics, from the Kush BBQ 'ribs' to the creamy Curry Chickun. Delicious side dishes include candied yams, collard greens, and cornbread.
Beginning life as a food truck, Clover Food Lab now has several bricks-and-mortar locations in Boston and beyond. The imaginative chain prides itself on simplicity, speed, and a "positive" and "conscientious" relationship with food – and that's led to a menu dominated by delicious vegetarian sandwiches and platters. Options range from barbecued seitan (a meat substitute made from hydrated gluten) to tempting chickpea fritters, and diners tip Clover as an ideal spot for a fast and nutritious lunch.
This light, bright Motor City spot is first-and-foremost a plant-based burger joint, though it's won fans for its nourishing açai bowls, salads, and smoothies too. A favorite is the BBQ Jackfruit Burger, which is loaded up with veggies and creamy vegan American-style cheese. Trap Vegan's price point is higher than some Detroit hotspots, but diners say it's well worth it.
Another inviting, plant-based soul food spot, Trio is the brainchild of Minneapolis local Louis Hunter and is hailed as the first Black-owned vegan restaurant in the city. Delicious soulful staples grace the menu, from platters laden with jackfruit 'ribs', collard greens, and cornbread to giant burgers with imaginative toppings like mac 'n' cheese. Try the sweet potato pie for dessert.
Indian and Malaysian fusion cuisine is the speciality of Gulfport's Good Karma Cafe. The menu changes from day to day and diners are surprised with flavor-packed salads, crispy pakoras, and house-made dhal. The "delicious" lavender cake crops up in glowing reviews time and time again.
There's plenty to be grateful for at this cheerful Kansas City spot. The plant-based restaurant is committed to championing local producers, and the menu bursts with nourishing creations. Highlights include the Italian polenta and squash noodles (named I Am Warm Hearted) and the curry sweet potato tacos (I Am Strong).
It's not always easy to find great vegetarian food in Montana, a state famous for its beef cattle. And while Catalyst Cafe isn't strictly meat-free, it makes a great effort to cater to the state's vegetarians and vegans. A hearty choice is the mac 'n' cheese, which is served with a spicy tomato chutney, or you can add smoked tempeh to the vegetarian breakfast burrito, which includes eggs or tamari-roasted tofu, black beans, and Monterey Jack cheese.
Promising "from-scratch vegan comfort food", this stylish Omaha restaurant offers a fine balance of veg-packed salads and satisfying all-American meals. The tasty wings have won plenty of fans – choose from crispy cauliflower or seitan tossed in Buffalo sauce – and so has the chickpea cutlet parmesan sandwich and the gnocchi. Leave room for a sweet treat too: diners particularly love the tempting cheesecakes.
You'll be completely spoilt for choice at this vegan restaurant in Sin City – a destination better known for steak dinners and seafood brunches. Graze on appetizers such as plant-based bao buns and loaded nachos before diving into entrées such as chicken pot pie gnocchi, 'chicken' parmesan pasta, and tacos. Round off with desserts such as blueberry cheesecake.
Wholesome, honest food is the deal at The Farm Cafe in Keene. Daily specials at this plant-based spot include warming bowls of tortilla soup and curry-spiced quinoa bowls with seasonal veg. Sandwich lovers will be satisfied too – diners can choose from a TLT (tempeh, lettuce, and tomato), the Orchard Melt (apples, honey, and vegan Cheddar on cinnamon raisin bread), and corn-packed quesadillas.
There's a friendly diner vibe at this casual spot in New Brunswick, less than an hour from New York City. Veganized serves a no-frills, vegan menu that covers all the bases when it comes to comfort food: think crusted tempeh with mash and gravy, and Mackin Cheese with cashew cream. Desserts – including the chocolate peanut butter torte and the Bananarama banana cake – keep diners coming back.
There are few frills at this New Mexico mini chain, but the huge variety of world vegetarian dishes speak for themselves. You could opt for a traditional thali, feast on tacos or quesadillas, or graze on the Mediterranean platter with hummus, tabouleh, and falafel. Diners also praise the friendly staff and the speedy service.
The folks at Dirt Candy get seriously creative with vegetables. The restaurant is spearheaded by award-winning chef Amanda Cohen whose ever-changing five-course tasting menu shines a spotlight on veg of all kinds, and whose kitchen is likened to a laboratory. Expect dishes like crispy cauliflower scampi, carrot 'pepperoni' pizza, oyster mushroom pie, and red onion tartare.
This colorful South African spot, in Charlotte's Arts District, has a strong ethos: Oh My Soul resolves to "be kind to every kind" and offers a menu of plant-based, "cruelty-free" dishes. Brunch options include indulgent French toast with cinnamon-fried banana, while there's seitan ribs, banana blossom fish and chips, or a roster of burgers for dinner. The covered patio is a popular hangout too.
North Dakota is better known for its beef sandwiches and meaty hot dishes than its vegetarian eats. But while veggie-only restaurants are hard to come by, you can still sink your teeth into some decent plant-based plates. Fargo locals rave about BernBaum's vegetarian options. The down-to-earth Jewish deli serves a delicious vegan 'lox' – pictured here with whipped tofu and greens – as well as egg and cheese bagels and plant-based bakes.
Chic Comune in Ohio's capital plates up a delicious and creative string of "plant-forward" dishes. The dinner menu offers perfectly conceived and delicious options, such as fregola (a type of Sardinian pasta) with king trumpet mushrooms. Or you could also plump for a tasting menu with six courses.
The Loaded Bowl in Oklahoma City serves exactly what you'd expect: belly-busting bowls of vegan goodness, filled with veggie proteins, beans, vegetables, and delicious sauces. Starting out as a food truck, the Oklahoma City staple got its first permanent location in 2016. Fast-forward to today and menu favorites include the cashew mac 'n' cheese bowl and the rosemary mash bowl with corn and fried 'chicken'. It's always a good day when tacos are on special too.
You'll have no trouble finding vegetarian food in super-cool Portland, but this neighborhood bar and hipster hangout does plant-based comfort food particularly well. Prop up the bar and order plates of barbecue tofu, vegan 'meatballs' and spaghetti, chipotle mac 'n' cheese, and black bean chilli pie. There are cocktails, breakfast dishes, and rotating vegan desserts too.
Dedicated to bringing "Latin flavors" to Philly, bright Bar Bombón is a hub for delicious plant-based Puerto Rican food. It's a favored spot for brunch, with tasty options like breakfast tacos, and strawberries and cream French toast. Come evening, the smoked 'pork' pernil is a top choice – the classic Puerto Rican dish is concocoted at Bar Bombón with jackfruit, black-bean rice, roasted garlic sauce, and fresno chili.
If you're looking for a sophisticated vegetarian restaurant, then PiANTA in artsy Providence could be just the spot. Sumptuous small plates like the tofu makhani and Brussels sprouts with maple sriracha aioli kick things off, then the honey mustard chicken sandwich is a main-dish winner. Specials like this vegetarian tartare are delicious too.
Vegan food doesn't come much more comforting than the offerings at A Peace of Soul. The spot, in South Carolina's state capital, has a delicious menu packed to the gills with classics that have got the plant-based treatment. Spice fans should try the Nashville Hot 'Chicken' Sandwich: it's made up of a fried soy and wheat protein patty with salad, a pretzel bun, and plenty of hot sauce.
Given that South Dakota is renowned for its beef industry, you might think you'd be hard pushed to find decent veggie grub here. While it's true that the state hasn't got a standout vegetarian-only option, Sanaa's Gourmet is the next best thing. Open for lunch, the Middle Eastern restaurant offers a daily, made-from-scratch menu, featuring dishes like spicy eggplant with harissa and tahini sauce, plus desserts such as baklava.
This trendy, industrial-chic space is a hit with Nashville locals. But it's not a case of style over substance here. Avo's food is as bright and brilliant as its interiors, with a delightful plant-based menu touting options like kimchi spring rolls, a lentil-walnut burger, and a raw pad Thai with zucchini and kelp noodles. There are plenty of cocktails to accompany your feast too.
San Antonio has a fizzing food scene and you'll have no trouble finding vegetarian eats. A standout restaurant is Vegan Avenue, where the stars of the menu are the plant-based sharing plates. Opt for the Beyond Beef meatballs with house marinara and golden toast, or ceviche made with palm hearts. The chilled-out atmosphere and pleasant patio get points from diners too.
Vertical is not your average diner. It serves all the classics – think 'chicken' tenders, nachos, burgers, and breakfasts – but they're all completely vegan. In its more-than-a-decade in service, it's become a Salt Lake City stalwart. Customers can't get enough of the tofu scramble, the breakfast burrito, and any dish with the house tempeh bacon.
A menu packed with inventive vegetarian dishes and organic, locally sourced ingredients awaits at Revolution Kitchen in cool Burlington. Established in 2013, it's the city's first all-veggie restaurant and it has certainly been a hit. Dishes take inspiration from the world over and the menu typically includes colorful noodle plates, ravioli, sweet potato tacos, and zingy seitan piccata. The restaurant is temporarily closed due to a transfer of ownership, but is set to reopen soon.
This spot brands itself as "America's oldest vegan pizzeria" – and it's had plenty of practise getting its plant-based pies just so. Tasty signature pizzas at Pi Vegan Pizzeria include the Magic Mac, with house-made mac 'n' cheese and white garlic sauce, and the Pesto Pi with tomatoes, potatoes, and seasoned 'chicken'. Fancy something sweet? Diners can top off dinner with doughy cinnamonstix with a vegan cream cheese dipping sauce.
You might not expect to find a stellar vegan spot in the little town of Harpers Ferry – but Kelley Farm Kitchen is exactly that. It's quickly become a local favorite, with a plant-based menu built on teetering burgers, subs, tacos, and all-day breakfasts. Diners particularly love the warming ramen bowls with their made-from-scratch broth base.
The Green Owl Cafe has been a Madison mainstay for more than a decade and credits itself with being the city's "only vegetarian and vegan cafe". Cosy casual is the vibe here and the food is unpretentious yet still imaginative – diners can dig into dishes such as Owl Fries with seitan, cashew 'cheez' sauce, and caramelized onion and follow it up with mains like creamy pesto alfredo.
This friendly café has more than 20 years of experience serving vegetarian food to hungry Laramie locals. Veggie spots are few and far between in the Cowboy State, but Sweet Melissa Café more than makes up for it. The menu is as indulgent as it is veg-packed, with specials like four-cheese ravioli, mandarin orange cauliflower, and the sweet potato and black bean burrito.