The U.S. is experiencing a surge in plant-based dining, with an explosion of innovative and delicious vegan restaurants across the country. This article serves as your guide to the best vegan-friendly dining experiences, showcasing a diverse range of establishments from casual eateries to acclaimed fine dining establishments. Weโll explore everything from trendy plant-based burger joints to elegant Michelin Star vegan restaurants, offering a glimpse into the vibrant and ever-evolving world of vegan cuisine in the United States.
Whether youโre a seasoned vegan or simply curious about plant-based dining, this article will inspire your culinary adventures. From casual bites to high-end vegetarian restaurants, this guide will help you find the perfect vegan-friendly spot for any occasion. Weโll also touch upon the broader global vegan dining scene, exploring the best vegan restaurants in the world and highlighting some of the top contenders for the title of world #1 Indian vegetarian restaurant.
Top Vegan Restaurants in the U.S.
Here are some of the best vegan-friendly restaurants in the U.S.:
Vedge (Philadelphia, PA)
Rated 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor with 744 reviews, Vedge is known for its creative non-meat menu and elegant atmosphere. Vedge in Philadelphia offers a creative and seasonal vegan menu featuring dishes like portabella carpaccio, stuffed avocado, and salt-roasted beets. Their menu evolves with the seasons, showcasing bold global flavors and locally-sourced ingredients2. Signature dishes include seared maitake mushrooms and eggplant braciole, while desserts like figgy cheesecake and trail mix provide a sweet finish.
Crossroads Kitchen (Los Angeles, CA & Las Vegas, NV)
Crossroads Kitchen in Los Angeles and Las Vegas offers a refined vegan menu with Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Signature items include Chestnut Foie Gras, Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms, and Impossible Cigars. The menu features gourmet options like Tagliatelle Bolognese and Scallopini Parmesan, all crafted to appeal to vegans and non-vegans alike. The elegant atmosphere and full bar with inspired cocktails make it a perfect spot for a special dining experience.
Plum Bistro (Seattle, WA)
Plum Bistro in Seattle offers a diverse vegan menu with Southern and Caribbean influences. Popular dishes include Buffalo Portobello Burger, Macho Burrito, and Crispy Chicken Bowl. They also have delightful desserts like Vanilla Bean Cheesecake and Salted Caramel Apple Pie a la Mode. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a favorite spot for both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Avant Garden (New York City, NY)
Avant Garden in New York City offers a sophisticated plant-based menu with dishes like charred gem lettuce Caesar, avocado toast, and roasted beet hummus. Their menu features creative toasts, such as cremini mushroom with walnut purรฉe and sunchoke with olive purรฉe. For hot dishes, they serve scorched cauliflower and celery root with Shiitake veloutรฉ. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, natural vegetables and global flavors, making it a standout in the NYC dining scene.
Kindred (San Diego, CA)
Kindred in San Diego offers a creative and entirely vegan menu with dishes like seitan skewers with chimichurri, impossible shawarma, and beer-battered palm tacos. Their brunch options include favorites like vegan pancakes and grilled cheese with tomato soup. The restaurant also features a full bar with inventive cocktails, making it a unique and vibrant dining destination.
Shizen (San Francisco, CA)
Shizen in San Francisco is a fully vegan sushi bar and izakaya, offering a variety of creative and flavorful dishes. Their menu includes vegan sushi rolls like Gobo Nigiri and Sweet Tofu Nigiri, as well as small plates such as Shizen Shiitake Mushrooms and Tempura Vegetables.
They also serve delicious starters like Garlic Edamame and Miso Soup, along with unique salads like Yuba Salad and Beet Salad. The restaurant combines traditional Japanese techniques with local, seasonal ingredients to create a delightful dining experience.
Gracias Madre (Los Angeles, CA)
Gracias Madre in Los Angeles offers a vibrant menu of vegan Mexican cuisine made from scratch using organic, non-GMO, plant-based ingredients. Popular dishes include Tacos Del Mar, Crab Cakes, and Nachos, all crafted with fresh, local ingredients.
Their brunch menu features unique twists on traditional favorites, and the bar highlights independent Mexican producers with eco-friendly spirits. The restaurantโs rustic, sophisticated ambiance and outdoor patio make it a delightful dining destination.
Elizabethโs Gone Raw (Washington D.C.)
Elizabethโs Gone Raw in Washington D.C. offers a fine dining experience with a six-course vegan tasting menu. The menu features innovative dishes like Ofrenda Cassava Dough, Vegan Velvet Immortal Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, and Vegan Cleopatraโs Ambrosia.
Each course is thoughtfully paired with wines or non-alcoholic beverages curated by an advanced sommelier. The restaurant provides a sophisticated atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a special vegan dining experience.
Plant (North Carolina)
Plant in North Carolina offers a vibrant and diverse vegan menu with dishes like seared tempeh steaks, quinoa-stuffed peppers, and cashew cheese mac and cheese. They also feature hearty salads, creative sandwiches, and a variety of plant-based desserts. The restaurant emphasizes locally-sourced, organic ingredients, ensuring fresh and flavorful meals. Itโs a great spot for anyone looking to enjoy delicious vegan food in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Beer Plant (Texas)
The Beer Plant in Texas is Austinโs first plant-based gastropub, offering a variety of elevated vegan dishes paired with craft beer, wine, and cocktails. Their menu includes favorites like buffalo cauliflower wings, mac โnโ cheese, and Nashville hot sandwiches. For brunch, you can enjoy dishes like chocolate chip cookie dough skillet and NY-style cheesecake. The cozy, chic ambiance makes it a great spot for a casual yet delightful dining experience.
These restaurants are just a few examples of the many fantastic vegan-friendly dining options across the U.S. If youโre ever in these cities, theyโre definitely worth a visit!
Trendy Plant-Based Burger Joints
Here are some trendy plant-based burger joints across the U.S. that you might want to check out:
Next Level Burger (Bend, OR & expanding)
Known for its 21 different burgers using Beyond Meat and Beyond Chicken, along with dairy-free shakes.Next Level Burger offers a 100% plant-based menu with a variety of delicious options. Their burgers, made with Beyond Meat patties, include favorites like the Smash Patty Burger with organic lettuce and tomato, and the Beyond Burger with crispy onion rings and tempeh bacon.
They also have vegan chicken options like Crispy Chikโn and a range of sides, including organic fries and hand-cut onion rings. Plus, donโt miss their dairy-free shakes and house-made sauces!
Native Foods (Multiple locations)
A fast-casual chain offering a variety of plant-based burgers and other vegan-friendly options. Native Foods offers a 100% plant-based menu with a variety of comfort food favorites. Their menu includes items like vegan burgers, chicken sandwiches, mac โnโ cheese, and salads.
They also have delicious sides such as sweet potato fries and vegan shakes. Whether youโre vegan or just looking to try something new, Native Foods has something for everyone.
Project Pollo (Texas & expanding)
Focuses on plant-based chicken burgers and has locations in Texas, Colorado, Nevada, and Arizona. Project Pollo offers a variety of vegan chicken dishes designed to mimic traditional fast food favorites. Their menu includes crispy chicken sandwiches, juicy burgers, chicken nuggets, and chicken wings. They also have wraps and salads for lighter fare. The signature soy-based โChiknโ is breaded and fried to create a crispy texture that closely resembles real chicken.
Veggie Grill (Multiple locations)
One of the longest-running vegetarian chains with a variety of plant-based burgers and other dishes. Veggie Grill offers a wide range of vegan-friendly dishes, including buffalo chickโn tenders, classic romaine Caesar salad, and Belgian chocolate cake. Their menu features burgers, sandwiches, wraps, bowls, and even desserts, all made without meat, dairy, eggs, or any animal products. Whether youโre in the mood for a hearty meal or a sweet treat, Veggie Grill has something to satisfy every craving.
Bareburger (Multiple locations)
Offers the Impossible Burger and other vegan options at its organic burger chain. Bareburger offers a variety of vegan-friendly options, including their Guadalupe Burger with a black bean and poblano patty, guacamole, pickled red onions, tomatoes, and alfalfa sprouts.
They also have the Impossible Burger, which comes with vegan American cheese, caramelized onions, dill pickles, and garlic aioli. For sides, you can enjoy sweet potato fries, French fries, and dill pickle sides. Their customizable menu allows you to create your own burger with a choice of vegan patties, buns, and toppings.
Superiority Burger (New York, NY)
Known for its award-winning veggie burgers and small, cozy setting. Superiority Burger in New York City offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Their menu includes the Superiority Burger, made with house-ground tofu and served with lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
Other popular items are the Sloppy Dave, a vegan sloppy joe, and the Burnt Broccoli Salad, featuring charred broccoli with creamy eggplant and cashews. They also have creative sandwiches like the New Creation, with griddled yuba and pickles, and a range of salads and sides.
Cockscomb (San Francisco, CA)
Cockscomb in San Francisco offers a vegan-friendly menu that includes the Impossible Burger, known for its meat-like texture and flavor. They also serve vegan-friendly salads, bruschetta, and starters like grilled cheese with plant-based cheese. The restaurant provides a sophisticated atmosphere, making it a great spot for a special vegan dining experience.
Bobbyโs Burger Palace (Multiple locations)
Bobbyโs Burger Palace, founded by celebrity chef Bobby Flay, offers a few vegetarian-friendly options but currently does not have any fully vegan choices on its menu. The Veggie Burger is a popular option for vegetarians, featuring a house-made patty with lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
They also offer Griddled Cheese and Chopped Crunch Salad as vegetarian-friendly sides. While itโs a great spot for vegetarians, vegans might need to look for other options or customize their order.
Blue Hill (New York, NY)
Blue Hill in New York City offers a vegetable-forward menu with dishes that highlight the natural flavors of seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. The menu includes creative vegetable-focused dishes like beet bourguignon, smoked muroc cabbage, and parsnip ravioli.
While the menu is not exclusively vegan, it features several vegan options and emphasizes sustainability and organic produce. The dining experience is designed to be elegant yet relaxed, with a focus on showcasing the best of what the regionโs farmers have to offer.
The NoMad (New York, NY)
The NoMad in New York City offers a gourmet plant-based menu that highlights the flavors of seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. Their vegan-friendly options include dishes like beet tartare, charred cauliflower steak, and risotto with wild mushrooms. The restaurant also features creative vegan desserts and a curated wine list. The elegant yet inviting atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a special dining experience.
Elegant Michelin Star Vegan Restaurants
Here are some elegant Michelin-starred vegan restaurants in the U.S.:
Eleven Madison Park (New York, NY)
Eleven Madison Park in New York City offers a luxurious, entirely plant-based dining experience. The 12-course tasting menu features innovative dishes such as sunflower butter with bread rolls, aged beet tartare, celery root salad sandwich, and miso soup with tofu.
The menu emphasizes seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients and aims to provide the same level of pleasure and joy as their previous menu, but without any animal products. The elegant atmosphere and meticulous presentation make it a truly special dining experience.
Lion Dance Cafe (San Francisco, CA)
Lion Dance Cafe in San Francisco offers a unique blend of Italo-Chinese-Singaporean cuisine with a focus on vegan dishes. Their menu features items like vegan char siu sandwiches, fried Hodo tofu nuggets with sambal mayo, and makrut lime fried peanuts as appetizers.
They also serve tomato sour leaf salad with grilled okra and breaded tofu nuggets with sambal mayo. The cafe is known for its A.S.S. (Almond, Sesame, and Shallot) cookie, which has become a signature item.
Cadence (Arizona)
Cadence in Arizona offers a fine dining experience with a fully plant-based menu. Their dishes highlight local, organic, and seasonal ingredients, featuring creative options like beet tartare, smoked muroc cabbage, and parsnip ravioli. The restaurant emphasizes sustainability and health, providing a gourmet vegan experience. The elegant atmosphere and meticulous presentation make it a standout destination for vegan cuisine.
Soda Club (New York, NY)
Soda Club in New York City is a vegan wine bar and pasta restaurant that offers a variety of delicious plant-based Italian dishes. Their menu features house-made pastas like Gigli, Tagliatelle, Ravioli, and Bucatini, all paired with natural wines from around the globe.
Popular dishes include Watercress Salad with roasted grapes and pine nuts, and Focaccia with miso bagna cauda. For dessert, guests love the Date Cake with toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream.
Bloom Plant Based Kitchen (New York, NY)
Bloom Plant Based Kitchen in New York City offers a gourmet vegan menu with creative and flavorful dishes. Their menu includes items like fermented and smoked turnip, potato croquette with caviar, and delicata squash with pumpkin seed romesco.
They also have cashew feta with tomato Makhani and golden beets with almond goat cheese. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, organic ingredients and provides a sophisticated dining experience.
Plant Food + Wine (California)
Plant Food + Wine in California offers a gourmet vegan menu with creative and flavorful dishes. Their menu includes items like fermented and smoked turnip, potato croquette with caviar, and delicata squash with pumpkin seed romesco. They also have cashew feta with tomato Makhani and golden beets with almond goat cheese. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, organic ingredients and provides a sophisticated dining experience.
Millennium (San Francisco, CA)
Millennium in San Francisco offers a gourmet vegan dining experience with a menu that changes seasonally to highlight the finest local, sustainable, and organic produce. Their dishes include innovative creations like black garlic and sweet soy glazed tempeh, miso and merguez glazed cauliflower steak, and cornmeal crusted tofu katsu.
The restaurant also features a variety of appetizers, salads, and small plates, such as pickled vegetables, seared Brussels sprouts, and wilted spinach and bitter greens salad. With a focus on vibrant flavors and elegant presentation, Millennium provides a memorable fine dining experience for vegans and non-vegans alike.
The Best Vegan Restaurants in the World (U.S-based)
Here are some of the best vegan restaurants in the U.S., backed by ratings and reviews:
Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant (Pinellas Park, FL)
With a 4-star rating on TripAdvisor and 69 reviews, Lotus offers a wide variety of vegan dishes and a monthly vegan buffet. Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant in Pinellas Park, FL, offers a diverse and delicious vegan menu. Their dishes include vegan char siu sandwiches, fried Hodo tofu nuggets, golden rolls, and vegan cheese sticks. They also serve vegan sushi, wonton soup, and fresh spring rolls.
Every third Saturday of the month, they host an all-day vegan buffet from 11 AM to 9 PM, featuring a wide variety of vegan dishes3. The restaurant is known for its friendly service and welcoming atmosphere.
Loving Hut Vegan Cuisine (Norcross, GA)
This restaurant has a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor with 47 reviews, known for its warm and delicious vegan food. Loving Hut Vegan Cuisine in Norcross, GA, offers a wide range of delicious vegan dishes. Their menu includes vegan cheese sticks, pot stickers, golden tofu, and BBQ sticks.
For salads, they have options like heavenly salad with shredded carrots and cabbage, and rainbow salad with avocado and black beans. They also serve vegan burgers, vegan pizza, and spaghetti with garlic bread. The restaurant is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot for vegan comfort food.
Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant (Boulder, CO)
Rated 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor with 280 reviews, Leaf focuses on organic, seasonal ingredients and a sophisticated dining experience. Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant in Boulder, CO, offers a sophisticated and health-conscious dining experience with a fully vegetarian menu. Their dishes include rutabaga gnocchi with brown butter, sage, and manchego, avocado tartar with marinated crimini mushrooms, and buffalo cauliflower with bleu cheese dressing.
They also have vegan-friendly options like crispy harissa tofu, root vegetable falafel, and Moroccan salad with spinach, bulgur wheat, and pomegranate vinaigrette. For dessert, you can enjoy vegan carrot cake, caramelized white chocolate turtle, and vegan ice cream.
Top Contenders For The World #1 Indian Vegetarian Restaurant
Here are some top contenders for the best Indian vegetarian restaurants in the U.S.:
Gokul Indian Restaurant (St. Louis, MO)
Known for its 100% vegetarian and Kosher menu, Gokul offers a variety of dishes like Samosas, Paneer Pakora, and Gokul Dry Fruit Biryani. Gokul Indian Restaurant in St. Louis, MO, offers a 100% vegetarian and Kosher menu with a variety of vegan-friendly options.
Their appetizers include samosas, vegetable pakora, and mirchi bhajiya. For soups, they have vegetarian daal soup and garden salad. Main dishes include paneer tikka masala, begun bharta, and Gokul dry fruit biryani. They also offer vegan-friendly sides like naan, raita, and gulab jamun for dessert.
Little Nepal: Indian Restaurant & Bar (Colorado Springs, CO)
This unfussy eatery offers Indian, Tibetan, and Nepalese dishes, along with lunch and dinner buffet options.Little Nepal: Indian Restaurant & Bar in Colorado Springs, CO, offers a delightful mix of Indian, Tibetan, and Nepalese dishes with several vegan-friendly options.
Their menu includes vegetable samosas, dal soup, mulligatawny soup, and tomato coconut soup. For main courses, they offer vegetable biryani, saag paneer, and vegetable curry. The restaurant also features a lunch and dinner buffet with a wide variety of vegan dishes, making it a great spot for vegan diners.
Woodlands Indian Vegetarian Cuisine (Nashville, TN)
Highly recommended for its lunch buffet with over half of the food being vegan, Woodlands offers a wide selection of South and North Indian dishes. Woodlands Indian Vegetarian Cuisine in Nashville, TN, offers a delightful vegan-friendly menu. Their lunch buffet features over half of the dishes as vegan, clearly marked for easy identification.
Popular vegan options include vegetable samosas, gobi manchurian (crispy cauliflower fritters), veg manchurian gravy, and potato bonda (mashed potatoes coated with chickpea flour)1. They also serve vegan-friendly soups like rasam, coconut tomato soup, and sambhar. The restaurant is known for its friendly service and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot for vegan diners.
Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant (Springfield, MO)
Praised for its fresh and delicious food, Taj Mahal offers a variety of vegetarian options and is known for its friendly service. Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant in Springfield, MO, offers a variety of vegan-friendly options. Their menu includes vegetable samosas, dal soup, tomato soup, and vegetable biryani.
They also serve vegetable korma, chana masala, and palak paneer (with tofu instead of paneer). For sides, you can enjoy naan, rice, and raita. The restaurant is known for its fresh and flavorful dishes, making it a great spot for vegan diners.
Badmaash (Los Angeles, CA)
Known for its creative Indian dishes like flaky samosas with creamy butter chicken and chicken tikka poutine over masala fries. Badmaash in Los Angeles, CA, offers a playful twist on Indian cuisine with vegan-friendly options. Their menu includes vegan samosas, chicken tikka poutine, and spiced lamb burger on brioche.
They also serve creamy black lentils, ghost chili lamb vindaloo, and vegan-friendly sides like naan and chili cheese naan. The restaurant is known for its vibrant atmosphere and innovative dishes that blend Indian flavors with American comfort food.
What is the number one vegan restaurant in the US?
According to Yelpโs Top 100 Vegan Restaurants in the U.S. for 2024, Lil Vegerie in Los Angeles, CA, holds the #1 spot. This restaurant is celebrated for its fresh, bold flavors and inventive dishes. It has received high praise for its creative plant-based menu and vibrant atmosphere. Lil Vegerie in Los Angeles, CA, offers a vibrant and health-conscious vegan menu.
Their dishes include bowls like the Ahi Beet Poke with cucumber, beets, carrots, shredded greens, and wild rice with sesame ginger dressing, and the Cauliflower Shawarma with herbed chickpeas, cucumber, peppers, onions, quinoa, and tzatziki. They also serve salads such as the Heirloom B.L.T.A with coco bacon, tomato, avocado, creamy peppercorn, and Harvest Salad with strawberries, pears, Brussels sprouts, coconut bacon strips, candied walnuts, and dijon vinaigrette.
For soups, popular choices include Lentil Chili with avocado and smokey cheddar, and Tuscan White Bean with potato, braised kale, rosemary, thyme, and sage. Everything on their menu is vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free.
What US city has the best vegan food?
According to a recent report by WalletHub, Los Angeles, CA is the top city for vegan food in the U.S. The report compared the 100 largest U.S. cities against 17 key vegan and vegetarian friendliness indicators, including the number of vegan restaurants, availability of vegan-friendly grocery stores, and the cost of vegan groceries. Los Angeles scored 61.26 points, with residents eating meat-free food 187% more often than the national average.
What Michelin star restaurant went vegan?
Eleven Madison Park in New York City is the Michelin-starred restaurant that recently went vegan. Known for its luxurious dining experience, Eleven Madison Park made a significant menu change during the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning to a fully plant-based menu.
This bold move has been highly successful, and the restaurant has maintained its three Michelin stars. Chef Daniel Humm stated that the change was driven by a desire to address the climate crisis and show the possibilities of plant-based fine dining.
Which US city has the most vegan restaurants per capita?
According to a report by Wellious, Santa Fe, NM has the most vegan restaurants per capita in the U.S. With 19 vegan restaurants for a population of 148,000, Santa Fe boasts a per capita rate of 12.8 vegan restaurants. This means there are plenty of vegan dining options available for residents and visitors alike.
Final Thoughts
Weโve explored a wide range of vegan-friendly and Michelin-starred restaurants across the U.S., highlighting how the plant-based dining scene is thriving. Los Angeles stands out as a vegan paradise, boasting the highest number of vegan restaurants per capita and offering a diverse array of plant-based dining options. Whether youโre planning your next dining adventure or simply curious about the best vegan spots, the U.S. offers a plethora of outstanding choices that cater to every palate.
If you ever need more information or recommendations, Iโm here to help! ๏ธ