Restaurants In Toronto For Vegans Vegetarians And Curious Carnivores

Toronto is home to a growing number of incredible vegan and vegetarian restaurants, converting curious carnivores with delicious vegan pizzas, plant-based fried chicken and barbecued fake meats – dishes that often rival the real thing. Lucky for plant-based eaters, it feels like the entire world is shifting and becoming a more friendly place for vegans and vegetarians – and Toronto is at the forefront of that change. Like many major cities in North America, you’ll find your fair share of plant-based options in just about any mainstream restaurant (which is great if you find yourself traveling with omnivore friends), but Toronto has also made a serious case for vegan-specific dining. So much so that this list mostly features vegan restaurants, with a few gluten-free and paleo spots thrown into the mix. Here are the restaurants where vegetarian plates are the star of the show, and not just a side dish. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Rosalinda for chicharrón made of wild grain chips

Located in the heart of Toronto’s Financial District, this vibrant, feel-good vegan restaurant brings Mexico straight to downtown Toronto. Highlights on the menu include the al pastor tacos and sikil pak chicharrón; ceviche with apple and celery; and the potato flautas. Any plant-based eater will appreciate the impressive amount of delicious Mexican classics made vegan. While you’re here, don’t skip on the drink menu – Rosalinda has an impressive cocktail list. Think upgraded versions of refreshing classics like the margarita, colada and shandy.

Parka Food Co. for dishes made from locally sourced ingredients

Clean, fresh and fun food reigns supreme at this Queen Street West vegan destination. Guests can expect wholesome yet indulgent dishes that are as clean and locally sourced as they are delicious and satisfying. It’s best known for its unique take on mac and cheese and veggie burgers, with some of the stars being a truffle mushroom mac and a blackened cauliflower steak burger. Parka also offers a handful of craft beers from local brewers around Toronto, which you can savor in its bright and airy downtown dining room.

Hello 123 for veganized tapas on Queen Street

Hello 123’s offerings will leave you happy and full

What was once a family-run convenience store has been transformed into one of the coziest plant-based restaurants in the city. The tapas-and-more spot serves up classic vegan fare like smoothies and chia bowls but also offers more savory dishes such as veganized bibimbap and pulled pineapple sliders. While Hello 123 does brunch and dinner well, it really shines with its cocktail menu – a list of fun and relatively healthy creations (some popular cocktail ingredients include kombucha, grapefruit juice and aqua fava).

The Hogtown Vegan for a pulled ‘pork’ sandwich

Get ready for all the comfort classics you loved as a kid – but made vegan. Residents have come to love The Hogtown Vegan for its unique spin on Southern classics. The no-frills joint serves up “wings,” shiitake fried clams, pulled “pork” sandwiches with shredded textured vegetable protein and house-made barbecue sauce, along with “unchicken” and waffles, and decadent mac and cheese. The Hogtown Vegan takes every preconceived notion of what veganism is and throws it into the wastebasket – this is the spot to bring your omnivorous friends who think plant-based eating is healthy and boring.

Planta Yorkville for environmentally friendly and sustainable grub

Roasted cauliflower steak with herbs and spices.

Planta started with a simple goal in mind: to create delicious food that helped propel environmental sustainability – and delicious meals. Since then, Planta has found a happy home in cities all over North America, but Toronto is where you’ll find the flagship location. The chic, light-flooded locations across the city look nothing like what you’d expect from a vegan restaurant, and the food that follows is just as surprising. Here you’ll find artful dishes that range from poke bowls and ceviche to cauliflower tots and smoked carrot hotdogs. Make sure to try a cocktail while you’re at it, many of which are crafted using fresh-pressed juices.

Veggie D’Light for vegan spice junkies

This cozy, informal eatery in Kensington Market stole the hearts of local vegans and vegetarians largely due to its super-satisfying Caribbean rotis and curries. The choice of fillings and plates range from traditional curried chickpeas to more innovative fare like jerk seitan. Whatever you opt for, don’t forget to ask for the house-made scotch bonnet hot sauce, which takes the level of heat from mild to wild – in the very best way.

Kupfert and Kim for wheatless and meatless food done right

Kupfert and Kim uses organic produce when possible

Perhaps the best option on the list for vegan and gluten-free eaters is this “wheatless and meatless” hotspot known for its organic, locally sourced smoothies, bowls and salads. Guests can also expect a slew of environmentally conscious touches, such as compostable takeout items, discounts to those who bring their own containers and an approach that produces little to no food waste whatsoever. Don’t let that fool you though – Kupfert and Kim knows how to make healthy, environmentally conscious food taste delicious.

Ital Vital for homestyle Caribbean fare in Kensington Market

This Rastafarian restaurant in Scarborough is worth the commute outside of the city center for two big reasons: Arnold ‘Makus’ Freeman and Michael ‘Drey’ Stephens. These two Rastafarian men have been vegan since childhood and recently decided to take their love of animals to the Toronto suburbs. Here you’ll find an ever-changing menu that boasts vegan-friendly recipes such as shepherd’s pie and lasagna, but also more traditional plates like Caribbean pumpkin stew and West Indian chow mein. Dishes are budget-friendly and yield more than enough to take home for tomorrow’s lunch (or tonight’s midnight snack).

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