The Best Restaurants for Vegetarians in Lansing, Michigan

A sleek and sophisticated new American restaurant, Red Haven prides itself on innovative, farm-to-table food that showcases the best local ingredients. Its menu changes regularly due to the seasonal nature of its farm-to-table philosophy, but among its interesting selection of small vegetarian plates are tempeh chorizo tacos, vegetable carpaccio and a tofu banh mi. Find it in Okemos, southeast of the MSU campus.

One of the best restaurants in Lansing has plenty of vegetarian and vegan options on its menu, including wholesome homemade soups. Across its breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes, you’ll also find Ethiopian vegan stew, vegetable garden ravioli and the peacemaker sandwich, a spicy vegan lentil patty with grilled vegetables.

Creative pizzas and a funky, space-themed decor combine to make The Cosmos an old town favorite. Their wood-fired pizzas featuring toppings such as sweet potato puree and roasted brussels sprouts are considered among the best in the city. Vegetarian appetizers include stuffed corn fritters and buffalo cauliflower dip with fried pita chips. You could even try the vegetarian “trust us” pizza and see what you get.

Offering a mix of southern classics and burgers, The Creole is a New Orleans-inspired treat in the heart of Michigan. It serves the famous meatless “Impossible Burger” as well as a creative cauliflower burger, but if it’s soul food you’re after, try the jambalaya, fried green tomatoes and cornbread. And don’t forget the beignets for dessert.

West of downtown, Zaytoon is a small and casual Mediterranean restaurant that was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2017. Though Guy Fieri sampled the chicken shawarma, there’s also a large menu full of classic vegetarian mezza options including baba ghanoush, spicy hummus and falafel, and veggie plates such as mujadara, a lentil and rice dish garnished with crispy onions, and spinach pie.

Maru has proven so successful for owner Robert Song that it now has six locations across Michigan, with the original restaurant in Okemos opening in 2009. Its menu features plenty of Japanese vegetarians options for soups, salads and noodles, as well as a selection of vegetarian rolls if you’re in the mood for sushi, and hibachi grilled veggies.

This quaint, family-run Mexican restaurant is a favorite of locals for its authentic food, fresh ingredients and relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Among the veggie goods on offer are the typical burritos, chimichangas and tostados but its specialities are la tortas, a Mexican sandwich loaded with veggies, beans and cheese, and fresh chips and salsa.