The Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Milwaukee

Indian food is one of the most versatile cuisines, and when it comes to vegetarian Indian food, Bombay Sweets is the most versatile in Milwaukee. Making most of its dishes with chickpeas or vegetable substitutes, this is the perfect place to enjoy a tummy-warming Channa Masala or Aloo Curry. All of the dishes are truly taste like they were made with care. The owners are originally from India and do a fantastic job of melding both the northern and southern cuisines.

Beans and Barley is hipster heaven. This sunny and cheerful cafe is a great place to hang out and eat exceptional vegan and vegetarian food. Milwaukee is a creative hub of the up and coming, and Beans and Barley always seems current, despite the fact that it has been a Milwaukee staple for years. Definitely try a classic TLT — tempeh, lettuce and tomato!

For a sense of Aloha in the MKE, head over to Urban Beets, where you’ll find the juices of everyone’s dreams. Urban Beets’ Acai Bowls may read Hawaii, but it sources ingredients locally from Milwaukee. The place prides itself on balanced and nutritious dishes and creative vegan sandwiches (including a hearts of palm “Lobster Roll”). There really is no place better!

Looking for unique and upscale vegan/vegetarian food? Look no further than Comet Café. With menu items like Deep Fried Vegan Ribs and Tofu Bahn Mi, this laid-back spot will have guests salivating before they even enter. But don’t worry, unlike most of the restaurants on this list, the Comet Café also caters to the down and dirty carnivores, sporting dishes like Duck Confit Poutine and a killer Reuben. Most of the meaty items can be made vegan, which is always a plus, and some, like the vegan mac and cheese, will have to be taken home to enjoy some seconds.

There’s always that one friend who is cooler than the rest, and that one friend definitely goes to the National Café. The entire venue reads hip, cool and “don’t care” — except the food tastes like the place definitely care. It is off-the-charts good. So much so, that the National’s very own Chef Nell Benton released a Ramen cookbook of the favorite recipes from National’s patrons. The Tonkotsu Ramen is to die for.

Feeling a bit indecisive? Wander on down to Odd Duck, in the Bay View area of Milwaukee. With an ever-changing menu of small plates made up of locally sourced ingredients, this is a true hidden find. ITs dishes are decadent without being pretentious, and since it is in the Midwest, the portion sizes are never lacking! And for the vegetarians out there, there is a cheese board with all of Wisconsin’s finest.