Veganism is thriving in Ottawa, with plenty of amazing vegan-friendly restaurants to explore. To make it easier, we’ve picked our top nine spots based on their variety, delicious food, and great dining experience.
Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or just curious to try, these eateries offer everything from comfort classics to global flavors. Plus, we’ll cover popular vegan dishes and answer common questions about the lifestyle!
Did you know that pizza can be made vegan? It’s true! Check out our list to find the best plant-based pizza in Ottawa.
Summary
- What Are Some Popular Vegan Dishes?
- The Best Vegan Restaurants in Ottawa
- 1) The Green Door Restaurant & Bakery
- 2) Chickpeas
- 3) Pure Kitchen Elgin
- 4) Govinda’s
- 5) Falafel Scoop
- 6) Peace-Garden Vegetarian Paradise
- 7) Greens & Beans
- 8) Pomelo Hat
- 9) Juice Monkey
- 10) Gather Café + Kitchen
- 11) Hometown Sports Grill
- 12) Hungry Babe
- 13) Shinka Sushi Bar
- 14) Naturally Vero
- 15) Baccanalle
- FAQs About Vegan Food
- Final Thoughts
What Are Some Popular Vegan Dishes?
There are many delicious vegan dishes to choose from, but here are some of our favourites:
Vegan Pizza: as mentioned before, pizza can absolutely be made vegan! Most restaurants will offer a dairy-free cheese alternative, and there are also tons of amazing vegan toppings to choose from.
Vegetable Curry: this is a great option if you’re looking for something hearty and flavourful. Most curry dishes can easily be made vegan by simply omitting meat and dairy.
Vegan Burger: many restaurants are now offering vegan burgers, and they’re usually delicious! Be sure to ask about the bun, as some may contain egg or dairy.
Stir-Fry: another great option for those who want something hearty and filling. Stir-fries can be made with a variety of vegetables and vegan protein sources, such as tofu or tempeh.
Raw Vegan Dish: for those looking for a lighter option, many restaurants offer raw vegan dishes. These are usually salads or wraps made with raw fruits and vegetables.
The Best Vegan Restaurants in Ottawa
Hungry yet? Here are our top nine vegan-friendly restaurants in Ottawa!
1) The Green Door Restaurant & Bakery
The Green Door Restaurant is Ottawa’s oldest vegetarian restaurant and is known for their pay-by-weight buffet and in-house bakery. They have many vegan and gluten-free dishes available. Their food is beyond excellent and they even have vegan pies like chocolate peanut butter pie which are amazing.
The food there tastes so good you won’t be able to resist. Their buffet features a rotating seasonal selection of hot dishes, salads, and desserts. Menu items change weekly, though you can always find some favourites such as the tofu-broccoli stir fry or avocado salad.
Business Information:
Website: thegreendoor.ca
Email: info@thegreendoor.ca
Phone: +16132349597
Address: 198 Main St, Ottawa, ON K1S 1C6, Canada
Customer Review:
Pros
- Pay-by-weight buffet
- In-house bakery
Cons
- Closed on Sundays
2) Chickpeas
Chickpeas is Ottawa’s first and only falafel restaurant. They pride themselves on being as “local as we can be,” serving up an unexpectedly exotic vegan menu that will delight even the most die-hard meat lover!
They specialize in serving a variety of delicious, and unique falafel, and hummus options like Green avocado sandwiches with falafel, avocado, hummus, tomatoes, red onion, tahini and other veggies.
Visit Chickpeas to enjoy delicious Middle-Eastern cuisine in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Business Information:
Website: chickpeasottawa.com
Email: info@chickpeasottawa.com
Phone: +16137898998
Address: 500 Terminal Ave A-05, Ottawa, ON K1G 0Z3, Canada
Customer Review:
Pros
- Ottawa’s first, and only falafel and hummus eatery
- Exotic vegan menu
Cons
- Small menu
3) Pure Kitchen Elgin
When you’re looking for a tasty yet healthy meal, it’s hard to beat the offerings at Pure Kitchen Elgin. You need to try everything from their delicious bowls of rice with vegetables and lentils all the way up to some falafel balls that would make any vegan happy!
The buffalo cauliflower sandwich wrap and a classic burger with cashew cheese at this restaurant are delicious! The fries are crispy, and the service is great too. At this restaurant, you definitely can enjoy a nice and big change from the regular vegetarian dishes.
Business Information:
Website: purekitchenottawa.com
Email: tara@purekitchenottawa.com
Phone: +16132337873
Address: 340 Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M5, Canada
Customer Review:
Pros
- A percentage of monthly sales will be directed to their community partners
- Large vegan menu
Cons
- Complaints about customer service
4) Govinda's
Founded in 1981, GOVINDA’S is Ottawa’s first and oldest vegetarian establishment. The restaurant has been operating on a non-profit basis since then with the goal to provide fresh food made from all-natural ingredients at an affordable price for everyone who walks through their doors or calls them up by phone!
The food at this restaurant is so healthy and delicious! You can order rice with curry pakora vegan meatballs. They also serve veggie Kafka balls in a light coconut sauce. For the dessert, the mango blueberry cake is highly recommended.
Business Information:
Website: govindasottawa.ca
Email: govindasottawa@gmail.com
Phone: +16138077037
Address: 212 Rue Somerset St E, Ottawa, ON K1N 6V4, Canada
Customer Review:
Pros
- Affordable prices
- Govinda’s operates on a non-profit basis
Cons
- Closes at 2pm and then reopens at 5:30pm
5) Falafel Scoop
The food at Falafel Scoop is fresh and tasty, with a great atmosphere to match! This place must be on your ‘try’ list because of its reasonable prices with very good tasting dishes. The ingredients that they use are fresh, and the food is nicely represented.
They offer a wide range of falafel sandwiches and platters like SAJ Bread Sandwich with four falafels on special bread with vegetable toppings and tahini sauce. Besides that, you can try eggplant hummus, hot fava beans bowls or arugula salad which are the tastiest vegan dishes. This will definitely become your new favourite place for quick meals to go!
Business Information:
Website: falafelscoop.com
Phone: +16134218000
Address: 398 Kent St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0R6, Canada
Customer Review:
Pros
- Consistent operating hours
- They cater for all occasions
Cons
- Website is not the most user-friendly
6) Peace-Garden Vegetarian Paradise
Peace-Garden is a vegetarian oasis in the Byward Market. They offer delivery, takeout and dine-in options for your meal enjoyment! They have a great selection of vegan and gluten-free food. Definitely give their banana bread a try – you won’t regret it!
The atmosphere is super relaxing, with lots of plants around to give it that homely feel. The curry that they serve is as good as the one you can try in India. It’s perfect for anyone looking to eat some healthy comfort food or just wants something different than what most restaurants offer on their menu. ™
Business Information:
Phone: +16135622434
Address: 47 Clarence St., Ottawa, ON K1N 9K1, Canada
Customer Review:
Pros
- Greating dining environment
- Dishes are always delicious
Cons
- Closed on Wednesdays
7) Greens & Beans
Green & Beans is a great spot for unpretentious vegan Middle Eastern fare. The chicken shawarma plate is flavourful and comes with everything you could possibly want – from delicious meat to three different purees/sauces! Plus, the portion size is generous.
The service at Green & Beans is outstanding – the staff is attentive and knows what customers need without having them ask twice during their visit. And their signature dish, Baba ghanouj, is a creamy eggplant dip seasoned with spices and topped with olive oil that definitely won’t disappoint.
So if you’re in the mood for some good middle eastern food, be sure to check out Green & Beans!
Business Information:
Website: greensbeans.ca
Phone: +16132344040
Address: 137 Main St, Ottawa, ON K1S 1C1, Canada
Customer Review:
Pros
- Consistent operating hours
- Great selection of vegan smoothies
Cons
- Limited seating
8) Pomelo Hat
Pomelo Hat is a local Ottawa-born boba shop and kitchen specializing in unique vegan options for bubble tea, Açai Bowl, as well as other dishes like Macclesfieldaa sandwiches or nuggets.
The ingredients in each dish will catch your eye because they’re natural: not only does it offer healthy alternatives but also reasonable prices compared to most restaurants nearby. They serve some of the best bubble teas in Ottawa. Their tapioca is nice and chewy with a subtle hint of sweetness.
Business Information:
Website: pomelohat.com
Email: pomelohat@hotmail.com
Phone: +16134221110
Address: 1196 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3Y1, Canada
Customer Review:
Pros
- Vegan bubble tea!
- Open everyday
Cons
- Prices are on the higher side
9) Juice Monkey
Juice Monkey is one of the best vegan smoothie places in town. Not only are their smoothies refreshingly tasty, but they’re also healthy for you! They have many different toppings like peach or caramel to choose from in case your appetite isn’t satisfied yet.
All of the food on the menu is healthy and delicious. Besides smoothies, they serve customizable wraps and bowls for example with cauliflower rice. This definitely will become your to-go lunch spot.
So what are you waiting for? Make sure to check out Juice Monkey today! You won’t regret it.
Business Information:
Website: thejuicemonkey.ca
Email: team@thejuicemonkey.ca
Phone: +16132370303
Address: 209 Slater St., Ottawa, ON K1P 0A8, Canada
Customer Review:
Pros
- Does catering
- Convienient downtown location
Cons
- Prices are on the higher side
10) Gather Café + Kitchen
Gather Café + Kitchen is a neighbourhood pop-up café that serves up plant-powered bowls, espresso energised drinks, sweet & savoury baked goods, and handmade pantry staples from their food truck. Chef & Owner Emily Anderson was born and raised in Ottawa and has always had a passion for living locally – whether at home or abroad. After years of travelling to Toronto, she’s excited to be back in her hometown of Ottawa and bringing her new culinary concept to the community.
You can try special seasonal bowls with fusilli pasta, cheesy veggie-cashew sauce, seedy crumble, fresh parsley, red chilli flakes and crunchy sprouts. It’s a perfect combination for a cozy winter lunch. You can also try their daily vegan fresh muffins, loaves, scones, and more. At Gather you can enjoy delicious meals made with fresh ingredients sourced right in central Ontario while supporting small businesses like yours!
Business Information:
Website: gathercafekitchen.com
Email: gathercafekitchen@gmail.com
Address: 7210 Parkway Rd, Ottawa, ON K4P 1K6, Canada
Customer Review:
Pros
- wholesome, plant-powered food
- Offers both savoury and sweet
Cons
- Food truck is closed for winter season
11) Hometown Sports Grill
Hometown Sports Grill is a restaurant features an extensive vegan menu options. They serve freshly-made food in house, as well as catering to private, corporate and major events. Their ingredient is carefully selected to ensure that our customers enjoy a truly unique dining experience. Whether you’re looking for something casual or special occasioned, they can accommodate your needs with ease.
Their vegan menu is prepared with strict policies in their kitchen to guard against cross contamination using dedicated utensils and appliances. Their vegan mains feature Hometown wrap with seasoned beyond or impossible patty, lettuce, tomatoes, bbq mayo and fresh cut fries. You can also enjoy vegan lasagna with starter garden salad and garlic bread. So wherever your cravings may be, consider Hometown Sports Grill to experience the best vegan meal.
Business Information:
Website: hometownsportsgrill.ca
Email: tasso@hometowncatering.ca
Phone: +16137330808
Address: 1525 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1H 7Z1, Canada
Customer Review:
Pros
- Not only vegan but various other meals too
- Accept party reservations
- Open 7 days a week
Cons
- Complaints on music being too loud
12) Hungry Babe
Hungry Babe is a vegan food store that specialises in providing handcrafted Ottawa-made meals. The menu features healthy and affordable meals made with fresh, local ingredients. In addition to vegan fare, Hungry Babe also offers gluten-free options and allergy friendly menus for those who are intolerant of certain foods or allergens. All of the dishes are prepared using only natural cooking methods and without any artificial additives or preservatives.
Their salad bowls are an amazing way to have a tasty meal. The Pirogi Bowl is made with kale, brown rice, red pepper, green onion, red cabbage, maple brussels sprouts, lentil “bacon”, garlic perogies, dill ranch. It’s a perfect combination of nutrients and protein to balance your vegan diet. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or something hearty enough to serve as a main course, these salads have everything you need and more!
Business Information:
Website: hungrybabe.ca
Email: tina@hungrybabe.ca
Address: 5340 Canotek Rd Unit 21, Gloucester, ON K1J 9C8, Canada
Customer Review:
Pros
- Easy online order system
- Orders can be picked up
Cons
- No calorie information
13) Shinka Sushi Bar
Shinka is a restaurant that offers an authentic experience when it comes to dining out. The team at Shinka aims to procide creative and fresh sushi options, no matter what the customer’s preference may be. Whether you’re looking for traditional or vegan sushi, you can rest assured that the quality of your meal will be exceptional.
In addition to providing top-quality seafood dishes, Shinka also features a wide range of wine and sake selections so guests can enjoy their evening while savouring some fine Japanese cuisine.
Their vegan menu includes poke bowls like Vegan Deluxe poke with tempura onion rings, fried sweet potatoes and vegan sauces. You can also order one of the many Maki options. Like the favourite vegan Kamikadze with marinated fried tofu and japanese mint. Thanks to its talented and hard working staff, Shinka continues to be one of Ottawa’s favourite restaurants!
Business Information:
Website: shinkasushibar.com
Email: info@shinkasushibar.com
Phone: +16135658998
Address: 2900 Sheffield Rd, Ottawa, ON K1B 1A4, Canada
Customer Review:
Pros
- Opens everyday
- Convenient order online
- Offers community delivery
Cons
- A few complaints about price
14) Naturally Vero
Naturally Vero café is a great place to go for healthy, nourishing food. The café offers amazing specialty coffees and teas, fresh juices, enlightening smoothie bowls, delectable bites and meals to grab on the go. All of the menu items are made with natural ingredients and are designed to help you feel your best. In addition to providing delicious foods, Naturally Vero cafe strives to provide an environment that is conducive to relaxation and stress relief.
The shop’s decor includes soothing colours and soft lighting intended to create a relaxing atmosphere in which you can enjoy your meal or drink. As part of their commitment towards promoting healthfulness among its customers, Naturally Vero cafe also provides educational materials about dieting and nutrition as well as tips for achieving optimum wellness through proper eating habits.
Business Information:
Website: naturallyvero.com/contact
Email: info@naturallyvero.com
Phone: +18195768080
Address: 58 Chem. Old Chelsea Unit 117, Chelsea, Quebec J9B 0C9, Canada
Customer Review:
Pros
- Delivery to door
- Both meal package and dine-in option
- compostable packaging
Cons
- Some complaints about price
15) Baccanalle
Baccanalle is your destination to taste the Caribbean Lifestyle! Based in Ottawa, Baccanalle offers ready-to-eat and stock-the-freezer individual and family style meals, catering as well as artisan foods & drinks. Preorder pickup and delivery options – same day options available during opening hours. At Baccanale they are all about creating a culinary experience that captures the essence of the sun, sand & palm trees…
They have everything from freezer prepared meals like signature vegan patties to handmade artisan food items with tips on how you can recreate their dishes at home. You can choose from their classic mixed vegetable or faux vegan “beef” filling, house blend of herbs and spices and scratch pastry for patties. Perfect to have on hand for snacks, light meals or a quick tapas. They freeze well and are easily heated in the microwave or oven.
Business Information:
Website: baccanalle.com
Email: info@baccanalle.com
Phone: +16138596297
Address: 1805 Gaspé Ave, Ottawa, ON K1K 0A4, Canada
Customer Review:
Pros
- 15% when you sign up newsletter
- vegan, gluten free, and halal options
- Google portion and quality
Cons
- Take out only
FAQs About Vegan Food
Vegetarians do not eat meat, fish, or poultry, but may consume dairy and eggs. Vegans, on the other hand, do not consume any animal products whatsoever. This includes dairy, eggs, honey, and gelatin.
Not necessarily! While some vegan foods (such as meat and dairy substitutes) can be more expensive, there are many affordable vegan options as well. Beans, rice, lentils, and vegetables are all relatively cheap and can be used to create a variety of tasty dishes.
There are many potential health benefits to veganism, as it is often a very healthy diet. Vegans tend to have lower rates of obesity, heart disease, and type II diabetes. They also consume more fibre and vitamins than non-vegans.
Of course, everyone is different, and you should always consult with a doctor or registered dietitian before making any major dietary changes.
Animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of greenhouse gas emissions, so veganism can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Veganism is also associated with less water consumption and land usage than meat-based diets.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a delicious vegan meal, Ottawa has no shortage of great restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for Indian food, Thai cuisine, or something else entirely, there’s sure to be a vegan restaurant that will satisfy your cravings. And if you know of another great vegan restaurant that we missed, let us know in the comments!
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