19 best vegan restaurants in Boston

Whether you’re visiting their classic Cambridge cafe, South End wellness collaborative or one of its seven other locations, this organic, plant-forward cafe is a hot stop for any meal. Acai bowls and powerfood-packed smoothies are a morning pick-me-up, warm grain bowls and hearty salads are the perfect lunch or dinner, and sweet treats like avocado chocolate mousse cover all the bases. They also offer an extensive cold-pressed juice menu, coffee drinks and superfood lattes to keep you energized.  

It’s the dream diner for the vegetarian and vegan crowd—all of the down-home classics with none of the animal products. The menu is a marvel of meatless innovation: breakfast sandwiches, BLTs with house-made tempeh bacon and "chick’n and waffles." Dishes are either vegan by default or can be made to be totally plant-based with some modifications. There's even a vegan bakery, which somehow manages to make tasty desserts without using eggs, milk or butter. Even the carnivore crowd is too busy gorging on the delicious grub to notice what’s missing.

PlantPub is booming in Boston. They serve up 100% plant-based food and craft beer at their Kendall Square and Fenway locations, giving you a healthy twist on your favorite comfort foods. Indulge in a margherita pizza and chocolate frappe before you head into Fenway Park for a game.  

Mouthwatering ramen is challenging to come by, yet alone vegan ramen. The vegan offerings at Red White Buddha Ramen are classic, though, even attracting those who may not follow a plant-based diet 24/7. The founder of Red White Buddha uses veg-heavy recipes inspired by the vegan dining style of Buddhist monks in Japan to bring the traditional Shojin flavors to the streets of Newbury.

This vegan-specific eatery and casual Allston stalwart has been a go-to spot among area vegetable-lovers for years. The substantial menu features pan-Asian standards packed with veggies, as well as tofu, seitan and vegan versions of meat and seafood. Made with “battered gluten,” the No Name dish features a tasty sweet-and-sour sauce and is a crowd favorite. Desserts include vegan shakes and cakes. Price and hospitality are also a draw, making Grasshopper a long-time fave for a vegan meal.

Lulu Green serves organic, seasonal foods and cold pressed juices. Located in South Boston, Lulu Green strives to offer something delicious for anyone, whether they follow a plant-based diet or not. Dishes like the organic hummus bowl and organic quinoa bowl make for hearty and healthy lunches. Whereas the acai bowls are tasty afternoon pick-me-ups that are a great swap for the donut many of us typically go for. But the true can’t miss are the cold pressed juices. Coming in combinations that feel more like treats rather than cleanses, these are just the thing to get you back on a healthy kick. Our favorites are the Play on Player and the Beauty Tonic.

For the vegan ice cream lover, FoMu is the spot to be. All ice creams, novelties and cakes are handmade from plant-based ingredients—they specify, “not in a lab.” The signature ice cream, creamy and gelato-like, is made with coconut milk. Flavors are seasonal and made in small batches. You’ll even find novelties such as chocolate chip brownies, magic bars, ice cream bars, cookie sandwiches, ChocoTacos and ice cream cakes through their bakery.

My Thai’s huge menu of flavorful dishes offers a variety of choices for vegans and vegetarians alike. From soups and salads to appetizers and mains, it’s all vegan. There’s a lot of tofu on the menu, but the faux “shrimp,” “chicken,” “beef,” and “duck” dishes are flavorful enough to rival the real thing. They even have vegan bubble tea! Favorites include the avocado medley with yellow curry (served in a fresh, whole avocado), and a fried taro root “bird’s nest” filled with veggies and spicy green curry. For dessert, their sweet rice and mango is a must. Dishes are authentically Thai, and spiciness can be adjusted according to your personal preferences.

For more than a decade, True Bistro has offered a high-end, seasonal vegan dining experience, with a candle-lit dining room that complements the innovative, artfully prepared dishes. The menu changes regularly to reflect what’s fresh and in season. Fresh salads and small plates, such as deep-fried oyster mushroom with guajillo chili sauce and horseradish dill aioli, lead the way for larger plates like fire-roasted pepper ravioli with corn. Brunch is offered Saturdays and Sundays.

Vegans know how to party, too, and Taco Party has just what you need for a vegan Mexican night out. This colorful spot in Somerville offers more than just nachos with a vegan cheese substitute. Fill your tacos with innovative options such as jackfruit (a pretty decent pulled pork substitute), chimichurri tempeh or chorizo seitan. Nachos feature sunflower seed cheese and cashew crema, tortas are made with chorizo seitan or fried tofu, and smoky black beans make a great side. 

Branded as “casual fine dining,” the menu at this Arlington and Brookline eatery covers a wide range of Asian cuisines, including Thai, Malaysian, Indian, Japanese and classic American-Chinese. Everything here is vegan, featuring soy protein and seitan. Popular options include traditional udon, pad thai and other noodle dishes, as well as General Tso’s soy protein, Orange seitan, Korean kimchi, sizzling tofu teriyaki and a range of flavorful salads and appetizers. Blended teas and vegan desserts round out a full, varied menu. Check out the lunch specials offered on weekdays.

Clover has quickly become a local culinary empire, with locations scattered around the Greater Boston area. Healthful vegetarian concoctions are Clover's calling card, with their passion for food quality shining in their dishes. Vegan options include the chickpea fritter, Vegan BBQ seitan, hummus, and French fries with rosemary. Seasonal sandwiches, platters, and soups are always rotating on Clover’s menu based upon what produce is in season in New England. 

Beatnic (formerly known as By Chloe) takes plant-based dining to the next level with creative, vegan-only menu highlights including Quinoa Taco Salad and Guac Burger. The restaurant says they were inspired by the individuality and “you-be-you” attitude of their original location of Greenwich Village, which certainly shines through their unique dishes in Boston. If you’re looking for a dessert, grab their Cookies N’ Dream Bar, which basically tastes like a giant Oreo.

This casual, counter-service joint offers made-from-scratch comfort foods. In addition to the longtime favorite location behind Boston City Hall, their second location, Saus at Bow Market, is fully vegetarian, aside from the egg salad sandwich. Their dishes can also be made vegan. Dishes like the cauli-falafel sandwich and Renny Dog (a Beyond Meat dog done Chicago-Style) are already vegan, while items like the Pineapple-Teriyaki "Pulled Pork" sandwich can be made vegan upon request! Vegan poutine? They've got it. And, in case you’re not sold, any of the delicious vegetarian grain bowls can be veganized, too.

Vegan pizzas and pastas are decadent and delicious at this Newbury Street haunt, the fifth location of the popular Italian eatery. Trust us: dishes like the pepperoni pizza and the cacio e pepe are so good that you’ll be shocked that you’re in a plant-based restaurant. Round up a crew of friends and order several pizzas to share, while also checking out their wine offerings. 

We know what you’re thinking, “Cheese isn’t vegan!” Roxy's is renowned for its killer grilled cheese sandwiches and grass-fed burgers, but their creative flair welcomes vegans, too. Both the Allston and Central Square locations offer vegan grilled cheese sandwiches using Daiya vegan cheese. Get a simple vegan grilled cheese or try the vegan Buffalo Tofu, topped with house-made ranch.

From its casual space in Brookline’s Washington Square, Stoked satisfies locals’ cravings for gourmet pizza. The quality of fresh, local ingredients at Stoked will impress even meat lovers, but vegans can appreciate a whole menu just for them of appetizers and pizzas. Waffle fries come with a vegan chipotle aioli, and veggie-heavy pies come with or without vegan cheese. The buffalo spinach and cauliflower pizza features a vegan buffalo sauce, and the vegan cheeseburger pizza is loaded with Impossible Burger meat alternative. If you’re looking to wash it all down with a cold drink, this is a great spot for cocktails on draft or a craft brew from the local beer scene!

Cocobeet is known and loved by healthy eaters—vegan or otherwise—for its extensive range of cold-pressed juices and smoothies. You don’t need to commit to a cleanse, though, as Cocobeet has also built up a following for its Pure Foods menu of organic, vegan grab-and-go meals. There are options for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack time, all made with natural ingredients. The ever-changing menu features variations on avocado toast, refreshing salads, quinoa burgers and “un-tuna” sandwiches, plus energy-boosting raw snacks.

Tucked in the Four Corners neighborhood of Dorchester, Oasis is an incredibly popular vegan restaurant that exudes positivity. Create your own meal by choosing from the grain, stew, or veggie options, or ordering a thick wrap filled with Miser wat, spicy veggies, and vegan cheese.