The Official PlantKind Restaurant Directory
*please check with restaurant by calling ahead or asking your server if menu items are currently vegan. Menus and ingredients change so it’s best to be safe!
updated May 2016
~Restaurants by ethnic cuisine offering vegan options
THAI
Green Papaya
256 Preston St
1374 Baseline Rd
60 Rue Laurier, Gatineau (Papaye Verte)
Known for quick and friendly service and located in 3 spots in Ottawa. Beautifully decorated and comfortable atmosphere. They make orange walls look so chic! Lemongrass tea served in adorable elephant tea cups. Green leaves beside vegetarian choices. We suggest to still ask for no fish sauce. The dishes are very aromatic and include stir fried eggplant and vegan pad thai. Preston location has a nice, spacious covered patio. Gatineau location is right across from the Canadian Museum of History. Perfect for a small or medium sized groups.
Talay Thai
511 Bank St. (Centretown)
Talay Thai has that decor and set up that just exudes South Pacific charm. Paintings of lush tropical scenes and exotic birds, gold finish on furniture and statues and the smells of bamboo and jasmine rice. And the food? Lots for vegans including fish sauce-free veggie thai red, green and yellow curries (on request), lemongrass tea and many other fresh and delicious choices. Smaller location, therefore make reservations.
Khao Thai
103 Murray St (Byward Market)
A great choice for vegan Thai. Has a full vegetarian menu and can do vegan curries. Fast service and trendy atmosphere. Has a modern vibe to traditional Thai dishes. Loyalists of Khao get the Three Kings fried taro root appetizer or the curries. The staff will remember you if you come back often and may even remember your vegan requests!
Lemongrass Thai
331 Elgin St
http://ottawalemongrass.com/home
Very quaint, elegant date night spot. comfy seats beside windows or tables of 4 enclosed in chain curtains. Food is served in artful fashion such as martini glass veggie spring rolls and deep bowls for curries. Many veg friendly items on menu and can do a red vegan curry. Full of the fragrant flavours of garlic, keffir lime and chili for authentic taste. Enjoy with warm sake or a glass of wine.
Bangkok Thai Garden
370 Dalhousie St, Ottawa
A long time favorite for vegan friendly thai options. Pretty decor and authentic lemongrass tea. They can make fish sauce-free curries on request and you veganize the pad thai. Many dishes are already vegan and they are all delicious! Dear to me as it was my first experience eating vegan at a restaurant.
Coriander Thai
282 Kent St
http://www.corianderthaiottawa.co
This was the location of my first vegan meetup! I felt veganism was easy when eating this delicious food. I wasn’t yet into documenting every piece of food I ate into photos but at least someone caught a photo of me, pre-vegan with the lovely Kyle. Very fresh and colourful, beautifully presented Thai. Most vegetarian choices can be made vegan. Exceptional spring rolls and lemongrass tea. Cute location in centretown. Don’t miss this place!
Phuket Royale
713 Somerset st West
Fun name and great food. The thing I love about Phuket Royale is that it is not oily. This is a big bonus for small appetites (you can eat more!) and it’s healthier. They do vegan curries! Bright atmosphere, bring your friends and share a couple of veggie dishes.
Khao Yum Thai
5562 Manotick Main St
http://www.khaoyumthairestaurant.com
In a beautiful and scenic part of Manotick is this great find for vegan authentic thai food. There is an array of vegan appetizers from tofu dishes to soups and salads as well as delicious vegan friendly main dishes. Their signature dish is the Khao Yum salad which uses a variety of fragrant fresh herbs and veggies. Worth the drive. You have to check it out!
VIETNAMESE
Pho Thu Do
781 Somerset St. W. (Chinatown)
There are many pho restaurants in Chinatown and around the city. But because pho is traditionally beef noodle soup, vegan pho is hard to come by. Pho Tu Do on Somerset has it! Best described as the pho place with “the green sign”, Pho Tu Do offers a small veggie menu including vegetarian pho and rice wraps. Be careful to order the “vegetarian pho with veggie broth”. The service is quick and they remember your order after a few visits.
Veggie Pho Also available at
Asian Stars
So Good
Asian Fusion
Asian Stars Restaurant
1380 Clyde Avenue (Nepean)
Asian Stars has separate fully vegan menu. They have various noodle soups with that delicious star anise and lemongrass flavour, rice wraps, stir frys and traditional dishes like General Tao’s. They have an edge because they offer faux meat (“vegan chicken, beef or pork) or tofu. The food is very fresh and beautifully presented. Vegans and omnis alike love this place. Perfect for a vegan meetup or friend hang out.
Bambu
3993 Riverside Drive
A big restaurant with flavours from Chinese, Thai and japanese cuisine located near T&T market. The vegetable section is almost all vegan minus the oyster sauce dishes. A great choice for a holiday staff party or family affair. Has booths or big tables. It’s definitely friendly for those who aren’t as experimental with their ethnic cuisine (think omni parents, co workers). The dishes are big portions too!
Mongolian Village
1980 Ogilvie Rd, Ste 159 (at Blair)
http://www.mongolianvillage.ca
Very group and double date friendly restaurant located outside beside the Gloucester centre mall. Pick your own ingredients (so make it vegan yourself), ask the staff to help you with which sauces are vegan and sample them before you have it prepared stir fry style. Unlimited rice and vegetable soup with your order. Vegetarians and vegans get a 10% discount on their meal.
Chahaya Malaysia
1690 Montreal Road (Gloucester)
http://chahaya.foodpages.ca/?vmenuo=1#13
A Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine family owned restaurant. The flavours are a bit like the best of vietnamese, thai and chinese food in one! Has a spicy, rich flavor including garlic, chili and tamarind. The owners will help you navigate the menu. Dine in the bright and cozy spot or take out.
CHINESE
So Good
717 Somerset St. W (Chinatown)
So Good is among the oldest Chinatown vegan friendly restaurants. The menu has countless vegan items. If you reserve the big round table, you can bring lots of friends and order many choices and spin the lazy susan to try them all. There are some favorites that even non vegans rave about such as the salt and pepper tofu. Their noodle soups are great and you can order sake when it’s freezing cold out. The staff is friendly and the owner, Peter will help you navigate the menu and small talk up a storm with you! If you’re watching the oil- order steamed dishes or ask for less oil.
Shanghai
651 Somerset St. W (Chinatown)
http://shanghairestaurantottawa.com/
A fun-loving, cool spot with local artist’s work decorating the walls in Chinatown, Lots of classic dishes done vegetarian like General Tao’s tofu or coconut curry. Saturday evening are karaoke night with China China Doll. It makes for a cool and laid back dining experience. People are very loyal to this restaurant and you’ll see why if you go.
JAPANESE
Genji
175 Lisgar Street (Centretown)
Genji is a quaint, chic sushi bar that is a-la-carte style with many vegan options. You can ask the staff the vegan-ize some of the non vegan options too by modifying or omitting non vegan ingredients. Good flavour assortment like radish rolls and shiitake mushroom rolls. For smaller appetites or more expensive taste. They have a good sake selection too. Perfect for a small group or date.
Sushi Go
827 Bank St. (Glebe) Closed
48 Byward Market
340 Albert St. (Downtown)
3712 Innes Rd. (Orleans)
20 blvd. du Plateau (Secteur Hull)
Great take out, (made to order and fridge ready) and dine-in sushi. Fun environment with mellow tunes playing. Lots of reasonably priced a-la-carte vegetarian sushi. Can modify any order to veganize it. For example; ask for sun dried tomato roll with avocado instead of cream cheese or ask for no mayo on some veg sushi rolls. Also have great quality tea. Perfect for a picnic!
168 Sushi
1651 Merivale Rd. (Nepean)
1760 St. Laurent Blvd. (Elmvale)
The bustling and glamorous atmosphere and iPad ordering make this large all you can eat restaurant great. Quick and accurate service and lots of veggie options. Will do no mayo on request. Good for big groups. Pricier for all you can eat sushi, but you get to feel super glam while stuffing it in!
Sushi Kan
1910 Innes Rd. (Gloucester)
1280 Baseline Rd. (Nepean)
655 Kanata Ave. (Kanata)
228 Albert St. (Downtown)
A favorite all you can eat sushi place for bigger groups. Lots of fresh healthier options such as seaweed salad, edamame and cold tofu. Easy to navigate menu with full descriptions. Can modify veggie rolls to omit mayo. They have fried banana rolls for dessert. Reasonably priced. It’s been my family’s go-to for sibling hang outs. I’ve also seen runner groups in carbing up before races!
Tomo
109 Clarence St in Byward Market
If your omni friends suggest going here, don’t pass it up! You will have to navigate the menu pretty carefully to put together what is vegan but it can be done with pretty great results. From veggie sushi rolls to udon noodles and little traditional add ons like edamame and seaweed salad. The best part is the atmosphere. The beautiful old world meets graffiti geisha murals are amazing, the sake barrel wall is super artistic and even the bathroom is instagrammable. They double as a hip night club so you could go just for cocktails and nibble on a few vegan friendly treats.
ETHIOPIAN
Hareg Cafe
587 Bank St. in the Glebe
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hareg-Cafe/576021932430846
This adorable restaurant has only recently gained massive popularity after being officially “discovered” by many Ottawa vegans and loved for its authentic and delicious all you can eat vegetarian buffet. The price is more than fair and is less than the non-vegan buffet. The all-vegan buffet is available every day of the week. Try the traditional ethiopian coffee complete with the ceremony at least once. The owners spend part of their year as vegans for religious purposes and are knowledgeable about healthy and delicious vegan dishes. The injera is also gluten-free. They deliver as well.
Blue Nile
707 Gladstone Avenue (new location!)
http://bluenileottawa.com/cuisine.html
A standard Ethiopian choice. This restaurant is a perfect way to show your friends vegan eating can be exciting, entertaining and delicious. Order a vegetarian combo plate that you can share with up to 5 or 6 people (all stew selections added per person). Can be ordered individually as well. The stews or wot are savoury and spicy pea and lentil based dishes. Luckily they’re as healthy as they are delicious. Support this family owned gem.
Habesha
574 Rideau Street (Sandy Hill)
Habesha is an Ethiopian restaurant with years of service to downtown Ottawa. The injera is always fresh and the veggie option is a hearty portion. They feature a traditional Kale stir fry and have a garlic flavour to most of their stews. The location is quite humble so go on a night where you don’t expect to be fancy. Down the street on Rideau from Horn of Africa- give them both your love!
Horn of Africa
364 Rideau Street (Sandy Hill)
Beloved by many and is the original Ethiopian restaurant in Ottawa. The injera is slightly more appealing to first timers as it is more wheat based than the traditional dark coloured teff flour injera. The veggie platter features a delicious array of vegetable and bean stews and a salad in the centre. A table for two might find you at the traditional straw tables or you can sit on the balcony and people watch on Rideau Street.
ITALIAN
Mamma Grazzi’s
25 George St. (Byward Market)
Classy Italian in the Byward Market. They do a variety of sauce styles but the red (tomato or pomodoro) sauces and oil based pastas are considered vegan. Ingredients can be modified to be vegan. interesting combinations like pine nuts and raisins. When the weather is warm, sit on the patio in the courtyard or sit upstairs in a cozy atmosphere.
Fiazza Fresh Fired
88 Murray St. (Byward Market)
Build your own pizza and incorporate vegan cheese at this hip and ultra modern pizza place in the market. Super fresh and gourmet toppings to make a pretty sexy vegan creation! Desserts from Strawberry Blonde available. Great in summer or winter!
Zazaza Pizza with Pizzaz
1079 Wellington St. W. (Hintonburg) *Stay Tuned, we here Za might be changing in the near future
Modern Pizzeria in Hintonburg. Lot’s of gourmet veggie toppings like eggplant, hummus, zucchini, asparagus, artichoke, and mushrooms. You’ll have to go cheeseless, but sometimes that is awesome in it’s own right. Double check on butter sauteed veggies and ask for an alternative.
La Dolce Vita
180 Preston Street
http://www.ladolcevitapreston.ca
Quaint and rather small restaurant on Preston. Even if you don’t avoid gluten you’ll want to try the delicious gluten free cashew pesto vegan pizza.You have to ask for it specifically and there is an extra charge. Try it with the already vegetarian gourmet pizzas, with no cheese. This is a delicious spot in Little italy.
Roberto’s Pizza
348 Preston Street
Sports themed modern vibed pizza kitchen in little Italy. Lot’s of pre selected combos that can be made vegan minus the cheese. Think roasted kale, artichokes, porcini mushroom. Will let you sub an ingredient plus an extra substitute for not getting cheese! It’s healthiest with nothin’ faux dairy on it anyway! Sip a San Pellegrino and an espresso in this quaint location, perfect for a friend date.
MEXICAN
Ahora
307 Dalhousie St. (Byward Market)
This hip and modern Mexican restaurant is very popular and sometimes has hungry guests lining up for tables! The menu features simple, authentic and delicious Latin American cuisine including vegan tacos, enchiladas, burritos etc. One of the best parts about Ahora no doubt is the salsa bar. They serve endless mild and hot tomato salsas, salsa verdes and hot peppers. Go when you have time to wait and bring laid back, hungry friends. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
El Camino
380 Elgin St
Tacos are the most popular things these days! You can’t leave vegans out of that. El Camino needs a little more coaxing to get fully onboard with vegan options but they know how to make their eggplant tacos vegan as well as their gourmet salsa and some other appetizers. I wager the more vegans who frequent this super popular spot, the more demand for vegan items there will be. We are out and about and demand delicious tacos! Sip a cocktail while you make your case. Wonderful tequila selection.
Taco Lot
999 Wellington St W
A small “lot” located in Hintonburg near Suzy Q and Simply Raw. Go grab a veggie taco with all the toppings for a quick and casual lunch in outside. You can’t go wrong with vegan latin food. Outside seating in warm weather.
Burrito Shack
775 Bank St in the Glebe
473 SunnySide Avenue
A casual hang out with seating and colourful and hip Dia de Los Muertos decor and interior brick. If you ask for vegetarian (beans no cheese) you’ll end up with a burrito as big as your head! Many of the sauces are naturally vegan and they can modify or change things for you. Lots of fresh ingredients. The use local produce where possible. The Sunnyside location is perfect for Carleton U students. Go try!
Agave Grill
1331 Wellington St
Little Southwestern cuisine spot in Wellington West. Bright and modern atmosphere. Lots of Veggie options including a vegetarian section which can be made vegan. They also have a bean burrito which isn’t in the vegetarian section of the menu so don’t miss it because burritos might be the best vegan thing since…ever! Agave Grill’s burrito rates up there. Additional vegan friendly sides. Lovely bar seating area and double date night type atmosphere.
Bar Burrito
176 Rideau St
280 West Hunt Club Rd
100 Bayshore Dr (in The Bayshore Shopping Centre Food Court)
http://www.barburrito.ca/menu/
A good idea when you are in need of a massive vegan burrito fix. Casual Fast food type eatery. This place is badass. Our favourite is large beans and rice on a whole wheat tortilla with black, pinto and refried beans loaded with salsa and all the veggies and a line of hot sauce. Beware, their hot sauce is legit!
INDIAN
Haveli
39 Clarence St in Byward Market
Haveli has got to be known as one of the best vegan Indian spots in the city. Considering they have it right on the website that they “aim to please vegetarians and vegans” it is important to them. They have a great decor, gold plates and warm decor. Great vegetarian menu selection with great description and which the staff can help you decipher what’s vegan if you still aren’t sure. One huge bonus is that it is not overly oily and this means it’s not only healthier but you can sample more without getting full. Order several dishes with a date or friend and try many dishes. Show Haveli some love!
Shafali and Shafali Bazaar
302 Dalhousie St
55 Byward Market Square
Standard Indian dishes though the owner is Bangladeshi. You’ll recognize the names of many dishes. The menu is straightforward and breaks down with a veggie option for most dishes. The Byward market location Shafali Bazaar, is a lunch only “curry in a hurry” style while the Dalhousie location is lunch and dinner. Warm and vibrant decor in the sit down location and the same colours decorate the Byward location. A good place to go on a cold night.
Govinda’s Vegan Buffet
212 Somerset Street East (Sandy Hill)
613-565-6544
A Hare Krishna temple. This translates into a humble, cozy place for students, neighbors and everybody. It is authentic East Indian, naturally vegan and all you can eat. $5 for students and 7 for everyone else. Donation box at the front. Come in, take off your shoes and eat away. Buffet includes a salad, soup and curries and dessert. It nice to be mindful of noise and conversation here. The staff are super friendly and humble. It’s a go-to for students and those seeking a healthy and humble dinner. The kind of pace that feels so good to be in out of a cold and dark night. Hosts an annual free of charge week called “feed the hungry week” (food or money donations accepted). Hours are Mon – Fri, 5-8 pm.
Light of India
730 Bank Street (Glebe)
An original Ottawa indian restaurant of the Glebe. Many Indian dishes are naturally vegetarian and the staff will help you navigate the vegan choices. They serve your food onto portable heated surfaces and serve endless complimentary papadum which is amazing. The lentil dahl is exquisite. A true Indian establishment, they have dishes ranging from baby mild to vindaloo very very hot dishes. Choose your chili wisely.
East India Company
210 Somerset St
You will leave stuffed! This all you can eat has authentic East Indian has naturally vegan items that the staff are happy to point out for you. They always offer some a-la-carte additional vegan items at no extra charge. They have a fantastic pickle and chutney bar. Cool atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re transported to India. Great for a work function or family get together.
GREEK
EVOO
438 Preston St. (Little Italy)
http://www.evoogreekkitchen.ca/
Greek in little Italy! you have to navigate your own way through the menu and choose what’s vegan and what could be modified, but the staff are willing to help and may even make something off menu for you like a quinoa stuffed pepper or traditional roasted beets. As is evident in the name, this restaurant is heavy on the extra virgin olive oil. Lots of wines to choose from and a classy contemporary atmosphere.
Aroma Mezze
239 Nepean St.
http://www.aromameze.com/Home/tabid/2164/Default.aspx
A classy and minimal greek mezze restaurant in downtown. Mos items which look vegetarian can be modified to be vegan with a server’s assistance. From potato based dishes to fresh herb and veggie dishes to mezze (dips and spreads with pita), you can create a great dinner and get a taste of the greek isles.
Greek On Wheels
3 Hawthorne Avenue
1223 Cobden Road
Greek fast food drop in or deliver only. I wonder how many orders have been placed at GOW by night shift workers since they opened? They deliver late (open till 11pm) so it’s a go-to for many. The ingredients are fresh and though the veggie options are more vegetarian friendly than vegan, you can ask for no tzatziki or cheese. Get a platter or sandwich or greek potatoes.
SRI LANKAN
Ceylonta
403 Somerset Street West (Centretown)
2920 Carling Avenue (Pinecrest)
Authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. Many dishes can be easily made vegan. Vegan’s love the veggie thali, which is a signature dishes. You must like at least some spice. Sri Lankan cuisine has a blend of beautiful aromas and chili heat. The atmosphere is bright and authentically south asian. Includes an all you can eat lunch buffet on weekdays.
Kothu Roti
408 Dalhousie Street (Byward Market)
A little gem on Dalhousie. Many vegan dishes including the vegetarian version of Kothu Roti. Ceylonta owned. Go there if you’re shopping at Rideau and get hungry or if you’re an Ottawa U student and are stuck near campus all day. Take-out or delivery
CARIBBEAN
Flavours of the Caribbean *closed
259 York Street (Sandy Hill/Byward Market)
http://www.flavoursofthecaribbean.com/
Ottawa rejoiced when Flavours of the Caribbean re-opened after nearly six years closed! (Formerly Caribbean Flavours). An Ottawa vegan favourite of many as the owner Frederick always had vegan’s backs and served us well with many regular meetups. The main excitement is the roti, beautiful to behold (nice presentation when upgraded to a platter!) and amazing to eat. Choose tempeh, tofu, channa, vegetable, sweet potato and potato. house made ginger beer and sorrel complete the experience. There is a new vegan rum cake as well. Family owned and operated. The owner, Frederick will come out and meet you and share laughs and good times. Definitely a laid back vibe and island tunes playing. Plan to stay and have nowhere to go in a hurry- you’ll want to stay awhile!
MIDDLE EASTERN
By no means is each Shawarma place exactly like the next, but it’s more comprehensive to group them so that you can see the differences. Most Shawarma place offer a vegan option in a falafel sandwich. You can get individual vegan friendly options such as hummus and pita, baba ganoush (roasted eggplant) dip, roasted veggies, potatoes, pickled turnips and salad. Lebanese food is typically served in a line style, small casual sit down atmosphere. Some of the most noteworthy are:
Shawarma Palace
464 Rideau St
2949 Carling Avenue
2440 Bank St
Has the most delicious hummus and vegan friendly garlic sauce (a big deal) call ahead to make sure that is still true!
Shawarma’s King
395 Bank St
Has one of the best vegetarian combo plates and dolmas (grape leaves). One of the most well known in Ottawa.
Cedar and Co.
1255 Bank St
1793 Kilborn Ave
Full Shawarma bar featuring many vegetarian options. Many delicious Baba ganoush and Mama ganoush and spicy vegan friendly dips and spreads available by weight. You can ask which are vegan friendly and sample any dip before choosing! Look for the full description under the store section. This place is awesome and continues to accomodate vegans!
~Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants
Cafe My House
1015 Wellington Street West (Hintonburg)
Loved in it’s original location and now a go-to in Hintonburg and for all of Ottawa. It features a very boho and slow living vibe as though you were suddenly in Portland or L.A. All vegan menu with creative additions such as the delicious cheese board and pickles, bean based sausage and jackfruit tacos. You’ll enjoy the moonlit like atmosphere and sweet cocktails in mason jars. Lover’s of the original Bank St. CMH can still get the waffle BLT and tempeh benedict for brunch hours. Full selection of nut based raw cheezecakes. Take a date in the evening and your crew for brunch.
Pure Kitchen
357 Richmond Rd. (Westboro)
http://www.purekitchenottawa.com/
Opened by Ottawa’s Pure Yoga studio, Pure Kitchen is a modern, classy, almost all-vegan spot. Health conscious choices like big fresh bowls and soups decorated with edible flowers. naughty choices like quinoa onion rings and cauliflower buffalo wings. Clean white walls and partly open kitchen and beautiful bar seating. Patio overlooks Westboro in summer. Take out sandwiches, juices and smoothies. Equator coffee and their own fresh fun menu. You can take your family there to win them over or simply enjoy a dessert such as a vegan macaron de Paris and local bubbly like Hinterland Whitecap from Prince Edward County.
Simply Raw Express
989 Wellington Street West (Hintonburg)
A little cafe and juice bar in Hintonburg opened by Simply Raw’s Natasha Kyssa. Heart warming additions like quinoa bowls or light raw salads, juices or delicious raw desserts. You can also pick the essentials for juices in the fridge or have it made to order. Get your copy of Natasha’s cookbook in store, as well as kitchen items like spiralizers or ingredients and teas.
The Green Door Restaurant
198 Main Street (near Saint Paul University)
The Green Door is the restaurant in Ottawa to start out as a veg curious, vegetarian or vegan. Even the most carnivorous of your loved ones will love this place. Features a huge selection of hot bar foods like curries and stews as well as many salads, soups and fresh desserts. Features the home grown garlic of the owners and lots of olive oil. Many great beers and wines to try. Friendly, bustling and laid back atmosphere. At least 70% of the food is vegan. So many ethnic and Canadian style comfort foods alike. You can’t go wrong here. My very first vegetarian dining experience back in high school.
The Table Vegetarian Restaurant
1230 Wellington Street W.
The Table is a prime pay by weight restaurant right in Hintonburg/Wellington West. Super cozy and relaxed feeling and food to match. Large hot bar stews, tagines, soups and many salads, dressing bar and delicious mostly vegan desserts. They list the ingredients which is appreciated by new vegans and those with allergies. They have a frozen take home section as well as take out bags of their signature ginger snaps. The owner runs an annual free of charge Dec. 31 meal to support Ottawa’s less fortunate.
Blossom Cafe
209 Gilmour Street
Small and sweet vegetarian cafe. Sunny patio in summer and cozy dine in as well. Grab a hearty seasonal veggie brown rice bowl with a variety of toppings like Caribbean or Asian. The sandwiches and soup are very creative. Most things are vegan and they are delicious. A Sri Chimnoy restaurant but not affiliated with PSP or Peace Garden. Gluten-free options found there as well. Lunch hours only!
Perfection Satisfaction Promise
167 Laurier Avenue East (Sandy Hill)
http://www.perfectionsatisfactionpromise.ca/
This is the coziest place on campus for Ottawa University students and passers bys. It has a bright colourful atmosphere and a comfort food type menu. Most dishes are based on rice or mashed potatoes with toppings to choose from including their unique avoca-tofu, tofu tamari and many others. Almost every dish is vegan or can be made vegan. They have daily specials featuring Indian, Mexican and Canadian infused dishes. Their Dahl and desserts are amazing. Casual eating and take out. Run by adherents of Sri Chinmoy. Closed on Wednesday and Sunday.
Peace Garden
47 Clarence Street (Byward Market)
613-562-2434
A little gem in the Byward Market Time Square building. A cousin to Perfection Satisfaction Promise and also apart of the Sri Chimnoy group so you’ll see the staff wearing colourful saris as you do at Perfection. There is always a delicious daily special and soups simmering in slow cookers (help yourself!) and lovely salads, sandwiches, samosas and vegan truffles. Ask the staff to be sure what you are ordering is vegan as they occasionally change ingredients. Located by the indoor fountain and surrounded by plants and filtered sunshine!
La Belle Verte
166 Eddy Street, Gatineau, QC (Secteur Hull)
A great, health conscious restaurant with some beautifully coloured and flavoured dishes. Almost entirely vegan. Has a selection of raw desserts and gluten free choices too. The ambiance is very casual and bohemian yet it’s gaining popularity with the government workers in Quebec’s Place de Ville..so mind the crowd, it’s a good thing! If home made kale chips, dahl, coconut based soups, pressed sandwiches and rice bowls sound good to you, come on down. Try the pizzas! Dine in and take out available.
~Vegan Friendly Restaurants
You’ll find the biggest list here. At least one thing on the menu can be made vegan or the chefs will do vegan on request. This is the biggest target for amping up Ottawa’s vegan choices. Support these restaurants and encourage them to add even more vegan choices. It’s worth it, they offer delicious food.
Clover Food & Drink
155 Bank Street (Downtown)
Past favorite vegan restaurant Zen Kitchen sous chef West de Castro is the chef. Vegan choices always on the menu. Small, ambiently lit location. Simple but delicious food using local and seasonal ingredients. Great to have this choice for dinners downtown with omni friends or work functions. Great largely local wine and beer menu and locally roasted coffee. Open for lunch Monday to Friday, and dinner Thursday through Sunday.
Mellos *closed
290 Dalhousie St. (Byward Market)
Mello’s is in the process of trying to stay alive. Support the kickstarter!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2084742782/mellos-matters
Mellos transforms every night from a typical (and non vegan friendly) diner to a happening creative menu hot spot. Therefore if vegan and into more classy food, go at dinner! Some dishes on the dinner menu can be made vegan on request and they usually feature one or two fully vegan entrees. The menu and chefs change but are all sensitive to and knowledgeable of vegan diet. Mello’s originated almost 70 years ago! Let’s see it survive.
Town
296 Elgin Street
Hip spot on Elgin, small and large plates. Though you’ll see at most vegetarian friendly items on the list, call ahead or speak to the staff about a vegan option. I tried a beautiful oyster mushroom polenta. Great wine list too. Candlelit vibe, omni friends will glance over at your plate with jealousy.
A Thing For Chocolate
1262 Wellington St. W. (Hintonburg)
http://www.athingforchocolate.ca
Cozy creperie in Hintonburg/Wellington West based around incorporating chocolate into the menu.Vegan and gluten free menu available which has delicious savory crepes that use dairy and meat alternatives. Coffees and hot chocolates from the coffee bar can be made with soy or almond milk. Stay and sit in the back room with a coffee, crepe and magazine or take some individual chocolates from the selection to go.
House of Targ
1077 Bank Street
Pinball arcade which has a kitchen, we think this is a stinkin good idea. So are vegan perogies. Get the special vegan perogies or the vegan brunch platter on weekends which features fruit and coffee. Cool spot for vegan teens or adults alike. Nostalgia and delicious perogies will mesmerize you.
The Works
580 Bank St
2525 Bank St
326 Richmond Rd
363 St Laurent Blvd
http://www.worksburger.com/Menu.aspx#
In a growing world of vegans, we need a place to accommodate those who want to chow down on a big, juicy and totally cruelty free burger while watching a Sens game, celebrating with family, a teenage sports team or a casual date. Luckily the Works can do that. The veggie or portobello mushroom burger topped with almost all obviously veggie toppings (careful they are not pan fried in butter!). They have some interesting combinations sometimes featuring fruit or spice. Latest word on the street is that sadly the bun is no longer vegan friendly. The gluten free was also never vegan. Will try to update this info, but in the meantime you could go unless and cut your burger with a knife and fork and napkin in your collar. Very bustling and casual sports bar type atmosphere. A naughty deviation from a whole food plant based diet!
The Manx
370 Elgin Street (Centretown)
This British style pub features comfort food perfect for any rainy Saturday or first date bonding. It’s quaint, ambiance is spot on and sometimes features live music or live readings. Their vegan options are creative and multi cultural. Offers vegan mains such as a veggie pho inspired dish or tacos (ask sans cheese) currently. Vegan items on brunch menu as well such as tofu scramble. Very good selection of Scotch and Irish Whiskey. English charm in Ottawa.
Play Food & Wine
1 York Street (Byward Market)
Play is a trendy small sharing plate restaurant in the Byward Market. Request the vegan menu. The choices range from appetizers to bigger options but are still considered small plates. There are creative combinations and interesting flavours. You have to order a lot of you have a big appetite. Local and award winning beer and wine lists. This is a trendy, pretty and sophisticated spot for a date or party that overlooks Sussex Drive and the market at its finest.
Sidedoor
18 York Street (Byward Market)
http://www.sidedoorrestaurant.com
This is a restaurant your non vegan friends will be happy you can eat at. Though the vegan items are few, they are very well done and beautifully presented. The taro thai salad is so delicious. So is the curry dish. A very popular happy hour spot and even hosts weddings. With a little more time and demand, this could be a bigger opportunity for upscale vegan as Play has done. Give it a go.
two six {ate}
268 Preston St
twosixate.com/
A vegan being comfortable in a trendy foodie lover’s type establishment is proof that vegan eating is getting more mainstream than ever. two six {ate}’s staff is more than familiar and comfortable with vegan cuisine and serve up wonderful creations such as vegan spanikopitas and buffalo style romanesco (like cauliflower). This charming and chic spot on Preston incorporated over 50% of the canapé menu of my work Christmas party’s to vegan friendly choices. Along with skilled bar staff who will mix you up a sophisticated cocktail in a coupe glass or serve up a microbrewer beer, this is a great choice for vegans with omni friends or even a fully vegan private party! You should call ahead to arrange vegan choices, but the staff assures that the chef is game for anything and comfortable to make things up on the fly! Delicious.
Fauna Food + Bar
425 Bank St
Fauna is the kind of place that is a nice addition to the vegan friendly section because it is exactly where vegan cuisine is heading: into the trendy foodie hang outs. The atmosphere is warm and funky with interior brick and chic art and decor and completely sophisticated right down to the coat service and very professional wait staff. There are several vegan items on the menu including a soup, appetizer, salad and main. Other items can be veganized. It’s nice to be told which items are vegan friendly without even having to ask and even nicer when the food is amazing. The mushroom both based tofu and soba main is amazing. Mind the standard non vegan items you’ll notice, because your non vegan friends might order the vegan stuff anyway-mine did!
![FullSizeRender[2]](https://theplantkindlifedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/fullsizerender21.jpg?w=230&h=230)
~Vegan Breakfast
served at:
The Wild Oat
A Thing For Chocolate
The Manx
House of Targ
Peace Garden
~Vegan options for lunch
Thyme & Again
1255 Wellington St West
http://www.thymeandagain.ca/index.php
Thyme & Again is a long time trusted spot in Wellington West which is perfect for anything from meeting up with your mom to a work lunch to a quick stop in to grab some preserves or chocolate. It has that clean and pretty atmosphere with seasonal crafty decor and traditional french catering vibe (think full chef’s uniform and a old fashioned high ceiling location). It looks so inviting from the outside. Some menu items are vegan including soups, salads and mains. Menu changes weekly so best to look online before hand (all marked vegetarian and gluten free).
Pressed Urban Gourmet Sandwich Bar
750 Gladstone Avenue
http://www.pressed-ottawa.com/
Pressed is a small, cute, eclectic place on Gladstone which serves cozy vegetarian and vegan sandwiches on their regular sandwich menu. The black bean sandwich is listed as vegan, but ask for modification if desired to the others. The catering menu also appears quite veggie friendly! Great live music including Bluegrass Mondays.
Freshii
50 Laurier Ave E
98 Sparks St
Made to order, custom design salad, noodle bowls, rice bowls or wraps. Wickedly popular for the government crowd. Chat up co-workers or your director alike in this line up style, funky-fresh take out or small dine in lunch bar. Almost everything is vegan (good chance to show off your healthy eating to your cube mates!). Rehydration includes bottled produces, coconut water etc. Outdoor seating too or just sit somewhere on Sparks.
Think Lunch
121 Bank St
http://thinklunch.ca/store-menu/
Small meals for busy civil servants and downtown on-the-go people. Light dishes like rice noodles and edamame are perfect to give energy for the afternoon and easy enough to recreate at home with some creativity and fun. You can also veganize most vegetarian items like a sandwich without cheese, most salads and they have veggie chilli.
Whole Foods Markets Food Bar
951 Bank St
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/lansdownepark
The store itself is pretty awesome as they have a great number of fancy vegan products like plant meats and fresh veggie juices. And that vegan ice cream isle? oh my. It’s upscale healthy living so naturally, that should include lots of vegan. Whole Foods is also known for their easy, health conscious and delicious food bar. They have a number of vegan options from the hot bar (Bombay potatoes, rice dishes, curried tofu etc) as well as salads, pasta salads, taco ingredients, fresh greens and salad toppings (love the roasted artichoke!). You can serve all this on a bed of brown rice or quinoa which is also at the bar. Don’t miss the vegan daiya cheese pizza or burritos behind the glass or the pre made vegan sushi or salads in the fridge. The coffee bar also has great brews and dairy alternatives and can make you a fine drink while you shop or sit in the cafe or seating area or outside while wondering through Lansdowne.
Market Organics Kitchen
126 York St
Nicknamed the MOK kitchen, this is a delightful addition to the Market Organics Health Food store. They have daily vegan options and signature favs like the lentil and sweet potato shepherd’s pie and the vegan lasagna. The choices used to be almost all vegan and now some meat crept its way back in. Go hit up this beauty of a lunch bar and show vegans want healthy, massive and delicious food! Not to be missed are the delicious spelt crust samosas (at the cash) from Haveli. There are also vegan treats from Ottawa vegan bakeries at the cash too. There is a little seating area in store but we’ve been known to get a bunch of vegan grub and go picnic on the median lawn in front.
Green Rebel
340 Albert St
99 Bank St
50 Rideau (in Rideau Centre Food court)
You can find only fresh ingredients at Green Rebel which translates into lots of vegetables. If you combine them the right way, you have vegan options! This is a lunch soup salad and bowl style line up joint which features a few already vegan items such as the Quinoa Kale and Smoked Tofu salad boxes and veganizable items such as the Farmer’s Market or Veggie Fiesta Rebel sandwiches. The chili is also listed as vegan and I’ve been told it’s delicious. The some smoothie choices are vegan too. I would not ever consider a salad to be a meal, but you can grab it in a pinch or add quinoa or brown rice to them to pump them up a bit. Many dressing options are vegan also. A fresh change from the heavy and rich options out there and a nice role modelling move for your work colleagues perhaps.
~Vegan Fine Dining (Vegan or Veg friendly restaurants)
Are you hoping to have a sweet meal on an anniversary date, drink and appetizers on your way to the ballet, host a graduation dinner or celebrate a significant milestone? Many Vegans are usually happy to hit up a serve yourself and clean up your own dishes place, or a humble and cozy favourite where no dressing up is required. But every once in awhile, when an important event happens, we want a classy and sophisticated place to dine. Hell, in a world where vegans are multiplying we have to accommodate posh taste and that’s worth celebrating!
Our list includes:
Play Food & Wine
Beckta Dining & Wine
review coming soon!
Atelier (request vegetarian menu and specify vegan)
review coming soon!
Pure Kitchen
Cafe My House
Clover
~Vegan Friendly Wedding or Gala Venues
*Call ahead and follow each venue’s instructions for a quote and certainty that vegan meals can be provided
The Britannia Yacht Club
2777 Cassells St
http://www.byc.ca/weddings-at-byc/weddings-at-byc
The Yacht Club is a beautiful Ottawa venue that is primarily a boating and sailing club which transforms its upper deck banquet hall into a darling wedding hall. It overlooks the Ottawa river near Britannia, has lots of organic and nautical charm with wood walls and lots of ability to hand decorations from the ceiling. They have sample menus which already include many vegetarian options many of which can be veganized if requested. The pricing is fair, lots of parking on site and lots of great photo opportunity if you like sunsets by the water. Great for athletic and outdoorsy type couples.
The National Arts Centre
53 Elgin St
http://nac-cna.ca/en/meetings/packages/weddings
The NAC is a classic selection for a wedding. What’s not to love about the romantic location in the heart of the city, the moonlit picture opportunities by the water and the chic rooms they offer? If you are hosting a big crowd who prefer traditional and may be a little hesitant about a vegan wedding, perhaps dining at the NAC lit with beautiful chandeliers and an atmosphere of sophistication will ease their minds. Many of the vegetarian options already on the menu can be made vegan. They have certainly added a selection since I was personally planning! Depending on your guest list and personal style, you can rent one of five rooms from the salon to the rooftop terrace to go from more laid back to luxurious.
The Wakefield Mill
60 Mill Rd Wakefield, Quebec
http://www.wakefieldmill.com/en/weddings.aspx
The Wakefield Mill is a gorgeous, historical setting in Wakefield Quebec set off of the Maclaren River and beautiful MacLaren waterfall. It is a transformed grain mill from 1838 later transformed into a stunning country spa and restaurant. The grounds and hotel are naturally lovely and perfect for lovers of the outdoors as well as a little luxury. Though the chef has changed since our marriage in 2011, they advertise that they will accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies. We were delighted with our fully vegan mezze cocktail hour and 4 course fully vegan gourmet meal and sommelier wine pairing. The flavour and presentation should win over any skeptic that an upscale wedding can be vegan. They have an excellent bar selection of high class liquors and the brunch buffet included in the stay had more than enough vegan options including fruit, breads, potatoes and coffee. Very fair pricing and a classic old world restaurant setting.
~Vegan wedding or large holiday occasion cakes
ThimbleCakes
~Vegan Friendly Food Trucks, Pop Ups and Catering
Gong Fu Bao cart
Aberdeen Pavilion (Lansdowne Farmer’s Market)
between Richmond Rd and Byron Ave at Golden (Westboro Farmer’s Market)
Find this fun and creative food cart at Ottawa’s most sought after farmer’s markets. Features some vegan friendly options in traditional steamed buns (baos). Lots of funky flavour and culture rolled into a tiny bun. check it out!
Dosa Inc
Perfect for a weekend picnic in Dundonald park! This food truck parks right in front of Somerset and serves up delicious traditional South Indian dosa (rice pancakes) filled with various spicy-savoury curries and served with plantain chips, coconut chutney and sambar. Made to order, almost all vegan and 100% vegetarian.
Green Papaya Food Truck
https://streetfoodapp.com/ottawa/green-papaya-thai-wagon
The lovely food of Green Papaya restaurant brought to your nearest outdoor festival! Most notably headlining the eats at Ottawa’s annual Tulip Festival held at Dow’s lake. Also at 613 Night Market events. You can get some favourite vegan dishes from the restaurant made to go food truck style.
Grow Your Roots
https://www.facebook.com/growyourroots.veganeats/
This amazing vegan stand first seen at the Carp Farmer’s Market has caught the attention of many. Vegans go to taste the vegan donuts, infamous deep fried avocados and other all vegan treats. Special order available in the off season but even more exciting, Grow your Roots wants to become a restaurant. You can bet your vegan donuts the lineups will be made to get in there for a rustic, authentically Canadian comfort food meal. Exciting!
Erika’s Vegan Catering
http://shannonl99.wix.com/erikasvegancatering#!menu/ch8j
This is the outstanding creation of one of Ottawa’s own young vegan talents. Erika offers a full vegan menu from appetizers to mains like shepherd’s pie to mac and cheese to cupcakes, muffins, squares and ice cream. Next time you have an office function that you have a say in the catering, mention this gem and you will watch your omni colleagues devour vegan cuisine!
Oat & Mill
Oat and Mill is the delicious creation of the Raw Mountain creator from Ottawa. They are oat based ice creams and all vegan and all incredible. The ingredients are so pure, they’re not even naughty, how cool is that? Very. Flavours include Sea Salt, London Fog and classics like Strawberry sweet beat. You can buy individually or in party packs of various kinds. By Online or at select pop up events. You will not be disappointed.
Fiesta Pops
https://www.facebook.com/FiestaIcePops/
Fiesta Pops appeared on the scene and put smiles on dozens of vegan and non vegans faces alike. Most notably a super cute townie bike style cart parked in front of Lululemon in Westboro (Richmond Road and Churchill Ave) and pop ups such as Happiness Habits 613 events. These all vegan, healthy, fruit based ice pops are fun, colourful and delicious. Everyone must try the strawberry avocado. Contact via Facebook or Instagram or look for pop ups in the community.
ZenGarry Fauxmagerie
Zengarry is the most popular and most delicious faux cheese I know. There are other great companies making fax cheeses but this one tops them by being local, running classes on how to make your own nut cheeses and by being present at so many pop up events and festivals. Any die hard cheese lover will equally love the choices of classic like brie, gruyere and herb infused blends and will flip when they try on crackers with jam, baked with nuts and herbs or in a pasta dish in place of dairy. They are sophisticated enough to pair with wine and playful enough to give to kids (who are okay with nuts) with apples and mac and cheese dinners. Go try!
![FullSizeRender[1]](https://theplantkindlifedotcom.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/fullsizerender11.jpg?w=618&resize=618%2C618&h=618#038;h=618&crop=1 "FullSizeRender[1]")
~Vegan Friendly Bakeries
ThimbleCakes
369 Bank Street (Centretown)
A chic Tiffany blue environment and beautifully decorated baked goods. Almost entirely vegan and gluten free (some cupcakes have dairy icing). Daily cupcakes, scones, cookies and coconut based gelato. Custom order cakes and wedding designs. Gluten, egg, soy, peanut and mostly dairy free. True luxury in vegan baking.
ThimbleCafe
4100 Strandherd Drive, Unit 114
https://www.facebook.com/ThimbleCafe/
The suburban cafe and sister to Thimblecakes. This chic cafe with the pretty colours includes the baking of the downtown store, light eats and little vegan gems from the coffee bar. Gluten, egg, soy, peanut and mostly dairy free. Suburbia is eating vegan and may or may not realize they have been!
Strawberry Blonde Bakery
114B Grange Ave (Hintonburg/Wellington West)
http://www.strawberryblondebakery.com/
An original vegan and completely gluten-free and nut-free bakery with a location in the heart of Wellington West Village, owned by Jacqui and Claire. Products became known from Health Food stores and a farmer’s market stall, and now loyal customers come out to the bakery to pick up items from power cookies to cupcakes to weekly gluten free bread (Saturdays). They also sell a selection of frozen items such as vegan tourtiere and Jamaican patties. Everything is delicious!
The Wild Oat Bakery
817 Bank Street (Glebe)
An original veg joint in the Glebe. Eclectic atmosphere, the smell of fresh bread and hot curries and pressed wonderful sandwiches. The cafe has two sides, hot bar, salads and baked goods/bread and the other is a juice and coffee bar and brunch, lunch and dinner menu. Serves beer and wine and new nighttime menu. Ultra popular so don’t panic if you find it at maximum capacity. They have a dining limit of 30 minutes during busy times so if you wait, you’ll get your turn. My favs are the no cheese pizza and East Meets West sandwich (modify to make vegan). Wild Oat changes ingredients of dishes often and at times they change what used to be vegan to vegetarian (cheese, milk, eggs or honey) so always double check. Vegans who’ve been loyal here want vegan food, Come on Wild Oat we believe in you!
Bread & Sons
195 Bank St
https://www.facebook.com/Bread-Sons-Bakery-111306055621792/
Features awesome coffee and a vegan pizza in this little walk by buzzing location in centretown. The vegan peanut butter chocolate square is amazing and not to be missed.
Dolly Doll Cupcake Co.
2333 Church St North Gower
https://www.facebook.com/DollyDollCupcakeCo
Not exactly in inner Ottawa, but worth it if you can get your hands on these wonder treats. Created out of a need for allergen free baking (yes, need). They are free of dairy, nuts, sesame, eggs, sulfites and preservatives. The result are delicious and vegan friendly baking. The cinnamon rolls, cupcakes and other treats are outstanding. Take some home!
Bread By Us
1065 Wellington St West
Bread By Us has Hintonburg taking up the old fashioned practice of picking up weekly essentials on foot. Why wouldn’t you walk from nearby to request a beautiful loaf right on display, have it sliced there and order a top notch almond milk latte while you wait. They also have a great tea selection and one vegan sandwich on the menu. Their daily baking schedule lets you know exactly when to arrive if you want bread right out of the oven and is marked vegan beside their selections (most of which are). Hit it up!
~Vegan Friendly Desserts
available at:
Thimblecakes
Thimblecafe
Dolly Doll Cupcake Co.
Bread and Sons
Oh So Good!
Strawberry Blonde
SweetCheeks (review coming soon!)
The Wild Oat
~Vegan Friendly Cafes
Black Squirrel Books
1073 Bank St
http://www.blacksquirrelbooks.ca
Newly nested in the heart of Old Ottawa South. This is a used book store and amazing little cafe serving amazing espressos and local coffee (Equator Rosters), Kusmi tea by the pot or glass and for sale as well as vegan treats from Strawberry Blonde. (2 doors from Panago + coffee + books =heaven, hunh!). The atmosphere changes a little with the art on display but I’d call it turn of the century meets Harry Potter. There are walls of books crammed on bookshelves with cult classics, poets and new series, old suitcases displaying art that looks like a 1910 ladies catalogue and old typewriters and shabby caouches to complete the look. This is totally the kind of place you’d want to hang in a thunder storm in the evening- and you can since they have great hours (till 9pm most nights).
Arlington 5
5 Arlington Street
This little gem just recently opened as the sister of Wilf and Ada’s Diner. It has a sweet and slow life vibe from the street view and a feeling of transportation back to the mid 20th century with restored brick and an old fashion type writer and other decor inside. The have a delicious selection of high quality coffee and espresso bar creations with soy and almond milk and a deliciously spicy and flavourful roasted squash and olive sandwich which is vegan. They also feature several vegan baked good such as squares and brownies. Right down to the sunlit plant filled windows and dreamy Alice in Wonderland-like washroom (low ceiling!), you will fall in love with this little place to stay or take out.
Bridgehead Coffee
Various Ottawa locations
Ottawa owned roastery and cafes. Organic fair trade top quality coffee and soup, sandwiches (try the sunflower seed pate!), fresh pressed juices and baked goods with vegan options. Artisan coffee and various brew options such as Chemex, french press etc. Beautiful open concept roastery location open to public just off Preston Street. Serves soy and almond milk. Many locations with patios, outdoor seating and public use blankets!
Blumenstudio
465 Parkdale Ave. (Hintonburg)
Very unique and chic flower boutique and coffee bar. If you like to be surrounded by gorgeous and artfully displayed plants and flowers among shabby chic couches and a typewriter, you’ll love Blumenstudio. I love this establishment and much of this guide was written there! Flowers available for order and high quality fair trade coffee. They serve soy, almond and coconut milk and have sparkling artisan water and fruit drinks. Outdoor seating decorated with seasonal offerings and bouquets like Queen Anne’s lace and lilies in summer to rose stuffed pumpkins in fall to Christmas trees and magnolia leaf wreaths in winter.
Cafe qui Pense
204 Main St. (St. Paul’s University)
Little coffee bar Inside Singing Pebble bookstore (a great resource for vegan literature). Serves delicious Equator roasted coffee and soy and almond milk and Green Door vegan desserts. Stay and feel like you’re sitting in a little cottage or perhaps a sailor’s cafe by the sea (okay my imagination is pretty vivid…go see for yourself!)
Stella Luna
1103 Bank St. (Old Ottawa South)
An incredibly popular, traditional and award winning gelato and coffee bar in old Ottawa South. Features live music and loads of gelato flavours (usually a good half dozen of them are vegan) with flavours such as coconut-lime and merlot. Neighbourhood families park skateboards, scooters and bikes at the door and couples on dates share small tables or sit on the front stairs. So beloved, expect a line up! They have dairy alternatives for coffees and specialty drinks.
Equator Roasters
451-A Ottawa Street Almonte ON
412 Churchill Ave N
The original location in Almonte is a big, cozy coffee bar which serves SweetCheeks vegan and gluten free baking. Stay and sit a while if you’re in town. The Westboro location is a minimalist, kid friendly and hip joint up beside Lululemon on Churchill. The coffee is amazing and personally a favorite tied with Bridgehead. Even the decaf blend is smooth, nutty and delicious. Both locations serve soy and almond milk. Also has SweetCheeks baking. Go sit under the big gaslight “coffee” sign and do some work or just chill.
Red Door Provisions
117 Beechwood Ave
http://www.reddoorprovisions.com
This is a great little find in Ottawa’s North East New Edinburgh Beechwood neighborhood. Beautiful Coffee, bright, minimal atmosphere to stay inside or outside on patio. They make their own preserves for sale (jams and pickles). The soy and almond lattes are great and they have a vegan tofu sandwich on the menu which reminds me of a western (curried tofu). They also have a vegan chia pudding. Take it to go and walk around a personal and secret fav the Rockeries park in Rockliffe park neighbourhood.
Raw Sugar Cafe
692 Somerset W
http://rawsugarcafe.tumblr.com
A shabby chic retro-esque little cafe in Chinatown. So wabi sabi and miss matched I don’t think you could expect your latte art to be symmetrical. They have magazines and books and the atmosphere is so your granny’s back room you just want to stay. Have live music and other events to entertain you. Vegan chili, appetizers and dairy alternatives for coffees and teas.
The Ministry of Coffee
279 Elgin St
The Ministry of Coffee and Social Affairs
1019 Wellington St W
http://www.theministryofcoffee.com
The original location on Elgin is a really well designed coffee bar complete with modern wood sides and benches and piping as shelves. They offer almond as vegan milk option and grind amazing and top notch brews like Forty Ninth Parallel. The Hintonburg location has the same modern vibe and hip graffiti type art on the walls. Meant to be a coffee and standard bar hang out. Serves food and alcohol. Working on getting them to offer a true vegan item, but as ever, the coffee is delicious (and it’s right next to Cafe My House!)
The Tea Party
119 York Street (Byward Market)
The Tea Party is a quaint vegetarian cafe in the Byward Market. Of course it should be Alice in Wonderland themed! Some vegan options such as dahl, tofu sandwich and hummus appetizer. This is one cozy and cute place and it’s small so best to go on a date or small friend crowd. They have a selection of high quality teas and coffees to drink and buy in bulk.
The Tea Store
53 York St
Wonderful selection of black, green, oolong, herbal and other teas as well as high quality brands like Kusmi tea. Has soy milk for teas in store. Sip on the pretty patio or colourful fresh store or take home.
Planet Coffee
24A York St
https://www.facebook.com/planetcoffeeott/
That lovely courtyard with the metal cafe tables. A bit like Paris in Ottawa? One of it’s kind coffee bar with indoor and outdoor seating. Very occasional vegan menu item such as a soup. Could modify a sandwich for you. They do have a vegan espresso brownie which is massive and delicious. Serves almond and soy for coffees and lattes. Perfect for a chill morning or afternoon downtown.
Oh So Good Desserts and Coffee House
25 York St
261 Richmond Rd
http://www.ohsogooddesserts.com/menu/
The busting and fun place in the market and second location in Westboro have vegan cake! Always one vegan cake option on the menu (gluten free option isn’t vegan). You get to go to the fridge and eye the full cake which you’re getting a piece from. So appetizing! They have dairy alternatives for tea and coffee. This has served me as a date spot or friend party location for years.
Starbucks
Various locations
Most vegans can navigate their way through a menu pretty well. Just in case, Starbucks vegan products include: all drip and espresso coffees made with soy, almond or new coconut milk. flavours in syrup form are vegan (vanilla, etc). Dark chocolate shavings are vegan. The teas and tea lattes are vegan (with soy etc). None of the food is vegan but the newest quinoa and veggie bowl creations are very close; one of which is vegan except for the honey in the dressing. Maybe we can petition for a minor tweak? The Peppermint latte made with soy and no whipped cream is vegan!
Second Cup
Various locations
An Ontario creator with many locations around the province and Quebec. Vegan stuff includes: all drip and espresso coffees made with soy or almond. flavours in syrup form are vegan (vanilla, etc). The teas and tea soy/almond lattes are vegan and the green tea latte is while the matcha latte is not (sweetened with honey). Vegan mints available.
Simply Biscotti
354 Preston St
307 Richmond Rd
http://simplybiscotticafe.com/about/
A classic Italian style coffee bar and bakery. No vegan baking as of yet, but an occasional vegan item such as a soup. Dairy alternatives for coffees and espresso creations. Has italian brands such as Illy and Lavazza. Great shop for press pots and italian espresso percolators!
Nordstrom Coffee bar
50 Rideau St inside the Nordstrom store near the Mackenzie King Bridge
http://shop.nordstrom.com/st/nordstrom-rideau-centre
The Nordstrom coffee bar is a walk by and order or small sit down inside the store at Rideau Centre. They serve almond, soy and coconut milk as dairy alternatives and have a selection of small food items, some of which are vegan such as the edamame as well as the Pro Bars, Luna Bars and Cliff bars in baskets near the cash. An empty handed vegan can scarf something here while shopping until they can get there hands on a real vegan meal. The store itself has some surprising vegan options such as the BP brand shoes, Havaianas flip flops, Toms, Sorrels, Ted Baker bags, Butter London nail polish, Moroccan Oil products, Voluspa candles, synthetic material clothing and more. Norstrom may seem uppity but hey, so are our tastes sometimes, certainly with regards to the animal free products we will use.
~Vegan Ice Cream
Pure Gelato
350 Elgin St. (Centretown)
71 William St. (Byward Market)
With locations in two popular spots (Elgin St and Byward Market), this long time gelato bar is bright and colourful and serves at least a few vegan options such as lemon, strawberry and passion fruit. Popular for dates and take out. You can order gelato by the box for take home.
Vegan Ice Cream
also available at:
Fiesta Pops
Oat and Mill
Thimblecakes
Stella Luna
Erika’s Vegan Catering
~Vegan Friendly Juiceries/Smoothie Bars
Urban Juice Press
340 Parkedale Ave
Super neat and modern vibe in the shop and wicked and fresh veggie juices to choose from. The location almost feels like a beautiful and minimalist art gallery. Perfect for the various Ottawa events and workshops they host. You’ll also see the team at lots of Ottawa Pop up events and they sell the juices out of local health food shops. Grab one! You’ll feel healthier in minutes!
~Vegan Friendly Local Breweries
reviews coming soon!
~Vegan Friendly Health Food and Grocery
Stores:
Herb & Spice
- 1310 Wellington Street West – 613-722-5747
- 375 Bank Street – 613-232-4087
Kardish Health Food Centre
- 1568 Merivale Rd. (Nepean) – 613-224-1414 EXT.304
- 2950 Bank Street (Blossom Park) – 613-224-1414 EXT.301
- 862 Bank Street (Glebe) – 613-224-1414 EX.302
- 3101 Strandherd Dr. (Barrhaven) 613-224-1414 EXT.307
- 1309 Carling Avenue (Westgate) – 613-224-1414 EXT.305
- 332 Richmond Road (Westboro) – 613-224-1414 EXT.308
- 3712 Innes Road (Orleans) – 613-224-1414 EXT.306
- 1831 Robertson Rd. (Bell’s Corners) 613-224-1414 EXT.303
Rainbow Natural Foods
1487 Richmond Rd.
613-726-9200
Market Organics
126 York Street
613-241-6629
Natural Food Pantry
- 205 Richmond Rd – 613-728-1255
- 2277 Riverside Dr. (Billings Bridge) – 613-737-9330
- 5537 Hazeldean Rd. – 613-836-3669
Sol Aliments Naturels
195 Rue Principale, Gatineau, QC
819-684-0512
La Boîte à Grains
- 325 Boulevard Gréber, Hull, QC – 819-243-3002
- 581 St Joseph Blvd, Hull, QC – 819-771-3000
La Forêt
757 Chemin Riverside, Wakefield, QC
La Mère Nature
141 Chemin De La Savane, Gatineau, QC
819-561-5036
Nature’s Buzz
55 Beechwood Ave
613-842-0280
Organic Boulevard
797 Riverside Dr, Wakefield, QC
819-459-3135
Pantry Plus
2433 St Joseph Blvd, Orleans, ON
613-830-5790
Peter’s Health Foods
2525 Carling Ave
613-829-1122
Whole Foods Market Lansdowne
951 Bank st
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/lansdownepark
Cedars and Co.
1255 Bank St
T&T Market
224 Hunt Club Rd
http://www.tnt-supermarket.com/en/
The PlantKind Life 