The Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Toronto

No.1

Restaurant• Yorkville

Planta

“The restaurant that proved high-end vegan dining can be a massive success.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Opened in 2016 by the Chase Hospitality Group in partnership with acclaimed chef David Lee, Planta transformed the former Pangaea space on Bay Street into a bright, airy sanctuary for plant-based dining. It was a bold move at the time, aiming to prove that vegan cuisine could be just as sophisticated and craveable as any high-end meat-centric menu. The atmosphere is undeniably chic, featuring white-washed surfaces, curving banquettes, and a vibrant, energetic vibe that feels perfectly at home in the upscale Yorkville neighbourhood. It is the kind of place where the design is as thoughtful as the food, making it a go-to spot for a stylish dinner or a lively weekend brunch. For a first-timer, the menu can be overwhelming, but you cannot go wrong with the Bang Bang Broccoli or the signature Planta Burger, which remains one of the most satisfying meat-free patties in the city. If you are in the mood for something lighter, their creative plant-based sushi rolls—often using ingredients like ahi watermelon—are consistently impressive. Expect a mid-to-high price range typical of the area. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for prime dinner slots or weekend brunch, as the space fills up quickly with a mix of locals and visitors. It is a fantastic spot for groups, though it can get quite loud, so keep that in mind if you are planning an intimate conversation.

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No.2

Restaurant• Multiple Locations

Fresh

“The quinoa onion rings are legendary, even if you eat meat.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Long before plant-based dining was a mainstream trend, Ruth Tal was pressing carrot juice in a tiny Queen West stall. What began in 1991 as Juice for Life evolved into Fresh, the definitive Toronto plant-based empire. With multiple locations across the city, each spot maintains a consistent, vibrant atmosphere—think hanging greenery, custom moss walls, and a soundtrack that keeps things feeling energetic and modern. It is the kind of place that feels equally right for a casual solo lunch, a quick pre-show dinner, or a relaxed weekend brunch with friends. The brand has successfully scaled without losing its soul, remaining a reliable, go-to staple for locals who want food that feels nourishing rather than heavy. If you are a first-timer, you absolutely must order the quinoa onion rings; they are legendary for a reason, offering a satisfying crunch that puts standard rings to shame. For a main, the Tiger Bowl is a classic, packed with crispy tofu and a signature dressing that hits all the right notes. The menu is extensive, ranging from hearty burgers and wraps to fresh, cold-pressed juices that are worth the price. Expect to spend in the moderate range, and while they accept reservations, many locations are spacious enough to accommodate walk-ins. They also offer a solid weekend brunch menu, which is a great time to visit if you want to avoid the weekday rush.

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No.3

Restaurant• Financial District

Rosalinda

“Incredible vegan tacos and a beautiful, airy dining room.”

— Very Toronto Editors

A massive, stunning, greenhouse-inspired vegan Mexican restaurant in the Financial District.

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No.4

Restaurant• Ossington

Fat Choi

“The plant-based 'murtabak' and noodles are flavor bombs.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Fat Choi operates as a brilliant, fully plant-based concept housed within the well-established Soos restaurant on Ossington Avenue. Born from the same family-run team behind Soos, this project was launched to explore the vibrant, bold flavors of Malaysian and Nyonya cuisine through a strictly vegan lens. The name itself is a clever play on words—'Fat' meaning prosperity and 'Choi' meaning vegetables—reflecting their mission to bring plant-based abundance to the table. The atmosphere is cozy, energetic, and perfectly suited to the bustling Ossington strip, offering a sophisticated yet approachable dining environment that feels like a natural extension of its parent restaurant. For a first-timer, the 'Feed Me' tasting menu is the smartest way to experience the breadth of their kitchen, allowing you to sample a curated selection of their most popular dishes. If you prefer to order a la carte, the dhal and roti is essential—the roti is consistently flaky, hot, and perfectly toasted. The char siu bao, featuring savory seitan tucked into fluffy steamed buns, is another standout that highlights their mastery of texture. Reservations are highly recommended via the Soos website, as the space is intimate and fills up quickly. Expect a mid-range price point and be prepared for a lively, shared-dining experience where the focus is firmly on bold, funky, and deeply satisfying Southeast Asian flavors.

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No.5

Restaurant• Chinatown

Buddha's Vegan Restaurant

“A Toronto institution for incredibly affordable, comforting mock meats.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Operating since 1991, Buddha's Vegan Restaurant is a true Chinatown institution that has mastered the art of plant-based Chinese comfort food. Originally a vegetarian spot, it transitioned to a fully vegan menu under the stewardship of Sammy Lam, who took over in 2012 and continues to run the kitchen today. The atmosphere is refreshingly no-frills and unpretentious, feeling more like a family dining room than a trendy eatery. It is the kind of place where the focus is entirely on the food, which is served with remarkable speed. The dining area is surprisingly spacious, often extending further back than the modest storefront suggests, making it a reliable spot for a casual, hearty meal in the heart of the city. For a first-timer, the imitation duck (made from bean curd sheet) is non-negotiable—it is a standout that consistently impresses even the most dedicated meat eaters. Pair it with the Buddha's Chow Mein or the eggplant and tofu in black bean sauce for a classic, satisfying spread. The portions are notoriously generous, so come hungry or prepared to take leftovers home. Prices are incredibly reasonable for the volume of food you receive. It is a fantastic spot for a quick, affordable lunch or a low-key dinner with friends. No reservations are needed, and while it is not a place for white-tablecloth service, it offers an authentic, soul-warming experience that has kept locals coming back for over three decades.

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No.6

Restaurant• Dundas West

Gia

“Incredible handmade vegan pastas in a sophisticated setting.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Gia is a standout on the Dundas West strip, occupying the space formerly held by Ufficio. Owner Jenny Coburn pivoted to this plant-forward Italian concept, creating a space that feels effortlessly cool without being pretentious. The interior strikes a balance between sophisticated and relaxed, featuring exposed white brick, herringbone floors, and warm, moody lighting that makes it a prime spot for a date night or an intimate dinner with friends. It is the kind of place where the atmosphere is lively and the service is polished, yet it maintains a neighborhood-friendly vibe that keeps locals coming back. For a first-timer, the handmade pasta is non-negotiable; the texture is consistently spot-on, and the kitchen does incredible things with seasonal vegetables. While the menu is largely vegan and vegetarian, it is designed to satisfy everyone, regardless of their usual dietary habits. The lion’s mane mushroom 'steak' is a technical marvel that often surprises even the most dedicated meat eaters with its depth of flavor. Expect to spend around $60–$80 per person for a full meal with drinks. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend prime time, as the dining room is intimate and fills up quickly. If you cannot snag a table, try your luck at the cozy bar.

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No.7

Restaurant• Scarborough

Ital Vital

“Authentic, deeply comforting, and radically flavorful plant-based Caribbean food.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Ital Vital is a Scarborough institution that has mastered the art of Rastafarian Ital cuisine, focusing on natural, wholesome, and plant-based ingredients. This family-owned spot is far from a typical restaurant; it functions more like a community-focused kitchen where the focus is entirely on nourishing, flavour-packed Caribbean dishes. The vibe is unpretentious and welcoming, with the owners known for their warmth and dedication to the craft. While they have moved away from indoor seating, they have created a cozy outdoor area for patrons to enjoy their meals. It is the kind of place where you go for the food's integrity and the genuine care put into every recipe, rather than for a formal dining experience. For a first-timer, the best approach is to order a protein box, which allows you to sample a variety of their daily offerings. You cannot go wrong with their signature vegan BBQ ribs or the jerk-style protein, paired with staples like curry chickpeas, callaloo, or their hearty Rastapasta. Make sure to grab one of their fresh, daily-made natural juices—the pineapple ginger is particularly refreshing. Prices are very reasonable, especially considering the generous portion sizes that often stretch into two meals. Keep in mind that this is primarily a take-out operation, so plan accordingly. They are closed on Mondays, so aim for a weekday lunch or weekend visit to experience their full menu. It is a straightforward, delicious, and deeply satisfying spot that rewards those who make the trip to Scarborough.

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No.8

Restaurant• Danforth

Awtash

“The vegan tasting platters with fresh injera are spectacular.”

— Very Toronto Editors

A phenomenal spot for traditional, naturally vegan Middle Eastern and North African food.

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