Full-time vegetarian or not, eating sans meat or even going vegan on a regular basis is something worth doing, not just for your health, but when you're travelling it's nice to switch it up and eat light. Toronto is home to more than a few very good vegetarian restaurants, ideal for brunch, a mid-day fuel up or even a quick snack. Our criteria? Fresh ingredients, dynamic salads, organic options and great smoothies don’t hurt either.
Fresh on Spadina.
Fresh
We can’t pinpoint our first visit to this vegetarian hot spot, but what we do know is we love coming back again and again. There are four downtown locations, with the busiest being their Bloor Street restaurant. First time visitors usually need more than a few minutes with the menu because it’s so big and everything sounds so good. For starters definitely try the popular Quinoa-Battered Onion Rings ($5), or the soup of the day ($6), which is always hearty and delicious. Our favourite salads include the Mega Life ($11) and Super Protein ($11), but we’re also huge fans of the burgers and wraps -- in particular the Thai Burger ($9.50) covered in peanut sauce or the filling Grilled Vegetable and Pesto Burrito ($9.50) and definitely go for a side of sweet potato fries with vegan garlic mayo.
The drink menu here is so large half of the menu is devoted to it. From protein and power shakes to immune elixirs designed to boost and repair, there’s a drink to suit your taste. Plus from drinks to salads, you can completely customize your meal -- with add-ons or substitutions and the servers are always happy to do so.
Where to Find:
Fresh has four restaurants across Toronto. Visit freshrestaurants.ca or call 416-599-4442 for locations.
Sadie's Diner
A short walk from St. Andrew or Osgoode subway station, Sadie's Diner is known for their brunch eats and wide selection of juices and smoothies. Their menu is 100% vegetarian, with plenty of vegan options. They tout using only free-run eggs, organic cream and milk, as well as rennet-free cheese. Highlights include their all-day breakfast with options like Huevos Rancheros ($12), Tofu Scramble ($9.50) served with veggie bacon or sausage, and Buckwheat Pancakes ($10) even done gluten-free. Outside of the breakfast dishes, they serve classics including a Veggie Burger ($10) with tons of add-ons like vegan cheese, grilled eggplant and veggie bacon, and Lasagna ($10) made with whole wheat pasta.
If you'd rather just get a quick energy fix you can easily add a Vegan Supplement ($1.50) or Vegan Protein Powder ($2) to their Fruit Smoothies ($5).
Where to Find:
Sadie's Diner
504 Adelaide St. West
Toronto, ON
416-777-2343, sadiesdiner.com
The BBQ Temph wrap with a side salad.
The Beet
An organic café in the Junction neighbourhood, this restaurant is all about local ingredients with a focus on nutritionally balanced dishes. You’ll find yummy breakfast dishes like Housemade Granola ($8), Huevos Rancheros ($13) and one of our favourites the Buenos Dias Wrap ($13). While they’re not a strictly vegetarian restaurant, there are many vegan, wheat-free and gluten-free dishes, as well as the option to add meat (like chicken), cheese and for meat lovers, even a Bison or Lamb Burger ($15), served with your choice of potato wedges, salad or the daily soup. We’re a big fan of the smoothies here, and they give you the option to select cow’s, soy or almond milk.
Where to Find:
The Beet
2945 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON
416-916-2368, thebeet.ca
Live Organic Food Bar
The first gourmet raw restaurant to hit the scene in Toronto, this strictly vegan destination serves up a variety of sugar and gluten free dishes, with 95% being local and/or organic. Starters include a Cocktail Party ($16), perfect for sharing and a raw Bruschetta ($12) with almond baguettes and rich cashew dill medallions. We’re also fans of the Detox Salad ($12) that includes kale, sprouted quinoa and avocado, and the Pizza ($15) topped with spinach, olives, mushrooms and cashew crumble. If you’re hoping for something cooked, you’re in luck because there are cooked bowls and mains, including The Trainers Bowl ($15 with rice) with tofu, tempeh, packed with veggies and topped with a creamy sauce.
Where to Find:
Live Organic Food Bar
264 Dupont Street
Toronto, ON
416-515-2002, livefoodbar.com
Photography courtesy Grasslands.
Grasslands
Proving vegan cuisine can be upscale, Grasslands is a reincarnation of a former Toronto vegan destination, Fressen. With a rustic, yet modern interior, we suggest sitting in the front at the bar or lounge area if you're just up for a drink and snacks, or get cozy in the back dining room in a sleek booth for a full sit-down meal.
Serving brunch on Saturday and Sunday between 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday the kitchen is open for dinner only between 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. There is a wide selection of sweet and savory brunch dishes including the Hangover Helper ($14) which has a Mexican flair, Almond Butter and Jam French Toast ($12) topped with whipped coconut cashew cream and for a lighter dish their BLT Caesar salad ($9) made with kale and topped with tempeh bacon bits.
There is a large selection appetizers, so definitely plan to start your meal with some shared bites. The Charcuterie Board ($18) is a popular choice, and Crispy Oysters ($8) made with Oyster mushrooms is also a favourite. Love a classic cocktail? Martini's and Mad Men era drinks are drink menu highlights.
Where to Find:
Grasslands
478 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON
416-504-5127, grasslands.to
Feel Good Guru
Feel Good Guru is a delicious destination for grabbing a quick and easy bite that's super-healthy (and vegan!), perfect if you're in the neighbourhood shopping or enjoying the outdoors at Trinity Bellwoods Park across the street. Their "Liquid Farmacy" menu has power drinks like RedJoice ($8) made with beet and apple, and Gorgeous Green ($8) with cucumber, celery and green apple. Their large selection of wraps are great for on-the-go eating, like the Eco Taco ($12) or Raw Vegan Nutball Sub ($15).
You can even have your sweet craving satisfied guilt-free. They have a rotating roster of pies, all-natural cookies always available and energizing treats like Bliss Balls and Protein Bars.
Where to Find:
Feel Good Guru
917 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON
647-748-5800, feelgoodguru.com
Rawlicious
For a 100% raw eating experience, try Rawlicious. Nothing is cooked above 118F -- which according to this style of eating, keeps all of the vitamins, minerals and enzymes in their natural state. They also boast being vegan, so you won't find any meat, dairy, wheat or refined sugars in any of the dishes. There is an amazing selection of smoothies, juices and drinks, including the delicious Chocolate Milkshake ($6.50) made with nutmilk, raw chocolate powder, avocado, agave and vanilla. For starters try the Nacho Platter ($12) or the Olive-Current-Nut and Seed Salad ($8.50). For entrees, we love the Pad Thai ($14) and the Special Pasta Bolognese ($13) with the "Neat Balls." And if you think dessert would be blah. Think again. If you only have room for a bite, try their best selling Blonde Macaroons ($2/each) usually dipped in chocolate.
Where to Find:
Rawlicious has two Toronto restaurants and five locations in the Greater Toronto Area. Visit rawlicious.ca for locations.
