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20 Vegan Restaurants in Toronto to Celebrate Earth Month

Christine Hogg

2 months ago

20 Vegan Restaurants in Toronto to Celebrate Earth Month

April is Earth Month, and as individuals across the globe reflect on the state of the world, plenty of Toronto restaurants have revamped their menus to include more plant-based and vegan options. From sushi to cheeseburgers, pizza to tacos, fine dining to fast food, in honour of Earth Month, we've rounded up 20 of the best vegan restaurants in the city where you can eat good, and feel good doing it!

1312 Queen St W

Vegan Danish Bakery - Queen

Along with a pleasing glass display of cakes, biscotti, butter tarts and more, Vegan Danish Bakery offers a lunch menu with yummy options like empanadas, a rotating soup of the day, and a selection of sandwiches. As this spot has Danish roots, opt for the Danish Pâté Sandwich, which features vegetable pâté garnished with braised red cabbage and vegan Danish Remoulade, topped with a sprig of fresh dill, then served open-faced on sourdough multigrain toast.

382 College St

Hogtown Vegan - College

With both a brunch and dinner menu, the Hogtown Vegan is a favourite spot for sandwiches that don’t taste vegan, thanks to inventive options like seitan ham on the Reuban or soy patties topped with melted Daiya cheese for the burgers. With plenty of shareable apps like crispy fried soy wings, poutine and quesadilla, it’s the perfect spot for a quick bite to eat.

133 Richmond St W

Rosalinda

Toronto restaurant Rosalinda offers an array of bright and flavourful Mexican-inspired vegan dishes, along with a fun and refreshing cocktail menu that will satisfy both vegans and non-vegans. Home to signature dishes like Rosa's Nachos topped with silky butternut queso, cashew crema, fresh pico de gallo and garnished with jalapeño and cilantro, and the Meaty Mushroom Birria tacos, and the roasted eggplant topped with sesame salsa macha, sikil pak, cashew crema and drizzled with achiote dressing. The cocktail menu offers inventive twists on Mexican classics as well as original creations like the Rosa Margarita, made with Dejado tequila, Cointreau, lime juice and agave - a classic!

195 Carlton St.

Revelstoke Cafe

A cozy spot for brunch hangs, lunch dates, or shareables with drinks, Revelstoke Cafe, prides itself on using locally-sourced produce whenever possible. Menu highlights include handhelds like the stoked lentil burger, and a shareable hummus plate served with veggies and warm garlic pita. The best part? Revelstoke has a well-rounded all-day brunch menu that includes avocado toast on sourdough and a tempting breakfast burrito.

1221 Bay St

Planta - Yorkville

With three locations in Toronto, Planta was one of the earliest purveyors of vegan cuisine in the city. The all-day menu includes an impressive sushi menu with options like nigiri made with watermelon and citrus soy, to a section devoted to noodles and wok-based dishes, like Kung Pao eggplant. Along with being 100 per cent plant-based, Planta also offers plenty of gluten-free options, too.

536 Queen St W

Pizzeria Du

Created by Awai Hospitality Group in the throes of the pandemic, Pizzeria Du serves gourmet vegan pizzas using only the most flavourful toppings. Choose from seven pizzas, including the BBQ Jackfruit, which uses pulled BBQ jackfruit, cashew cheddar, pineapple and green onions, or go for the classic Margherita, which uses San Marzano tomato sauce, cashew mozzarella, basil and olive oil. Pizzeria Du also sells sides like salad, garlic knots and various dipping sauces for those perfectly wood-fired crusts.

492 College St

Odd Burger

Sometimes you just want a burger and fries, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Founded in London, England, in 2014, Odd Burger’s first Canadian location opened in 2021. Odd Burger serves more than just vegan patties. The entire menu revolves around plant-based protein and dairy alternatives, be it the ChickUn souvlaki, or the taco salad. Plus, you can’t go wrong with a side of fries, onion rings, or BacUn mac n’ cheese.

1277 Queen St W

Lovebird Vegan

Specializing in vegan fried Chick'n tenders and sandwiches and gluten-free vegan smash burgers, Lovebird has vegans and meat-eaters alike raving about the quality of the sandwiches. Try the Nashville hot fried chick’n sandwich, or opt to have it in tenders form. Baos, burgers, bowls and salads are also on offer.

588 College St

La Bartola

For lovers of Mexican cuisine, La Bartola is a spot known for its delicious plant-based eats that put a spin on the classics. Think cactus tacos, rich moles, quesadillas done with roasted potatoes and caramelized onions, and much, much more. Plenty of mezcal and tequila-based cocktails with fresh herbal and floral garnish are on the menu, as are a selection of fancy mocktails.

181 Bay St

Kupfert and Kim

A plant-based, fast-service restaurant, Kupfert & Kim serve dishes that are minimally processed, meaning the ingredients are often in their rawest, purest form. So, while you won’t find any tofu or plant-based meats and cheeses, you will find breakfast and brunch items like house-made granola topped with berries, cranberries, hemp seeds and oat milk, deliciously refreshing smoothies, and plenty of baked treats. Kupfert & Kim also has a coffee bar, so you can order your favourite espresso-based drink, or opt for a wellness tea.

1448 Dundas St W

Honey’s Ice Cream

With warm weather finally here, vegans in search of a plant-based ice cream option will find it at Honey’s, which scoops 12 premium variations daily. Honey’s was founded by co-founder of Bunner’s Bake Shop, Ashley Wittig. Honey’s also sells pints for takeaway, and you can choose from one-of-a-kind flavours like peanut butter and saltine crackers or, opt for something classic like the mint chocolate chip.

1122 Queen St W

Hello 123

Tucked away in a snug, exposed -brick spot, Hello 123 is a plant-based restaurant and bar that does everything from brunch to happy hour to dinner. This spot is also the sister restaurant to Kupfert & Kim. The menu features a series of vegan tapas, like messy potatoes and shiitake tacos, but also a variety of handhelds and specials, like the New Golden Curry or the House Lasagna.

1214 Dundas St W

Gia

While some might argue that plant-based Italian cuisine simply can’t exist, Gia says otherwise; with a menu so convincing, you probably wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. Like any good Italian restaurant, Gia’s menu includes plenty of pasta, like the spaghetti alla chitarra al tartufo done with cashew butter and truffles, or panko-crusted plant-based meatballs.

94 Ossington Ave

Fat Choi

Known as a “permanent pop-up” in the Ossington neighbourhood, Fat Choi specializes in plant-based plates that spotlight Asian and South East Asian flavours and ingredients. Divided into small or large plate options, Fat Choi eats include spiced yellow lentil curry, Malay roti, mushroom bao made with fried black oyster mushrooms, and even desserts, like fried banana served with local plant-based ice cream shop, Honey’s vanilla ice cream.

160 Baldwin St

Eat Nabati

Egyptian street food meets modern Middle Eastern cuisine at Eat Nabati at this 100% plant-based eatery located in Kensington Market. Nabati is an Arabic word that means “made of plants,” and on the menu, you’ll find nutritious and flavourful options like falafel boxes, shawarmas, ful combos (not “full”; ful is an Egyptian dish of stewed fava beans with tahini) and more.

410 Bathurst St

Copper Branch - Bathurst

A vegan franchise with several locations in the GTA, Copper Branch focuses on implementing whole foods into its menu, which features everything from power bowls to burgers to smoothies. Copper Branch also has an all-day breakfast menu with towering sandwiches that don’t skimp out, as well as hearty chilis and soups, flatbreads and handhelds and more.

666 Dundas St W

Buddha's Vegan Restaurant

Dubbed one of Toronto’s earliest Asian vegan restaurants, Buddha’s has been serving delicious plant-based Thai food in Toronto for more than 30 years! Like any Thai spot, you’ll find tasty apps, like spring rolls, but you’ll also find innovative bites like veggie lamb skewers with satay sauce, and mains like soya steak and assorted vegetables served on a bed of crispy noodles.

244 Augusta Ave

Bunner's Bakeshop

In the mood for something sweet? Bunner’s is a bakery that specializes in vegan, gluten-free and soy-free baked goods, from gorgeous celebration cakes to gooey, pull-apart cinnamon buns. Since 2010, they’ve been one of the most well-known bakeries for vegan cookies and muffins, scones, cupcakes, pies, and more. Bunner’s also provides free GTA-wide delivery on all orders!

51 St Nicholas St

Avelo

With either a five- or eight-course dining menu to choose from, guests of Avelo won’t know what’s on the menu until the day of their dining experience. As dishes change with the seasons, so, too, does the creativity of the chefs. All of the menu items are 100 per cent plant-based and free from dairy, eggs and meat. The eight-course costs $125/per person from Friday to Saturday or $115 from Wednesday to Thursday, while the five-course tasting menu costs $85/per person Fridays and Saturdays or $70 from Wednesday to Thursday. Wine pairings can be added for an additional cost.

550 Wellington St W

1 Kitchen

From now through April 30, guests of 1 Kitchen can participate in a series of Earth Month-inspired food experiences. A limited-edition sustainable cocktail, called Sapphire Tides is available at 1 Kitchen Toronto, Flora Lounge, and Harriet’s Toronto. Created with Bombay Sapphire, the Earth Month cocktail uses 100% sustainably sourced botanicals in its gin. Incorporated into this specialty drink is aquafaba, a vegan alternative for egg whites. At 1 Kitchen, roughly 85 per cent of the menu is vegetarian, with plenty of vegetarian options, including salads with vegan proteins, hearty soups, and even vegan sliders.