Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Montreal
Montreal is situated in southeastern Canada and is a modern city with a historic past. Before it was discovered by Jacques Cartier in 1535 it was home to the Iroquois peoples for thousands of years. After development began the city became a small port town, and thanks to its location on the gorgeous Saint Lawrence River Montreal quickly grew into a bustling town. Much of the city's history can still be seen in the Old Montreal area which is a popular spot among tourists. Because of its cold and snowy winters, Montreal excels in certain sports like ice skating, snowshoeing, skiing and snowboarding. Today people travel here to visit the tourist attractions, attend the city's numerous festivals, or try some of the amazing food.
From famous bagels, smoked meat and poutine, Montreal has a great selection of iconic dishes. Of course, since Montreal has the most restaurants per capita in the country you know that there will be a wide selection of places to choose from. Below we've gathered a list of some of the city's top vegetarian restaurants. If you don't want to carry around your extra gear or large bags, stow your stuff at a suitcase locker in Montreal. Then, walk from restaurant to restaurant and choose one to try!
Sushi Momo - Le Plateau Mont Royal
What's it like:
Sushi Momo is a quaint little restaurant in Le Plateau Mont Royal and one of the best vegan restaurants in the city. Once you visit you will see a clean and fresh place with plants hanging from the ceiling, large windows and oak tables. The space is modern and a great spot to eat some of the best vegan sushi in the city.
Our recommendation:
Everything on the menu is vegetarian friendly, so take your pick of all the amazing dishes. They also offer accommodations for certain dietary restrictions, and you can speak to them if you have any special requests. If you can't decide what to get we recommend trying the Popeye sushi made with garlic, spinach, oyster mushrooms, avocado, cucumber, oshinko and ito togarashi. They also offer salads and miso soup.
Location:
3603 Rue St Denis, Montreal
Falafel St Jacques - Ville Saint-Pierre
What's it like:
This is one of the top restaurants in Montreal for all things falafel. This is not a sit-down restaurant, although they do have a couple of tables inside and outside, but is more of a deli. Instead of getting served, you can choose from a selection of ingredients to make your own meal and they also sell fresh pastries, baked goods and snacks prepared in-house. Once you pay, you can take the food to go or eat it right there at the restaurant.
Our recommendation:
This restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian fare and they have a lot of your basic side dishes to go with your falafel, like potato wedges, hummus and eggplant. We definitely recommend that you try the vegetarian shawarma and shish taouk. If you want to take your meal to go they offer take out and it is the perfect party meal for any event.
Location:
345 St-Jacques Street, Lachine
The Green Panther - Mile End, Le Plateau Mont Royal
What's it like:
With vegan dishes made from organic ingredients and recycled materials, The Green Panther is really an impressive place to eat. They have a nice and open restaurant with lots of natural lighting and big tables so you can eat comfortably with a group of friends. Enjoy the rustic wooden furniture and plants placed around the space which make it feel calm and natural. They offer seating both indoors and outdoors.
Our recommendation:
They have some fantastic vegetarian and vegan options that are both clean and sustainable. Try their Falafel Sandwiches, Hummus & Burger Plate (made with veggie patties, of course), and sweet potato fries for a side. They also have organic wine, cocktails and homemade sodas.
Location:
145 Avenue Du Mount Royal E and 160 Saint-Viateur Est, Montreal
Bowhead Pub - Milton Park
What's it like:
This restaurant is revolutionary because it is the first Montreal pub that is completely plant based. It is exactly how you would imagine any other pub, but instead, they serve carnivore friendly meals prepared without animal products. The restaurant looks great with lots of tables, a bar and TVs playing the latest sports game. They also have a gorgeous outdoor seating area with wooden beams supporting canopy lights and a fake hedge to give you privacy from people passing by.
Our recommendation:
You will love anything from their menu but some of our favorites include the Veggie Dumplings for a starter. They are fried and made with carrots and broccoli. Bowhead Pub also has some great veggies burgers and if you are hungry enough you should try The Monster which is made with two impossible patties, vegan cheese, tomatoes, onion rings, lettuce, pickle and their signature Bowhead sauce. They also have dishes to share so bring a friend! Of course, the menu also serves alcohol (it is a pub after all!).
Location: 3723 St Laurent Boulevard, Montreal
Bloom Sushi - Griffintown
What's it like:
If you really liked Sushi Momo mentioned above, then you will love it at Bloom Sushi in Griffintown which is popular in its own right. Their restaurant has a bright and welcoming interior designed with branches, plants, exposed brick walls and wooden furnishings. When it comes to aesthetics they totally nailed it and you won't want to leave even after you've finished eating.
Our recommendation: They offer a wide selection of plant based sushi that is always served fresh and with perfect presentation. Try their Zen Salad to start and then move on to the Kapp Mango Hosomaki sushi. The Futomaki sushi is also wonderful; try La Fiesta made with avocado, jalapeno, sweet potato, salsa verde and takana. They are often busy so it might be a good idea to make a reservation before you show up.
Location: 368 Saint-Paul W., Montreal
Copper Branch - Bois Franc, Glenmount, Milton Park, Griffintown, Le Plateau Mont Royal
What's it like:
Copper Branch probably serves the healthiest fast food in the entire city. They offer delicious food with great service that can keep up with the rush at lunchtime. Many vegetarians and vegans love this place since the menu offers plant based versions of some of your favorite foods. They have locations all over the Downtown Montreal area and each restaurant is just as contemporary, clean and inviting as the last.
Our recommendation:
They have a large menu suitable for all vegetarian and vegan dietary preferences. Try some of their power bowls, like the Asian Fusion served with general tao sauce, or maybe the Keto Bowl. They also serve sandwiches, burgers, chili or soup, flatbreads and fresh sides. Take advantage of their all day breakfast to try the unforgettable Garlic Bread or yummy Oven-Baked Nachos. They also offer organic coffees, teas and lattes.
Location:
1320 Sainte-Catherine St E, Montreal is a downtown location. This is a big restaurant chain with 17 locations around the city! Look them up online to find which restaurant is closest to you.
Café Chat L'Heureux - Le Plateau Mont Royal
What's it like:
Now this is a really unique restaurant in Montreal. Come enjoy healthy dishes that are all meat free as you dine in the best company; cats! Currently, there are seven cats who call the restaurant home, and the best part is that they are all rescued from local animal shelters. The Café Chat L'Heureux aims to bring awareness to adoption and also to serve tasty vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options for meals!
Our recommendation:
They have most of your classic dishes as well as some more unique options, and everything on the menu is worth trying. Go for a traditional grilled cheese made with country bread and cheddar cheese or try the Mexi-Cat which is a sandwich made with country bread, corn and tomatoes salsa, avocado, pickled onions, hot sauce and cheddar cheese. They also have coffees, smoothies, lattes and tasty desserts. Make sure that you stop by to say hello to your new feline friends if you find yourself near Duluth Avenue.
Location:
172 Duluth Avenue East, Montreal
Lola Rosa - Milton Park, Downtown Montreal, Griffintown
What's it like:
This restaurant is prepared to satisfy carnivores and non meat eaters alike with their delicious and filling plant based meals. This rustic little restaurant has a certain charm to it and is a favorite for strict vegans and vegetarians. A fun tradition is to leave a note in the table drawers where you sat, and check to see if the person who was there before you left something as well!
Our recommendation:
They have a fairly extensive menu and no matter what you are craving they should have it. Try the tasty hemp burgers or a Bolognese lasagna with sautéed mushrooms, onions, tomato sauce and a Caesar salad on the side. Other options include curry and burritos or their unique "Cheesesteak". Make sure that you save room for dessert; they have some great choices like brownies, sorbet or key lime pie.
Location:
545 Milton Street, 4581 Park Avenue or 276 Saint-Catherine Street West, Montreal
Le Vin Papillon - Little Burgundy
What's it like:
Another restaurant boasting some fantastic vegetarian options is Le Vin Papillon. This cozy little wine bar offers both indoor and outdoor seating with a chic but rustic aesthetic that looks almost as good as the food. The outside of the restaurant is painted a nice turquoise so it will be hard to miss!
Our recommendation: Their menu changes regularly and is often updated with new meals. This keeps it exciting and you can often find something new to try! If you have to choose just one thing from their menu we recommend the yummy smoked carrot eclairs which are a favorite among regular customers and are always available. Of course, make sure that you try their wines as well.
Location: 2519 Notre-Dame Street West
Discovering the Many Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Montreal
When it comes to great food, Montreal is no stranger. Lots of the more contemporary restaurants like to use fresh and local ingredients, and it is becoming more and more common for places to offer vegetarian and vegan food made with mock meats and plant based products.
Even if you eat meat there is no reason to not visit a vegetarian or vegan restaurant since their meals can be savored by everyone. You might even discover your new favorite comfort food right here in the city, and it might be from one of these places mentioned above!
Did you enjoy this article? Check out these other guides about Montreal:
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