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Here’s where to get the best vegan and vegetarian dishes in Greater Boston
“I like to stay true to the ingredients by respecting them, and also respect the wishes of the people that come here.”
It can be hard to eat out in Boston as the sole vegan or vegetarian in a friend group.
Boston ranks low among the U.S. cities that offer “the best and cheapest places for a plant-based diet,” according to a WalletHub survey. However, more vegan and vegetarian options are showing up on menus for those diners shying away from meat.
At South Boston vegan restaurant Lulu Green, co-founder Mary Lattouf starts with quality ingredients and a chef who knows how to layer flavor with preparation. Those components make for “a really great meal that even carnivores love,” she said.
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At contemporary Chinese restaurant Sumiao Hunan Kitchen, CEO Sumiao Chen finds that her customers need flexibility across the menu.
“We are not trying to manipulate or compromise the flavor of an authentic Hunan dish that uses local ingredients and meets the needs of our target audience,” said Chen. The Kendall Square restaurant is not strictly vegetarian or vegan, but instead offers a variety of well-labeled dishes with dietary restrictions. According to Chen, it’s critical to listen to her diners.
Before opening the restaurant in 2017, Chen tapped nearby friends and colleagues to test over 800 dishes for three months. Vegetarian favorites including a Shaoshan Cabbage and Sizzling Basil-Flavored Eggplant emerged from the trial period.
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“We face a lot of challenges because our menu looks big and also requires a lot of training,” said Chen. “But restaurants need to modernize.”
Lulu Green takes having versatility to the next level with different dining concepts housed under the same roof. The vegan restaurant was originally intended to be an all-day cafe but customers wanted more, according to Lattouf. That’s how the restaurant came to offer a fine dining menu and cocktails at night.
“Engaging with our guests, listening and being open to their feedback – that’s why we’ve evolved to where we are today,” said Lattouf.
At all-day vegetarian diner Veggie Galaxy in Cambridge, Chef Dante Funes also thinks that feedback is critical when designing a menu that is plant-based.
Funes joined Veggie Galaxy in November after a life-changing allergy attack from seafood at his last restaurant job. After having a vegan mentor in culinary school, Funes became a champion for creativity in the kitchen.
At the diner, which offers a vegan option for all dishes, Funes utilized influences from his French training, Latin American roots, and love for Italian cuisine as he thinks up new twists to the menu.
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“When I’m coming up with something new, I like to get the cooks involved,” said Funes. “I like to stay true to the ingredients by respecting them, and also respect the wishes of the people that come here.”
Inclusive plant-based eating also does not have to be boring or healthy, according to Lulu Green’s Executive Chef Brian Corbley. In fact, customers are demanding flavor and versatility above all else.
“I’m sitting in our cafe right now and there are two guests at the high top next to me each having a kale quinoa bowl and Night Shift Fluffy draft beer,” said Corbley. “There is something for everyone.”
We asked Boston.com readers to help us update our guide for where to find the best vegetarian and vegan dishes around Greater Boston. Ahead, find our updated map and full list of restaurants serving the best plant-based dishes.
Map: The best vegan and vegetarian food in Greater Boston 📍
Full list: The best vegan and vegetarian food in Greater Boston 🌿
| Restaurant Name | Address | What readers say |
|---|---|---|
| PLNT Burger | 297 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446 | “Delicious, nutritious, and nothing suspicious!” – Jonah G., Wellesley |
| The Abbey | 1755 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA | “Grilled cheese and spicy tomato bisque.” – Kartik, Brookline |
| Taco Party | 711 Broadway, Somerville MA 02144 | “Taco Party – any taco is delicious, but the chimichurri is my favorite!” – Nicole G., Somerville |
| Lulu Green | 246 W. Broadway, Boston, MA 02127 | “The food, the service, the vibe. All 10/10. Never had anything less than a fantastic meal here.” – Cassius C., Everett |
| The Double Bull | 210 Andover Street, Peabody, MA 01960 | I’ve eaten a lot of fake burgers around the North Shore, and The Double Bull in Peabody makes a killer Impossible burger.” – Melanie L., Peabody |
| The Red Lentil | 600 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown MA | “Red Lentil for the Gobi Manchurian and Oyster Mushroom Calamari.” – Amory S., Watertown |
| Koshari Mama | 585 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143 | “Their falafels are to die for and I loved their mushroom shawarma.” – Urvi R., Reading |
| The Hummus Shop | 37a Charles St, Boston, MA 02114 | “The vegan pita, the eggplant is the best!!” – Vidya R., Beacon Hill |
| Veggie Grill | 57 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138 | “Veggie Grill, loaded nachos and mac & cheese with a cookie. It’s very yummy and also has fast service. Right in Harvard Square, so was super conveniently located when I was a student at Harvard.” – Mia T., Cambridge |
| A2B | 10004 Shops Way, Northborough, MA 01532 | “One of the best places to go for South-Indian food. Try thali to taste multiple South-Indian delicacies.” – Shreya, Medford |
| My Thai Vegan Cafe | 3 Beach Street, Boston, MA, 02111 | “The lunch special is amazing and a great deal!” – Julia, East Boston |
| Michette | 164 Broadway, Somerville, Massachusetts 02145 | “Easily the best vegan chocolate crossant I have ever had!” – Kruthi, Somerville |
| Rhythm ‘n Wraps | 1096 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02134 | “Full vegan menu, consistent taste, staff is super nice.” -Sam, Brookline |
| Veggie Galaxy | 450 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 | “Veggie Galaxy Kendall Square burger! Perfect blend of spicy and veggie forward flavor! Pair with the Brussels sprouts or fried pickles for an appetizer.” – Helen L., Cambridge |
| Life Alive (multiple locations) | 431 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116 | “Quick, and multiple locations so usually convenient.” – Richard W., Somerville |
| Zhu Vegan | 166 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington MA 02474 | “Soy Skewers, Orange Seitan” – Brittani H. |
| Season to Taste | 1678 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, MA 02138 | “Reasonably priced for a 5-course prix fixe. Not only is the food delicious, the chef comes out to explain the dishes. The chef will also customize if you want vegan, pescatarian, or whatever.” – Alan N., Newton |
| Wusong Road | 112 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 | “Wu song tiki bar is a great option for both vegans and omnivores!” – Jess, Cambridge |
| Green Leaf | 62 Water St, Framingham, MA 01701 | “Mediterranean Mezze Platter & the Buddha Bowl” – Rose, Framingham |
| Clover (multiple locations) | 27 School St, Boston, MA 02108 | “The chickpea fritter is always on the menu, or try a seasonal special like the Carrot or the Japanese Sweet Potato.” – Mary S., Concord |
| Grasshopper | 1 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134 | “Outstanding quality, big portions, lovely service, free parking, but located in a food hall.” – JC, Cambridge |
| Pizzeria Enzina | 1056 Main St, Waltham, MA 02451 | “Pizzeria Enzina in Waltham, any of the vegan pizza, vegan chix parm, truffle fries. Wonderful Italian restaurant with standard menu, a separate vegan menu and a separate gluten free menu. Excellent quality, and there’s something for everyone!” – Marie, Watertown |
| Woodlands | 290 Turnpike Rd Suite 180, Westborough, MA 01581 | “Woodlands. Excellent place for a casual Indian Vegetarian food.” – Raj K., Westbourough |
| Redwhite Boneless Ramen | 294 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115 | “Most people don’t even realize they are eating vegan ramen with soy protein because it’s just that authentic and flavorful. Never had ramen like this before!” – Arjavi V., Boston |
| Ramen O’ Bowl | 1668 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138 | “Malaysian Curry Ramen, a Thai Coffee and a Caesar Salad because I can’t resist their house made dressing. And the Tiramisu for dessert, unless they have a seasonal special which is always amazing!” – Melissa, Billerica |
| La Posada | 505 Medford St, Somerville, MA 02145 | “La Posada in Somerville has a great vegan menu plus has items for vegetarians and meat eaters. The vegan enchiladas with mole are my favorite.” – Eileen, Somerville |
| Chacerero | 101 Arch St, Boston, MA 02110 | “Veggie sandwich, no cheese & extra spicy” – Mark L., Beverly |
| Myers+Change | 1145 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118 | Readers recommend the Wok-charred Udon Noodles and Untraditional Scallion Pancakes. |
| Mandarava | 46 Inn St, Newburyport, MA 01950 | Readers say Mandarava is perfect for an intimate dining experience. |
| Pho Pasteur (multiple locations) | 682 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111 | Readers say to get the Pho Chay for authentic vegetarian pho. |
| Flying Saucer Pizza Company | 118 Washington St., Salem, MA 01970 | Readers find a seperate full menus for vegan and gluten-free eaters. No nuts are used in any products on the menu. |
| Organic Garden Cafe | 294 Cabot St, Beverly, MA 01915 | Readers love this health-minded restaurant with diverse vegan menu |
| Saloniki (multiple locations) | 1 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108 | Readers recommend the Impossible Pita. |
| Cafe Landwer (multiple locations) | 653 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116 | The clearly marked vegan menu items make this a top spot for brunch or dinner according to readers. |
| Stoked Pizza (multiple locations) | 1632 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02446 | Readers recommend the Impossible Cheeseburger Pizza and the Vegan Mushroom and Onion Pizza. |
| Sumiao Hunan Kitchen | 270 Third St, Cambridge, MA 02142 | A top seller is the Shaoshan Cabbage, but readers love that almost any beef entree can be made with Impossible products. |
| Veggie Crust (multiple locations) | 8 Cypress St., Brookline, MA 02445 | “This place has both delicious vegan pizza options and Indian comfort food.” -Clark, Brookline |
| Sweetgreen (multiple locations) | 60 State St, Boston, MA 02109 | “Many fabulous choices, very easy and tasty ways to eat the rainbow.” -Sheila, Malden |
| Pure Cold Press | 326 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446 | “Especially during the summer, my favorite sandwich is the TLT (a tempeh, lettuce, and tomato panini on multi-grain bread).” -Anonymous |
| Cafe Iterum | 11 Father Jacobbe Rd, East Boston, MA 02128 | “Either the grilled mixed mushroom melt or the garlic chili udon noodles with season veggies. They are both amazingly good and surprisingly bright with a depth of flavor that completely sidesteps the fact that it ‘doesn’t have meat;’ they are just delicious and complex. I am not vegetarian, so [I] often view plant based meals as ‘okay for not having meat.’ It’s not that the meat is just not missed, but it is simply not even a part of the equation when you bite into either of these dishes. It’s just delicious food.” -Melina, Boston |
| Masao’s Kitchen> | 581 Moody St, Waltham, MA 02453 | “Buffet style. Tuesdays and Fridays get the seitan.” -Krista, Westport |
| Juice Press> | 109 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA 02210 | “Great prepared vegan meals and freshly made vegan smoothies and bowls.” -Anonymous |
| JuicyGreens> | 61 South St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 | “Arepas and smoothies. Delicious and nutritious plus gluten and dairy free.” -Audrey, Roslindale |
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