Whether you are a true vegetarian/vegan or just strive to consume less meat, the following five restaurants will satisfy your appetite in every way…
La lumière du Mile End (vegetarian): La lumière’s colourful and eclectic decor, sunny terrasse and delicious daily specials make this spot a favourite. This cute spot is also best known for its veggie and gluten-free brunches and fair trade coffee. 214 Bernard, (514) 658-4949
Aux Vivres (vegan): Aux Vivres is surely the most popular vegan restaurant in Montreal, so popular in fact that it is equally loved by omnivores looking for creative, flavourful, vegetarian fare. Their classic “Dragon Bowl” is one of my favourites and their vegetarian burgers will satisfy just as much as their meaty counterparts. 4631 Saint-Laurent, (514) 842-3479
Su Shian Yuang (vegetarian): If you’re looking for something more exotic and a bit more complex than your usual vegetarian restaurant, Su Shian Yuang is it. Specializing in Taiwanese, MSG-free, vegetarian food, the well-executed cuisine here is guaranteed to take you on a culinary trip. 420 Rachel East, (438) 380-2829
Crudessence (vegan): Smack in the heart of downtown Montreal, Crudessence is an oasis for those seeking some vegan fare. It is the spot par excellence for raw cuisine in Montreal, whether you’re looking for a “living food” lunch or a workshop to learn more about the concept. 2157 Mackay Street, (514) 664-5188 & 105 Rachel West, (514) 510 9299
Chu Chai (vegetarian): Chu Chai is the place to bring those friends of yours who are true carnivores. The imitation meats served here look and taste so much like the real thing that they won’t miss it, especially when all the contemporary Thai cuisine dishes taste so delicious. 4088 rue St Denis, (514) 843 4194
Here are also some omnivore restaurants that are favourites among my vegetarian friends: Olive and Gourmando for their Viva Las Vegas sandwich and other daily vegetarian options, Dépanneur le Pick Up for their veggie “pulled pork” sandwich and Les 400 coups for the inventive high-end vegetarian dishes that chef Marc-André Jetté can create upon request.
Big in Japan, Rumi and Chao Phrya are three other great restaurant choices where omnivores and vegetarians alike will enjoy their meal.
(A big thanks to my two favourite vegetarians, Elise Desaulniers and Vanessa Muri, for their invaluable input on this article.)
Amanda Strong
I’d also add Bonny’s in Griffintown to that list. It’s been around forever and I’ve never been disappointed in the food. (www. bonnys.ca_
Janie-Kim Béland
There is also “Sala Rosa” on Milton, which they will also open another spot on Parc. Very very good place
Laura Fraser
I love this list! It includes some of my favourites and some that I’ve also never tried (and need to ASAP). Thank you!
Julie
La Panthère Verte (corner of St-Viateur and Clark) is also a delicious veggie place, and a good take out!
Mia
There is Lola’s on Milton Street too.Casa del Popolo also makes good vegetarian food. Juicy Lotus on Monkland also has take out as well as cooking classes.If you want to learn about Crudessence food, they have an English language Living Foods 7-hour workshop this OCTOBER 27. http://www.crudessence.com/en/academy/living-foods-1
You’ll learn dehydration, sprouting etc:
- Green juices and wheat grass
- Green smoothies
- Nut milks and chocolate milk
- Sprouted seed pâtés
- Macadamia ricotta
- Tomato sauce
- Spaghetti
- Rice-free vegan sushi
- Fermented cashew cheese
- Konbucha
- Three-layer cake