Where to Eat With Your Vegan Friends in Toronto (Restaurants)

Ok, so it’s Saturday night and you want to go out for a nice meal with your friends. The problem is, some of them are vegan, and some of them aren’t. What do you do? You go to one of the spots listed below!

All of the spots I’ve detailed below are delicious for both plant-based eaters, and non-plant based eaters. Vegan cuisine has evolved immensely. Even if you’re hesitant - with the cost of living increasing everyday, there’s no time like the present to try plant-based. Who knows, you might even enjoy it! (Personally, I do).

Celiac? Press here

saigon Lotus

Vietnamese and Thai cuisine, but all vegan - that’s what you can expect at Saigon Lotus!

Kensington Market already has a ton of wonderful vegan fare, but this particular spot happens to be my favourite.

My favourite? The Vietnamese Pho options, which are spicy, full of veggies, and leave me feeling full.

Location:
6 St Andrew St,

hogtown vegan

Just because your vegan doesn’t mean you should give up burgers and poutine!

The Hogtown Vegan is a well-loved Toronto establishment that serves up vegan comfort food staples. Think Mac n Cheese, Chicken Tenders, and Hot Dogs - there are plant-based options of all of these so you can indulge comfortably!

Location:
382 College St

Pizzeria Libretto

Pizzeria Libretto is the real deal when it comes to Toronto-based Neapolitan pizza. Their regular crusts are fluffy, light, and just slightly charred. Surprisingly, so are their gluten-free crusts!

If you miss pizza with cheese - than you will be thrilled to know that Pizzeria Libretto makes their own nut-free vegan cheese!

With a menu that adheres to many different diets (in their words: “We offer a gluten free, dairy free, nut free, vegetarian, vegan, and accepting of all dining experience), it’s a wonderful restaurant that easily accommodates any and all of the diners in your group. The best part? It genuinely tastes incredibly delicious, and I’d eat here even if I wasn’t gluten-intolerant.

Location:
155 University Avenue
545 King Street West
221 Ossington Avenue
589 College Street
550 Danforth Avenue

pai

A Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant of a mostly flourless cuisine with extensive gluten free options? Yes, please!

Popular Chef Nut is at the helm of this Toronto restaurant with a midtown and downtown location. Fresh and authentic Thai food is served alongside refreshing drinks. Gluten Free and Vegan diners are also welcome, just make sure to inquire with your server before ordering your dish!

The interior is eclectic and bright, conjuring up images of a colourful Thai street. All diners in your party will love it, and will leave feeling satisfied.

Do note - book reservations early! This place regularly has over an hour wait for walk-ins on weekends and evenings.

Location:
18 Duncan Street

pizzeria defina

For award-winning Napoletana style pizza, head over to either of Defina’s locations!

The best part of this pizzeria is the abundance of choice. Their toppings are truly incredible; you will have a hard time deciding what to order (good way to ensure you’ll be back)! They sometimes switch up their offerings, but one common pizza available is the Vegan Love. This pizza utilizes complimentary flavours in such a beautiful way, I don’t even miss cheese!

Defina offers hand-crafted, and wood-fired ‘normal’ and “gluten-free” pizzas and pastas. You can try the prized “Pizza Expo Winner” for yourself, which won the Best Traditional Pizza in the International Division in Las Vegas. On top of that honour, Define won Best Non-Traditional Pizza, International Region and placed in the Pan Division, Sicilian Style. The Italian authority of restaurants Gambrel Rosso (Food and Wine) even presented them with the renowned ‘Slice’ - wow!

Location:
321 Roncesvalles Avenue
1485 Dupont Street

gia restaurant

Gia is an aesthetically pleasing Italian restaurant, with many Plant-Based options. On top of normally plant-based options, you can also swap for vegan cheese on any dish.

The menu changes monthly, so double-check on line there are things you like. Gluten Free can be iffy - sometimes it’s great, sometimes there’s not much. But plant-based? You got it.

Location:
9 Boustead Ave

avelo

Nestled inside a charming Victorian townhouse, Avelo is the paragon of plant-based cuisine.

Pricey, but not pretentious, the 5-or-8 course Tasting Menu at this restaurant is an absolute delight. I opted for the 8-course tasting menu, and I was astounded at how well each dish highlighted a particular ingredient. Rarely seen mushrooms, delicata squash, peaches… Each bite was intriguing, and there were flavour profiles I experienced for the first time that evening. The menu rotates depending on what is fresh, so you are sure to be surprised each time you visit. They also offer substitutions for those with allergies, if you inquire with enough notice when making a reservation.

Avelo can be prohibitively expensive. However, if you are vegan and are able to allow the splurge, it is a a restaurant I would highly, highly recommend.

If you can’t justify the Tasting Menu at the present time, there is Bar Avelo upstairs with small a la carte bites that is a considerably cheaper way to experience Avelo’s cuisine. Bonus - the interior is just as chic!

This is the place for a fancy dinner.

Location:
51 St Nicholas Street

musoshin ramen

Toronto has many ramen places. While some have konjac noodles as a wheat-free alternative, the broth still has gluten in it. Not Musoshin!

This new ramen place has gluten-free noodles (not konjac noodles, but actual noodles) along with two gluten-free broths. The interior is minimalistic, and ideal for intimate conversation.

Do note the gluten free broths are both vegan. You can add eggs or animal add-ons on top should you wish!

Location:
9 Boustead Avenue

selam

Ethiopian cuisine relies heavily on teff flour, which is naturally gluten free. There are also many, many vegan options. If you’re flourless, enjoy choice at this Ethiopian restaurant with meat, vegan, and vegetarian options. This makes Selam perfect for large groups.

Hearty fillings you can customize nestle atop the injera at Selam. Expect a lot of beans, and vegetables cooked in a multitude of ways.

Selam is a great choice!

Location:
812 Bloor St West

fresh

If you need a reliable vegan chain, than Fresh is your go-to!

With salads, bowls, tacos, burgers, and even loaded fries, Fresh has a multitude of vegan options that are sure to please any palate. There are also gluten free options.

My favourite part? The salad/ bowl dressings. How are they so good?!

Location:
106 John Street