Chicago, known for its vibrant dining scene, does not disappoint when offering delicious options for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. From cozy cafes to elegant restaurants, the Windy City has something to satisfy every taste.
This article will explore some of Chicago’s best vegetarian and vegan restaurants, highlighting their signature dishes and unique atmosphere. Get ready to delight all your senses with this fantastic Chicago veggie food tour.
Green Zebra
Located in the West Town neighborhood, Green Zebra is a vegetarian restaurant that prides itself on offering an innovative and sustainable dining experience. Their menu, designed to highlight the natural flavors of seasonal produce, offers creative dishes that delight vegetarians and omnivores alike.
Highlights include Roasted Beet Salad with vegan goat cheese and citrus vinaigrette and Pumpkin Risotto with creamy arborio rice and fresh herbs.
Chicago Diner
Considered a classic among the city’s vegan restaurants, Chicago Diner offers a wide selection of comforting dishes that satisfy even the most skeptical of vegan food. It’s a sure stop on any Chicago food tour.
It has two locations, one in Lakeview and one in Logan Square. This restaurant is known for its creative take on American comfort food. Among its most popular dishes are the “Radical Reuben,” a sandwich filled with seitan meat, sauerkraut, vegan Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing, as well as the “Shroom Steak Tacos,” which feature grilled portobello mushrooms, peppers, onions, and guacamole.
Handlebar
Located in the lively Wicker Park neighborhood, Handlebar is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant that combines a relaxed atmosphere with flavorful, comforting cuisine. Its eclectic menu offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, ranging from classic breakfast omelets to beet burgers.
Highlights include the “BBQ Seitan Wings,” served with homemade barbecue sauce and vegan ranch dressing,and the “Baja Tofu Tacos,” featuring grilled tofu, pickled cabbage, avocado, and chipotle sauce.
Native Foods Café
With several locations throughout the city, Native Foods Café is a vegan restaurant specializing in dishes inspired by world cuisine. Their menu includes comforting and healthy options, from gourmet burgers to fresh salads and hearty bowls.
Its most popular dishes are the “Native Chicken Wings,” served with vegan buffalo sauce and ranch dressing, and the “Soul Bowl,” which features a blend of quinoa, black beans, roasted sweet potato, avocado, and tahini sauce.
Amitabul
In the Andersonville neighborhood, Amitabul is a vegan restaurant specializing in healthy and comforting Korean cuisine. Their menu includes a variety of traditional Korean dishes, all prepared with fresh and flavorful ingredients.
Highlights include “Vegan Bibimbap,” served with rice, mixed vegetables, grilled tofu, and gochujang sauce, and “Japchae,” a sweet potato noodle dish with sautéed vegetables and soy sauce.
Veggie Grill
Veggie Grill is a vegan restaurant offering many comforting and healthy dishes. It has locations downtown and in the Lakeview neighborhood, and its menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, offering dishes ranging from classic vegan burgers to fresh salads and hearty bowls.
Among its most popular dishes are the “Beyond Burger,” a plant-based burger served with all the classic sides, as well as the “Santa Fe Crispy Chicken Sandwich,” which features breaded vegan chicken, lettuce, tomato, and guacamole.
Upton’s Breakroom
In the West Town neighborhood, Upton’s Breakroom is a vegan restaurant with various breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, classic sandwiches and hearty bowls.
Popular dishes include the “Chickpea Salad Sandwich,” made with chickpeas, vegan mayonnaise, celery, onion, and spices, and the “Banh Mi Bowl,” which features marinated tofu, brown rice, fresh vegetables, and peanut sauce.
Mana Food Bar
Mana Food Bar is a vegetarian restaurant in the Wicker Park neighborhood that offers a fusion of global flavors in a modern and inviting atmosphere. Their menu includes a variety of small plates for sharing and more substantial options for those with larger appetites.
Popular dishes include the “Edamame Dumplings,” filled with edamame and shiitake mushrooms and wrapped in won-ton dough, and the “Bibimbap Bowl,” which features brown rice, mixed vegetables, grilled tofu, and gochujang sauce.
Alice & Friends’ Vegetarian Café
Alice & Friends’ Vegetarian Café is a cozy haven for vegetarian and vegan food lovers. This restaurant is located in the Edgewater neighborhood and specializes in Asian cuisine, with dishes ranging from vegan sushi to Thai curries.
Highlights include the “Rainbow Roll,” filled with avocado, cucumber, carrot, beets, beets tofu and served with ginger sauce, as well as the “Pad Thai,” a mixture of rice noodles, sautéed vegetables and tofu marinated in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Kal’ish
Kal’ish is a vegan restaurant in the Uptown neighborhood. Its menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, with dishes ranging from classic breakfast omelets to gourmet burgers.
Its most popular dishes are the “Biscuits and Gravy,” served with seitan wheat sausage and vegan gravy, and the “Chicken & Waffles,” featuring breaded vegan chicken and Belgian waffles with maple syrup.
Ground Control
Located in the bustling Logan Square neighborhood, Ground Control is a vegetarian restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with a modern twist. Its focus on comforting and creative dishes makes it a must-stop for vegetarian food lovers.
Highlights include the “Buddha Bowl,” a colorful combination of quinoa, roasted vegetables, avocado, and tahini dressing, and the “Portobello Burger,” which features grilled portobello, caramelized onion, vegan cheese, and avocado mayo.
Handle with Care Vegan Café
Handle with Care Vegan Café is a cozy haven for vegan food lovers. Located in the bustling Wicker Park neighborhood, it focuses on fresh, local ingredients and offers a wide selection of breakfast and lunch options.
Its most popular dishes are the fluffy, flavorful Blueberry Pancakes and the Avocado Toast, served with tomato and fresh arugula.
Veggie Delight
Veggie Delight is a vegan restaurant specializing in Caribbean and soul food cuisine in the heart of the Hyde Park neighborhood. Their menu includes a variety of comforting dishes, from “Jerk Tofu” to “Collard Greens,” all prepared with authentic spices and love.
Highlights include “Curry Chickpea Stew,” served with rice and peas, as well as “BBQ Seitan Ribs,” a delicious and hearty option for comfort food lovers.
Final Thoughts
With many options, Chicago offers an exciting and delicious dining experience for vegetarians and vegans alike. Whether looking for an elegant restaurant for a special occasion or a cozy place to enjoy a casual meal with friends, Windy City has something for all tastes and dietary preferences. So, next time you’re in Chicago, explore the city’s exciting vegan and vegetarian dining scene and discover new flavors and delicious dishes.
