Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Boston

If you are looking for the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Boston and Cambridge, you’ve come to the right place! This guide will help you find the best vegan food depending on your mood, craving, or location. From vegan brunch to decadent desserts, you’ll find it all in this Boston Vegan Food Guide!

If you are looking for the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Boston and Cambridge, welcome! I’m glad you’re here. I’ve lived outside of and worked in Cambridge and Boston for more than 15 years, and have had some amazing vegan food here. This list is a compilation of my personal experiences, research (I’m always looking), and places I know are amazing with a fantastic reputation. It’s a collection of rock-solid favorites to wish-list destinations.

If you are googling “best vegan restaurant in Boston” or “best vegetarian restaurants in Cambridge,” and end up here, you’ll undoubtedly find something that fits your needs. From fine dining to casual fare, this list has something for everyone—vegans, vegetarians, and the veg-curious.

So hop on the T or pahk the cah and get ready for some wicked good vegan food options!

Before heading out, double-check the restaurant’s website (they’re all linked below!) for the most up-to-date menu items. Some items mentioned below are subject to change by season, availability or menu adjustments. This list isn’t exhaustive but fits one of these criteria:

• They are an exclusively vegan restaurant.
• They are not a vegan restaurant but offer a separate vegan menu.
• They are not a vegan restaurant but mark vegan items very clearly on their menu, or have a substantial offering.

Click on the Table of Contents below to expand the list and see restaurants broken down by cuisine and name. Click on the restaurant name to jump to it in the article below.

Vegan American Restaurants in Boston and Cambridge

If you’re in search of vegan burgers, diner-style eats, or comfort food dishes, these American-style restaurants have it all, ranging from casual options to upscale dining. Whether you crave delicious and gooey mac and cheese, a hearty burger prepared in traditional or wildly creative ways, or a mouthwatering slice of pizza, you can find all of that and more at these restaurants!

All-Star Pizza Bar

(Offers Vegan Pizzas)

All-Star Pizza Bar in Cambridge offers vegan pizza by the pie or by slice. Choose from unique pizzas like the Big Jerk with almond béchamel, Daiya mozz, jerk roasted jackfruit, mango and pickled red onions, or the Baked and Tofused with sundried tomato sauce, Daiya mozz, citrus-balsamic baked tofu, and roasted garlic. You can also build your own pie with Daiya mozz, vegan red or white sauce, and all the veggies you can think of!

Location: 1238 Cambridge Street, Cambridge

Great to visit if you are looking for: A great place in Cambridge with unique vegan pizzas you can order by the pie or slice.

Clover Food Lab

(Vegan and Vegetarian)

With 13 locations in the Boston and Cambridge area, Clover Food Lab is an excellent spot for chickpea fritters, great soups, crispy rosemary fries, and seitan bbq. Be careful when ordering. Some items, like their Impossible meatballs, contain eggs, and the “vegan” sides sometimes contain cheese. Just be sure to double-check with the staff to make sure your order doesn’t contain eggs or dairy.

Location: 1326 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge + 14 other locations throughout Cambridge and Boston

Great to visit if you are looking for: A fast casual eatery, where dishes are consistent and healthy, and use lots of fresh and pickled vegetables, lentils, and herbs.

Donut Villa Diner

(Offers a Separate Vegan Menu)

This retro-style diner isn’t vegan, but offers a pretty generous separate vegan menu. Try their breakfast sandwich made with JUST Egg and Violife cheese, scrambled tofu, a vegan BLT, and sweet potato mac and cheese, and add vegan buffalo chicken if you’d like. They also offer cocktails, beer, and wine!

Location: 20 Prospect Street, Cambridge

Great if you are looking for: A spot to enjoy classic, diner-style vegan food with friends and family who may prefer non-vegan dishes. There’s so much more here than a limp salad with fries!

Earl’s

(Offers a Vegan Section* on Their Menu)

Earl’s offers a beautiful space for more of an upscale dining feel. I love that vegan items are clearly marked on the menu, and their website makes it easy to jump to the plant-based section. Grab some crispy tofu sushi tacos, vegan buffalo cauliflower, a vegan kale and mushroom pizza, or vegan street corn + avocado dip.

*One word of caution from a reader who was served dairy-based cheese in a “vegan” dish at Earl’s. Please double or triple-check with the kitchen to make sure this doesn’t happen to you!

Location: 800 Boylston Street, Unit 107, Boston + 698 Assembly Row, Unit 102, Somerville

Great to visit if you are looking for: A great place to eat if dining with a group that has mixed preferences for omni, vegetarian, and vegan.

Forage

(Offers a Vegan and Vegetarian Tasting Menu)

Located right outside of Harvard Square, Forage offers a five-course vegetarian and vegan tasting menu with wine pairings. We actually just went there for our 15th wedding anniversary, and it was fantastic! They use locally grown produce and vegan cheeses to create a thoughtful progression of dishes. This charming spot is well-known for its excellent service and food. They do include meat on their menu but also observe meatless Mondays.

Location: 5 Craigie Circle, Cambridge

Great to visit if you are looking for: Something right outside Harvard Square, a gorgeous and cozy interior, and great service.

Moxie

(Vegan-Friendly Menu Section)

Located in the Seaport District, Moxie offers a chic dining experience with a focus on innovative American cuisine in the heart of Boston. They offer a dedicated plant-based and vegan section of their menu with items like smashed guacamole, vegan potstickers, lettuce wraps, Beyond Meat burger, and miso ramen.

Location: 899 Congress Street, Boston

Great to visit if you are looking for: American-style food in the Seaport district, with a dedicated vegan-friendly menu section.

PlantPub

(Vegan)

Co-founded by Chef Mary Dumont, PlantPub is amazing. Located in Kendall Square, they offer dishes like buffalo cauliflower wings, a ramen bowl, and a few burgers. Try their classic, kimchi or bbq guac. They also offer a white truffle pizza and a few craft beers to wash it all down with.

Location: 675 West Kendall Street, Cambridge

Great to visit if you are looking for: Great gastropub-style food while in the Kendall Square area. Eat inside or outside!

PLNT Burger

(Vegan)

Launched by Top Chef alum Spike Mendelsohn, PLNT Burger offers nine vegan burgers, including a classic burger and cheeseburger, mushroom bbq bacon burger, vegan chicken sandwich, and a vegan fish sandwich. Grab some vegan chicken nuggets, sweet potato fries, and a milkshake while you’re there. Everything is made 100% from plants! There is only one location in Boston, and we hope to see more soon!

Location: 348 Harrison Ave, Boston (Located inside Whole Foods Market)

Great if you are looking for: Delicious, classic vegan burgers and plant-based, fast-food fare to share with your vegan or non-vegan friends and family.

Red Lentil

(Vegan and Vegetarian)

Located in Watertown, Red Lentil is a little further out from Cambridge, but definitely worth going out a few extra miles. Its globally-inspired menu offers brunch, lunch, and dinner items like Chimichurri Seitan, Chesapeake Crabless Cakes, TexMex Enchilada, and vegan pancakes and waffles.

Location: 600 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown

Great to visit if you are looking for: Globally-inspired food with lots of options, and consistency in its dishes. A great place for everyone to enjoy something in a casual, cozy atmosphere.

Rhythm ‘N Wraps

(Vegan)

Upon entry to Rhythm ‘N Wraps, you’ll be greeted with a beautifully fun and vibrant menu on its walls. Choose from items like their “Big Shug” burger, which is an Impossible Burger topped with their homemade mac and cheeze. Their sandwiches include a tempeh bacon club, chickpea tuna, buffalo jackfruit, and a Philly cheesesteak.

If you’re in the mood for a wrap, go with their “Gangsta” (smoked apple sage sausage with spicy jerk hoisin, and goddess dressing), spicy or Italian sausage wrap, or go super healthy with their raw wrap. It’s filled with arugula, purple cabbage, marinated red onions, and spicy almond satay. They also offer awesome weekend brunch items!

Location: 1096 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston

Great to visit if you are looking for: A diverse menu loaded with creative and delicious choices, from indulgent to healthy.

Saus

(Vegan and Vegetarian)

Known for its hand-cut fries and poutine, everything at Saus is vegetarian, but can be made vegan upon request. Top off your poutine with vegan mac and cheese, crispy shallots, and truffled mushrooms. Choose from homemade sauces like smoky chipotle, garlic chickpea, and avo goddess to dip your fries in. And don’t forget to make room for their vegan burgers, made with Impossible Beef, scallion jam, and garlic mayo. Their vegan coney dog is especially delicious, colossal, and messy! Wash everything down with a New England beer or hard kombucha!

Location: 33 Union Street, Boston + 1 Bow Market Way, Somerville

Great to visit if you are looking for: Rich and indulgent food with creamy and spicy sauces, friendly service, and easy-to-order vegan food.

Stoked Pizza Company

(Offers a Separate Vegan Menu)

Located near Harvard Square with an additional location near the Washington Square T stop in Brookline, Stoked Pizza offers a generous and diverse separate vegan menu. Choose from dishes like vegan meatballs and marinara, waffle fries with chipotle aioli, General Tso’s cauliflower bites, vegan pepperoni pizza, an Impossible cheeseburger pizza, and a vegan meatball pizza. Their vegan pizzas are also customizable, so you can also top them with whatever you’d like!

Location: 1611 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge

Great to visit if you are looking for: A casual and cozy pizza restaurant with great, customizable vegan options, great appetizers, and beer.

Veggie Crust

(Vegan and Vegetarian Options)

Located in Somerville with additional locations outside of the city, Veggie Crust offers unique signature and customizable pizzas, and offers vegan cheese. Choose a soy meat BBQ pizza, falafel pizza, and an Impossible pizza, among others.

Location: 445 Somerville Avenue, Somerville

Great to visit if you are looking for: Unique pizzas with classic and Indian-inspired pizza toppings.

Veggie Galaxy Boston

(Vegan and Vegetarian)

We love Veggie Galaxy, located in Central Square in Cambridge. This retro diner has a massive menu that’s vegan and vegetarian, but most vegetarian items can be made vegan. They serve breakfast all day, with dishes like biscuits with mushroom gravy (one of my favorites), pancakes, hashbrowns, and tempeh bacon. For lunch and dinner, choose from their Big Mac Mac and Cheese with Beyond Burger and special sauce, portobello patty melt, vegan clam strips (made with fried oyster mushrooms), and Nashville hot chicken, to name just a few.

Location: 450 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge

Great to visit if you are looking for: Super laid-back vegan diner comfort food with breakfast served all day, conveniently located right on Mass Ave in Central Square.

Veggie Grill Harvard Square

(Vegan)

I first started going to Veggie Grill when we lived in California and missed not having one when we moved back to Boston. I didn’t have to wait long for the news that a location was popping up in Harvard Square and loved having some of my favorite options available again. Their creamy vegan mac and cheese, vegan fish tacos, vibrant salads, Koreatown tacos, and carrot cake were here, and just as good as on the West Coast. Its menu is completely vegan and gloriously extensive!

Location: 57 John F. Kennedy Street, Cambridge

Great if you are looking for: Globally inspired, casual vegan fast food in Harvard Square. Has a fast-food feel, but offers fresh and vibrant components in each dish.

Best Vegan East Asian Restaurants

If you love East Asian cuisine, you’re in luck because there are some fantastic options in Boston and Cambridge. From noodles and rice to mock meats and tofu, these restaurants will add some freshness and spice. Grab some chopsticks and get ready for some amazing vegan dishes!

Chalawan

(Vegan-friendly options)

This East Asian restaurant offers dishes influenced by Malaysian, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, and Chinese cuisine. Their vegetarian menu is mostly vegan, with items like fried tofu with shallots, cilantro, and peanut sauce, Thai red curry with lychee, okra, and basil, and Singapore chili tofu, with salted black bean paste, ginger, and black fungus mushroom. Just double-check with the server to make sure the item is vegan.

Location: 1790 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge

Great if you are looking for: A nice selection of vegan starters and entrees with an East Asian feel in a warm and cozy atmosphere near Porter Square.

Grasshopper

(Vegan)

Located in Allston, Grasshopper is the place to go for vegan Chinese cuisine. Their extensive 100% vegan menu includes appetizers like scallion pancakes and and vegan tempura. If noodles is your thing, they have so many options, and be sure to try their excellent seitan dishes! My favorite is Grasshopper’s No Name, which I tried to recreate in this Sweet and Sour Soy Curls recipe (came pretty close). Grasshopper will hit the spot if you like big portions, mock meat, and consistency with your favorite dishes! Please note that they have recently (as of August 2024) moved from their North Beacon Street location—the new address is below!

Location: 88 Market Food Court at 1 Brighton Avenue, Allston

Great if you are looking for: A super casual atmosphere with excellent vegan Chinese food, consistency in preparation, huge portions, and great service.

Sugar & Spice

(Vegan-friendly)

Sugar & Spice is a Thai restaurant located in Porter Square offering a vegan-friendly lunch and dinner menu. Order the Thai veggie dumpling, vegan gyoza, vegan kow yum (rice-based salad with fresh Thai herbs), and sub tofu for meat in several curries, rice, soup, and noodle dishes.

Location: 1933 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge

Great to visit if you are looking for: Legit Thai food with tons of vegan options. I love the way the menu categorizes the dishes based on their specific regions of origin in Thailand.

My Thai

(Vegan)

Pronounced “Me Ty”, this all-vegan Thai restaurant offers a ton of options, with amazing faux meats like chicken, beef, shrimp, lobster, and duck. Their massive menu includes fried rice, stir-fried noodles, Thai curry, vegan seafood platters. Take a stroll around Chinatown before or after, and take in all of the sights of the beautiful and vibrant part of the city.

Location: 3 Beach Street #2, Boston

Great if you are looking for: Thai food with tons of options and loads of faux meats. If you are in Chinatown, this is super easy to find and truly a gem to discover!

Myers + Chang

(Offers Vegan and Vegetarian Options)

Myers + Chang is an excellent option for Vietnamese, Chinese, Taiwanese, and Thai food. Although they serve meat, they also offer delicious vegan options that are clearly marked on the menu. Choose from dishes like Taiwanese cool Dan Dan noodles, edamame and wasabi dumplings, wok-charred udon noodles with tofu and bok choy, ginger scallion bok choy, and spring rolls with duck sauce. They do share grills and oil with non-vegan food, so if that bothers you, you may want to choose from another choice on this list!

Location: 1145 Washington Street, Boston

Great if you are looking for: A great option for those with mixed dietary preferences but a love of East Asian cuisine.

Ramen O’Bowl

(Vegan)

Located between Porter and Harvard Square, Ramen O’ Bowl offers hot ramen like shoyu ramen and spicy ramen. Or you can choose cold ramen, like sesame tahini or their very spicy mala cold ramen. If you prefer, you can choose a rice bowl with soy protein, Japanese pickles, avocado, seaweed salad, and more. Everything is vegan!

Location: 1668 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge

Great to visit if you are looking for: 100% vegan ramen in the Central Square area, that offers hot and cold ramen.

REDWHITE RAMEN

(Vegan)

If you find yourself on Newbury Street, dropping in to REDWHITE RAMEN is a must! My favorite is their Dragon Breath, but you can choose a less fiery version and go with their classic ramen, ginger curry, yuzu sesame, or truffle salt options. Their portions are huge, so plan to come hungry. The interior is cozy but casual, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

REDWHITE also has vegan sushi, which is also gluten-free. They have spicy and non-spicy roasted miso avocado, and sweet chili taco sushi options that both look amazing!

Location: 294 Newbury St, Boston

Great to visit if you are looking for: A huge bowl of ramen or vegan sushi any time of the year, with stellar options to please any palate. Their rich, hearty broth is bursting with umami and bold flavor, making this a solid choice for ramen lovers.

Sumiao

(Vegan-friendly Options)

This upscale Chinese restaurant located in Cambridge offers authentic Hunan Cuisine. They serve meat but also offer lots of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options on their menu. Select Shaoshan cabbage with garlic, dried chili, and aged vinegar, Impossible Beef on fire, and salt and pepper Impossible chicken nuggets with scallions and longhorn pepper ring.

Location: 270 Third St, Cambridge

Great if you are looking for: Authentic Hunan cuisine in an upscale atmosphere.

Zhu Vegan Kitchen

(Vegan)

This fully-vegan casual Asian restaurant offers lots of great soy-based protein dishes. Choose from dishes like black pepper seitan, Malaysian curry stew, basil soy protein, and General Tso’s soy protein. They have great appetizers, including fried king oyster mushrooms, tempura vegetables, sweet yam fries, and soy skewers. There are plenty of rice and noodles on the menu as well!

Location: 166 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington

Great if you are looking for: Casual Asian food that’s completely vegan, with gluten-free and hot and spicy options.

Best Vegan-Friendly Ethiopian Restaurants in Boston

Vegan Ethiopian cuisine captivates with its abundance of rich flavors, vibrant colors, and diverse textures. The aromatic spices and emphasis on using fresh, seasonal ingredients in both vegetarian and vegan dishes create an alluring dining experience for those fortunate enough to experience it.

Blue Nile

(Vegan-Friendly)

This small and cozy restaurant located in Jamaica Plain has a vegetarian section of its menu. Most vegetarian Ethiopian dishes are naturally vegan, but you can always double-check with the staff if you are unsure about an item. Enjoy the shiro wet, a spicy ground chickpea stew with traditional berbere sauce, ginger, and garlic. Their Veggie Revenge is delicious and includes tikil gomen wat, gomen wat, shiro wat, yekik alicha, misir wat, and yatakilt wat.

Location: 389 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain

Great to visit if you are looking for: A small and cozy restaurant with delicious Ethiopian food, friendly staff, and beer and wine if you’d like.

Koshari Mama

(Vegan)

Specializing in Egyptian vegan street food, Koshari Mama is founded and run by a mother-daughter team. Koshari is Egypt’s national dish which is hearty and layered with rice, lentils, pasta, deep-fried onions, and chickpeas. It’s served with sauce options ranging from a no-heat tangy sauce (NuNu) to a fiery super hot sauce (Narr). Try small plates like baba ghanoush, marinated eggplant, and falafel, and move on to dinner options like mushroom shawerma, moussaka, and Egyptian “meatballs”, which all happen to be gluten-free.

I loved their Koshari—it’s total comfort food in a bowl! Plus, the owners are so super friendly and warm.

Location: 585 Somerville Avenue, Somerville

Great to visit if you are looking for: Exceptional Egyptian vegan street food, with friendly staff and a charming atmosphere. Plus, it’s women-owned. (Run by a mother-daughter team!)

Lucy Ethiopian Cafe

(Vegan Friendly)

Located near Symphony Hall, Lucy Ethiopian Cafe is a small and cozy spot for Ethiopian food. Offering vegan and vegetarian dishes that are clearly marked, Lucy Ethiopian has lots of meat- and dairy-free options. Enjoy soft and fluffy inerja, lentil-based options, and vegetables with vibrant spices and flavors.

Location: 334 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston

Great to visit if you are looking for: Vegan Ethiopian food that’s perfectly seasoned in a small and cozy setting with great service.

Vegan Indian Restaurants in Harvard Square

Boston offers lots of great vegetarian and vegan options that celebrate the diverse and flavorful tastes of India. Prepare to savor zesty chutneys, tangy pickles, hearty lentil-based dishes, and aromatic spiced curries that bring together a perfect blend of traditional recipes and creative innovations.

Whether you’re a devoted fan of Indian cuisine or a curious food explorer in the city, Boston’s vegan Indian eateries promise a heady array of mouthwatering, plant-based delicacies. From the northern regions to the southern coasts, this culinary scene offers a flavorful experience that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Madras Dosa

(Vegan Friendly)

Located in Harvard Square with an additional location in Boston, Madras Dosa offers fast-casual custom Indian dosas. Order a dosa, a thin lentil crepe, and fill it with items like spicy potatoes, onion, spicy podi, and mixed veggies. Choose sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew) or rasam (a South Indian traditional soup made with tamarind, tomatoes, and warm spices and herbs) on the side. Or go with their Paani puri chaat, kind of like Indian nachos with spiced savory mashed potatoes with chutney.

Location: 22 Eliot Street, Cambridge + 55 Boston Wharf Road, Boston

Great to visit if you are looking for: Outstanding dosas in Harvard Square that can be customized to your liking. Vegan items are clearly marked for easy ordering!

Nirvana Taste of India

(Vegan Friendly)

Located between Harvard and Porter Squares, Nirvana offers clearly labeled vegan dishes, which include appetizers and curries. They offer delicious tofu saag, aloo palak, shahi aloo gobhi, and many others. Enjoy the food in a spacious and welcoming atmosphere.

Location: 1680 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge

Great to visit if you are looking for: Great Ethiopian food near Harvard Square with lots of great, clearly marked vegan items.

Best Vegan and Vegetarian Mexican Restaurants in Cambridge

Boston and Cambridge offer an array of vegan Mexican restaurants that celebrate the rich and diverse flavors of Mexico. Experience zesty salsas, tangy guacamole, hearty bean-based dishes, and smoky-spiced tacos that offer a fusion of traditional and innovative creations.

Whether you’re already familiar with what’s available or are visiting the city and looking to explore new and exciting venues, these places will satisfy your cravings for mouthwatering, plant-based Mexican cuisine.

Across The Border

(Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly)

Located in Jamaica Plain, Across The Border is a Tex-Mex style restaurant that offers vegan and vegetarian options, as well as vegan beef, chicken, and sour cream. Jump to the vegan section of their menu for their black bean bowl with all the classic fixins or a vegan burrito with vegan steak, nacho cheese, sour cream, corn and guac. Grab vegan tacos, their Vegan Boston Bowl (with tater tots!) or their vegan sweet chili Dorito burrito with all of the lovely burrito fillings, made vegan. If you are not in the mood for Mexican, try their black bean patty or vegan fried chicken sandwich!

Location: 378 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain

Great to visit if you are looking for: Great Tex-Mex classics, made vegan with creative use of Sweet Chili Doritos in some of their dishes. Indoor seating is limited, but additional spots are available outside.

El Pelón Taquería

(Vegan and Vegetarian Friendly)

If you are looking for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, tortas, and more, this taqueria can make most items vegetarian and can sub vegan cheese upon request. Their chips and guac are amazing! Seating is limited, so plan to find another place to sit, or just plan to order food here as takeout.

Location: 92 Peterborough Street, Boston

Great to visit if you are looking for: Authentic tacos where beans can be subbed for meat, and vegan cheese can be subbed—with a small extra charge.

Más Veggies Taqueria

(Vegan)

Located in Harvard Square (but it appears as if it’s pickup/delivery only), Más Veggies Taquiera is referred to as its “little sister” by Veggie Grill, which is located in the same building. Billed as 100% plant-based and delicious, it delivers bold flavors and a wide range of choices. Choose from burritos, bowls, tacos, nachos, and salads. Browse choices like the carne asada burrito, crispy baja fish bowl, chickn’ tinga taco, and chipotle crunch taco salad. If there’s room left, order a side of chips and guac, queso, or salsa.

Location: 57 John F. Kennedy Street Drive, Cambridge

Great to visit if you are looking for: A vegan Mexican spot in Harvard Square, with a 100% vegan menu, with tons of choices. It’s pick-up or delivery only, so be sure to plan accordingly!

Taco Party

(Vegan)

I have a really soft spot in my heart for Taco Party. It’s a small and unassuming spot that offers bangin’ tacos that remind me of the vegan taco choices we had in Los Angeles. Their menu is always rotating, but you can expect tacos filled with crispy tofu (one of my favorites), chimichurri tempeh, lentils Al Pastor, and jackfruit tinga. They are modestly adorned with just the right ratio of fillings to taco and drizzled with flavorful sauces. You can also order their nachos, which is a perfectly respectable meal by itself if you ask me.

Location: 711 Broadway, Somerville

Great to visit if you are looking for: A great place for innovative and delicious tacos in Ball Square. There is very limited seating and lots of folks just order and pick up there.

Healthy Plant-Based Restaurants

Health-conscious folks can indulge in an expansive array of plant-based restaurants in Boston and Cambridge. The increased demand for nutritious and sustainable dining options has allowed healthy establishments to grow and flourish.

From creative juice bars showcasing innovative plant-based fare to charming cafes serving wholesome and locally-sourced ingredients, there’s no shortage of delicious and nourishing choices for those seeking a greener, more sustainable way to dine in the Greater Boston area.

Cocobeet

(Vegan)

This grab-and-go establishment offers an array of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, seed “mylks,” smoothie and breakfast grain bowls, raw snacks, and salads. In addition to being all-vegan, they are 100% organic, mostly GMO-free, and use locally sourced ingredients.

Location: 100 City Hall Plaza, Boston

Great to visit if you are looking for: A healthy meal or just a boost from fresh juices or smoothies. It’s take-out only.

Juicy Greens

Juicy Greens, located in Assembly Row and Boston, is a go-to spot for health-conscious eaters, serving up a vibrant menu of fresh, wholesome dishes. They offer a variety of plant-based options, like cold-pressed juices, vibrant smoothies, warm and cold salads, arepas, toasts, soups, and breakfasts.

Location: 495 Foley Street, Somerville (with an additional location in Boston and Jamaica Plain)

Great to visit if you are looking for: Healthy, fresh, and colorful food with a focus on produce and variety.

Life Alive

I love Life Alive. They have several locations from Back Bay to Salem, offering super healthy, organic, and nourishing grain bowls, fresh salads, wraps, noodles, and açai bowls. My favorite is their Buddha Bowl, which is packed with avocado, beets, kale, shiitake, lemon-cilantro rice, and quinoa with a ginger-tamari sauce. Try some of their hot teas or lattés (their spicy turmeric latté is perfect!) and smoothies—all made fresh and super healthy!

Location: 431 Boylston Street, Boston, plus eight other locations

Great to visit if you are looking for: A large array of salads to please any palate. Not all salads are vegan, but everything is clearly marked. Each location has a fun and welcoming vibe, with lots of choices on the menu!

Lulu Green

(Vegan)

This all-vegan, organic, Lebanese-inspired restaurant has become a very popular spot in South Boston with good reason. Their menu is creative, healthy, expansive, and organic. Try their popular quinoa bowl or vegan Caesar salad. For a more indulgent option, try their seitan asada tacos with guacamole, crema, pickled vegetables, and cilantro. The Lulu chicken sandwich with house-made vegan chili honey and bbq cauliflower sandwich is amazing. For dessert, move on to vegan macarons, chocolate cheesecake, or banana bread.

Location: 246 West Broadway, Boston

Great to visit if you are looking for: A super cute and friendly restaurant that has a 100% vegan menu, with great comfort food and healthy fare options in South Boston.

Mamaleh’s Kibitz Corner

(Offers a Dedicated Vegan Menu)

This Jewish-style deli offers traditional deli fare, but also a dedicated vegan menu for plant-based breakfast, lunch, and brunch! Select from amazing options on challah like carrot lox, JUST Egg, vegan cheese, smoked mushrooms, and corn’d beef. They offer vegan reubens, plant-based chopped liver, and chick’n schnitzel. If there’s room left, they also have vegan Rugelach and chocolate cake!

Location: 233 Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Cambridge (plus a location in Boston and Brookline)

Great to visit if you are looking for: Vegan Jewish deli options in Cambridge with solid hearty options for lunch and brunch.

Mother Juice

(Vegan-friendly)

Mother Juice offers superfood smoothies, acai bowls, avocado toast, salads, and grain bowls. Build your own grain bowl with plenty of choices like quinoa, avocado, vegan queso, and beets. Get your daily servings of fruits, veggies, grains, and nuts to feel your best throughout the day. Some smoothies contain honey.

Location: 1350 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge + more locations in Boston

Great to visit if you are looking for: A super healthy spot with lots of options and multiple locations in Cambridge and Boston.

NuKitchen

(Vegan Friendly)

Located in Somerville with another location in Worcester, NuKitchen offers lots of vegan options, like a JUST Egg breakfast sandwich, Harvest Tofu Scramble, cauliflower tacos, and a tofu banh mi. Their sauces are all dairy- and gluten-free, according to their menu, and they offer vegan proteins like agave-sriracha tofu, vegan chicken, and Beyond Burger.

Location: 195 Washington Street Somerville (with additional locations in Worcester and Newburyport)

Great place to visit if you are looking for: Lots of fresh, healthy, plant-based options from hearty breakfast and brunches, to sandwiches, bowls, and smoothies.

Thrive Juice Cafe

(Vegan)

Located in Arlington, Thrive Juice Cafe offers an array of hearty and healthy plant-based items. For breakfast, try their smashed avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches with JUST Egg, vegan sausage, and cheese, or house-whipped plant ricotta and avo toast. Choose from lots of rolls and wraps filled with vegetables, tofu, seitan, and falafel. They have salads, grain bowls, acai, and pitaya bowls, fresh smoothies, and cold-pressed juices.

Location: 169 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington

Great place to visit if you are looking for: Plant-based fare with fresh and wholesome ingredients and dishes, located in Arlington.

Vegan Bakeries and Ice Cream in Cambridge and Boston

No restaurant guide could be complete without a sweet ending, and these establishments offer dairy-free delights, from traditional flavors to the truly unexpected. Indulge in decadent vegan cakes, cookies, and donuts, or treat yourself to creamy and luscious vegan ice cream with unique, creative toppings and mix-ins. Whether you follow a vegan lifestyle or are veg-curious, these vegan bakeries and ice cream shops show that dairy isn’t a requirement when making rich and creamy desserts.

Emack & Bolio’s

(Vegan-friendly)

While not completely vegan (they also serve frozen yogurt and use milk in other ice creams), Emack & Bolio’s offers small-batch vegan ice cream. Indulge in flavors like cappuccino fudge swirl, raspberry chocolate krispy rice, and a few sorbets.

Location: 290 Newbury Street, Boston + an additional location in Charlestown

Great to visit if you are looking for: An ice cream shop on Newbury Street that serves both vegan and dairy-based ice cream for pleasing a mixed group or crowd.

FoMu

(Vegan)

Located in Boston’s South End, Fomu is loved for its unique signature ice cream flavors like cold brew, birthday cake, and grasshopper pie. They offer seasonal flavors (my favorite is their salted caramel), as well as frappes, sundaes, ice cream cakes, and baked goods.

Location: 655 Tremont Street, Boston (with a couple more locations)

Great to visit if you are looking for: An all-vegan ice cream shop where you can test their ice cream before making a decision. There’s nothing better than grabbing a cone and taking a stroll through Boston with your ice-cold, creamy dessert!

Jennifer Lee’s Bakery

(Vegan and Allergen-Free)

Jennifer Lee’s Vegan Bakery in Boston is a cozy spot known for its gluten-free and allergy-friendly treats. The menu features a variety of options, from cupcakes and donuts to cookies and savory items like bagels and sandwiches. Try their Beyond Breakfast vegan sausage and egg patty sammich, jackfruit pork grilled cheeze sandwich, or the plant-based Reuben. Order custom vegan cakes and cupcakes as well!

Location: Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover Street, Boston (with an additional location in Worcester)

Great to visit if you are looking for: Vegan and allergen-friendly options, from vegan cakes, to donuts, and hearty sandwiches.

Union Square Donuts

(Vegan Friendly)

Union Square Donuts in Boston and Cambridge is a must-visit for vegan donut lovers. Known for their handcrafted, gourmet donuts, they offer a variety of vegan options. This is the birthday sprinkles donut, and it was probably one of the best vegan donuts I’ve ever tasted! They have multiple locations across Boston and Cambridge.

Multiple Locations in Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, and Boston: 20 Bow Street, Somerville

Great to visit if you are looking for: Amazing vegan donuts with rotating flavors and offerings. These are legit, deep-fried vegan donuts that feel like the most luxurious splurge!

Veggie Galaxy Bakery

(Vegan)

If you’ve been to Veggie Galaxy Diner, the first thing you pass as you enter is a large, cylindrical bakery case. It’s filled with vegan cakes and pies, all beautifully constructed and decorated. Desserts change frequently, so you’ve never sure what you are going to get! I’m a huge fan of their Boston Cream Pie, and their doughnuts are top-notch. To buy whole cakes, place an order and prepared to be wowed with the results!

Location: 450 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge

Great to visit if you are looking for: A legit, I-can’t-believe-it’s-vegan assortment of cakes, donuts, and more, just begging to be sampled after you’ve stuffed yourself silly in their diner.

Great Boston Vegan Instagram Accounts to Follow

Follow these Instagram accounts to stay updated on the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Boston, Cambridge, and beyond!

More Vegan-Friendly Food Options in Boston and Cambridge

While the city offers plenty of vegan options, some restaurants may not make it as clear on their menus. I aim to move some of these establishments to the main list once they either create a dedicated vegan menu section or expand upon their current vegan offerings. The demand for vegan options is on the rise in both Cambridge and Boston, and seeing more places embracing this compassionate choice is so exciting!

• Boloco (Boston, multiple locations) – This build-your-own burrito, bowl, salad, or quesadilla offers seasoned Impossible meat or baked tofu as a protein, with tons of veggies to choose from as toppings.
• Bonjour Cafe (Boston) – They offer lots of omelet options made with JUST Egg and offer plant-based sausage.
• Brooklyn Bagel Factory (Cambridge) – Enjoy a vegan steamed bagel sandwich with savory filling options like vegan sausage and cheese, hummus, and sweet fillings like vegan cream cheese, fig jam, and fruit.
• The Burren (Somerville) – This Irish pub offers a few vegan options on its menu that are clearly marked. Some of the vegetarian items can be made vegan upon request.
• Cafe Beirut (Jamaica Plain) – This Lebanese cafe offers lots of naturally vegan items like hummus, tabbouleh salad, and falafel. They also have a vegan combo plate with falafel, vegetarian grape leaves, baba ghannooj, hummus, tabbouleh, rice pilaf, and pickles.
• Cheesecake Factory (Boston) – This huge chain with a massive menu currently has two options for vegans: The Impossible Burger (with vegan cheese!) and a vegan cobb salad.
• The Friendly Toast (Boston + Cambridge) – Their Vegan Breakfast Burrito is filled with black beans, vegan sausage, and an avocado-cilantro sauce. You can also order a Beyond Burger with vegan cheese.
• Moonshine 152 (Boston) – Located in Southie, and run by Chef Asia Mei, Moonshine 152 offers a a modern twist on classic American comfort food. This cozy restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere features a few plant-based menu items like vegan mushroom tofu burger, crispy mushroom tacos, and spicy kimchi Thia fried rice (both of which can be made vegan).
• Pavement Coffeehouse (Boston + Cambridge) – Order their Vegan Sunrise, Vegan Egg and Cheese, or Vegan Tequila Sunrise, made with JUST Egg.
• Roxy’s Grilled Cheese (Cambridge) – This restaurant uses Daiya to make a vegan grilled cheese and tomato, buffalo tofu melt, and a cheesy caramelized onion sandwich.
• Tresca (Boston) – Located in the North End, they offer vegan daily specials, a vegan pizza, and ravioli.
• Zanzibar Seaport (Boston) – Located in the Seaport District, Zanzibar offer vegan jackfruit empanadas and sweet and spicy vegan sliders.

FAQs

And there you have it! The best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Boston and Cambridge! I keep this Boston Vegan Food Guide updated regularly, so if you have any additions or changes, please leave a comment below. Enjoy and happy eating!

This post was last updated on June 10, 2024.