Montreal is a foodie city, we know that. Gourmet experiences are often reserved for those of us who eat animal products — vegan food is the butt of many jokes about unflavored tofu or leaf-centric meals. But Montreal has a thriving vegan scene, with favorites in just about every category imaginable. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular vegan restaurants and eateries across the island.
Dine-in or delivery, these places cater to nourishing folks of all culinary persuasions. Take a journey from breakfast to lunch to after-dinner dessert, all without a trace of animal by-products.
Bakery Flavor
Where: 1700, rue Ontario Est (La Fabrique); 15, rue Place Simon-Valois
Why you should go: This vegan-friendly bakery has two locations and their produce is sold in cafes and grocery stores across the city. Arhoma offers online recipes as well as many baked goods, breads and other delicacies in person and by delivery. Grab a morning chocolate or maybe some bread for a picnic in the park!
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Antidote Bouffe Végane
Where: 3459, rue Ontario E.
Why you should go: Antidote is a plant-based bistro that has been in operation since 2014. The menu changes seasonally, but a lunchtime favorite is their meatless burger. Everything on the menu is 100% vegan, including the popcorn chicken. Antidote also offers a brunch menu, available Thursday through Sunday.
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bill
Where: 152, Ave Mozart Est; 1371, Mont-Royal Est
Why you should go: Another strong contender for best falafel in town, Sham highlights Syrian ingredients with a Mediterranean twist. Everything on the menu is vegan, including their range of “chicken” dishes from tandoori to Thai to general Tao’s. After a faux-steak feast, try the baklava.
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aux vivres
Where: Montreal (4631, Boulevard Saint-Laurent) and Westmount (4896, rue Sherbrooke Ouest)
Why you should go: No list of vegan spots would be complete without this Montreal staple, so let’s talk about it! Billing itself as Montreal’s first vegan restaurant, Aux Vivres offers an all-vegan menu to back up that promise. It’s a popular spot for brunch, with highlights including a popular Huevos Rancheros.
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ChuChai
Where: 4088, rue St-Denis
Why you should go: ChuChai is home to a range of Asian dishes, both cold and hot, and all 100% vegan. They encourage newcomers to try their red curries, which are packed with various plant-based proteins reminiscent of shrimp, chicken and even duck. ChuChai also offers rice-based dishes and some noodle dishes.
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Little Lapin
Where: 5475, Avenue Royalmount, Local 125
Why you should go: This allergy-friendly bakery was founded after the owner struggled to find anywhere safe cake for her nutritionally sensitive son. Everything at Petit Lapin is free from nuts, milk, egg, soy and wheat, among other common allergens. The bakery is known for their custom cakes, which have their own Instagram page.
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archway
Where: 3683, rue Wellington
Why you should go: Archway offers everything from a well-rounded brunch menu to an upscale dinner menu, as well as an extensive wine list. The plant-based restaurant focuses on delivering healthy and inspirational food and drink, including a range of homemade lemonade mocktails. They advertise their food as “best enjoyed when shared” so bring a friend and split the bill!
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Falafel St Jacques
Where: 345 rue St Jacques
Why you should go: Falafel St. Jacques offers Middle Eastern street food including, once again, excellent falafel and vegan shawarma. They also serve homemade bourekas, a traditional Sephardic stuffed pastry from Phyllo. This spot is known for its surprisingly large portions of tasty plant-based treats, perfect for a lunch break.
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Bowhead Pub
Where: 3723, Boulevard St-Laurent
Why you should go: If we’re to believe the website, Bowhead, Montreal’s first all-plant-based pub, offers a pub-style menu of comfort food. The menu is long and full of veggies, from mushroom dumpling appetizers to a range of Impossible burgers served with salad or fries. Grab a bite every Tuesday at 7:30pm during quiz night and maybe win even more beer from the wide selection!
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La Panthere verte
Where: 160, St-Viateur Est
Why you should go: Established just over a decade ago, this vegan-vegetarian restaurant serves “an urban mix of Mediterranean cuisine and comfort food” with a strong ecological stance. Complete with eco-friendly packaging and organic ingredients, La Panthère verte says it’s been voted the best falafel in Montreal for almost as long as it’s been open. It’s worth noting that there’s a second location for this lunchtime favorite in the Plateau – unfortunately it’s temporarily closed.
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Lola Rosa
Where: 545, rue Milton; 4581, Avenue du Parc; 276, rue Ste-Catherine O
Why you should go: Now in three locations across the city, Lola Rosa is as well known for its cuisine as it is for the hundreds of letters tucked away in each restaurant’s drawers — souvenirs from tourists, visitors, and longtime residents, locals add Flavor for the plant-based culinary experience. The flagship Lola Rosa offers intimate seating and a popular take on nachos. Other spots, including a downtown brasserie, invite different vibes, but all focus on locally sourced vegan food that’s sure to please on a date night or over brunch.
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Tendresse Bistro
Where: 1259, rue Ste-Catherine Est,
Why you should go: Bistro Tendresse moves away from casual dining towards something more sophisticated. For lunch and dinner, the bistro offers calamari-style oyster mushrooms, tomato sashimi, and other reinterpretations of meaty classics. Tendresse also offers a full brunch menu on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a two-for-$15 mimosa deal that’s not to be missed.
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sushi momo
Where: 3609, rue St-Denis
Why you should go: A fully vegan sushi experience, Sushi Momo is known for its creative rolls, including a marinated mushroom hosomaki. They also offer dishes for the soy-sensitive, like a sweet potato jalapeño roll with avocado. Sushi Momo’s creator, chef Christian Ventura, has also created other plant-based Montreal favorites, including bloom sushi.
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Casa Kaizen
Where: 16, Avenue des Pins
Why you should go: Created by chef Christian Ventura, this taco-centric restaurant also has a counter at the downtown Time Out Market. With vegan tacos ranging from grilled cactus to a mushroom-esque take on Al Pastor, Casa Kaizen is a great option for a sweet, plant-based date night.
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love
Where: 464, rue McGill; 1232, rue de la Montagne
Why you should go: For an upscale date or special occasion, LOV’s upscale vibes are a solid option. King Oysters are making an appearance again, this time in the form of meatless scallops. LOV calamari are made with hearts of palm and make for an adventurous appetizer. When it comes to mains, try the tofu fish n’ chips or the pumpkin-based coconut curry.
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High ice cream
Where: 2225, Ave. Bennett
Why You Should Go: When you’ve had enough of vegan entrees and appetizers, brunch spreads, and baked goods, it’s time to move on to dessert. Hoche Glacé offers both plant-based and dairy-based ice cream options, including ice cream cakes and milkshakes. They also offer vegan and non-vegan “tourbillons,” or strudels, with ice cream mixed with ingredients like cookie dough, brownie, and tiramisu.
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Sophie Sucree
Where: 3770, Boulevard St-Laurent
Why you should go: We’ve finally made it to the crown jewel of Montreal’s vegan dessert scene: Sophie Sucree, the superstars of plant-based desserts. The bakery makes pastries, cakes, and more, all without animal by-products, making it a great spot for those after-dinner treats. They also offer savory baked goods like spinach scones, but the sweet options are undeniably tempting.
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