The city’s vegetarian / vegan denizens already know the best places to tuck in. For those new to the lifestyle, or willing to broaden their horizons and kick their fast food cravings, we’ve come up with some of the best meat-free options around. For seriously fantastic food, the following are your best bet:
Hibiscus
238 Augusta Avenue
With a menu that is entirely plant-based, gluten, wheat and refined sugar-free, the benefits to living nearby one of these two locations are endless. For those who don’t, delivery is a reasonably-priced option, so too are the ready-to-go breakfast options and superfood smoothies.
Vegetarian: Lipstick & Dynamite
992 Queen St. West
Despite its laid-back staff and romper room décor, this newly minted Queen West dive bar delivers on their impressive vegetarian menu. The kale ceasar salad (which can be made vegan) is a standout, so too are the sandwiches—all of which are made fresh at the bar.
(Photo by Renee Suen via TorontoLife)
Kupfert & Kim
Various locations
Designed for the busy corporate types with just enough time to chow down (good, healthy food) between meetings, K&K scatter their tiny, subterranean locations throughout the city’s bustling Financial District. Those willing to brave the line-ups can indulge in vegan, gluten-free boxes (breakfast or lunch), washing it all down with gourmet coffee, cold brews or kombucha.
One Love
854 Bathurst Street
For great Caribbean Creole on the go, there really is no better spot. One Love, the famous (and centrally located) Jamaican joint offers vegetarian roti , tofu stir-fry and brewed ginger beer—perfect for take-out.
Buddha’s
666 Dundas Street West
Another Kensington Market gem, Buddha’s is your destination for authentic, fancy-free vegan / vegetarian Chinese food. Amazing dishes, like imitation duck and General Tao’s mock chicken, are local favourites. Create your own the next time you’re craving a taste of the east.
(Photo by mdfeeds.com via Flickr)
Pulp Kitchen
717 Queen Steet East; 565 Danforth Avenue
A long-established east end staple, Pulp Kitchen originally began as a juice bar. Today, they are still the undisputed master of the elixir, and they’ve added fresh salads, sandwiches and wraps to their extensive menu.
Vegan: The Hogtown Vegan
1056 Bloor Street West
Dairy, egg and meat-free Southern comfort food. There really is nothing else to say. Each menu (brunch, lunch, or dinner) offers one classic, down-home option after another—all with a delicious vegan twist.
(Photo by You Gotta Eat Here via Facebook)
Fresh
Various locations
For fresh options no matter where you are in the GTA, this chain of super fast super food can satisfy the fussiest appetites. Unique, home-cooked options, gluten-free offers, daily specials, cold-pressed juices and the bowls (the bowls!). Your best bet for variety.
(Main photo by Nancy Regan via Flickr)