The ultimate guide to vegan eating in Montréal
Whether you want to treat your taste buds, be more mindful of your health, reduce your environmental footprint or have ethical concerns, Montréal has an incredible variety of 100% vegetarian and vegan spots with something for all tastes and occasions. Sink your teeth into the many options that span both the city and the globe, culturally speaking – from mock chicken General Tao to Middle Eastern treats.
DOWNTOWN AND THE VILLAGE
Kindness of the tastiest kind
This little gem on Sainte-Catherine Street in the Village is the perfect place for an elegant yet no-frills meal. Tendresse has a bistronomic vegan menu that will tempt you with dumplings, a butternut burger, risotto, sautéed mushrooms and much more, always beautifully presented. The place itself is mad stylish, with yellow, pink and burgundy banquettes and a cool angled ceiling. The cocktail and wine list also amazing. Tendresse is open seven days a week, for supper on weekdays, and with a decadent weekend brunch on weekends.
1259 Sainte-Catherine Street East (and other locations)
Fast food done right!
This fast-food chain is spreading like wildfire, which is a great thing when you want an alternative to the golden arches. Although the food is fast at Copper Branch, it’s all got a healthier twist. Dive guilt-free into the poutine made with oven-roasted fries, vegan cheese and a rich mushroom gravy – or choose from a whole whack of healthy rice bowls, and an impressive selection of burgers. The shiitake teriyaki is a fave. Finish with a fair trade drink, dessert, coffee or tea.
2183 Sainte-Catherine Street West (and other locations)
A brasserie & lounge in the heart of the action
Lola Rosa is a 100% vegan restaurant that showcases a diverse international menu (think lasagna, nachos, chili, curry, poutine, burgers, etc.) in a relaxed and cozy setting in the heart of the Place des Festivals. Shout out to the super attentive staff who take great care to provide options for those with food intolerances and allergies. It also boasts a private room for parties and get-togethers with an impressive view of the “Grande Place”.
276 Sainte-Catherine Street West
Plant-based paradise
Get the full plant-based experience at this mock-meat palace on Saint-Denis Street in the Quartier des Spectacles. The General Tao at OPLANTE is honestly tastier than the chicken version, while the crispy sesame beef will have you wondering if you’re being punked and this is really meat. (You’re not.) The sushi is also a favourite. Recreate the experience at home thanks to the vast selection of mock meats in the store section near the exit.
2115 Saint-Denis Street
Over 200 delicious dishes
Resto Végo has been delighting Montréal diners for 40 years. Located on a lively street in the Quartier latin in a century-old house, Resto Végo offers 3 types of dining options: A generous buffet to sample several dishes and desserts. A takeout counter / café with ready-to-eat foods such as salads, sandwiches and pastries. A co-working space to hold meetings or savour a meal in a relaxed setting.
1720 Saint-Denis Street
OLD MONTRÉAL
Vegan sushi blossoms in Old Montréal
Bloom Sushi is as fetching for Instagram photos as it is for its plant-based makis, conceived with care by the chef behind the stellar Sushi Momo. The décor in white-painted-brick and ancient grey stone with pale blossoms and low-hanging lamps everywhere is a feast for the eyes that goes nicely with plum-wine cocktails. The perfect place to celebrate an anniversary or for a romantic tête-à-tête. Discover also the restaurant located in Quartier des Spectacles, perfect for a restaurant outing before a show.
3609 Saint-Denis Street (and other location)
Pamper your palate
The oh-so-elegant LOV (Local, Organic, Vegan) is known for its amazing creativity and the loving attention paid to every detail, not only in the vegan and vegetarian food they serve but in the excellent service and beautiful decor. This is a place to take someone you want to impress, regardless of their dietary preferences. The list of cocktails and natural wines completes the experience.
464 McGill Street (and other locations)
Say yes to Burger Fiancé
Located in Old Montréal, Burger Fiancé offers everything a typical fast food restaurant has to offer... but with a vegan twist. Feast on fried shiitake burgers, fresh and crisp green salads, and even macaroni and "cheese". Save room for dessert, because you have to taste their milk - no, oatshake!
417 Notre Dame Street
PLATEAU
Montréal’s vegan OG
Montréal’s original 100% plant-based success story serves tasty rice bowls, hearty sandwiches and a killer brunch from its a sprawling spot on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Reboot on the sunny terrasse with one of the famous Aux Vivres smoothies (the Creamsicle is decadently delish) or a slice of berry-topped “faux-mage” cheesecake – you’ll swear you’re eating the real thing. Stop by the takeout shop on your way out for a snack to go.
4631 Saint-Laurent Boulevard (and other locations)
Purrfect for cat lovers
What could be better than chillin’ with a few furry friends? Montréal has not one, but two great places for cat lovers: Café Chat L’Heureux (which translates as the ‘Happy Cat Café’) on Duluth in the heart of the Plateau, and Café Chato near the Verdun metro station. Grab a table or kick back on a couch for a coffee, salad, chili or soup and enjoy the company of adorable felines that are up for adoption.
Café Chat L'Heureux - 172 Duluth Street East
Café Chato - 4822 De Verdun Street
Sweet Plateau café
Just inches from Saint-Denis Street, Café Tuyo is a charming, warm café and lunch counter that serves vegan and vegetarian sandwiches on homemade bread, soups and salads. Saddle up to the counter and order a vegan latte with the silky home mixture of almond and soy milk. Or in the summer, how about some lavender lemonade after a Plateau shopping day? The food here is homey, healthy, mostly organic and made with love.
370 Marie-Anne Street East
Authentic (meat-free) Thai
Close your eyes and you’ll swear you’re eating actual crispy duck at this all-vegan Thai mainstay. ChuChai has graced the Plateau with its sophisticated cruelty-free cuisine since before Linda McCartney made vegan matter (or thereabouts). It keeps the menu updated with dishes that are ever more delicious, including fan favourites like rich peanut dumplings, chewy pad Thai and decadent eggplant “beef” with basil.
4088 Saint-Denis Street
First ever-vegan pizzeria in Montréal
The first all-vegan pizzeria in Montréal, Chez Zac Pizzeria offers reimagined pizza full of flavour. The restaurant offers 13 delicious pizzas with four different sauce bases, while using delicious vegan cheese. While you're grabbing a slice (or two), sift through their vinyl collection or simply admire their aesthetically pleasing decor!
8 Duluth Avenue East
The big fish of vegan sushi
Even lovers of fish dishes agree some of Montréal’s very best, most creative sushi is served at this chic vegan enclave on the Plateau. Order Sushi Momo’s tasting menu for your size of group (it’s offered for parties of 2, 4 and 6) for the full experience: from the crispy centred Dynamite roll to the spicy jackfruit sushi (its answer to spicy tuna), it’ll all leave your taste buds amazed. Reservations are necessary at this hot spot, but you can order take-out at Komomo, next door.
Sushi Momo - 3609 Saint-Denis Street
Komomo - 3603 Saint-Denis Street
The top vegan desserts
For several years now, Sophie Sucrée has been treating people of the Plateau with delectable desserts. When you drop by the store on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, you’ll find a world of cupcakes topped with creamy icing, chewy brownies, crispy berry pies, and fresh croissants and chocolatines. After you’ve tried a few things on the spot, pick a half-dozen cupcakes for your friends in the self-serve fridge – they’ll love you forever.
3770, boul. Saint-Laurent
No waste, all taste
Cocooning café by Cocooning Love is a warm and welcoming space where you can enjoy a selection of coffees, pastries and healthy vegan meals. The atmosphere is relaxing, in a bright and soothing space. Explore their boutique section and treat yourself to a Cocooning moment with natural cosmetics made in Quebec.
2250 du Mont-Royal Avenue
I scream for vegan icecream
Welcome to Swirl, a little ice cream shop on the Plateau’s Rachel Street that’s entirely vegan. Saddle up to the takeout window and order yourself some homemade oh-so-creamy dairy-free coconut-based soft serve – and delicious cookies too, all made from scratch. Expect unusual flavours, far beyond the classic vanilla and chocolate. Sweeeeeet.
230 Rachel Street East
Chip shack food with urban vibes
Maynard offers vegan fast-food favourites in a simple, Instagram-worthy setting. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere while sampling nostalgic comfort classic made with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients.
30 Prince Arthur Street West
The art of pastry at its finest
Stepping into Patisserie Zébulon, feast your eyes on all the colourful pastries that look almost too beautiful to eat. Then, taste perfectly balanced flavours and textures that go above and beyond. A delight for the senses not to be missed!
4522 Saint-Denis Street
MILE-END
The best burger
Saddle up to the very cute counter at Mimi & Jones for a feast fit for Archie and Jughead: burgers, fries, nuggets and milkshakes! The place has a true American deli vibe, with a long bar that runs nearly the length of the black-and-white themed space. The success of their burgers surely lies in their homemade veggie patties. There are also a few lighter choices like a Caesar salad and mouth-watering ravioli.
5149 Du Parc Avenue
Veritable balls of energy
Crunchy falafels, veggie kebabs and sweet potato fries: just a few of the yummy choices at local chain La Panthère verte (The Green Panther). With a 100% vegan menu, their sandwiches are served on fluffy pitas, in either half or full size. Their sweet potato fries are crispy and mouth-watering tasty! And don’t forget to try the sweets! Some of the city’s most delicious vegan cookies live at Panthère Verte (the cherry-studded Cachewy is a knockout).
160 Saint-Viateur Street East (and other locations)
First-ever entirely vegan ramen restaurant in Montréal
Umami Ramen & Izakaya's entire menu, from starter to dessert, offers classic Japanese food, but revisited to be entirely vegan. They make their own homemade noodles from organic wheat, as well as their own broths, Tsukemono, kombucha and sprouts. You've gotta try it to believe it!
6660, Clark street
OLYMPIC DISTRICT, HOCHELAGA-MAISONNEUVE & ROSEMONT
A pretty little Italian-style café and pastry shop
Thanks to its homemade savory and sweet delicacies, this little gem quickly has become a local go-to spot in the Rosemont neighbourhood. The compact counter display will tempt you with donuts and tarts next to focaccias and gourmet sandwiches. Every time you go to Café Dei Campi, you’ll always find a few surprises, since their menu changes every week according to the seasons. Their coffee and melt-in-your-mouth brioches are customer favourites. But whatever you choose, it’s going to be delish!
1360 Rosemont Boulevard
Soft serve with a heart
Cold treat lovers will celebrate the summer months with majestic cones of soft serve vegan ice cream at Hoche Glacé, in Hochelaga. In addition to the regular fare, this ice cream offers a selection of nut-milk treats ranging from sorbets and smoothies to vegan milkshakes and soft serve cones covered in vegan Belgian chocolate. If you’re craving a classic, treat yourself to a creamy swirl – the oatmeal chocolate chip cookie is absolutely amazing!
2225 Bennet Street
CÔTE-DES-NEIGES, OUTREMONT & WESTMOUNT
Salads and burgers in NDG (and Saint-Henri!)
There are two locations in Montréal of this Toronto chain specializing in delicious and healthy comfort food. Try Hello123’s brunch, or head over for a night out with friends. The colorful decor, a relaxed atmosphere and great music will make you a regular. The bar is impressive, the servings generous and the staff attentive.
5700 Monkland Avenue (and other locations)
The prettiest sweets of all
Gluten-free soy-intolerant nut-allergic vegans, you’ve died and gone to heaven at this chic Outremont bakery. Nestled on Bernard Avenue, the ultra-pretty white-and-pastel Petit Lapin makes glorious cakes, cake-pops, cream puffs, cookies, madeleines and more without a trace of common allergens. The cakes are true statement pieces (hello, blue ombré triple-decker chocolate!), so expect oohs and ahhs at the next birthday party you pick up for.
5475 Royalmount Av. Suite 125 (and other locations)
SOUTH-WEST AND VERDUN
The best of vegan food from day through to night
Archway is a charming and trendy vegan restaurant located in the heart of Verdun on Wellington Street. They offer a variety of seasonal menus for both lunch and dinner, with dishes that are sure to satisfy any appetite. From appetizing starters to elaborate lunches and dinners, they use only freshly prepared ingredients and offer a range of gluten-free options. In addition to the delicious food, the restaurant also features an espresso bar, a vast wine list, and a series of signature craft cocktails.
3683 Wellington Street
Killer vegan shish taouk
With two locations in Lachine, Falafel St. Jacques serves up mouth-watering Middle Eastern fare that tastes so authentic you’ll think you’ve stepped into a Tel Aviv snack bar. Almost everything on the menu is vegan. Hearty and served in a homemade pita, the vegan shish taouk is heavenly (like all of their vegan meat sandwiches, it’s made with mushrooms). The chef’s salad bar and falafel are real show-stoppers, too.
345 Saint-Jacques Street
This takes the cake!
The delicious gluten- and soy-free vegan pastries at Pâtisserie Béline have always been a delight according to Verdun residents. Many know this place as Audacieuse Vanille, but their mission has not changed : To create all the comforting pastries we know and love, but gluten-free and vegan. Everything is fresh, and one can make special orders for any celebration!
3910 Wellington Street
Two tools to find the best vegetarian and vegan spots in Montréal
- The Association végétarienne de Montréal has a 100% VG application with an interactive map. Download it from the App Store or Google Play. When you become a member, you get 10% to 15% discounts at 75 local businesses (note: content is in French).
- Go to happycow.net for a list of businesses that offer great choices for vegetarians and vegans. You’ll find healthy grocery stores, omnivore restaurants with vegetarian/vegan options and lots more.
Nicolas Valente
A Montréal resident since 2011, Nicolas Valente loves to share his discoveries on good ecological practices and healthy eating. An environmental communications officer, he is also a content creator, speaker and head of partnerships for the Association végétarienne de Montréal (AVM). He’s your go-to guy for the best vegetarian and vegan businesses!
For more information, follow AVM on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.