Montréal is overflowing with drool-worthy vegan restaurants, several of which have been around for over two decades. Don’t miss out on plant-based versions of the Quebec region’s classic cheese curd dish, poutine – it’s the perfect warming dish during chilly winter months. If you’re out and about in Montréal and looking for a vegan bite to eat, keep an eye out for the French words ‘végane’ and ‘végétalien,’ both of which are used to mark veggie dishes on menus. Here are seven of the best vegan restaurants in the city.
Invitation V
For upscale vegan dining, visit the swanky Invitation V. This bistro-style eatery is known for its creative dishes and alcoholic beverages crafted by an award-winning mixologist. The unique combination of ingredients and spirits come together beautifully in phenomenal cocktails.
Many of the dishes are inspired by the co-founder’s global travels. Much of the menu features mock meat made to keep the original flavors of meat dishes without cruelty or compromise on animal rights. The veggie burgers are divine, especially the mushroom rendition with vegan pesto and caramelized onions. Every dish is made with organic produce sourced from local farmers.
LOV
LOV stands for local, organic, and vegan. It’s easily the most beautiful vegan restaurant in Montréal with whimsical decor of white brick walls, rustic basket-like chandeliers, hanging woven egg swings, and dried wildflowers. If you’re looking for vegan paraphernalia, you can pick up T-shirts here with vegan slogans.
Start with the macaroni, which is elevated with kale and a creamy sauce made from sweet potato and squash topped with vegan parmesan. LOV also has vegan poutine but if vegan cheese isn’t your thing, go for the quinoa fritters made with jackfruit and turmeric mayo. The vegan gnocchi here is unbelievably plump and doused in basil pesto. Save room for dessert – the crème brûlée is out of this world.
Kupfert and Kim
If you’re grain-free, Kupfert and Kim will be your favorite Montréal vegan restaurant, as it’s wheatless and meatless. They’ve got massive veggie bowls to suit all tastes: you can find savory, spicy, and sour options all rooted in healthy veg-forward recipes. The counter-service makes this a great place to get a quick bite. There’s also a good selection of elixirs from hearty smoothies to soothing golden milk lattes.
Nearly everything is made in-house with locally sourced ingredients, including creamy vegan sauces, which helps the restaurant maintain its commitment to being low-waste. Each dish is carefully crafted to be a balanced meal with healthy servings of plant-based proteins, good fats, and complex carbs.
Lola Rosa
Quality vegan Mexican food can be hard to come by, as melted dairy-free cheese can often be underwhelming. Lola Rosa has mastered the craft of plant-based cheese which can be enjoyed in their nachos available in three portion sizes. The warm and welcoming ambiance, with exposed brick walls and vibrant wall art, makes it a cozy spot to indulge in Mexican delights.
The menu changes with the seasons, including seasonal plant-infused cocktails. Explore their array of nachos, chickpea fries, and creative seasonal dishes to satiate your cravings.
Resto VégO
This all-vegetarian buffet is 80% vegan and serves over 200 dishes of international and local specialties daily. Resto Végé was one of the first Montréal vegan establishments and has been operating for over 20 years. It’s also the largest vegan restaurant in Montréal, featuring a self-serve cafeteria style that offers a wide array of dishes.
The laid-back dining area allows you to pick and choose your meal from creative salads, pasta dishes, curries, roasted veggies, and even vegan quiche. Don’t forget to check out their dessert buffet to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Aux Vivres
Opened in 1997, Aux Vivres was the first restaurant to bring plant-based food to Montréal and has been loved by herbivores ever since. This well-established vegan restaurant offers a gigantic menu which is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
The culinary masters here use local produce to whip up vegan-friendly renditions of dishes from various cuisines. Be sure to try the popular dragon bowl and their signature tempeh satay, made by their sister company.
La Panthère Verte
This organic vegan chain offers a laid-back culinary experience across Montréal. La Panthère Verte is best known for its falafel sandwiches: get the set deal to enjoy a side dish such as poutine along with one of the house drinks.
Other dishes include tempeh wraps, bowls, and a few veggie burgers. Their wide selection of vegan baked goods, including delicious carrot cake, is definitely worth a try.
