9 of the Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurants to Visit in Boston

Boston 78 Cropped-2

Boston is an incredibly diverse, vibrant, and historical city. Walk down the bustling Tremont Street along the Freedom Trail, and pass by countless monuments and buildings steeped in the rich history of America’s founding fathers. Stroll through the Boston Commons and breath in some fresh air surrounded by the towering buildings of downtown, run along the Esplanade, gawk at the impressive brownstones in the well-to-do neighborhood of Beacon Hill, shop til you drop at Newbury Street, or chill with some college students at Harvard Yard (which is technically Cambridge, we know). The city is home to a thriving young professional community and hosts the most colleges of any city in America. In addition, it welcomes an influx of tourists each year, particularly during the spring and summer months. With such a unique mix of inhabitants, the city has developed a superb dining scene. As they say, in Boston, there is good food, and there is great food. Few options are sub-par. Next time you find yourself in Beantown, be sure to visit these 9 vegan restaurants in between that Red Sox game and your visit to the Cheers Bar.

9 Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Boston


1. True Bistro

True Bistro

This intimate fine-dining restaurant in Davis Square is a bit off the beaten path, but a trip to Boston is not complete without a meal here. True Bistro is perhaps the best vegan restaurant in the greater Boston area. The plant-focused menu is expertly prepared and bounding with flavor; even the small plates have multiple and unexpected components to them. Must-orders include the Sweet Potato Ravioli, Devils on Horseback, Warm Escarole Salad, and Housemade Fettucine. All of the desserts are also outstanding, but there’s a special place in our hearts for the Chocolate for Life, a mocha mousse cake with a chocolate chip walnut cookie and coconut whip.

Check out the menu here.

2. Veggie Galaxy

This retro diner-style joint is home to veganized versions of good ole’ American comfort food classics. The portions are generous and the options are plentiful, from mile-high sandwiches to all-day breakfasts. The Blue Plate Special may fill you up, but don’t leave without a slice of cake or pie…or both. The Boston Cream Pie (which is actually listed under “Cake”) and the Mile High Lemon Merguine are divine.

Check out the menu here.

3. Crema Cafe

Crema Cambridge latte

You may have to do the awkward hover to find a table in this crowded cafe in Harvard Square, but the wait is worth it. This place is not entirely vegan, but the few plant-based options are fabulous. The Sweet Potato Sandwich is a must. The cafe’s thick slices of homemade wheat bread are stuffed with roasted sweet potato, avocado, green apple, sprouts, hummus, and drizzled with sherry vinaigrette. Pair with an almond milk latte and finish the meal with a vegan biscotti. Just don’t get up from your table; someone may snatch it up!

Check out the menu here.

4. My Thai Vegan Cafe

MyThai

Live like a college kid and indulge in some inexpensive vegan Asian food at My Thai. This Chinatown restaurant is 100% vegan and incredibly affordable. The menu is extensive, but you can’t go wrong with the Pad Woosen, Rad Nar, or Pad See Ew. Note: this place is on the second floor, and it’s a bit hard to find. Ignore your doubts and climb up the sketchy staircase; you’re at the right place. The restaurant itself is actually quite nice.

Check out the menu here.

5. Clover Food Lab

Clover sandwich

All the cool kids go to Clover. What began as a food truck in 2008 has blossomed into a mini-chain empire, serving up espresso drinks, breakfasts, and incredible sandwiches around the greater Boston area. The company focuses on homemade fare and local sourcing to provide each customer with fresh, flavorful, nourishing food, in addition to supporting local farmers and purveyors. The menu offers several vegan options, but original Clover sandwich cannot be beat. The Chickpea Fritter Sandwich stuffs a homemade pita pocket with vegan falafel, housemade hummus, tomato and cucumber salad, pickled carrots and cabbage, and a drizzle of tahini.

Check out the menu here.

6. FoMu

FoMu

Boston may be known for its wind chill and frigid winters, but the summers are far from mild. Hello, humidity! Cool off with a stop at one of the city’s completely vegan ice cream locations, FoMu. The company began selling its small-batch coconut milk-based ice cream in a small shop off Tremont, but it has now expanded its offerings to include baked goods and ice cream cakes. The shop also sells pints to select retailers in the area. Not bad for a company based in a city that endures 20-degree temperatures four to six months out of the year.

Check out the menu here.

7. Cocobeet

Cocobeet acai bowl

This healthy grab-and-go concept is perfect for fueling long days strolling the Freedom Trail and exploring the city on foot. The seasonal menu offers everything from cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and acai bowls, to heartier sandwich, salad, and bowl options made fresh to order. Try the Mushroom Avocado Toast, Curried Chickpea Salad, or Sundried Tomato, Kale, and Almond Hummus Sandwich.

Check out the menu here.

8. Jennifer Lee’s Gourmet Bakery

Jennifer Lee Bakery cupcakes

Skip the long lines at Mike’s (the touristy pastry shop famous for its cannolis) and head over to the Boston Public Market to satisfy your sweet tooth. Jennifer Lee’s makes vegan and allergen-friendly cupcakes, cookies, brownies, donuts, and more, along with savory items such as fully loaded sandwiches, bagels, and dinner bowls. What’s more, 5% of the company’s gross sales are donated to local animal shelters.

Check out the menu here.

9. Terramia Ristorante

Terramia Pasta

No foodie trip to Boston is complete without a proper Italian meal in the North End. Terramia Ristorante offers a full vegan and gluten-free menu for those who want to experience Boston’s fantastic Italian cuisine without compromising their dietary choices. The Vegan Ravioli is simply outstanding, packed with zucchini, eggplant, red bell peppers, tomatoes, topped with organic San Marzano sauce or Aglio e Olio. Swing by one of the many North End gelato shops for some vegan sorbet to follow.

Check out the menu here.


Image Credit: True Bistro