$$$$VeganNorth AshevilleAsheville
Plant on Merrimon Avenue has run innovative organic plant-based cuisine in Asheville since 2011, with coconut ceviche, mushroom risotto and a raw torte.
OrderThe coconut ceviche to start, then the seasonal risotto and the raw chocolate torte.
TipBook on OpenTable. Wednesday and Sunday are the easiest nights. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
$$$$VeganLakewoodCleveland
Cleveland Vegan on Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, a plant-based restaurant and bakery since 2012, runs breakfast through dinner and full-service vegan catering.
OrderThe fried chicken sandwich and the Oreo milkshake.
TipClosed Mondays; brunch on weekends runs through 15:00 Walk-ins usually OK.
$$$$VeganMagnolia AvenueFort Worth
Spiral Diner and Bakery has served 100 percent vegan comfort food on Fort Worth's Magnolia Ave since 2002, never compromising on flavour or quality.
OrderVegan Reuben, loaded nachos with cashew cheese, diner-style breakfast platter.
TipWeekend breakfast draws a queue by 09:00. The bakery case sells out of doughnuts first; arrive before 10:00 for the full selection.
$$$$VeganMagnolia AvenueFort Worth
Spiral Diner and Bakery has served 100 percent vegan comfort food on Fort Worth's Magnolia Ave since 2002, never compromising on flavour or quality.
OrderVegan Reuben, loaded nachos with cashew cheese, diner-style breakfast platter.
TipWeekend breakfast draws a queue by 09:00. The bakery case sells out of doughnuts first; arrive before 10:00 for the full selection.
$$$$VeganCentral CitySalt Lake City
Vertical Diner on 900 South, Salt Lake's longest-running full-service vegan diner since 2007 (current address from 2019), runs plant-based comfort food all.
OrderThe ranch burger or biscuits and gravy with a side of spicy fries.
TipAll-day breakfast service; the retro-diner room is family-friendly. Beer and wine on the menu.
$$$$VeganCentral CitySalt Lake City
Vertical Diner on 900 South, Salt Lake's longest-running full-service vegan diner since 2007 (current address from 2019), runs plant-based comfort food all.
OrderThe ranch burger or biscuits and gravy with a side of spicy fries.
TipAll-day breakfast service; the retro-diner room is family-friendly. Beer and wine on the menu.
$$$$VeganDowntownAsheville
Rosetta Star's Rosetta's Kitchen on North Lexington Avenue in downtown Asheville has run vegan and vegetarian comfort food since 2002. Editor pick.
OrderThe Peace Burger with mac and cheese on the side, or the veggie reuben at lunch.
TipCounter service. Cash and card both fine; The Buchi Bar in the building serves Buchi kombucha on tap, natural wine and the full Rosetta's vegan menu.
$$$$VeganFells PointBaltimore
Oleum in Fells Point is chef Alisha Adibe's vegan fine-dining room, plating plant-based small plates, house-made cheeses and an internationally spiced menu.
OrderStart with the house-made plant cheeses and whatever small plates are running.
TipIt is one of the few plant-based fine-dining rooms in the region; start with the tasting menu.
$$$$VeganWinter ParkOrlando
Ethos Vegan Kitchen on South New York Avenue in Winter Park is the long-running vegan room with shepherd's pie, seitan wings and a Sunday brunch.
OrderBuffalo wing seitan, Shepherd's pie
$$$$VeganCentral CitySalt Lake City
Mark of the Beastro on South State Street, the vegan bistro inside The Beehive music venue, runs plant-based diner classics in a live-music-venue room.
OrderThe vegan burger plus fried pickles and a breakfast plate from the all-day menu.
TipClosed Mondays; the dining room runs alongside The Beehive's music nights. Brunch reliable on weekends.
$$$$VeganCentral CitySalt Lake City
Mark of the Beastro on South State Street, the vegan bistro inside The Beehive music venue, runs plant-based diner classics in a live-music-venue room.
OrderThe vegan burger plus fried pickles and a breakfast plate from the all-day menu.
TipClosed Mondays; the dining room runs alongside The Beehive's music nights. Brunch reliable on weekends.
$$$$VeganDowntownBerkeley
California's original vegan butcher shop. Plant-based Reuben, BLAT and Chicken Parm all made in house. National food press-covered deli innovation.
$$$$VeganOhio CityCleveland
Beet Jar Juicebar and Takeaway on Detroit Avenue in Ohio City, a vegan-owned juice bar and raw food shop since 2013, runs cold-pressed juices and raw plates.
OrderThe Bravocado sandwich and a green cold-pressed juice.
TipCounter ordering; the Van Aken District branch is the second location.
$$$$VeganSolano AvenueBerkeley
Daily-changing vegan menu on Solano: whole grains, legumes, roasted vegetables and rotating sauces. Nothing pre-made. The kitchen mills its own almond flour.
$$$$VeganFoothillSan Luis Obispo
Ziggy's flips plant-based burgers and black bean taquitos near the Cal Poly edge of San Luis Obispo, with shakes that hide their dairy-free build well.
OrderBlack bean taquitos under kale slaw and chipotle sauce.
TipThe vegan menu is clearly labelled; order the house Ziggy patty over the Impossible if you want the original.