10 restaurants in Ottawa vegans and vegetarians must try
Attention, Ottawa foodies! With so many types of dietary restrictions and preferences between ourselves, friends and family, it can be difficult to find a place to go out to eat that will keep everyone comfortable and happy. Without compromising on flavor, we have created a list of 10 great restaurants in Ottawa that have vegan and vegetarian options for your whole group to enjoy!
Downtown Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa is home to some of the best restaurants in all of Canada according to Canada’s Best 100 Restaurants list, but most of these restaurant choices, unfortunately, wouldn't be favourites for our vegan or vegetarian friends! Though, there is one place that’s extraordinary downtown Ottawa restaurant that has great options for these friends and located at the Fairmont Château Laurier, one of Canada’s most recognized landmarks.
1. La Terrasse: This old French Renaissance building is the perfect fairytale setting to enjoy many delicious dishes as well as vegan/vegetarian options like the cauliflower pakora or the tempeh poke bowl. If you have never tried Tempeh before, La Terrasse could be the best in town! For patio goers, this hidden gem offers scenic views of the Parliament Buildings, Gatineau Hills and the Ottawa River. For a nice summer afternoon, enjoy patio cocktails, sangrias, chilled wines and local beers.
ByWard Market
The historic ByWard Market is a pedestrian-friendly, eclectic neighborhood bustling with coffee shops, galleries, specialty food shops, and of course, restaurants. It’s also Ottawa’s oldest neighborhood!
2. The Grand Pizzeria: Located at 74 George Street in the ByWard Market, this Ottawa landmark is built on the original site of the Grand Hotel and many of their recipes are inspired by their history. Most of The Grand's pizzas can be vegan if you order the cashew cheese instead!
3. BeaverTails: A Canadian pastry favourite that you can’t miss! BeaverTails have vegan options on the menu including Apply Pie, Coco Vanil and the classic cinnamon and sugar.
4. Play Food & Wine: Located at 1 York Street in the ByWard Market, Play is a trendy upscale restaurant that serves small sharing plates, perfect for a date or a party. There are so many creative combinations and unique flavours - they even have a brilliant vegan menu on request – yes please!
5. Sidedoor: Inspired by Southeast Asian street food, Sidedoor offers a menu boasting beautifully presented tapas served throughout your dining experience. It’s a place where non-vegan and vegans alike will be excited to enjoy! The Taro Thai salad is a great option at this spot.
Centretown
There’s something for everyone in the Centertown area. You’ll find Centretown in the heart of Ottawa, surrounded by historic Victorian buildings and mature trees that canopy the neighborhood. Within close walking distance to the Rideau Canal and Parliament buildings as well as shopping and restaurants - Centretown is a great location to live. Next time you’re in the heart of it all, be sure to check out some of these amazing options:
6. Pure Kitchen Elgin: Located at 340 Elgin Street, Pure Kitchen is a spot on this list that you can’t miss. Since opening in 2015, this thriving culinary vegetarian and vegan restaurant now have 4 locations across Ottawa! It’s the perfect place to enjoy their classic burger, made with a delicious mushroom and walnut patty with vegan mayo, or a cold-pressed juice. On the menu there are many tasty entrees from cold and hot bowls, to sandwiches and burgers. They even have vegan peanut butter cups for a sweet treat!
7. Town: Also on Elgin, you'll have to stop by Town at 296 Elgin Street. On the menu, there are some great vegetarian options, like the beautiful oyster mushroom polenta dish, however, you can call ahead about vegan options as well.
8. Manx Pub: For another trendy spot on Elgin, this British style pub offers the perfect comfort food and ambience for any evening. There are many multi-cultural vegan options on the menu at Manx Pub such as a veggie pho inspired dish, or their tacos. They often have live music or live readings for dinner with a show!
9. Fauna: Located at 425 Bank Street, Fauna is the perfect place for foodies craving great vegan cuisine options. It has a warm and fun atmosphere with its interior brick walls, and trendy art and décor, while also sophisticated with its very professional wait staff and coat service. There are several vegan options on the menu, but other items can be vegan-ized as well. Non-vegan friends may even order the vegan dishes here anyway! They’re just that good.
Thinking Centretown is a neighbourhood you’d enjoy to live in? Check out our rentals in the neighbourhood here.
Old Ottawa South
Last, but certainly not least, this urban neighborhood located south of the Rideau Canal is a vibrant community and home to Carlton University. Students, professors and residents alike enjoy the proximity to parks and recreational space as well as stores, pubs and restaurants just like this one you need to add to your list!
10. House of TARG: The best way to describe the House of TARG would be an arcade with a kitchen. This spot is unique to say the least owned and operated by Ottawa musicians, offering live music, pinball, and old school arcade games while you dine. You need to try to vegan handmade perogies here! Everyone loves a nostalgic moment, and that’s what you’ll find.
TARG is also just steps from Fifth + Bank, luxury living in the Glebe.
Catering to every member of your group and their eating preferences can be tough, but we hope that this list will help deciding on an amazing restaurant in Ottawa for you and all of your friends to enjoy!
Have a favourite Ottawa restaurant that serves vegan or vegetarian food which isn’t mentioned on this list? Let us know on social media!