No Meat, No Worries!

Vegetarian/vegan restaurants on the Danforth

Fellow vegetarians (or vegans) may relate to the following scenario — going out to eat with friends only to find food options limited to pasta or salad. Luckily, amidst restaurants serving pork or chicken souvlaki, roast lamb, and other meals suited to the meat-eater’s palate, the Danforth boasts several restaurants focused on vegetarian or vegan fare. For those of you wanting a variety of delicious and meatless meals, look no further than the following Danforth and area eateries:

Big Carrot, 348 Danforth Avenue, 416-466-2129

Bustling regardless of day or time, natural food market the Big Carrot’s vegetarian bar attracts customers from all across Toronto. With over 40 certified organic dishes, desserts and baked goods prepared fresh in-house, the possibilities for vegans and vegetarians seem endless. Customers can sit in a small, but cozy dining area. The Big Carrot also offers Ecotainers for takeout, as well as a 25¢ credit for customers who bring their own takeout containers.

Green Earth Vegetarian Cuisine, 385 Broadview Avenue, 416-778-9199

A family-owned restaurant, Green Earth Vegetarian Cuisine offers a creative, 100% vegan menu with an international flare — dishes come from Asia, Europe and North America. The restaurant also has a sustainability mandate with all takeout containers being environmentally-friendly and biodegradable. Furthermore, Green Earth uses organic ingredients in as many dishes as possible.

Jean’s Vegetarian Kitchen, 1262 Danforth Avenue, 416-778-1388

Voted the Danforth’s “Best Veggie-Friendly Restaurant” by NOW Magazine, Jean’s Vegetarian Kitchen is a meatless take on authentic Thai-Malaysian cuisine. Their wide-ranging menu includes papaya salad, spring rolls, pad thai, hot and sour soup, noodles and curry dishes, with several faux meat choices.

Toronto Life magazine describes the green curry as “a heady sauce . . . redolent with herbs.” As Chef Jean prepares each meal — including the spices — from scratch and preservative-free, it’s no wonder customers can’t get enough!

Teatree Cafe and Eatery, 867 Danforth Avenue, 416-901-9089

The menu ranges from organic sandwiches (such as their popular tomato melt sandwich) and weekend brunch items, to main courses (lentil shepherd’s pie, vegan chilli and homemade quiche). Teatree also offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian desserts, and ensures that all its menu items are healthy, local and homemade. Opened by twenty-something proprietor Erin Pim, in less than two years the cafe has become an oasis for herbivores and carnivores alike.