Eating meat-free hasn’t always been easy, but in Columbus, it’s a piece of (vegan) cake.
Our local food scene is as vibrant as ever, so it’s no surprise there are a slew of local chefs serving up fresh, vegetarian bites across town. From vegetarian barbecue to vegan baked goods, here are 25 restaurants serving up plant-based fare in CBUS.
The brunch bunch
4th & State, 152 E. State St., Downtown | This family-owned diner offers items like the “Vrunchwrap,” a vegan breakfast spin on Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap Supreme.
Pattycake Bakery, 3870 N. High St., Clintonville | While this all-vegan bakery is known for its cakes and cookies, we recommend getting in line early to start the day with a sticky bun.
Portia’s Café, 4428 Indianola Ave., Clintonville | Choose from a wide selection of coffee to pair with a breakfast burrito bowl made with tofu eggs, roasted potatoes, black beans, and coconut bacon.
The Lifestyle Café, 891 Oak St., Olde Towne East | Make it a southern-style brunch with vegan chick’un and waffles or plant-based fish and grits.
Two Dollar Radio Headquarters, 1124 Parsons Ave., German Village | Share a plate of plant-based breakfast nachos with the table + vegan chorizo tacos for yourself. This spot comes highly recommended by reader Gustavo R.
Want to boost your experience? Drop your J-POP in your cocktail. | Photo via J-POPS
Food trucks
J-POPS | Plant-based eaters need to satisfy their sweet tooth, too. This traveling popsicle stand offers all-natural options made with just four ingredients.
Pitabilities Street Food | Build your own rice bowl or pita with Mediterranean fillings like falafel, tzatziki, cucumber, and red onion.
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit, 424 W. Town St., Franklinton | Vegheads can find cauliflower burnt ends at this popular barbecue food truck at Land-Grant Brewing Co.
Tortilla Street Food | Choose your base with options like walking tacos or quesadillas, then fill it with veggies and sauces of your choice.
Two Fatt Indians | Is there anything better than dipping fresh naan in channa masala? We don’t think so — and you can do that without worry here.
For the meat-free carnivore
Comune, 677 Parsons Ave., Olde Towne East | All menu items at this upscale restaurant are vegetarian but can be made vegan. The bread and spread is a consistent crowd pleaser + entrees are regularly updated based on seasonal produce.
Greenhouse Canteen, 1011 W. 5th Ave., Grandview | Plants, beans, and legumes can still be the star of the dish; just ask this local spot. It comes recommended by reader Jewel M. with menu items like jackfruit enchiladas.
Hot Chicken Takeover, Multiple locations | Kick up the spice levels with plant-based nuggets cooked in your chosen heat level. Regardless of your preference, we highly recommend dunking these in the vegan ranch.
Seitan’s Realm, 3496 N. High St., Clintonville | This vegan deli specializes in seitan which is made daily for delicious sandwiches like the beef n’ cheddah, a vegan homage to the Arby’s classic. And if you ask us, it’s better too.
Vida’s Plant Based Butcher, 1724 Northwest Ave., Upper Arlington | Pick up vegan deli-style meats by the pound, or stop by for a lunch sandwich made with the in-house selections.
Grab a friend and share a plate of plant-based food at Comune. | Photo by Brian Kaiser
Casual eating
Can’t Believe It’s Vegan, 584 W. Schrock Rd., Westerville | Just like the name suggests, you’ll be in disbelief after your first bite of the barbecue jackfruit sandwich served with freshly made fries.
Hoyo’s Kitchen, 59 Spruce St., Downtown | Switch up your daily lunch routine with Somali cuisine. City Editor Mitch recommends the basmati rice bowl with extra lentils + garlic sauce.
Nile Vegan, 1223 Goodale Blvd., Downtown | Every dish here is made to order so you can expect some of the freshest Ethiopian dishes in the city. This spot is fun for kids too as eating with your hands is encouraged.
Willowbeez SoulVeg, 59 Spruce St., Downtown | Treat your taste buds to soul food like the Rich Boi, a vegan take on po’boys made with fried oyster mushrooms.
Woodhouse Vegan, 851 N. 4th St., Italian Village | We’re not sure what to recommend more here, so our best advice is to bring friends and order everything. The OG-loaded nachos are always a hit, and the trustfall grilled cheese is unique to each order.
Late-night bites
Barrio, 1416 W. 5th Ave., Grandview + 1870 N. High St., Campus | Snack on chips and guacamole while you wait for your fully customized tacos made with plant-based options.
Condado, Multiple locations | Build your own vegan or vegetarian taco with options like Thai chili tofu or vegan chorizo, two favorites of City Editor Mitch.
Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace, 248 S. 4th St., Downtown | These aren’t your typical vegan hot dogs — these are all dressed up. Create your own with toppings like vegan cheese sauce and vegan bacon, or ask for a plant-based version of pre-made menu items.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Multiple locations | The ice cream queen offers vegan options like the frosé sorbet + select locations are open late.
Mikey’s Late Night Slice, Multiple locations | Vegetarians can pick up a slice of cheese or mushroom pizza + vegans can snag options like the vegan buffalo chicken.
Chef it up at home
Check out our favorite tips and tricks for serving veggie-focused fare from your own kitchen:
- To make zucchini, carrot, or beet noodles, try a veggie spiralizer that magically turns vegetables into noodles.
- Tired of wasting money on spices you use once? Broth Bomb combines all the spices you need for a flavorful meal.
- Harness the power of fresh and high-quality spices from James Beard Award-winning chef Meherwan Irani.
- A tofu press draws out water and can help tofu firm and crisp up once you cook it — the one linked here is dishwasher safe + works in twenty minutes.
- If your least favorite part about veggie prep is chopping, this all-in-one vegetable chopper can minimize prep time.
- Use a sprouting jar kit to grow microgreens and sprouted beans at home.
- If you’re making fresh bread, this Sourhouse starter jar was designed to be the easiest-to-clean sourdough starter jar in the world.
- For the ultimate veggie food prep, this glass storage container set keeps lunches and leftovers organized.
Need some good recipes? Browse cookbooks “Inspiralized: Turn Vegetables into Healthy, Creative, Satisfying Meals” for veggie spiral recipes, “The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100” for plant-based ideas, or “The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook” from America’s Test Kitchen
