Top 8 Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly Restaurants in Ottawa

Welcome to the tasty world of vegetarian and vegan food in Ottawa! Ottawa is full of exciting flavors, and we’ve picked out 8 awesome restaurants that have something for everyone. 

These places were chosen because they have a variety of delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes that will surprise you.

If you think vegetarian food is all about salads, get ready to change your mind! More people are choosing plant-based diets, so now is a great time to explore these yummy options. Let's get started!

Located on Main Street in Ottawa, The Green Door Restaurant & Bakery is a great spot for anyone looking to enjoy delicious vegetarian and vegan food.

What makes it special is its buffet-style dining, where you pay based on how much food you take. This is perfect for those who want to try different dishes without going overboard. It’s also a smart way to cut down on food waste, which is good for the planet!

The Green Door focuses on fresh, organic, and local ingredients, making sure every dish is full of flavor and healthy.

They have options for different dietary needs, like gluten-free and soy-free meals, so everyone can find something they like.

Some popular dishes include hearty lasagna, tasty lentil patties, and the crowd-pleasing curried chickpeas. If you’re a fan of salads, don’t miss the avocado and broccoli salad.

The vibe at The Green Door is warm and welcoming, with options for both indoor and outdoor seating.

It’s an ideal place to hang out and enjoy a meal with friends or family. This restaurant has been a favorite in Ottawa for many years, thanks to its commitment to using 90% organic ingredients. They also practice sustainability by using reusable containers for takeout.

Located on the busy Elgin Street, Pure Kitchen is a cozy spot for anyone who enjoys tasty vegetarian and vegan meals.

This cheerful restaurant is part of a popular chain in Ottawa, with four busy locations, including Westboro, Kanata, and the lively ByWard Market.

Pure Kitchen focuses on healthy eating and building a sense of community. Their menu has a great variety of delicious options.

Some favorites include their special Huevos Rancheros and the crowd-pleasing Chickpea Burger. If you want something lighter, their wraps are also really good! Everything is made fresh, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

Their drink menu is just as exciting. You can try refreshing cold-pressed juices like the Oasis green juice or the unique Bohemian purple drink.

Pure Kitchen is great at catering to different dietary needs, offering dairy-free choices and being ready to accommodate allergies.

The portions are big, so you definitely get your money’s worth! That’s why both vegetarians and non-vegetarians love this place. If you plan to visit, it's a good idea to book a table in advance to skip the wait.

If you're searching for a lively place to enjoy plant-based food, Pure Kitchen Elgin is the perfect choice in Ottawa. Come for the delicious meals, enjoy the friendly atmosphere, and leave feeling happy!

Ayla's Social Kitchen is a wonderful restaurant in Ottawa that brings the tasty flavors of the Mediterranean to your plate in a super yummy way.

It’s named after a cheerful girl named Ayla and focuses on healthy and delicious food. This cozy place is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy meals that are both good for you and tasty.

The menu has a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, each one packed with flavors that remind you of a comforting family dinner.

When you walk into Ayla's, you’ll notice a classy yet friendly vibe. They even have outdoor seating, which is great for enjoying sunny days while sipping on refreshing cocktails.

And trust me, their cocktails are just as amazing as the food, carefully made to match the rich flavors of the dishes.

Vegetarians will love Ayla's Social Kitchen too! You can try the halloumi veggie burger or the hot mezze, which are just a couple of the mouthwatering choices.

The chef and owner often come out to serve the dishes and chat with customers, making everyone feel welcome.

They even add a personal touch by giving out birthday cards signed by the staff, which makes your dining experience even more memorable.

With its tasty food, friendly atmosphere, and excellent service, Ayla's Social Kitchen is a must-visit spot in Ottawa, especially for those who love Mediterranean dishes.

Chickpeas is a fantastic place in Ottawa, especially if you enjoy plant-based meals. Since 2016, they've been serving up delicious Palestinian dishes.

Fun fact: it's Ottawa's first fast-casual vegan restaurant, and they really shine with their falafel and hummus. If you love crispy falafel or smooth, tasty hummus, you're going to love it!

The menu at Chickpeas is a dream come true for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to eat healthier. They offer everything from classic falafel pitas to gluten-free falafel bowls.

If you're in the mood for something different, they also have a variety of hummus flavors, fresh salads, and soups.

Their falafel is always made fresh right when you order, so it’s super fluffy and flavorful. And don’t miss their jalapeño hummus—it's a big hit!

The atmosphere at Chickpeas is cozy and welcoming, with a nice mix of modern and rustic styles. It's a great spot for families, with plenty of seating and parking available.

Chickpeas also pays attention to different dietary needs, so they have lots of gluten-free and vegan options.

It's easy to get to and has plenty of parking, so if you're in Ottawa and craving some tasty plant-based food, Chickpeas is a must-visit. They focus on healthy, delicious meals that will make you feel great!

Thali is a fantastic place in Ottawa for anyone who loves tasty vegan Indian food. Located in a cool part of downtown, this restaurant specializes in a traditional Indian meal called a Thali.

Think of it as a small feast on a plate, with different little bowls filled with various vegan dishes that come in all sorts of flavors: sweet, salty, bitter, sour, astringent, and spicy.

The restaurant is run by two skilled chefs, Joe Thottungal and Rajesh Gopi, who change the menu every day to keep things fresh and exciting.

They pay close attention to what people need, so you can find vegan and gluten-free choices too.

When you order a vegan thali, you’ll get colorful curries, fragrant rice, fresh bread, and yummy desserts all served in pretty copper bowls.

The vibe at Thali is just as nice as the food. There’s space for 70 people, and they have a big table where you can work or make new friends. The place feels lively and welcoming, with decorations that are perfect for families.

If you like to sip something with your meal, Thali offers fun drinks like carob or cumin water, as well as local craft beers and Canadian wine.

While the prices might be a bit on the higher side, many customers say the big portions and high-quality food make it worth it.

Located close to the University of Ottawa, Govinda's is a charming vegetarian and vegan restaurant that has been around since 1981.

As the first vegetarian restaurant in Ottawa, it’s a beloved spot for many locals. Run by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Govinda's focuses on providing healthy meals made from fresh ingredients, all while keeping prices reasonable.

The vibe inside is relaxed and welcoming, making it a great place to chill out and enjoy a good meal. Since it’s connected to a Krishna temple, you’ll feel a peaceful atmosphere while you dine.

Their menu features a delicious variety of lacto-vegetarian and vegan options. If you like soups, you have to try the Spiced Lentil Soup, which is packed with flavors from tamarind and curry leaves.

If you’re super hungry, check out the Wholesome and Sublime meals, which come with a tasty combination of spiced soup, salads, curries, and even desserts.

And don’t miss out on Govinda's Goodies—a vegan banana cake that’s a sweet treat you won’t regret trying.

Students will appreciate that they offer discounts, making it a popular choice for affordable eats. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to recommend something you might like.

Peace-Garden Vegetarian is a special restaurant in Ottawa, located right in Time Square. This cozy place is famous for its tasty vegan and vegetarian meals that will make your mouth water.

The restaurant features a relaxing, green space that resembles a mini jungle while you enjoy a meal that’s not only good for you but also feels good. At Peace-Garden Vegetarian, it’s all real.

One of the best things about this restaurant is its wide menu. Most of the menu is vegan, and there are many gluten-free choices too, making it a great place for anyone with special dietary needs.

The atmosphere at Peace-Garden Vegetarian is calm and welcoming, and the staff is super friendly and eager to help make your meal enjoyable.

They offer free Wi-Fi and have lots of seating, so it’s also a nice spot for students or anyone who wants to work in a peaceful place.

If you love desserts, you have to try their vegan gluten-free chocolate cake—it's delicious! They also have information about meditation from the Sri Chinmoy organization, which adds a unique touch to your visit.

And, with entrances on both Clarence Street and Murray Street, it’s easy to get to, and they have wheelchair access too.

Peace-Garden Vegetarian really provides a unique dining experience in Ottawa, mixing yummy food with a soothing atmosphere that keeps people coming back for more.

Located right in the lively area of Ottawa's Chinatown, St. Elsewhere Vegan Wine Bar is a great place for anyone looking to enjoy tasty plant-based food.

When you walk along Somerset Street, you can feel the friendly vibe of this cozy restaurant, where creativity meets flavor in exciting ways.

The atmosphere mixes modern style with artistic touches, making it a perfect spot for both quiet dinners and fun group hangouts.

The menu at St. Elsewhere is filled with delicious vegan options that are sure to make your mouth water.

From creamy vegan carbonara to hearty lentil burgers, each dish is carefully made to offer unique and satisfying tastes.

Popular choices include gnocchi and risotto, while the blooming onions add a fun twist to your meal. Every plate not only tastes great but also looks fantastic, making your dining experience feel extra special.

The staff at St. Elsewhere are friendly and attentive, ready to help with any requests to make sure you have a great time.

They even have Wi-Fi and high chairs available, making it a family-friendly place where parents can unwind while the kids enjoy themselves.

It’s a good idea to make a reservation, especially on busy nights, to make sure you get a table at this popular spot.

What a tasty adventure through Ottawa's vegetarian and vegan food scene! From the yummy dishes at The Green Door Restaurant & Bakery to the unique flavors at St. Elsewhere, there's something for everyone. These places were chosen because they mix traditional recipes with new ideas, making every meal exciting and different. 

Don't forget to check out ActiviFinder Ottawa for more cool things to do around the city. Let’s get out there and enjoy all the tasty flavors this city has to offer!