I’ve been working towards veganism and it’s been difficult. Not because I don’t enjoy vegetables (my mom loved telling the story of how at three or four years old, I used to order plain, sautéed spinach at a Chinese restaurant we frequented), but because vegan, healthy options are rare in Jersey suburbia. Vegetable dishes almost always include eggs or cheese; fruit smoothies are made with whey protein or tons of unnecessary additives. Forget trying to grab food on the go. It’s an impossible feat.

Toronto, however, is a dream. A quick Google and a list of vegan-friendly options were available for my choosing—but between the first two restaurants and the farmer’s markets, I only ate at two. And loved them so much I had to share:

HIBISCUS CAFE

Call ahead to feel out the crowd or make a reservation, because when I arrived for an early dinner, there was nearly an hour wait.

It was so worth it. The restaurant was cozy, the staff sweet—and beyond the photogenic decor and plates, the food was delicious. Greens were fresh; dishes were light, but filling. If you’re not a veggie lover or prefer your food over-salted or highly seasoned, you might not enjoy your meal (in which case, I suggest their fresh buckwheat crêpes). “True” vegetarians (just in the sense of loving vegetables/fruits first and foremost, in their plainest, hence “truest” form) will love it.

KENSINGTON MARKET
238 Augusta Avenue
Toronto, ON M5T 2L7
(416) 364.6183

 

URBAN HERBIVORE

Urban Herbivore is where you want a quick but filling bite. You can certainly sit in, but if I lived in Toronto, this would, without doubt, be my go-to spot for take-out dinners: it’s plant-based, it’s straight-forward, and the food is delicious. (I’m still dreaming about the dollop of pea pesto on my salad.

KENSINGTON MARKET
64 Oxford Street
Toronto, ON M5T 1P1
(416) 927.1231

&

EATON CENTER
220 Yonge Street
Toronto, ONM 5B 2H1
(416) 847.1007

.   .   .

More on my Toronto adventures here.

xx