The Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Denver

Get healthy at these green eateries.

Root Down

Formerly a gas station, the funky, vegetarian spot adjacent to the hip happenings of LoHi’s epicenter has a wide array of plant-based and vegetable-forward dishes

Justin Cucci and the team behind Edible Beats sure knew how to spot a niche market and act on it, having grown its own network of particularly veggie-focused restaurants across the city since 2008 and beginning with this one right here.

The heirloom bean salad, sweet potato gnocchi, and fried tofu “paneer” are some menu favorites to get you excited, and rest assured that the cocktail and wine lists are perfectly lengthy.

City, O' City

This vegetarian and plant-based institution has been serving food that impresses even those without dietary restrictions since 1998.

All with allergies or special diet requirements are welcome here, with customizing dishes to your liking more than encouraged.

Enjoy plates like lemon tarragon pasta, seitan wings, or the chipotle rice bowl for a serious combination of flavor and healthy eating, and don’t miss dessert, drinks and happy hour, and a special late-night menu from 9:30 - 11 pm.

Meta Burger

This spot inside Edgewater Public Market is hot, hot, hot for vegans, vegetarians, and food-lovers alike

Vegan mozzarella sticks (with a side of marinara for dipping, of course) that challenge even the most devoted mozz stick fanatic.

Need we say more? This spot inside Edgewater Public Market is hot, hot, hot for vegans, vegetarians, and food-lovers alike, because experience stays a number one priority for the consumer—meaning the foods you crave will taste, crunch, and slurp like you expect them to, just without any meat involved.

Meta is, as you might’ve guessed, known for its delicious, meatless burgers, though ordering anything on the menu is sure to secure you as a repeat customer.

Pro tip: Don’t forget the side of baked sweet potato fries.

The Easy Vegan

Rolling along to your nearest farmer’s market or event is this vegan food truck consistently making waves in Denver’s food community

Signature fan favorites like the loaded pierogi potato and rigatoni alla vodka are knockout items that typically sell out quickly and have you questioning how vegan pasta sauce can taste that good, though the combined service experience of owners Alexi Mandolini & Taylor Herbert is surely enough reason to trust the magic.

Stay up to date on the truck’s socials for scheduling and special dinner series.

Bang Up To The Elephant!

If you’ve heard the word about this vegan restaurant, you know it’s actually more of a tropical vacation than a simple dining experience.

Still, whether you’re taking food to go or planning to hang out for the day (which is certainly encouraged), get ready to have your taste buds tantalized and your stomach soaring.

Not only will you be getting your fix of plant-based, vegan goodness but also a look into the cuisine of the West Indies and all the fun its dishes contain. Examples include mofongo (fried and smashed plantains), a cassareep rice bowl, fry-bread sandwiches, and decked-out roasted butternut squash, plus a whole lot more.

And if you hadn’t already guessed, expect a drink list of fruit-forward, tropical cocktails that’ll have you feeling like you’re having just another day at the beach.

The Madras Cafe

Blends South Indian fare with the vegetarian experience, resulting in flavor-packed dishes that have you forgetting meat even exists.

One of the coolest things about vegetarianism and veganism is the way it lends itself to so many cuisines; you can stick to your diet and values and enjoy food from places you ever thought you would!

Enjoy small standards like garlic naan and samosa alongside South Indian specialities less frequently seen here like bajji (fritters), medhu vadai (deep-fried lentil donuts), and various paneer (Indian marinated cottage cheese).

Larger plates of all kinds, including various curries, fried and sautéed vegetable dishes, and a slew of other delicacies are all guaranteed to hit the spot, too.

WaterCourse Foods

The term “comfort food” is stressed here

This is another name you’ve probably heard of when chatting about Denver’s vegetarian restaurant options, as it’s been a go-to for plant-based meals since 1998.

Despite changing locations over time, Watercourse remains one of the places for a delicious vegetarian meal in the greater Cap Hill area.

Watercourse is another eatery that doesn’t just want to push salads and brussels sprouts your way—the term “comfort food” is stressed here, too; it's just a matter of taking those loaded fries, Cuban sandwich, or pasta dish and making them vegetarian-friendly, something the team behind the counter here is very good at doing.

WaterCourse Foods

The term “comfort food” is stressed here

This is another name you’ve probably heard of when chatting about Denver’s vegetarian restaurant options, as it’s been a go-to for plant-based meals since 1998.

Despite changing locations over time, Watercourse remains one of the places for a delicious vegetarian meal in the greater Cap Hill area.

Watercourse is another eatery that doesn’t just want to push salads and brussels sprouts your way—the term “comfort food” is stressed here, too; it's just a matter of taking those loaded fries, Cuban sandwich, or pasta dish and making them vegetarian-friendly, something the team behind the counter here is very good at doing.

V Revolution

The mission here is not just providing delicious vegan and vegetarian fare but also doing the work to reduce environmental impact from livestock production and consumption.

The V fries (tofu-based) are not to be missed, and you’ll probably have trouble deciding among the many Asian-inspired appetizers and large dishes, for fair warning.

Plant-based dumplings, noodle bowls, salads, and sandwiches are menu categories filled with flavorful options for getting your veg on and feeling good about supporting a business dedicated to giving the environment a helping hand.

Wellness Sushi

Put your hands (or chopsticks) together for Denver’s very first 100% plant-based sushi spot!

That’s right, Wellness Sushi is Mile High’s first fully plant-based Japanese restaurant, featuring Instagram-worthy rolls, hot ramen, fluffy onigiri, and other delights for the vegetable-forward sushi lover.

One of Denver’s newer ventures, this place already has quite the following, especially on Instagram; find holiday specials, new menu items, and even fun facts about veganism on there.

More Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Denver

Vital Root, The Corner Beet, Wong Way Veg, Somebody People...

Denver isn’t just a transplant city full of cuisines from all over—it’s a health-forward city with a food scene that actually provides decent dining options for those with dietary restrictions.

In particular, vegetarian, vegan, and various “plant-forward” restaurants dot the metro map with places to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner, sans meat.

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