Know Your Food Cost Percentage. Know Your Restaurant Profits.
Live Calculator
.jpg)
Chicago, known for its iconic skylines and diverse cultures, is also a hidden gem for food lovers. While many might argue that it is only preferable for meat lovers, it’s shocking that even vegetarians can indulge themselves in savory, delectable dishes! And no, the city is not just about its deep-dish pizzas or hot dogs, but much more to cater to plant lovers, too!
While you picture yourself taking a stroll down the lane, stopping by the prestigious Intelligentsia Coffee to buy your favorite cappuccino, make sure to walk a little more and get yourself acquainted with one of the finest menus, offering everything from hearty veggie burgers to gourmet pizzas and much more. Well, the salads offered by Chicago’s restaurants deserve their hype!
So if you’re looking for vegetarian options in Chicago and are too tired to hear that the city serves the best non-veg options, check this insider guide and visit the top vegetarian picks in Chicago!
Situated in Wicker Park, Bloom Plant-Based Kitchen provides a refined vegan dining experience that emphasizes the use of fresh, plant-derived ingredients. It offers unique meals such as cashew-e-pepe and banana blossom tacos that are not only innovative but also vegan. Health-conscious people looking to explore new cuisine find this place trendy due to its cool sleek ambiance combined with lots of greenery and artistic lighting.
While the food is sure to leave your taste buds wanting more, the dessert is no less than a treat. Make sure to have Chef Rodolfo Cuadros’ Chocolate Tres Leches. Also, Bloom’s chic ambiance and innovative menu earned it recognition as one of Chicago’s best new restaurants in 2022.
The majority of main courses at Bloom are priced between $12 and $18 per person, with an average dinner bill being around $15-$25 per head.
Address: 1559 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, United States
Website: Bloom Plant Based Kitchen
Annapurna Simply Vegetarian, nestled in the heart of West Ridge on Devon Avenue, has proudly been a part of the Chicago Indian dining landscape since 1982. Renowned for its South Indian cuisine, the restaurant specializes in vegetarian dishes with options such as Paneer Masala Dosa and Uttapam - a thick lentil pancake. The name Annapurna means "perfect food" and reflects the restaurant's mission to serve authentic vegetarian dishes that are both flavorful and traditional and appeal to palates old and new. Chef Kalpana Patel is the reason behind Annapurna, serving flavors of South Indian food on a single plate.
Order the Paneer Masala Dosa, a crowd-pleasing staple that has a perfect blend of spices. Annapurna is exceedingly popular for its Mysore Pak; a dessert made of sweet and dense layers of chickpea flour that has been recommended by locals and tourists alike.
The pricing is quite affordable with mains typically ranging from $10 to $15, making it a great spot for a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Address: 2600 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659, United States
Website: Annapurna Simply Vegetarian
Chicago’s best-kept secret- The Chicago Diner. It has been serving delicious, mouth-watering vegetarian dishes since 1983. Known for its comforting dishes and retro vibe, this spot offers a wide range of options from hearty vegan burgers to decadent vegan milkshakes. Their famous "Radical Reuben" and "Soy Corn Tamale" are local favorites.
A must-have while you’re at The Chicago Diner- "Chicago Diner's Famous Vegan Chocolate Cake"—it's been winning accolades for years and is a must-try for dessert lovers. The diner also boasts a cozy, vintage atmosphere that makes it a perfect spot for a relaxed meal.
The food is priced in an affordable range between $7- $20.
Address: 2333 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States
Website: The Chicago Diner
As the name suggests, this restaurant serves one of the finest plant-based cuisines. Planta Queen, originating from Canada has one of the most unique and innovative dishes such as crispy gyoza filled with carrots and mushrooms. The executive Chef, David Lee, has crafted dishes that not only serve the general public but also the ones allergic to certain food items. For vegans who wish to explore a fusion of plants and spices, Planta Queen stands out to be the best. Dishes such as udon noodles with truffle mushroom and dehydrated watermelon nigiri are sure to elevate your taste buds.
Make sure to try their fun cocktails like “Sake To Me”. It complements the food and is sure to catch your attention.
The pricing of Planta Queen is a bit on the higher end given its popularity and exotic dishes. The meals range from $20.
Address: 413 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
Website: Planta Queen
As interesting as the name is, the dishes are no less. The dishes are sure to leave an impact as you immerse yourself in the perfect blend of spices and vegetables. If you’re transitioning into a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle, then this place is perfect for you! The “flexitarian” menu provides for meat dishes without actually using meat.
Don’t forget to try their famous loaded Philly cheesesteak and the meatless Chicago dog. Also, the cult’s favorite, “Who Betta Burger” is sure to leave you licking your fingers!
The pricing is decent enough for the average public to try between $10-$20 per item.
Address: 226 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
Website: Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat
In Chicago, the vegetarian dining community is as vibrant and manifold as the city itself. These best spots offer something for every taste, from the nostalgic charm of The Chicago Diner to the innovative elegance of Althea and the creative flair at Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat. These restaurants provide an exceptional range of vegetarian dishes that prove skipping meat does not mean that we cannot enjoy a satiating and tasty meal. So, next time you are in Chicago, be sure to check out these hotspots to enjoy memorable moments while dining.
Experience the best of vegetarian dining in Chicago!
Diksha, a seasoned content marketer, brings hands-on experience in website management, social media marketing, and branding. Her expertise drives efffective and results-driven digital strategies.
