Despite its somewhat dismal reputation, Cleveland, Ohio is a city full of culture and delicious spots to eat. This lakeside city boasts a number of unique art museums, top-notch medical facilities and even a renowned university, Case Western Reserve University. Along with having impressive facilities and plenty of neighborhoods to explore, Cleveland has a surprisingly booming food scene. One can find a variety of authentic food in Cleveland, from its charming Little Italy to its bustling West Side Market. With its large immigrant population and overall diversity, one can find all types of food, and the authenticity and flavor won’t be lacking.

The best part is that plenty of these delectable restaurants are vegan or vegan-friendly, meaning that vegans won’t have to miss out on what this Midwest city has to offer. It may not be one of the booming vegan meccas of the world, but it’s still home to a vegan community that supports some truly wonderful small plant-based businesses. Being vegan in Cleveland is easier than it may sound! From hearty comfort foods to nutritious health foods, you are sure to fulfill your vegan cravings here.

Here’s are a few of our top picks for the best vegan restaurants in Cleveland!

The Vegan Club

Price: $

Cuisine: Comfort food, variety

Website: https://theveganclubcle.com/

When on a vegan food tour of Cleveland, the first place to stop is The Vegan Club, a tasty vegan restaurant in Shaker Square, a bustling spot between Cleveland and Shaker Heights. This go-to eatery is known for its fresh ingredients, which are sourced from the local farmers’ market. From the Vegan Bolognese to the Oyster Mushroom Po’Boy to the Chorizo Hush Puppies, you’ll find every dish you’ve always wished you could devour.

The Green Kitchen

Price: $

Cuisine: Hearty eats

Website: https://www.instagram.com/the_green_kitchen_cleveland/?hl=en

This delicious vegan restaurant is only there for those who know where to find it, tucked away in the Little Rose Tavern. With a tasty regular menu, the chef also hosts upscale cocktail dinners every few months, which include fancy vegan meals like Prime Rib and shaved truffle mushrooms. Try the Cauliflower Wings with hot sauce for a vegan snack, or get a Vegetable Tart for a flavorful vegan meal that won’t disappoint.

The Vegan Comfort Kitchen

Price: $

Cuisine: Comfort Food

Website: https://thevegancomfortkitchen.com/

Comfort food isn’t just dishes like meat loaf and casserole! In fact, it can be fully vegan and just as delicious. The Vegan Comfort Kitchen proves this to be true with their home-cooked vegan comfort food. From the mac n cheese to the gravy-covered mashed potatoes, you won’t feel like you’re missing out at all. Those with a sweet tooth are especially in luck, as The Vegan Comfort Kitchen specializes in vegan baked goods like Chocolate-Orange Babka. Try the Cookie Sampler Box to get a taste of everything.

Foodhisattva

Price: $

Cuisine: Asian fusion

Website: http://foodhisattva.com/

This cozy little carry-out restaurant in Cleveland Heights is hard to beat when you’re looking for good vegan food on the East Side of Cleveland. Serving a creative menu inspired by Asian flavors, Foodhisattva is perfect for when you’re craving a tasty meal for your night in. The Bodhi Beet Burger and Chick’n Katsu Sando are filling and flavorful, and the Bacon Mac will leave you in a contented food coma. If you save room for dessert, the Rabbit Carrot Cake is delectable.

Vitiman Kandie Cafe

Price: $$

Cuisine: Vegan Health Food

Website: https://www.vitimankandie.com/

Along with being a restaurant, Kandie is a line of all-natural foods and products, created with the goal of helping customers to improve their health and wellness. For those looking to boost their health, check out some of the herbal products at this Black-owned business, and ask its famously helpful employees for guidance! As for Kandie’s vegan food, you can’t go wrong with the Vegan Chili, Vegan Tacos or Vegan Burger. Vegans in the mood for a satisfying plant-based meal won’t leave disappointed.

Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Cleveland

Although these restaurants don’t have all-vegan menus, they all have a wide variety of plant-based options on their menus, making them perfect for vegans looking for a bite to eat! Here are our picks of the best vegan-friendly restaurants in Cleveland.

Tommy’s

Price: $$

Cuisine: Global cuisine

Website: https://tommyscoventry.com/

Tommy’s is the perfect spot for a group of friends with vastly different food preferences! While meat-eaters can enjoy a burger and fries, the vegans of the group can chow down on creamy Baba Ganoush, crunch Falafel Balls in a warm pita, or a flaky Spinach Pie. Tommy’s globally-influenced menu has something for everyone. Located on Coventry road in Cleveland Heights, Tommy’s is ideal for a night out on the town, as you can grab a bite to eat and then take a stroll down Coventry, popping into any shops or bars that strike your fancy.

Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant

Price: $

Cuisine: Ethiopian

Website: https://zomacleveland.com/

For those vegans looking to switch it up from veggie wraps and vegan burgers, Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant offers a flavorful, unique option. Located on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights, this is the spot to try Ethiopian food in Cleveland. Vegans can enjoy Red Lentil Stew, Split Pea Stew, or the Tima-Tim Fit-Fit, a medley of injera bread, veggies and Ethiopian spices. The best part is, Zoma offers all-vegan nights, where vegans can take over the restaurant and enjoy their meal with no meat in sight!

Algebra Tea House

Price: $$

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Website: https://algebrateahouse.com/

Located just a few blocks from Case Western Reserve University’s campus, Algebra Tea House is an artsy tea shop with Mediterranean-themed snacks. Upon entering, it’s immediately obvious that you’ve entered a quirky little universe. From the tables made of tree branches to the unique, colorful mugs that your tea comes in, Algebra Tea House is a spot for studious college students and community members looking for a quiet spot to hide away for the afternoon. The falafel is freshly-made and delicious, while the vegan wraps are veggie-packed and refreshing. Check out the tea selection and enjoy a fresh brew along with your vegan meal.

Happy Dog

Price: $

Cuisine: Bar Food

Website: https://happydogcleveland.com/

Happy Dog is classic Cleveland spot, beloved for its beer and its welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. This neighborhood bar is the place to go for happy hour drinks or for winding down after a long day, and its live music and friendly vibes will put you right at ease. There are over 75 beers on tap, so there’s something for everyone no matter what you like. The best part, however, is Happy Dog’s famous vegan hot dogs. With over 30 toppings to choose from and 15 sauces, hungry vegans can fill up on bar food in this neighborhood bar, topping their vegan dogs with everything under the sun and ordering a side of tots to make it a complete meal. As for the sauce, you can choose from Thai Chili and Garlic, Korean BBQ, and so much more. 

Johnny Mango

Price: $$

Cuisine: International Vegetarian

Website: http://jmango.com/

This Ohio City restaurant has everything you could want from a vegan-friendly destination, with dishes ranging from Carribean, Asian to Mexican. Ohio City is known as the place to be for a night out, whether you’re looking to go bar hopping or have a delicious dinner with dessert. Johnny Mango is a great spot to stop in to fill up on healthy vegan and vegetarian food before heading out to the bars on a Friday night. If you’re more of a morning person, try one of their made-to-order juices to start your day right. It’s hard to beat the freshness and versatility of this vegetarian restaurant, from its Pad Thai to its Vegan Crab cakes to a warming bowl of vegan Chili. One of the best part is its monthly special, which brings customers a unique way to change it up and try another flavorful dish.