Cincinnati is a vibrant city situated along the banks of the Ohio River and it is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning architecture. Visitors can explore numerous attractions, including the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Additionally, the city hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, showcasing its lively art scene and culinary delights.
So what’s it like being vegan in Cincinnati? Cincinnati has developed a growing vegan food scene in recent years offering a wide range of vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes throughout the city. From vegan comfort food like burgers, pizzas, and sandwiches to ethnic flavors from around the world, there are abundant options to satisfy any vegan palate at Cincinnati’s vegan restaurants.
Here’s our take on the best vegan restaurants in Cincinnati!
Harmony Plant Fare | NYC Inspired Vegan Deli
Price: $$
Cuisine: Vegan Deli
Website: harmonyplantfare.com
Harmony Plant Fare is a 100% vegan deli located in Cincinnati’s historic Findlay Market. The restaurant offers a variety of vegan sandwiches, salads, and sides. The deli is known for its creative and flavorful dishes, such as the Buffalo Chicken Ranch Sandwich, and the Chickpea Tu-No Salad. The deli offers limited seating options with a cozy atmosphere, making it perfect for a quick, on-the-go meal!
Loving Hut
Price: $$
Cuisine: Vegan, Fusion
Website: lovinghut.us/cincinnati
Loving Hut is a well-known international vegan restaurant chain that aims to offer plant-based cuisine that promotes a compassionate and sustainable lifestyle. The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring a range of vegan dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, wraps, Asian-inspired cuisine, salad, soups, and desserts. With its welcoming and informal vibe, Loving Hut creates a cozy space where you can enjoy your meal in a comfortable setting. The most loved dishes at Loving Hut include the Grilled Spring Rolls, CK Panini, Pho Bowl, and Mexican Wrap. Indulge your sweet cravings with enticing options such as Chocolate Cake, Organic Carrot Cake, or Raw Blueberry Pie, among other mouthwatering choices available.
Happy Chicks Bakery
Price: $
Cuisine: Vegan, Bakery
Website: happychicksbakery.com
Happy Chicks Bakery is a popular vegan bakery that offers a wide range of baked goods that are free from animal products. You can find an assortment of goodies at this bakery, including cupcakes, cookies, cakes, brownies, cinnamon rolls, and more. Whether you’re craving a traditional chocolate chip cookie, a beautifully decorated cupcake, or a specialty cake for a special occasion, Happy Chicks Bakery has something to satisfy every sweet tooth! The bakery also offers a cafe menu that features a variety of sandwiches made with their made-from-scratch croissants, as well as salads, sides, and more!
Essen Kitchen
Price: $$
Cuisine: Vegan, Take-out
Website: www.essenkitchen.com
Essen Kitchen is a 100% plant-based restaurant that offers a variety of vegan dishes, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some of those most loved menu items include the Bagel & Lox, Belgian Waffle, Creamy Mac, and Biscuits & Gravy. The restaurant also offers a variety of vegan desserts and beverages. Essen Kitchen exclusively offers take-out service, making it the perfect choice for a cozy night in with scrumptious food!
The Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Cincinnati
We’ve shared the best vegan restaurants in Cincinnati with you. Here are a few restaurants that aren’t 100% vegan, but have made a great effort to incorporate more plant-based options into their menu.
Rooted Juicery + Kitchen
Price: $$
Cuisine: Vegan, Juicery
Website: rootedjuicery.com
Rooted Juicery + Kitchen is a plant-based juice bar and cafe that specializes in providing nourishing and wholesome food and beverage options. When you step into the juicery, you’ll immediately feel a sense of invitation and comfort, as the sleek and modern decor aligns seamlessly with their emphasis on health and vitality. The primary highlight of Rooted Juicery + Kitchen is its wide selection of cold-pressed juices. The food menu features a variety of plant-based options, including salads, grain bowls, wraps, and more. Some of the most loved menu items at Rooted Juicery + Kitchen include the Berry Acai Bowl, Avocado Toast, and Simple Veggie Bagel.
The Whole Bowl Cincinnati
Price: $
Cuisine: Bowls
Website: thewholebowl.com/cincinnati
The Whole Bowl is a fast-casual restaurant that serves bowls of rice, beans, vegetable, and toppings. The bowls are customizable, so you can choose your own ingredients and create a bowl that fits your taste. The Whole Bowl offers vegetarian fare, but can easily make any bowl vegan, simply ask your Bowlista to “veganize” it! The ordering process is hassle-free with their convenient walk-up window. Since there is no seating available, it’s recommended to grab your bowl and enjoy it on the go!
Allyn’s Cafe
Price: $$
Cuisine: Cajun fare
Website: allynscafe.com
Allyn’s Cafe is known for its fresh, flavorful food and its friendly, welcoming atmosphere. The menu features a variety of Cajun and Creole classics, as well as some more unique dishes. Although not fully vegan, the cafe offers plenty of vegan dishes including Daiya Veggie Quesadilla, Garden Burger, Jackfruit BBQ Sandwich, Vegan Mardi Gras Pasta, and more! The vibe at Allyn’s Cafe is a lively and eclectic blend of casual charm and energetic ambiance that creates a welcoming and memorable experience while enjoying your meal!
Bridges Nepali Cuisine
Price: $$
Cuisine: Nepali
Website: bridgesnepalicuisine.com
Bridges Nepali Cuisine is a restaurant that serves traditional Nepali cuisine. The menu features a variety of dishes, including momos (dumplings), curries, and thali platters. There are many vegan options available at Bridges Nepali Cuisine such as the Aloo Jhol Soup, Vegan Samosa, and Vegan Chowmein. The dining room is decorated in a simple, yet elegant style, with traditional Nepali artwork on the walls making it a perfect spot for a casual meal with friends or family.
Aladdin’s Eatery + Lounge
Price: $$
Cuisine: Lebanese-American
Website: aladdins.com
Aladdin’s Eatery + Lounge is a Lebanese restaurant featuring a variety of Lebanese classics, as well as some more unique dishes. The restaurant has a large, open-concept feel with high ceilings and plenty of natural light. The walls are decorated with colorful artwork and traditional Lebanese furnishings. Even though the restaurant is not fully vegan, there are plenty of vegan options to choose from like Baba Gannouj, Hummus Tabouli Garden Rolled, Mujadara Plate, and more!
Amma’s Kitchen
Price: $$
Cuisine: Indian
Website: cincinnati.ammaskitchen.com
Amma’s Kitchen is a vegetarian and kosher Indian restaurant that serves a variety of traditional Indian dishes such as dosas (savory crepes), idlis (steamed rice cakes), sambar (spicy lentil soup), and a range of delectable curries and chutneys. Amma’s Kitchen provides a welcoming and comfortable dining space with subtle Indian-inspired decor. Some of the most loved vegan dishes include Garlic Naan, Vegetable Samosa, and Gobhi Manchurian. Wednesdays at Amma’s Kitchen are a vegan’s paradise, with the entirebuffet dedicated to plant-based delights!
Keri Schubkegel
Keri Schubkegel is a freelance writer who travels the USA with her husband and two plant-powered dogs in their self-converted campervan. She seeks new experiences and perspectives to fuel creativity and thrives in a minimalistic and self-sufficient way of living. Living on the road has given her the freedom to pursue her passion for writing, photography, and travel while also being able to live in accordance with her beliefs about animal rights and environmental sustainability. She loves to explore new vegan restaurants, help others adopt a whole food plant-based diet, and offers a unique perspective on nomadic living as well as the challenges and benefits of being a vegan in a non-traditional way. She also enjoys reading, hiking, yoga, and learning about the many benefits plants have on our body.
