The Best Vegan + Vegetarian Restaurants in Denver
Best Vegan Restaurants in Denver
A 2021 study says that if you're a vegetarian who lives in the Denver area, you might find that the Mile High City is not among the places where you'll find "plentiful and inexpensive options for budget-conscious herbivores." But we beg to differ, if you know where to look there are so many delicious and exciting plant forward places to dine. Dig in with us here and if you have a favorite that we missed, drop us a line, we would love to add yours to our list!
Best Vegan & Vegetarian Breakfast Restaurants in Denver
Watercourse Foods
How could we not start with Watercourse Foods! Their name comes from the philosophy of the "water course way" which in essence means to take the path of least harm. From their site: “We are a scratch kitchen that focuses on utilizing local vendors, sustainable
business practices, and seeking to give more than we take. We offer a wide variety of menu items that are accessible to many dietary restrictions, and we cultivate an environment of inclusivity.
Our menu items are free of artificial colors, preservatives, flavors, and hydrogenated fats. We make food to nourish our community with fresh ingredients. We are both a neighborhood gathering place and a world-wide destination.
Operating since 1998, Watercourse is one of Denver’s oldest plant-based restaurants and is an absolute can not miss. The menu is extensive, with breakfast served from 8 to 2.
Vegan Tip: favorites for breakfast are the BREAKFAST SANDWICH: Scratch-made egg patty, thick cut bacon, American cheese, cracked pepper aioli. Served on your choice of: Kind Confections croissant, everything bagel, or gluten free bun. Swoon.
Vegetarian Tip: The whole menu is 100% vegan! Win win all around. Another pick from our fave breakfasts would have to be: the CHICKEN + BISCUIT: Brined, breaded, and fried lion’s mane mushroom, white gravy, spiced honey, flaky scratch-made biscuit.
Price: $$
City O’ City
Same owners as Watercourse, this is a vegetarian restaurant serving breakfast and brunch, lunch, dinner and late night… “we serve all needs to all people.”
From their site: we use local produce whenever possible, and even have our own urban micro farm which provides much of our produce in the summer. we pair with other local vendors, from coffee to beer to cheese, to ensure their success as well. we support local artists by having monthly in-house gallery shows, and we are often feeding travelers such as musicians, poets, politicians; the doers and makers of the world. come be a part of our community!
Vegan Tip: I love the chicken & waffles with bourbon-brined chicken-fried cauliflower** with bourbon maple syrup, chive creme fraiche and carrot bacon.
Vegetarian Tip: don’t miss the breakfast burrito (this has a vegan option if you prefer) scrambled eggs or tofu, potatoes, guajillo black beans, and vegan cotija cheese (or cashew ricotta) with green chili or gravy. add kale or broccoli (yes please, both!)
Price: $$
Best Vegan & Vegetarian Lunch Restaurants in Denver
Central Market:
Overview: "Top-notch vendors who peddle grain bowls, cortados, and so much more… “The vibe is cool. Super cool, actually. DCM is smack in the middle of RiNo (River North), Denver’s artsy-industrial neighborhood. You’ll be Instagramming from the dark wood tables next to young chefs, punk rockers, brewers, and start-up geniuses that run nearby businesses.” (-Bon Appetit.)
11 Vendors under 1 roof, all in the heart of RiNo.
Vegan Tip: Stop by Green Seed and Build your own salad, grab a healthy bowl or a cup of soup. Our favorite is the Peanut Butter Soba Time but you really can’t go wrong at this vegi-centric hot spot. They also offer a nice selection of açaí bowls, smoothies and juices.
Vegetarian Tip: Hit up Vero for a wood fired slice and then run don’t walk to High Point Creamy… their mission: to use happy ingredients, to make happy ice cream, in order to make you a happy customer. Enough said!
Price: $$
Wong Way
Scratch made vegan food, hands down the best vegan food truck in Denver. Wong Way is open year-round with a rotating menu so you will want to hit it up often! Our favorite place to visit Wong Way Veg is on Wednesdays outside of Nooch Vegan Market or Sundays til 1 at Drag Brunch @ Town Hall Collaborative (check the calendar on their site).
Vegan Tip: If it’s on the menu, you’ve got to get the fish and chips. Seriously, it’s bonkers good.
Vegetarian Tip: It’s all vegan so go with the Tofu Turkey Sandwich with cranberry apple chutney on gluten free bread.
Price: $
Best Vegan & Vegetarian Dinner Restaurants in Denver
Vital Root
Real ingredients, real food, real flavor - a fast casual approach to plant based meals that nourish - we can get on board with that! Vital Root is one of the very best vegan restaurants in Denver. From the same owners as Root Down, Linger, El Five, and Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox - this fast-casual, veggie-focused restaurant has something for everyone with super flavorful and fresh dishes that will delight the whole family. but the Kitchari Bowl and Sunflower Risotto (both pictured) are great for first-timers. If that’s not enough food, the Yuca fries or Cashew “Queso” Dip make for great starters. If there’s a long line when you arrive don’t be intimidated- it moves quickly!
Vegan Tip: we love the Kitchari Bowl or the Bahn Mi Tacos with edamame pate and lemongrass tofu.
Vegetarian Tip: Go for the Cobb Salad and add a side of the Yuca Fries.
Price: $$
True Food Kitchen
We are not usually one for chains but this gets us every time. Family friendly with a fresh and fun atmosphere tucked right in the heart of Cherry Creek. Their vegan and gluten free soups are always a feel good hit and the desserts are decadent and delish.
Vegan Tip: We love the Butternut Squash pizza or the Korean Noodle Bowl
Vegetarian Tip: Try the fall pesto pasta (they have a great selection of organic wine for pairing) or the delicious hummus platter
If you are there in the fall or winter: DO NOT MISS THE SQUASH PIE, it’s to die…
Price: $$
Our fave fresh Food Delivery in Denver:
Don't Miss: of course if you are busy out and about around Denver and prefer to stock your fridge with delicious, nutritious fabulous fresh food - order Tuesday Foods (delivered to your door) and feel super nourished all week long. Perfect for at home dining or to pack for lunch at work or on the go…
Link here for next weeks menu!
We hope to see you dining around town! Reach out to us for more vegan and vegetarian recommendations.