Some cities have a sparse vegan presence, but Portland is definitely not one of them. Puddletown is known as one of the greenest cities in the country, so you won’t have a problem finding vegan eateries.
You may find it more difficult to narrow down your choices, though. In a city swimming with vegan restaurants, make sure to check out the top 10 best vegan restaurants Portland has to offer.
1. Homegrown Smoker
Vegans love barbeque and Homegrown Smoker proves that you don’t need to put meat on the grill to eat before. This is one of the city’s best vegan restaurants. Portland may have many choices, but this one is a local staple.
Don’t believe it? Order a plate of tempeh ribs or hyam. If wraps are more your thing, check out their infamous Macnocheeto burrito wrap served in a grilled flour tortilla.
You can also visit during their Happy Hour for some discount appetizers and kombucha, but make sure to plan accordingly. They’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and you don’t want to get stuck out in the rain.
2. Farm Spirit
If you’re looking for a stylish dining experience, Farm Spirit may be the restaurant for you. Their creative and innovative dishes are fine-dining at its inventive best. You can’t just show up, though, because this elusive eatery has a fixed-price system.
If you’re searching for something new on the vegan scene, call Farm Spirit to make your reservations. They source everything locally and cook and prepare all items in front of the guests so they can see the process. Experience the next stage of veganism with this fantastic eatery.
3. Back to Eden Bakery
If you’re a vegan with a sweet tooth, you may already know about Back to Eden Bakery. This local favorite is the first on anyone’s list when you want to eat something sweet but have a dietary restriction. That’s why it’s considered one of the city’s best vegan restaurants. Portland has many eateries, but this may be your go-to for chocolate chia pudding and raw lemon bars.
Some locations also have an attached café, so you don’t have to limit your dining experience to desserts. Order the antipasto plates or pizza with chili-rubbed cauliflower or balsamic-glazed tempeh. They also have a generous drink menu, so don’t forget your gluten-free beer or cider.
4. Sweet Hereafter
When you’re looking for late night eats or a place to hang out with a group of friends, you may want to check out Sweet Hereafter. They allow minors until 8 pm, so if you plan to bring the family, you may have to do it a bit earlier than usual.
The menu has a very generous selection of snacks and entrees. Order a plate of pretzel knots with a house made spicy beer mustard and miso-chive cheese. They also have plenty of mouth-watering bowls, sandwiches, and burgers to choose from.
5. Blossoming Lotus
If you’re serious about food, head down to Blossoming Lotus. This restaurant has led the charge on vegan culinary delights since moving to Portland from Hawaii over a decade ago.
Peruse the menu for a good selection of small plates, salads, and large plate entrees. Check out their Live Nachos with pecan chorizo or order a bowl of Korean bibimbap served with peanut soy curls, broccoli, marinated mushrooms, garlic aioli slaw, and spicy pickled cucumbers.
If brunch is more your thing, don’t miss out on their cinnamon rolls or Lotus Benedict with tofu scramble. The restaurant is all vegan and mostly raw, so you will have no trouble finding a new favorite.
6. Epif Restaurant & Pisco Lounge
Epif Restaurant & Pisco Lounge has great food and an even better ambiance for a friendly get together. Inspired by the culinary tradition of the Andes region, the transplant Chilean owners reinvent South American food with their own special vegan twist.
From their slow-baked sweet potato chips and salsa to the portobello and cremini mushroom ceviche, these Latin selections shouldn’t be missed.
7. Harlow
Nestled in the Hawthorne neighborhood is Harlow, one of the best vegan restaurants Portland has to offer. With its vintage funky décor, floor-to-ceiling windows, and cozy spaces, this restaurant provides a beautiful backdrop to some soul-satisfying food.
Opt for one of their signature bowls, but don’t forget their infamous sauces. Locals swear by the jalapeno cashew cheese, but the avocado cilantro sauce may be equally addicting. They also have a unique collection of specialty beverages, smoothies, and health elixirs to sip on.
Join them for lunch, brunch, or dinner. You’ll leave full, and you won’t be disappointed.
8. Virtuous Pie
Where do you go to satisfy your pizza cravings? If you’re in Portland, you head over to Virtuous Pie. Yes, this restaurant is an expansion of the Canadian pizzeria chain, but Portland locals have already made it their own.
Try their Ultraviolet pizza topped with arugula and walnut pesto, cashew mozzarella, oven dried tomatoes, kale, pine nuts, and caramelized onion. If you’re a pizza traditionalist, they have you covered with a pizza Margherita.
Save some room for dessert, though. Virtuous Pie is also the place to go for plant-based ice cream, so don’t forget to try a scoop of Cinnamon Crunch or Bourbon Vanilla. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can try the Mermaid with Spirulina and Maca Swirl.
9. Maruti Indian Restaurant
The next time you’re on Hawthorne, you may want to visit Maruti Indian Restaurant. This family-friendly restaurant is a gem amongst vegan restaurants and one you don’t want to miss if you love Indian food.
Don’t miss out on their mushroom biryani topped with caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness. They also have a large variety of naan bread, including a few vegan options. Keep in mind, though, that this restaurant isn’t exclusively vegan, so if you have friends who are only vegetarian, this may be a great option.
10. Aviv
If you’re looking for something different for dinner, you may want to check out this Israeli-inspired restaurant. Aviv offers beautifully presented food in a warm dining space.
This is one of the best vegan restaurants Portland has to offer to the adventurous soul. From Gonzo hummus to seared abalone mushroom and falafel, you can find all your favorites on the menu.
They also have ice creams made from scratch. Try inspired flavors like Hatch New Mexican Green Chilis or the equally interesting curry-flavored ice cream. Get it while it lasts, though. Aviv only makes them in small batches and the flavors are rotated often.
Final Thought
Portland may be leading the charge for inventive vegan cuisine, but there are a few restaurants that stand out from the rest of the pack. The next time you’re feeling hungry, why not try something new and head down to one of these top 10 best vegan restaurants. Portland has a lot to offer, but these eateries should not be missed.
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