Meatless in Seattle
Written By Nina M. Holmstrom (Photo Credit: Harvest Beat)

As a proud Seattle native, there is no other place in the world that I would rather call home.  I love the people, our diverse cultures and neighborhoods, the variety of architecture, our beautiful parks and infinite water views – but what I mostly love here is the food! We have abundant dining options, basically all ethnicities, countries, and regions and there is nothing I enjoy more than trying every culinary option that our lovely city has to offer. Seattle is a mecca for amazing restaurants and eateries, but where do you go when you’re looking for vegan and vegetarian menu options? Lucky you, we’ve got some fantastic suggestions!

Let’s start with the most important meal of the day, breakfast. The fine folks of Sunlight Café in the Maple Leaf/Greenlake neighborhood have been serving up delicious vegetarian fare since 1976. You can find a wide array of breakfast items on their menu including Lemon Poppy Seed Waffles, Sunlight Huevos Rancheros, Eggs and Home Fries and all their dishes can be substituted with tempeh or tofu.  Silent Heart Nest in Fremont founded by Buddhist and spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy offers a delicious assortment of vegetarian breakfast scrambles, omelets, waffles and pancakes and all can be made vegan at your request. Café Flora in the Madrona neighborhood is one of Seattle’s oldest and best-known vegetarian restaurants and offers an incredible selection of weekday breakfast options and an extensive brunch menu. Here you can find a wide selection of organic teas and juices and yes, your favorite breakfast comfort foods. With dishes like “Cajun Mushroom ‘N’ Grits”, “Green Eggs and Yam” and their biscuits with vegan country gravy (all dishes come with a seasoned tofu substitution option) you’re going to be in veggie breakfast heaven.

For a taste of international flavor, Araya’s Place in Madrona has been serving incredible vegan food for over thirty years. Thai family recipes including delicious curry, noodles, soups and stir fry’s and they also have a beautiful outdoor courtyard for dining in warmer weather and as well as reasonably priced lunch buffet. Speaking of lunch buffets, Chu Minh Tofu Deli located in the International District of Seattle is a vegetarian’s dream. Don’t be fooled by their online menu, go in person to experience their offerings which seem to change daily, and everything is plant based .. even the lobster! Another sweet spot to try in the I.D. is called The Loving Hut and offers a healthy and entirely vegan menu and fusion of Asian cuisine. From noodles, soups and salads, to a wide variety of noodles and rice dishes and even vegan cheesecake, this place has everything.

Are you hungry yet? Wait, there’s more!

Broadfork Café can be found at one of their two locations on Upper Queen Anne and the University District and offers a wide array of healthy vegan soups, salad, bowls and sandwiches, local kombucha and fresh squeezed juices. If you’re looking for an all-around breakfast, lunch and dinner spot it can be found at Wayward Vegan Café located in the Ravenna neighborhood. As far as vegan options go their menu is extensive and they even have a kid’s menu, this is a one comfort food stop for the whole family! No Bones Beach Club is in a category all its own. Once a solely operated food truck that blossomed into its brick and mortar location in Ballard serves up a fusion of dishes including Golden Beet Poke, Parsnip Crab Cakes, and Buffalo Cauliflower .. to name a few. Plum Bistro located in Capitol Hill is one of Seattle’s favorite vegan restaurants and is not to be missed. Their menu selection is exquisitely crafted and artisanal, from “Scalloped Trumpet Mushroom” appetizers or “Spicy Cajun Mac ‘N’ Yease” to “Handmade Beetroot & Ricotta Ravioli” and “Fresh Thyme Quinoa Pie”, these dishes are sure to please.  If you’re looking for something a little upscale, Harvest Beat has what you’re looking for. A beautiful and deliciously prepared farm to table five course and seasonal menu and elixir pairing will make for a fine dining experience. Be sure to make a reservation and check their website for current menu offerings.

If you’re just craving a local dive bar and think you don’t have any options, think again!  Highline Bar in Capitol Hill is not only one of the best karaoke spots on “the hill”, they also have a stellar veggie bar food menu including a “BLT” with bacon made from seitan, the “Reubender” a reuben sandwich with vegan corned beef and even “The Citizen Fish” a soy fish sandwich. The Georgetown Liquor Company or “GLC” as the locals call it is a cozy nook in the northern corner of Georgetown. In this quirky yet cozy bar you can play classic Nintendo and SEGA games for free and all their menu items are not only are vegetarian (and can be made vegan) but have hilarious Star Trek themed names. “The Picard”, a vegetarian French Dip made with field roast, is one of their most popular items but don’t expect to order a side of fries here, just a healthy mixed green salad or delicious soup of the day. While The Oak isn’t strictly vegetarian it is another hidden gem serving up some vegan bar food menu options. Located on Beacon Hill this local neighborhood spot is where you can find some great vegan burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches and late-night vegetarian treats including “Curried Fried Chick Peas”, “Battered Green Beans” and a “Vegan Samosa Hand Pie”.

Craving something on the sweeter side?  With three locations throughout the city, pop into Mighty O Donuts for some of the best organic vegan donuts in town.  Salt N Straw is Seattle’s newest edition of gourmet ice cream shops and with two locations in Ballard and Capitol Hill you can find an incredible selection of seasonal flavors and many delicious vegan options. The Cookie Counter in Greenwood offers vegan ice cream scoops, sundaes and a variety of baked goods, not to mention everything is 100% gluten free. The aforementioned Plum Bistro also has a sweeter side called Sugar Plum and they are serving up decadent goodies including classic and seasonal flavors of ice cream, popsicles, milkshakes and “crunchy-gooey” cookies.

So many delicious vegetarian and vegan places to try, so little time! And since all this yummy food is going to require a few days of exploration, have the experts at Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals help you find the perfect place to rest – you’re going to need it! Our luxury units are withing walking distance of many of the area’s best eateries. So pack that overnight bag, don’t forget your stretchy pants, and we’ll see you for dinner!

Photo Credit: Cafe Flora