5 Must-Try Dedicated Vegan Restaurants in Calgary

In need of restaurants that are as dedicated to being plant-based as they are to providing tasty and affordable food? Here are 5 must-try dedicated vegan spots in Calgary:

The Coup – A cozy restaurant residing on the lively 17th Ave in Calgary, The Coup serves up locally sourced ingredients to redefine the plant-based dining experience. A haven for vegetarian dishes reimagined, along with a casual atmosphere and bold flavours. Start with the Rosemary Yam Fries ($10) as an appetizer. This plate is also gluten-free and served with your choice of garlic aioli, tzatziki, or miso gravy. Sushi is also suggested if you’re in the mood to share it with friends. The gluten-free Black Dragon ($19) is enticing with its rich blend of eggplant, unagi, yam, avocado, garlic, and unagi sauce. And for those who don’t share (no judgment), the Falafel Quesadilla ($22) is a promising selection. This vegan take on classic Mexican cuisine includes a variety of vegetables, falafel, and hummus to satisfy anyone.

Vegan Street – With a mission to transform the perception of vegan food, Vegan Street has staked its claim as a vegan powerhouse in Calgary. Lush greens complement the wooden interior, giving this restaurant a holistic vibe. The Kalamari ($18.5) is a safe bet to tame hungry stomachs made with local blue oyster mushrooms, jalapenos, red onions, and tzatziki. Try their Truffle Mushroom Burger ($24) for the main course, with your choice of a lentil or beyond patty, smothered in farm fresh vegetables, truffle aioli, and mozzarella between two pieces of pretzel bread. Grab as many spoons as you can for dessert because everyone will want to try a piece of the Cookie Dough Brownie ($13). It is gluten-free, made of a black bean fudge brownie, oat cookie dough, and chocolate ganache, topped with a delightful scoop of ice cream.

Mondays Plant Cafe – Don’t let its size deceive you, Mondays Plant Cafe can fit you, your party, and your appetite inside their teeny establishment. Plants everywhere and lots of natural light, it feels like you’re inside a greenhouse made from a tiny home. If you’re thirsty, the PB & K smoothie ($9) puts a unique twist on the iconic sandwich, but in smoothie form. The K, standing for kale, the smoothie has banana and peanut butter to add some sweetness to the drink. They also have a large selection of hot and cold beverages, including their Maple Chai Elixir ($6.75), Mondays Fog ($6.75), Matcha Latte ($5.75), and Mondays Lemonade ($4.5). The Raw Tacos ($15) are one of their signature dishes. The vegan architects who assembled this creation deserve a pat on the back. The tacos have butterleaf, ground sunflower seed, pico de gallo, avocado, and cashew sour cream for a delicious and filling meal.

saVeg Cafe – A Korean-inspired restaurant that is entirely vegan, and serves all-day breakfast? Yes, please! saVeg Cafe offers a wide variety of menu options at reasonable prices. Located in the heart of Calgary, they are a family-owned and operated business serving fresh and tasty vegan dishes. Try their gluten-free Vegan “Tuna” Poke Bowl ($15), containing rice, fresh veggies, tofu, marinated tomato “tuna” smothered in toasted sesame seeds, seaweed, and Sriracha mayo. Or how about their Vegan Bulgogi Burger ($14)? Soy meat marinated in a house-made Korean BBQ sauce, complemented by lettuce, red cabbage, onion & vegan thousand island dressing and served on a sesame bun. Don’t leave without trying a slice of their famous vegan banana bread ($3.33) as well!

Nan’s Noodle House – A plant-based menu for those craving Pan-Asian cuisine, look no further than Nan’s Noodle House. Crafting new meat-like options to titillate your tastebuds is their specialty. They have a large selection of noodles in broth, including their Rich Miso Ramen ($16.25), Black Garlic Ramen ($16.25), and Ramen Tantanmen ($15.50), all of which have a gluten-free option as well. If you’re looking for spice, try the Laksa ($16.25), which has onions, mixed veggies, bean sprouts, and mustard greens in a spicy coconut broth. Order the Vietnamese Submarine ($10.45) if you want something crunchier and hands-on.