Salt Lake City has been included on several national lists that analyze the best spots in the country to be a vegan/vegetarian. And it’s true! We have a lot of wonderful options if you are.

But even better, the restaurants on this list are just plain tasty, whether you’re a meat eater or not. So, get out there and enjoy some of the delicious food on this list, all right? These businesses can all use your support as they re-open, and all the ones on this list are open for takeout at a minimum, but many of them are open for dine-in service, as well.

All Chay

All Chay is a family-owned Vietnamese restaurant with exclusively vegan cuisine. That’s right—they somehow do delicious Vietnamese food without a drop of fish sauce in sight, which feels like magic. Even better, the prices are extremely affordable, and the service is friendly. Seriously, there’s nothing you won’t love about this place.

If you’re not sure what to try when you go, order the Lucky Lemongrass rice (lemongrass, cucumber, tomatoes, picked carrots, and daikon), or the BBQ bahn mi. The pho is also a crowd favorite, and you won’t even miss the meat. Promise.

1264 W 500 N

Lil’ Lotus

Lil’ Lotus is fast casual vegan food in a small Sugar House strip mall. Not going to lie, the décor is a little trippy, from the tie-dye art to the Star Wars tchotchkes. But that just adds to the spot’s hipster charm.

Lil’ Lotus offers its own spin on classic American food, including tacos, burgers, and hot dogs. If you’re not sure what to try, consider the Navajo tacos (chickpea chorizo with greens, pico de gallo, lime crema, and cilantro), famous southwest green chili mac and cheese, or Korean barbeque jackfruit sliders (complete with a creamy broccoli slaw).  Lil’ Lotus also makes their own burgers from pea protein, and they are super tasty (which you can’t always say for a vegan burger).

2223 Highland Drive

Vertical Diner

Chef Ian Brandt started Sage’s Café, the first vegan restaurant in Salt Lake City, over 20 years ago. Vertical Diner opened in 2007 and saw a boon in popularity right away—Sage’s Café and Vertical Diner merged a couple of years ago. Like all the best diners, the prices are cheap and the food is delicious! This is the place to go for vegan American comfort food. Rumor has it that the food is so outstanding that it encourages meat eaters to become vegan, so you know it’s good!

For an appetizer, try the Tender Tigers, which are chicken-style tenders made of wheat protein and served with ranch. Another crowd favorite is the Philly cheesesteak sandwich. If you’re feeling pasta, try the delightful mushroom stroganoff with garlic bread.  For breakfast, why not try the Avalanche? It’s two pancakes with tofu scramble and hash browns (and your choice of “meat”). Vertical Diner also has a nice selection of soft drinks, wine, and cocktails (try the 19th Hole Cocktail if you’re not sure what to order).

234 West 900 South

Season’s Plant Based Bistro

Season’s Plant Based Bistro is gourmet vegan comfort food at its very finest. This hand-crafted, local, organic, non-GMO food hits all the right notes with its primarily French and Italian menu. The menu offerings change depending on the season and the availability of the ingredients. The price point is slightly higher than the other options on this list, but it’s got lovely ambiance and is a fantastic place for a romantic date.

Try the stuffed mushrooms for a starter (braised mushroom caps, fromage blanc, smoked mushroom bacon, and scallions) or the Swiss fondue. For your main course, everyone loves the Ravioli di Zucca (fresh, in-house ravioli with butternut squash filling, fennel sausage, and a brown butter consommé). Of course, since the menu changes, you’ll never know exactly what’s going to be on it, but no matter what, it’s highly likely to be delicious. Season’s also has an eclectic wine and local beer list.

1370 South State Street

Zest

Zest is a health food restaurant and fresh juice cocktail bar (note that they can only serve patrons who are 21 and older due to the full-service bar).  They have so many plant-based options (both vegan and vegetarian) that you might have a hard time choosing what you want. They also have a lot of gluten-free food available. Zest uses only the freshest local ingredients and focuses on making your dining experience one that engages all of your senses.

For an appetizer, try the jalapeno poppers or baked mushrooms. The house-made “cheese” biscuits are another popular option. For a delicious main course, try the pasta with bechamel sauce or the herb-roasted potatoes with fungi. Zest is famous for its carrot cake, so make sure you leave enough room for dessert! If you’re not sure what drink to try, the piña colada is pretty delightful.

275 South 200 West

Boltcutter

Boltcutter is a plant-based eatery that serves gourmet street tacos, Mexican classics, and craft libations.  Boltcutter is owned by the same people as the popular Bud’s sandwich shop; it’s a strong team working to bring veganism to the mainstream.

Try the Sin Carne tacos (you get three tacos per order) on your first trip. Or the barbacoa tacos, made with slow-cooked, shredded jackfruit, are also phenomenal. If you’re not feeling tacos, try the stuffed quesadilla or tortilla soup.  They also have tequilas, mezcals, beer, and craft cocktails.

Stop at Monkeywrench next door for 100% vegan ice cream shop. They have tons of house-baked goods and coffee by Color Coffee Roasters! It’s the perfect way to end your vegan meal.

57 E Gallivan Ave

Bud’s

Bud’s is all about fresh vegan sandwiches that are filled with so much flavor you won’t even miss the meat. All of Bud’s sandwiches are made with 100% plant-based ingredients, and all sauces are made in-house and fresh veggies are prepped daily.  The menu features both classic sandwiches as well as more unusual offerings.

Try the pesto sub (grilled soy chicken with pesto and veggies and a balsamic vinaigrette on toasted sourdough), the barbacoa sandwich (grilled jackfruit and black beans slow-cooked in a chipotle BBQ sauce with fresh veggies and guac on toasted sourdough), or the buffalo sandwich (grilled soy chicken tossed in classic buffalo sauce with shredded cabbage and herb aioli on toasted sourdough). Don’t forget a fresh zucchini chocolate chip cookie as you finish up your meal! Any sandwich can also be made into a gluten-free salad.

509 East 300 South #4001

If I missed any of your favorite vegan or vegetarian spots in our area, leave me a comment! I’d love to try it out!