Best Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Ottawa

Ottawa's vegan and vegetarian scene has grown well beyond salads and smoothies. The city now has dedicated plant-based restaurants with multi-location chains, a 37-year-old vegetarian buffet, a 100% vegan bakery known for its doughnuts, and a café that grows its own ingredients on a farm outside the city.

Whether you're fully plant-based or just looking for a great meatless meal, these are the best spots in Ottawa.

Top Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants in Ottawa

1. Pure Kitchen

Pure Kitchen is Ottawa's most recognizable vegan restaurant. The entire menu is vegetarian, with most dishes fully vegan. Started in Westboro in 2015, it's now expanded to four locations across the city — a sign of how popular plant-based eating has become in Ottawa.

The space is bright, modern, and Instagram-friendly, but the food backs it up. The Cauliflower Wings are the signature dish, and the Mushroom Walnut Burger has converted more than a few meat-eaters. They also have a cold-pressed juice bar.

Must-try: Cauliflower Wings, Mushroom Walnut Burger, Power Bowls

• Price: $$
• Locations: Westboro (357 Richmond Rd), Elgin (340 Elgin St), Kanata, Preston
• Hours: Mon–Wed 11:30–9 PM, Thu–Fri 11:30–10 PM, Sat 11–10 PM, Sun 11–9 PM

2. The Green Door Restaurant

The Green Door has been Ottawa's vegetarian institution since 1988. It's a self-serve buffet where you pay by weight — load up your plate from the hot bar and salad bar, then weigh it at the register.

Everything is vegetarian, with clear labels for vegan and gluten-free options. The food is farm-to-table, changes daily, and includes dishes from cuisines around the world. They also have an in-house bakery. It's been running for over 37 years for a reason.

Must-try: Whatever looks good on the hot bar — it changes daily

• Price: $$ (pay by weight)
• Address: 198 Main Street, Old Ottawa East
• Hours: Tue–Sun 11:30 AM–8:30 PM, Monday closed

3. Peace Garden

Peace Garden is a hidden gem inside the ByWard Market shopping centre. Open since 1992, this small vegetarian café serves Indian-inspired dishes at budget-friendly prices. Everything is vegetarian with many vegan options, and they use organic, fair-trade coffee and tea.

It's the kind of place locals know about but tourists walk right past. The Indian Thali Plate and Glory Bowl are filling, flavourful, and cost less than most fast food combos.

Must-try: Indian Thali Plate, Glory Bowl, Dahl, Vegan Truffles

• Price: $ (budget-friendly)
• Address: 47 Clarence Street, ByWard Market
• Hours: Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri/Sat 8 AM–8 PM, Sun 11 AM–2 PM, Wednesday closed

4. Little Jo Berry's

Little Jo Berry's is a 100% vegan bakery and café in Hintonburg. Everything on the menu — doughnuts, mac & cheese, poutine, meatless ribs, pies — is completely plant-based. The vegan doughnuts are what most people come for, and they sell out regularly.

The space is small, community-centered, and LGBTQ+ friendly. Online ordering is available for pickup. They run seasonal limited menus, so what's available changes throughout the year.

Must-try: Vegan Doughnuts, Mac & Cheese, Poutine

• Price: $$
• Address: 1305 Wellington Street, Hintonburg
• Hours: Fri 12–5 PM, Sat 12–7 PM, Sun 12–5 PM (Mon–Thu closed)

5. Wild Oat Bakery, Cafe & Farm

Wild Oat Bakery in the Glebe is a vegetarian bakery and café that grows its own ingredients on a 50 km-away organic farm. Everything is baked from scratch — the sourdough bread and Rosemary Goat Cheese Croissant are legendary in the neighbourhood.

With over 20 years of history, it's become a Glebe institution. The brunch is excellent, and there are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options alongside the regular menu.

Must-try: Sourdough Bread, Rosemary Goat Cheese Croissant, Vegetarian Brunch

• Price: $$
• Address: 817 Bank Street, The Glebe
• Hours: Daily 8 AM–6 PM

Comparison: Finding Your Perfect Spot

Tips for Vegan & Vegetarian Dining in Ottawa

• Pure Kitchen for first-timers: If you're new to plant-based eating, Pure Kitchen is the most approachable — the Cauliflower Wings taste nothing like health food
• Green Door on weekdays: The buffet is less crowded Tuesday–Thursday. Weekends can have a line
• Little Jo Berry's sells out: Go early on weekends. The doughnuts and popular items sell out fast, especially on Saturdays
• Peace Garden for budget: Under $15 for a filling meal in the ByWard Market — hard to beat
• Beyond these five: Many Ottawa restaurants have strong vegan options even if they're not fully vegetarian. Check menus online before you go