How to Find Vegan-Friendly Restaurants: Vegan Dining Made Easy

It’s easier to find vegan-friendly restaurants, because vegan dining has gained popularity in recent years. As more people embrace a vegan lifestyle for health, ethical, and environmental reasons more options become available. However, sometimes finding vegan-friendly restaurants can still be a challenge. This can especially be true when dining out in unfamiliar areas or with non-vegan friends and family. Fortunately, with a little know-how and some handy tips, vegans can easily navigate the restaurant scene and find delicious plant-based meals to satisfy their cravings.

In this article, we will share practical advice on how to find vegan-friendly restaurants, including using online resources, food delivery apps, checking for plant-based menu options, exploring ethnic cuisines, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or new to plant-based dining, this guide will help you discover vegan-friendly restaurants that align with your dietary preferences. Let’s get started!

Here are 28 ideas for finding your new favorite restaurants and navigating vegan dining out:

1 Research online to find vegan-friendly restaurants:

The internet is a valuable resource for finding vegan-friendly restaurants. There are numerous websites and apps that provide restaurant reviews and ratings, and allow users to search specifically for vegan or plant-based options. Websites such as HappyCow, VeggieHotels, and VeganTravel are dedicated to helping vegans find vegan-friendly restaurants worldwide. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook can also be useful for finding vegan-friendly restaurants by following vegan food bloggers, influencers, or local vegan communities.

2 Vegan labels or certifications:

Some restaurants may display vegan labels or certifications on their windows or menus, indicating that they offer vegan options. Look for labels or certifications from reputable organizations such as the Vegan Society, Plant-Based Foods Association, or local vegan or vegetarian associations, which can help identify vegan-friendly restaurants.

3 Call ahead or ask about vegan options:

Vegans can call ahead to a restaurant or ask their server about vegan options when making a reservation or upon arrival. Many restaurants are accommodating to dietary restrictions and may be able to modify dishes or offer specific vegan menu items upon request.

4 Explore plant-based or vegetarian restaurants:

Plant-based or vegetarian restaurants are more likely to have a wide range of vegan-friendly options on their menu. Vegans can search for plant-based or vegetarian restaurants in their area and explore their offerings.

5 Read menus carefully:

When dining out, vegans should carefully review menus, looking for items labeled as vegan, plant-based, or vegetarian. They can also ask their server about ingredient lists or preparation methods to ensure that the food is truly vegan.

6 Support local vegan events:

Many cities and communities hold vegan events, such as vegan food festivals or pop-up markets, where local vegan-friendly restaurants may participate. Attending these events can be a great way to discover new vegan-friendly restaurants in the area.

7 Seek recommendations to find vegan-friendly restaurants:

Vegans can ask for recommendations from other vegans, friends, or local vegan communities. Word of mouth can be a valuable resource for finding hidden gem vegan-friendly restaurants that may not be well-known or listed online.

8 Use food delivery apps:

Many food delivery apps, such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, or DoorDash, have filters or search options that allow users to specifically look for vegan or plant-based options. Vegans can browse through the menus of various restaurants on these apps and find vegan-friendly options that can be delivered straight to their door.

9 Look for ethnic cuisines:

Some ethnic cuisines, such as Indian, Thai, Ethiopian, and Mediterranean, often have a wide variety of naturally vegan or easily customizable vegan dishes. Vegans can explore ethnic restaurants in their area and inquire about vegan options or look for dishes that traditionally do not contain animal products.

10 Visit health food stores or co-ops:

Health food stores or co-ops often have a deli or café section that offers vegan-friendly meals or snacks. Vegans can check out these stores and look for prepared foods or grab-and-go options that are labeled as vegan or plant-based.

11 Check out farm-to-table or farm-to-fork restaurants:

Farm-to-table or farm-to-fork restaurants often prioritize locally-sourced, fresh ingredients, which can be more conducive to offering vegan options. Vegans can search for such restaurants in their area and inquire about vegan options or look for plant-based dishes on their menu.

12 Explore vegan-friendly chains:

Some restaurant chains have dedicated vegan or plant-based menus, or clearly label their vegan options on their regular menu. Vegans can research vegan-friendly restaurant chains in their area or while traveling, and enjoy consistent vegan options across different locations.

13 Be willing to customize:

Even if a restaurant does not have specific vegan options on their menu, they may be willing to customize a dish to make it vegan. Vegans can inquire with the restaurant staff about substituting animal-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives, or omitting certain ingredients to make a dish vegan.

14 Utilize online vegan communities:

Joining online vegan communities, such as forums, social media groups, or local vegan meetup groups, can be a valuable resource for finding vegan-friendly restaurants. Members of these communities often share their dining experiences, recommendations, and tips for finding vegan options in their area.

15 Check out vegan-friendly review websites:

In addition to dedicated vegan restaurant websites and apps, there are also review websites that provide information on vegan-friendly restaurants. Websites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, or Google Maps allow users to search for vegan options or filter search results based on dietary preferences.

16 Follow vegan influencers or bloggers:

Many vegan influencers or bloggers often share their dining experiences and recommendations on social media platforms, blogs, or YouTube channels. Following these influencers or bloggers can provide insights and recommendations on vegan-friendly restaurants in various locations.

17 Connect with local vegan communities:

Connecting with local vegan communities, such as vegan meetup groups, vegan clubs, or vegan social media groups, can be a valuable way to get insider information on vegan-friendly restaurants in your area. Local vegans often have firsthand knowledge of vegan-friendly establishments and can provide recommendations or insights. These events often feature local vendors or restaurants that offer vegan options.

18 Support vegan-friendly businesses:

By supporting local vegan-friendly businesses, such as fully vegan or vegetarian restaurants, cafes, or bakeries, vegans can help promote and encourage the growth of vegan-friendly options in their community. These businesses are more likely to cater to vegans and provide a wider range of vegan options.

19 Be adventurous and explore new places:

Vegans can try exploring new neighborhoods, cities, or even countries to find hidden gem vegan-friendly restaurants. By being adventurous and willing to explore new places, vegans may discover unique and delicious vegan options that they may not have found otherwise.

20 Use social media hashtags:

Search for popular vegan hashtags on social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, such as #veganfood, #veganrestaurant, or #vegantravel, to discover posts, reviews, and recommendations from fellow vegans. Many vegan-friendly restaurants may also use these hashtags in their posts or promotions, making it easier to find them.

21 Check for vegan certifications:

Some restaurants may have vegan certifications or endorsements from recognized organizations, such as Vegan Action, Vegan Society, or Plant-Based Foods Association, indicating that they meet certain criteria for offering vegan options. Vegans can look for these certifications on restaurant websites, menus, or promotional materials.

22 Inquire about vegan catering or event options:

If you’re planning a special event, such as a party, wedding, or corporate function, inquire with local restaurants about their vegan catering or event options. Many restaurants may offer vegan catering or have customizable menus for special events, providing a convenient way to enjoy vegan food in a group setting.

23 Check out vegan food festivals or markets:

Vegan food festivals, markets, or fairs are becoming increasingly popular in many cities around the world. These events often feature a variety of vegan food vendors, restaurants, and food trucks, offering a wide range of delicious vegan options in one place.

24 Utilize vegan-friendly travel resources:

If you’re traveling to a new city or country, there are many vegan-friendly travel resources available that provide recommendations and tips for finding vegan restaurants. Websites, blogs, or apps specifically focused on vegan travel, such as HappyCow, Veggie Passport, or Vegan Food Quest, can be helpful in discovering vegan-friendly options in unfamiliar destinations.

25 Check out vegan-friendly hotel restaurants:

Some hotels may have vegan-friendly options in their restaurants, especially those that cater to health-conscious or eco-friendly travelers. Vegans can inquire with hotels about their vegan options or look for plant-based dishes on their restaurant menus.

26 Check for “build-your-own” options:

Some restaurants, especially fast-casual or fast-food establishments, offer “build-your-own” options, allowing customers to customize their meals. Vegans can take advantage of these options to create their own vegan meals by choosing plant-based ingredients and omitting any animal-based components.

27 Ask for modifications:

Don’t be afraid to ask for modifications to existing menu items to make them vegan-friendly. For example, you can ask for no cheese, no mayo, or a substitution of plant-based protein instead of animal-based protein. Many restaurants are willing to accommodate dietary requests, and the chef may be able to make adjustments to create a delicious vegan meal.

28 Read restaurant reviews:

Reading restaurant reviews on websites, apps, or blogs can provide valuable insights into the vegan-friendliness of a restaurant. Look for reviews from fellow vegans or those with dietary preferences similar to yours to get an idea of the quality and variety of vegan options available.

With the increasing popularity of veganism, there are more options for finding vegan-friendly restaurants than ever before. By utilizing online resources, food delivery apps, checking for plant-based or vegan menu options, exploring ethnic cuisines, checking for “build-your-own” options, researching chain restaurants, asking for modifications, and reading reviews, vegans can find delicious plant-based meals at restaurants that cater to their dietary preferences. Happy dining!