Whenever we think of Calgary, the first thing that comes into mind is its rich art scene. In this city, art is expressed in so many forms, whether it’s in the form of buildings, street art, or performances. It is also known to host colorful festivals throughout the year, which also reflects how culturally diverse the city is.
Calgary is also home to several museums and architectural wonders. And if you happen to pass by downtown, be prepared to be overwhelmed by all the hip and uniquely themed dining options. These are just some of the reasons why Calgary is a top tourist destination.
Being the most populous city in Western Canada, this city is also home to a diverse set of people. It has a welcoming atmosphere that draws people in, regardless of demographic or lifestyle.
And speaking of lifestyle, veganism is quickly gaining popularity in this metropolitan Canadian city. So if you happen to be in the city for a few days, here are the 11 best vegan restaurants in Calgary for your quick reference.
Copper Branch Calgary
When it comes to vegan restaurants, Copper Branch is a name that always comes to mind. With its roots in Montreal, this restaurant chain has expanded to various locations across North America and France – and such an expansion goes to show how great the food and service are.
Copper Branch Calgary has two locations – one on 16th Avenue and another at 6th Avenue. Wherever you may be exploring in Calgary, you’re bound to come across one of these spots.
This restaurant chain boasts a large assortment of plant-based food ranging from all-American favorites like meat-free burgers, sandwiches, and waffles. It also offers comfort food stapled like poutine, nachos, and chili.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, this restaurant also serves cookies, cakes, smoothies, and other healthy drinks. So whatever you may be craving, you can count on Copper Branch Calgary to deliver.
Interestingly, this restaurant also has a decent selection of gluten-free menu items in case you have allergies.
Mondays Plant Café
Another top contender for the best vegan restaurant Calgary is the Mondays Plant Café. If you’re in the mood for authentic Thai dishes, this is one of the vegan restaurants that you should try.
Among its popular menu items include the Rainbow Pad Thai which consists of colorful vegetables like zucchini, carrots, beet, and more in its savory peanut dressing. Other must-try dishes include the Ricotta Toast, Kale Salad, and plant-based lasagna and spaghetti.
Interestingly, Mondays also offer vegan sushi Calgary made of sunflower seed pate, avocado, and spicy tahini. Now that’s something new to try.
For dessert, this vegan restaurant offers an assortment of cookies, brownies, and smoothies for you to enjoy. Coffee-based drinks are also available if you need a boost of energy.
If you’re looking for food and snacks on the go, Mondays Plant Café also has a mini market where you can buy a selection of vegan-friendly treats, chocolate bars, drinks, candles, and perfume.
Hearts Choices
Hearts Choices is another vegan restaurant that primarily serves Thai dishes. With its cozy diner-type ambiance, you’ll enjoy every minute of your stay in this restaurant.
Some of the most popular items on its menu are the hearty khao soi and the satisfying tom kah pak. It also serves Asian favorites such as yellow curry and green curry viands.
But if you’re in the mood for something that’s more American, you’ll be thrilled to know that Hearts Choices also offers classic staples like porkless burgers, the chick’un burger, waffles, and cheez fries, to name a few. A breakfast bagel is also available to help you get the day started.
In case you’re looking for vegan-friendly snacks to take home, Hearts Choices also doubles as a grocery store where you can buy mock meats, chocolate bars, vegan-friendly cheese, and so much more.
Nan’s Noodle House
If you’re in the mood for noodles and noodle soups, head on to Nan’s Noodle House to satisfy your cravings.
This restaurant is known to serve a variety of vegan Asian noodles dishes, mostly consisting of Thai and Vietnamese favorites. Among the items on its menu, locals and tourists often line up for its pho, khao soi, udon, and different ramen varieties.
But aside from noodles, Nan’s also offers other Asian specialties like Banh Mi, dumplings, kung pao tacos, and spring rolls. That makes this vegan restaurant your all-around Asian Food stop.
We also love that this restaurant serves as a mini-market where you can find rare vegan Asian goodies.
SaVeg Café
For those who are looking for a delicious breakfast spot while in Calgary, you can’t go wrong with SaVeg Café. This Korean restaurant is among the few places that are open before 11 am, making this the perfect spot for early risers.
It has a selection of mouthwatering dishes like japchae, bibimbap, rice bowls, and scrambled tofu. It also has some interesting menu options like the no-eggs benedict and the vegan poke bowl using tuna alternatives. Surprisingly, you could barely tell the difference, which is why people keep coming back for more.
The best part about SaVeg Café is that it’s one of the most affordable vegan restaurants in Calgary. So if you’re traveling on a budget, this should be on your bucket list.
V Burger
V Burger is another promising vegan restaurant that you should try. This Restaurant has a fast food-type ambiance that’s perfect for those traveling with friends and family.
Serving all-American comfort food like burgers, fries, onion rings, and chickin nuggets, you’ll surely feel at home with V Burger.
But aside from these heavy meals, it also offers an extensive dessert selection including ice cream and sundaes – whether in cones or pints. That means this vegan restaurant is bound to make you feel full and satisfied.
V Burger also offers vegan-friendly shakes to keep you feeling refreshed all day.
All things considered, this vegan restaurant serves hefty servings at affordable prices. And that guarantees great value for the money.
Tamarind Vietnamese Grill and Noodle House
One of the oldest establishments on this list is the Tamarind Vietnamese Grill and Noodle House. Since its establishment, it was converted into an all-vegan restaurant in 2015 – and the fact that it’s still a local favorite reflects the quality of its food.
Staples served by the Tamarind Vietnamese Grill and Noodle House include vegetable-based pho, pad thai, and fried spring rolls.
While it started as a Vietnamese restaurant, it also serves a variety of Asian goods for us to enjoy. This includes lemongrass tofu and curry soup, among others.
For those with a sweet tooth, Tamarind also offers a variety of crepes for you to enjoy.
WholeLifeGo
For your daily vegan needs on the go, you can drop by WholeLifeGo. This café and grocery store seem to have everything that a vegan needs – ranging from hot meals to takeout snacks.
This vegan café offers vegan sushi, soups, and food bowls. It even has a salad bar where you can build your ideal salad from scratch.
WholeLifeGo also has a selection of baked goods like cookies and protein bars. And to complement your meals, you can choose from any of its smoothies and coffee-based drinks.
However, we must mention that this café only has limited seating, so you should be prepared to eat takeaway in case all seats are occupied.
We also love the fact that WholeLifeGo serves oil-free and gluten-free items.
Vegan Street
If you’re looking for the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring Calgary, then Vegan Street is the place to be. With its casual dining atmosphere, this makes it the ideal spot for letting loose with your friends.
This vegan restaurant offers Mexican and International comfort food, ranging from mac and cheese, burgers, fries, and tacos. To complement these meals, you can down it with a bottle of beer or your favorite wine.
Vegan Street also has an extensive cocktail to make sure you end the night with a smile on your face.
Vegan Street Taco Bar
The Vegan Street Taco Bar is another restaurant that you shouldn’t miss out on while you’re in Calgary.
It mainly serves Mexican favorites like tacos and burritos, but it also serves some of our favorite comfort food like burgers and mac and cheeze. Interesting items on the menu are its no-fish and chips and chickin bites using meat alternatives. But with their texture and flavor similar to the real deal, we guarantee that both vegans and non-vegans will love them.
For the health buffs out there, you’d be pleased to know that the Vegan Street Taco Bar also serves salads and poke bowls.
Kb&co
The most budget-friendly vegan restaurant on this list is probably Kb&co. But as affordable as it is, you’d be surprised by how rich the flavors are.
This vegan restaurant has a fast-casual café ambiance that makes you feel comfortable. If you’re traveling with the family, its ambiance will make you feel at home.
Must-try items on its menu are its acai bowls, chili bowls, soups, salads, and tacos.
If you’re looking for affordable yet fulfilling vegan dishes, you can’t go wrong with Kb&co.
