Vegan and meat eaters in Toronto are an odd match when it comes to dining out. But that doesn’t mean vegan-carnivore friendly options don’t exist! View The VIBE’s Libby Roach finds the best options for brunch, lunch, dinner and late night bites.
Vegans might have a pretty easy time finding plant based banquets at the countless vegan restaurants Toronto is home to. But throw in your carnivore pal and options dissipate faster than a bowl of salsa on Cinco de Mayo.
If you’re a vegan partnered with a meat eater, or vice versa, read on for Toronto’s best restaurants for the both of you. These picks go beyond basic granola. All with the best options for brunch, lunch, dinner, celebrations and those dirty late nights.
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BRUNCH:
The Grapefruit Moon
Just south of Dupont on Bathurst, you’ll find Grapefruit Moon, a vegan certified restaurant. Their Grilled Cheese, made with Daiya cheese is a no brainer for vegans, while carnivores might prefer the Morning Glory Burger, which comes loaded with cheese, bacon, sausage and a fried egg.
LUNCH:
The Beet
Owned by a Certified Nutritional Practitioner, The Beet is a healthy home in the Junction. Vegan choices include the The Verde Sandwich, which gets the vegan treatment by swapping out the cheese for Daiya. For carnivores, we suggest Steak on a Bun.
Stack
One look at this BBQ joint at Yonge near Lawrence might deter the average vegan (the smoker is a focal point of the room.) But with comfort food like this, it’s worth a second look. Share a plate of fries and sample the black bean tacos (hold the ranch) or opt for one of Stack’s Elaine sized salads (hold the cheese!) Carnivores, well this is your playground. With ribs, pulled pork and wings, you can’t go wrong.
DINNER:
Soi Thai Street Food
This College St. Thai restaurant packs a punch with their spicy menu. Plus it’s neatly divided for vegetarian and non-alike. Vegan eats are further highlighted on the menu making it a no brainer for strict diets.
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Heat seeking vegans will rejoice with the Yum Soy Zaap. It marries fried soy meat tossed in roasted rice powder with red onions and chilli flakes, and mint leaves to chill things out. Meatier options like the Khai Krata Song Krueng feature ground pork stir-fried with sweet basil. Plus Thai chillies and spring onions, topped with sunny-side eggs.
George
If you’re celebrating something special, this restaurant is the place to go. George on Queen is a culinary darling, with food that delight, for both meat eaters and vegans alike. While there’s no actual vegan tasting menu, the vegetarian menu can be easily adapted to a vegan diet.
Woodlot
Tucked into a cozy corner on College, this restaurant has been delighting eaters of all diets since its inception in 2010. A dedicated vegetarian menu can be adapted to vegan diets, making dishes like the Ember Grilled Hen-o’-the-Woods Mushrooms a slam dunk, or for meat eaters, the Roast Chop of Whey Fed Pork goes down easy.
LATE NIGHT:
Sneaky Dee’s
College and Bathurst is home to Sneaky Dee’s, part restaurant, part bar, and part concert venue. That chameleon style isn’t just limited to their business plan either. Their menu is broken apart into complete polar opposites, catering to healthy vegans and gluttonous meat eaters the same. Vegans dig their Mexican eats, with >Guacamole Con Fritas, a mix of guacamole topped with pico de gallo served with corn chips is a top choice. Meat heads will dig their Destroyer, a plate of fries that lives up to its name, with ground beef, cheese, sour cream and gravy.
Disgraceland
This resto is where good vegans go to be bad. Hitting up dishes like the Hail Seitan, which translates to vegan philly melt. But the real collaboration happens on the Make your Own menu. Here you and your meaty counterpart can build your own burger (or hot dog) using meat and meat free options.
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RELATED LINK: First Look: Nanashake
Did we miss any vegan-carnivore approved restaurants? Share them with us in the comments below or tweet us at @ViewtheVibe.
