Eating plant-based at restaurants used to be a challenge, unless you were fine with settling for a house salad or perhaps some grilled veggies. Fast forward to today’s dining scene, especially here in Rhode Island, with menus offering an abundance of delectable (and creative) veggie-forward dishes – even at spots that aren’t strictly vegan. Here’s a handful of under-the-radar eateries to add to your veg-friendly go-tos.
This Mediterranean eatery on Warwick Avenue, whose tagline is “eat well, live well,” is a delicious spot to indulge in a meat-free feast. The list of possibilities is nearly endless, with everything from a vegetable gyro and bean salad to lentil wraps, spanakopita (Greek spinach pie), rice pilaf, and mushroom dishes that will change your life. Warwick, EnerjyFood.com
This cozy Italian bistro that opened last year is completely plant based. Having enjoyed their scratch-made pasta, bread, and sweets on a date night with my husband, I can tell you vegan doesn’t have to mean second-rate. The food was as yummy as anything I’ve eaten while on vacay in Italy, and that’s saying a lot. Bristol, FogliaBristol.com
Since their first location opened, sandwich lovers have been flocking to GW for their incredibly fresh and expertly rolled wraps. It also happens to be an oasis for plant-based eaters who love their Crazy Veggie, The Works (featuring falafel, hummus, and tabouleh), the Vegan Wrap, and their signature Gansett with breaded eggplant. Narragansett, Middletown & Westerly, GansettWraps.com
Situated on Bellevue Avenue inside A Market, this micro eatery is popular with those in the know in the City By The Sea for casual breakfast and lunch. Specializing in organic health food with local ingredients, they have plenty of choices for veg eaters, including smoothies, tempeh burgers, and hummus wraps, along with vegan mochi for dessert. Newport, MyAMarket.com
Known for sourcing from regional farmers and using organic produce as much as possible, this Main Street restaurant with local art hanging on their walls has become known for their ramen. A not-so-secret menu of meat-free small and large plates boasts offerings such as Veggie Buns and a Killer Tofu Bowl. Wakefield, NewWaveKitchenRI.com
Indian cuisine often goes hand in hand with veggie dishes, and Rasa is no exception, with an extensive menu dedicated to vegetarian apps and mains that customers gush about. Go for the Cucumber Martini or Strawberry Lassi mocktail, and stick around for the lentil soup, edamame dumplings, Cauliflower 65, and okra fries.
East Greenwich, RasaRestaurantRI.com
Chef Carmen Foy is always cooking up mouthwatering vegan versions of classic eats that look and taste just as outstanding as the traditional versions. I’ve sampled the burgers, fries, apps, and desserts, and can honestly say they are five-star. Grab takeout at her shop on Aquidneck Avenue or look for Sprout & Lentil at farmers markets and festivals. Middletown, SproutAndLentil.com
Open since 2012, Veggie Fun switched to an all vegan menu in January of 2016 and never looked back. Customers at this casual, fine (but not formal) dining Asian fusion restaurant adore their miso soup, spring rolls, pineapple fried rice, dumplings, and pad thai. If you’re bringing the kids along, order the crunchy soy nuggets. Providence, VeggieFunRI.com
This new vegan cafe, situated inside Raffa Yoga, is helmed by the folks behind PiANTA on Atwells Avenue in Providence. You don’t have to wear yoga pants or sign up for a vinyasa class to grab a white bean hummus or sprout-covered avocado toast and a fresh-pressed lemonade or smoothie at this spot. Cranston, VitaSanaRI.com
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