If you’re vegan or vegetarian, then you likely know the struggle of visiting a restaurant and not being able to order anything off the menu – or getting stuck ordering some bland version of a salad. And while that’s fine every once in a while, it’s nice to know that you can visit a restaurant with delicious plant-based options if you’re looking to indulge in something more fulfilling. No matter what anyone says, you definitely don’t need to be a vegan or vegetarian to enjoy a meal at any of these Toronto restaurants.
We’ve rounded up a list of Toronto vegetarian and vegan restaurants even carnivores would enjoy!
Rosalinda Restaurant
Rosalinda is an upscale, plant-based restaurant offering seasonal produce and lively wines in a vibrant and airy environment, based in downtown Toronto! Some menu offerings include tacos, burgers, bowls, and plates. We have our eyes on the Chorizo taco!
PLANTA
Skip the salad for a hearty noodle dish at PLANTA. This plant-based restaurant has 3 different locations just within Toronto alone! It’s a go-to spot for many who appreciate a pleasurable vegan or vegetarian meal. You can now even enjoy PLANTA at home!
Hello 123
This vegan spot serves everything from brunch to evening drinks in a cozy setting with exposed brick walls. Its Almond and Banana French Toast is definitely worth a taste!
Guerilla Burger
Take your friends to Guerilla Burger if you want to transform their opinion of vegan food! It’s a great option for comfort-food lovers with plenty of vegan burger options (and more).
Bloomer’s
Vegans deserve to enjoy doughnuts, too! Bloomer’s is a popular Toronto bakery offering delish vegan bites. It’s particularly well-known for its assortment of doughnuts. Raspberry pistachio cheesecake doughnut? Sign us up.
Fat Choi
Fat Choi is a permanent pop-up located in Soos on Ossington. Its menu features a variety of Asian/Southeast Asian plates – and of course, they’re all plant-based!
Gia Restaurant
The menu at Gia has a variety of both vegetarian and vegan options and is described as a plant-forward restaurant. Not only is the food raved about, but the restaurant itself is gorgeous – very Instagram-worthy as they say.
Buddha Vegan Restaurant
If you’re looking for a classic, healthy vegan spot, you can trust Buddha Vegan Restaurant to serve you tasty, healthy, plant-based cuisines that don’t disappoint – as the restaurant has been around since 1991! To get an idea of what this restaurant is all about, we’ve pulled a quote from its website: “A peaceful mind comes from a tranquil body; thus, Buddha’s Vegan Restaurant is trying to connect people to a compassionate and pleasant lifestyle.”.
Articles You May Be Interested In:
The Best Toronto Patios To Hang At This Summer
The Most Instagrammable Restaurants to Visit In Toronto
6 Restaurants To Order Healthy Take-Out From In Toronto
Take A Peek Inside Canada’s First Eataly Location
The 16 Best Restaurants For Pizza Delivery In Toronto & The GTA
With so many down-filled parka brands dominating the market, finding a winter jacket that is animal-friendly seems difficult. However, contrary to what you might think, there are a variety of brands with vegan and cruelty-free winter coat options so that you can stay true to your principles, and stay warm, too.
You can rest assured that none of these brands use fur or down for insulation. Rather, they use top-of-the-line synthetic materials so that you can remain cozy even when the temperatures drop below zero.
Here are the best vegan and cruelty-free winter coat brands to shop right now.
Frank and Oak
Canadian brand Frank and Oak have an awesome variety of winter coats for both women and men. The performance outerwear is engineered to support daily lifestyles and climates, allowing you to embrace every facet of winter without restraint.
Wuxly Movement
The Toronto-based brand, founded by former CFL player James Yurichuk and best friend Anthony DeBartolo, is just as tough on the weather as its mission to be cruelty-free. Using PrimaLoft insulation, a military-grade technology, these coats are a game-changer as they apparently outperform down coats.
Save the Duck
This stylish outerwear brand doesn’t waste time getting its message across: Save the Duck is pretty self-explanatory. Great for travel or commuting, these super lightweight puffers and raincoats are comfortable on your body and conscience. Rather than using goose down, the Milan-based company uses its proprietary technology to replace down with a warmer, more breathable material.
Noize
The Montreal-based brand is feather-free, fur-free, completely vegan, and most importantly, PETA-approved. But Noize’s effort to be sustainable certainly doesn’t dampen their style — these jackets are stylish with details like contrasting colours, as well as faux fur and leather trimmings that look incredibly realistic. The best part is that all styles are available for under $300.
Arc’teryx
If you’re looking for a sportier winter coat option that’s going to allow you to do lots of outdoor activities, look no further than Vancouver brand Arc’teryx. Created by climbers, the brand is completely fur-free and has many down-free options so you can get to exploring nature in all kinds of weather conditions. This brand has the seal of approval from more than a few adventure seekers.
Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC)
With a name like Mountain Equipment, there is no doubt that this athletically-focused store and its namesake brand are experts in keeping you warm. While some of their heavier duty coats use down, many of them don’t, and none of them use fur. Most of their eco-friendly options use Hyperloft instead, a very powerful eco-synthetic insulation.
Articles You May Also Be Interested In
10 Stores To Shop At For The Best Winter Coats Under $300
Canada Goose Is Ending Its Use Of New Fur In Winter Jackets
12 Of The Coziest Winter Accessories To Shop On Amazon Under $50
10 Winter Leggings To Buy To Keep You Warm & Cozy
8 Cheap And Cozy Winter Dates To Go On In Toronto
adidas has officially announced a new, innovative, and sustainable line of sneakers. The sneaker collection will actually be created by using mushrooms. Yes, you heard that correctly.
The brand has been on a mission to break new ground and become as sustainable as they possibly can. So, adidas has partnered up with Bolt Threads to create a mushroom-leather textile. The shoes will be produced by using mycelium, which is a part of fungi that produces mushrooms.
It will be the first time that this type of leather will be used in the footwear industry.
This isn’t adidas first time offering vegan footwear. In fact, in 2020 it launched a selection of classic sneakers that were all plant-based. This is on track for adidas goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050.
The adidas CEO, Kasper Rorsted, said in a press release that, ““Sustainability is an integral part of the adidas business philosophy, we have continued to invest in sustainability initiatives during the coronavirus pandemic and we will significantly expand our range of sustainable products in 2021.”
There is no word on exactly when the shoes will drop, so keep an eye out for any updates this year.
Articles You May Also Be Interested In
Toronto Raptors Star Launches His First Fashion Collection With A Popular Canadian Outerwear Brand
Forever 21 Just Relaunched In Canada
Muji Has Finally Launched Online Shopping In Select Canadian Provinces
The Top Brands That Have Expanded In Canada During The Pandemic
With The Madewell X Buffy Collection, You Can Wear A Duvet
It seems that it’s never been easier to eat plant-based food than it is in today’s age. Even if you’re not looking to make the full commitment to go vegan or veggie, it’s always nice to have meat-free and vegan options at restaurants, and especially when you’re shopping at the mall. One restaurant in particular that’s shaking things up is NYC-based by CHLOE. with its goal to “redefine what it means to eat well.” In the fall of this year, by CHLOE. expanded to Canada and opened its first Canadian location at Yorkdale Shopping Centre right here in TO.
If you’re vegan and used to being stuck eating salads when you go out to eat, then the menu items at by CHLOE. will have you jumping up and down with plant-based excitement. Your choices here range from burgers and mac and cheese, to nachos and even poutine!
We caught up with by CHLOE.’s founder and creative director Samantha Wasser to find out how she got her job!
First things first, what’s the first job you ever had? How did that job lead you to where you are today?
I started my career in celebrity endorsements on behalf of large brands like Proctor & Gamble and Pepsi. I LOVED the teams I worked with and the nature of the job, but felt creatively unfulfilled as it was the brands’ ultimate call. To this day, I still work with many of my colleagues and contacts from that role, including our first beverage partner – PanaTea!
What’s a typical day at work like for you?
Every morning starts with my son Jamesy and my two dogs! From there, no day is the same, which is one of the reasons I love what I do! My days can start with a call to sort through upcoming campaigns or openings, a site visit to a store under construction right into meetings to review culinary innovation and tech initiatives! Lately, many of our US teams’ efforts have been heavily focused on our Toronto launch and I was lucky to spend a few days in this great city pre-opening. Seeing the space come together and meeting fans of the brand is always so humbling and exhilarating!
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt while opening a restaurant?
That I can’t be everywhere at once! While we expand and I unfortunately can’t physically be in 18 locations across 3 countries everyday, it’s important we keep open lines of communication with our team members who we lean on as our brand leaders! I try to empower our staff to be welcoming and personable with every guest that enters our doors.
What’s it been like expanding by CHLOE. to Canada?
I am so grateful to Toronto and our local teams who have welcomed us with open arms! Growing up in New York City, I never went to malls, so this experience has been a teenage dream! But really, one of our favorite projects has been collaborating with the Peace Collective! In preparing for our opening at Yorkdale, and introducing the brand in Canada, I KEPT seeing t-shirts that said “Toronto vs. Everybody” and knew we had to create magic together! I DMed Peace Collective on Instagram and the rest is history! I am so thrilled to sell our custom by CHLOE. is Toronto tees in store!
To what do you attribute by CHLOE.’s success?
Our goal from day one has been to offer delicious food that just so happens to be vegan, not the other way around, which has helped us reach a wide audience. Our stores are designed to be colorful, playful and welcoming. We’ve also created a unique Instagram experience and community that helps us extend far beyond the walls of our restaurants.
What do you look for when opening new locations?
We try to listen to our fans! We saw a large amount of our followers were based in Canada on social media, and with the growing vegan scene in Toronto, it felt like the perfect time to introduce by CHLOE.
What are your favourite items on the menu?
I love our Quinoa Taco Salad and of course The Guac Burger! I am a big fan of our exclusive items inspired by our different territories like the Fish & Chips in the UK and our Maple Bacon Cheezeburger in Toronto!
What advice do you have for folks who are looking to open their own restaurant?
Restaurants are tough so I would likely caution them on the challenges of the industry first, ha! After that I would say to always trust your gut and to always surround yourself with a loyal, passionate and hard working team. It’s not a punch in/punch out type of job, especially around an opening, which we consider our Superbowl! It’s important to find people you can trust and rely on in chaotic times and celebrate with during successes!
Why was opening a plant-based restaurant so important to you?
In my twenties, I naturally found myself eating less and less meat, but wouldn’t necessarily eat at vegan restaurants, as I didn’t feel like I belonged. When the opportunity to open a plant-based concept presented itself, I wanted to create a brand and experience that spoke to consumers like me! Our restaurants are designed to be approachable, comfortable and FUN. Vegan food was “scary” to some (including me!) but how scary can our classic take on Mac N’ Cheese be with phrases like “If you were a vegetable, you’d be a cutecumber” on our packaging?!
What’s your favourite part of your job?
Opening a new store in a new city! But day to day, I am most inspired by the work that goes into our creative campaigns. From that initial brainstorming to mood boards, prop styling, shoot days and the finished product, it’s amazing to see my vision come to life and resonate with our customers!
This summer we launched the Carrot Hot Dog by CHLOE. which featured Takerua Kobayashi, The World’s Greatest Competitive Eater. Our campaign was colorful, weird, playful, unique and delicious! All characteristics of by CHLOE.!
What’s a surprising fact about yourself?
I am a terrible cook!
Can you share what’s next for by CHLOE.?
We can’t wait to launch our second Canadian location in downtown Toronto Fall 2020! Stateside, we will see more expansion next year in NYC and beyond! We are also always in the kitchen working on new and exciting creations like our Chicky Collection that just launched in the US! Stay tuned Canada, we’re coming for you! Now that’s something to Cluck about =)
Who are your role models/mentors?
I admire so many young female entrepreneurs, many who I have been able to partner with along the way. A key role model for me is Sara Blakely of Spanx. Spanx is such an empowering brand and the empire Sara created is so inspiring for a young entrepreneur like myself.
Articles You May Be Interested In:
Popular Vegan Restaurant By CHLOE. Is Opening In Toronto
Tim Hortons Is Now Testing Out Plant-Based Eggs
Faux Or Foe? How Fur Jackets Are Literally Ruining Friendships Everywhere
7 Restaurants In Toronto Where You Can Bring Your Own Wine
12 Things We Learned From FoodGod Jonathan Cheban At Square One
Move over plant-based meat, it’s now time for plant-based eggs to have their moment. That’s right, you read it right — plant-based eggs are now apparently becoming a thing. Not sure what to think? Head to your nearest Tim Hortons location to try out the chains new plant-based eggs.
Tim Hortons is now testing out plant-based eggs made from mung beans.
The chain has been making headlines recently with plant-based sausage meat being added to breakfast sandwiches and even more recently it added a plant-based burger to the menu, too.
But back to the eggs.
Customers at many of the brand’s locations across the GTA, Kitchener, and Waterloo can now substitute the eggs on breakfast sandwiches for an egg-like vegan product made by the California-based food technology company JUST.
“The consumer demand for 100 per cent plant-based proteins is strong and continues to grow,” Josh Tetrick, JUST’s CEO said in a release. “Canada is one of the most requested markets for JUST and we’re excited to be able to offer our product at select Tim Hortons locations for this market test.”
While the plant-based eggs are readily available in both Vaughan and Richmond Hill locations, it hasn’t appeared on any downtown Toronto Tim Hortons menus but stay tuned!
Featured Image:
Articles You May Be Interested In:
You Can Now Eat Beyond Meat Breakfast Items At Tim Hortons
Meatless Meat, Cookie Dough And Other Food Trends You Need To Try This Season
Tim Hortons Is Opening Its 1st Upscale Café In Toronto This Month
The 1st Canadian All-Vegetarian Grocery Store Is Open In Vancouver
15 Pictures Of The New Tim Hortons Upscale Café In Toronto
Toronto’s vegan eating scene is flourishing now more than ever. With so many new restaurants opening in the city, it feels like there’s a new dish to try every weekend. But sometimes, our budget doesn’t allow us. So, why not challenge yourself and cook vegan dishes at home?
These Toronto-based influencers transformed their lifestyle into eating vegan food and they share just how easy it can be. Here is who you have to check out for inspiration and recipes on innovative vegan dishes.
Lauren Toyota – @hotforfood
Watch any of Lauren Toyota’s videos for easy vegan dishes. If you’re really committed, pick up her cookbook, Hot For Food Vegan Comfort Classics: 101 Recipes to Feed Your Face. You definitely won’t be wondering what to cook for dinner next.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmT3ULUHj5Z/?taken-by=hotforfood
Lisa Le – @thevietvegan
Lisa’s vegan-themed videos will inspire you to try it out for yourself. She creates awesome vegan recipes while sharing bits and pieces of her life with her audience.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl3UYf-nfbf/?taken-by=thevietvegan
Maddie Lymburner – @maddielymburner
Maddie shares tons of vegan recipes from pulled BBQ jackfruit tacos to green pea hummus on her website, maddielymburner.com.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlJBeeYn0Na/?taken-by=maddielymburner
Ally Kestane – @allythevegangirl
Scroll through Ally Kestane’s Instagram feed and your mouth will water. She shares her vegan eating journey while also being gluten-free, making it a bit more challenging but that much more unique.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbnYd6DgBhF/?taken-by=allythevegangirl
Doug McNish – @dougmcnish
Chef Doug McNish is the head of Toronto’s first vegan diner, Mythology. He shares new menu updates, food inspiration, and more on his Instagram account. Check out his book Vegan Everyday: 500 Delicious Recipes for more recipe ideas.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmGjjpvF3mN/?taken-by=dougmcnish
Kirstie – @decadent.vegan
Kirstie shares her vegan eats while being a student. View her Instagram feed for all the inspiration.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmg4qqOl_Wb/?taken-by=decadent.vegan
Featured image: Instagram/ @maddielymburner
Posts you might be interested in:
18 Of the Best Restaurants To Get Over-the-top Burgers in Toronto
These New Restaurants Have Changed The Meaning Of Tapas
These New Restaurants In Toronto Are Really Trendy Right Now
These Are The Most Instagrammable Restaurants in Toronto
The Best Restaurants to Get Tacos in Toronto
If you’re a vegan, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to hear this! Globally Local, one of Canada’s premier vegan fast-food restaurants will open a second location in June that will feature the world’s first 24-hour vegan drive-thru.
Globally Local rose to popularity in London Ontario serving vegan takes on popular fast-food menu items like the Big-Mac burger, The Whopper and various takes on a crispy chicken sandwich.
The new restaurant which will also open in London, in a vacant Harvey’s, will serve the notable classics and full breakfast sandwich offering and a kids menu.
Whether or not you’re a full-blown vegan, sometimes having a vegan option is great, especially when you eat too much meat this summer.
The new location will open in June, location details and hours of operation will be released soon.
Image: Facebook via Globally Local