I love food, especially plant-based food. Whether at home, out and about or while travelling, I an so happy when I have access to high quality, healthy plant-based food. So here is a guide to my own hometown Toronto. Toronto has really made great strides in this domain in the last few years. Most fast food chains now offer plant-based versions. Even meat-based restaurants will have some something on the menu to satisfy those who enjoy plant food.
Plant-food restaurants generally have more of an awareness of their impact on the environment.
Whether you live in Toronto, are new here or planning to visit, this guide offers plenty of options to keep you healthy and happy! This guide includes grocery stores, restaurants ranging from fast food to luxury and organic cold pressed juice places.
Where to buy
Let’s start with where to shop for quality organic produce for home use. Really every grocery store now has an organic corner.
Loblaws – The Super Market carries a wide range of produce and packaged products. They currently have over 300 organic products.
No Frills – This budget Super Market also carries Loblaw’s President’s Choice line of organic products.
Basics – I find a good selection at my local Basics too.
Wholefoods – My favourite store for quality produce. Plus their staff is very helpful and friendly.
Other stores are Longos, Metro, Sobeys and all health stores
Below I have listed options for eating out when you are out and about.
Plant-Based Restaurants
Copper Branch – If you are looking for plant-based fast food you will find a delicious selection here. Copper Branch is planning to open 100 locations across North America by the end of 2020. Check their website to see the closest location to you. I love their Mediterranean Power Bowl.
Kupfert & Kim – Another plant-based quick service restaurant with great choices. In addition Kupfert & Kim are wheatless which makes them a great choice for gluten free options.The Turmeric Latte was delicious. Great service and food.
Nutbar – Nutbar is a superfood snack cafe. And the only one that is 100% organic! They describe themselves as a “healthy coffee shop,” putting the world’s most nutrient-rich and highest-quality foods in the spotlight.
Rosalinda – If you love Mexican food you will love Rosalinda. They promise vibrant feel-good vegan Mexican cuisine. Their space is beautiful and the food is tasty. I love that they have cubicles to sit in. This allows for more privacy with friends and family.
Planta – Planta’s purpose is creating delicious food that promotes environmental sustainability. I love companies with consciousness. They provide upscale dining options in a beautiful environment and have locations in Toronto and Miami. Their Planta Burger was nominated the best plant-based burger in town. Their Sunday Brunch is definitely a must experience. The delicious Breakfast Hash is one of the items on the menu.
Sorelle – This used to be Toronto’s prettiest vegan cafe. It exuded class, elegance and feminine vibes and I have so many happy memories of it. It recently closed down but if you venture further north you can get the vegan and gluten free items at their flagship cafe in Vaughn.
Non Plant-Based Restaurants
Although not purely plant-based, the following upscale restaurants have absolutely delicious options and will make changes to existing offers on the menu to adapt to your preference. All of them have superb service and totally worth having on your list if you like luxurious experiences.
Cafe Belong – Their focus is local, organic and sustainable. The menus feature seasonal produce. The staff went out of their way to personalize mine. The small menu has plant-based options and a daily vegan and gluten free soup that is delicious.
Hotel X – There are 3 separate dining options at Hotel X. Only Maxx’s Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I loved the unique plant-based dish I had here. In summer you can sit on their outdoor balcony with an expansive view of Lake Ontario. The service is amazing from the moment you arrive. Check out their beautiful lobby. Maxx’s Kitchen is on the second floor to your right if you take the stairs.
Shangri La – A luxury location with their own plant-food based menu. They will also customize items from their regular menu. Definitely try their ALT Sandwich if you love avocado. So good! And for the ultimate Afternoon Tea experience in Toronto, check out their seasonal themes. Make reservations ahead of time and let them know at least upto 72 hours before about any special preferences like vegan and gluten-free. Their signature Afternoon Tea takes place in their Lobby Lounge which is very beautiful. It has plenty of natural lighting from the two storeys windows and a large scale fireplace. Their Bosk restaurant offers dining options and weekend brunch.
Organic Cold-Pressed Juice
If you are out and about and want to stock up on fresh organic cold pressed juices you will find a large variety at the following places. I have been to each one and loved them. They also offer smoothies, ginger shots, turmeric shots, lattes, salads, soups and other snacks.
Enjoy the bounty. and let me know what you had and where. 🙂
You kept the best at the end 🙂
Shangri La is sophisticated and decadent.
Love it!
So many thanks for this list, I’m always looking for somewhere to go out and have a healthy meal.
Hi Llyane!
Thank you for for stopping by. 🙂
Ah yes, Shangri La is so luxurious!
You are welcome. Looking forward to hearing about your food adventures.
Beautiful! I’m a vegan food lover too, and since I travel full-time, I’m always looking for good options on the road. Toronto has my eye now. Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome Celeste! Happy to meet a fellow vegan food lover! 🙂