The 10 Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Ottawa for Deliciously Creative Meat-Free Feasts
Ever had one of those days when you’re craving something hearty yet healthy, but finding the right spot feels tricky? You want more than the usual salad or uninspired veggie dish, but where to go?
Lucky you because the city is packed with incredible vegetarian gems, from the cozy serving up wholesome veggie dishes to trendy eateries offering gourmet, meat-free creations.
But with so many choices, how do you decide? Well, that’s exactly where this guide comes in handy.
It’s like your personal food compass, pointing you straight to Ottawa’s top vegetarian restaurants. From juicy plant-based burgers to flavorful curries, I’ve scouted the tastiest places so you don’t have to.
Ready to find your new favorite spot? Grab your fork (or your hands if it’s a burger day), and let’s dive into the best vegetarian eats Ottawa has to offer.
1. The Green Door Restaurant & Bakery
— Media credit: thegreendoorrestaurant
Website: https://www.thegreendoor.ca/
Location: 198 Main St
Contact Details: (613) 234-9597
Business Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
The Green Door Restaurant & Bakery has been a beloved vegetarian spot since 1988, offering nourishing, organic, farm-to-table meals.
Their self-serve buffet is the star of the show, letting you create your own plate based on your appetite and nutritional preferences. This reflects what’s in season, so you’ll always find something new and fresh.
You’ll also find a rotating selection of dishes crafted with seasonal, organic ingredients from local farms. Some favorites include their rich lentil dal, roasted root vegetables, and a variety of freshly made salads.
And it gets better because of their pay-by-weight system that makes it easy to try a little bit of everything, from vibrant salads to hearty main dishes.
Pro tip:
Get a reloadable gift card for easy meals at The Green Door. It’s in-store only, but with no expiry, so you can enjoy their plant-based dishes anytime.
2. Pure Kitchen
— Media credit: purekitchenottawa
Website: https://www.purekitchenottawa.com
Location: 340 Elgin St
Contact Details: (613) 233-7873
Business Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 09:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 09:00 PM
Pure Kitchen is the tasty brainchild of Kyle and Olivia Cruickshank, who, after globe-trotting and cooking their way through the culinary scene, finally planted roots in Ottawa.
Since its opening in 2015, it has become a local favorite for those seeking delicious plant-based meals.
Their menu is packed with fun, from classics like guac + chips to filling mains like the burrito bowl loaded with vibrant veggies and grains.
You’ve also got awesome options like the nourish bowl and their fan-favorite veggie burger, the “awesome burger” (the name says it all).
And for those looking to quench their thirst, Pure Kitchen also offers a variety of fresh-pressed juices and smoothies, including options like the cold-pressed juice and the Bohemian smoothie.
Pro tip:
For a healthier happy hour, check out their alcohol-free cocktails, like the midday mule or eitz eins zwei zero, perfect for anyone looking to unwind without the booze.
3. Peace-Garden Vegetarian
— Media credit: peacegardenottawa
Location: 40 Murray St
Contact Details: (613) 562-2434
Business Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday: 08:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
- Friday: 08:30 AM – 05:00 PM
- Saturday: 09:00 AM – 07:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 03:30 PM
Peace-Garden Vegetarian, tucked away near Ottawa’s lively ByWard Market, has been dishing out amazing plant-based meals since 1992.
This hidden gem is the perfect peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, offering a calm vibe that’s hard to find in the city.
Their menu is full of vegetarian goodness, with Indian-inspired dishes like the flavorful Indian Thali Plate and Lentil Dahl, all bursting with fresh, vibrant spices.
Besides their tasty meals, Peace-Garden also offers refreshing smoothies and natural juices, perfect for a quick pick-me-up.
And with its cozy, plant-filled interior and easygoing ambiance, Peace-Garden is the prime venue to chill out and enjoy a nourishing meal.
Pro tip:
Heading to Peace-Garden for lunch? Arrive early to avoid the lunchtime rush and secure a peaceful spot to enjoy your meal.
4. Govinda’s
— Media credit: govindasottawa
Website: https://govindasottawa.ca
Location: 212 Somerset St E
Contact Details: (613) 807-7037
Business Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 07:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Govinda’s, Ottawa’s oldest vegetarian place since 1981, is the perfect go-to for tasty, healthy meals.
Run by ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), this nonprofit eatery focuses on serving wholesome, fresh, and affordable vegetarian food.
At Govinda’s, all dishes are made from scratch with high-quality ingredients, ensuring you get nothing but the best in every bite.
The real fan favorite is their Wholesome meal. It’s a great balance of flavors and textures, featuring your choice of rice or buckwheat, paired with a warm and flavorful spiced lentil soup.
And if you’re craving something protein-packed, you’ve got to try The Mean Bean! It’s a tasty blend of different beans, combined with tofu, tomatoes, and spinach, all tossed in a zesty cilantro and lemon dressing.
Pro tip:
If you’re feeling adventurous, try combining dishes. Pair the Wholesome meal with a side of their famous samosas for a perfect mix of heartiness and crunch.
5. Wolf Down
— Media credit: wolf.down
Website: https://www.wolfdown.com
Location: 380 Bank St
Contact Details: (613) 421-4054
Business Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Wolf Down began when Daniel, a German expat, missed Berlin’s iconic döner in Canada. He and his wife traveled to Berlin and LA to master the craft of this beloved street food.
Despite having zero restaurant experience, they took the plunge and opened their first restaurant in Ottawa in 2019, introducing authentic Berlin döner to Canada for the first time.
Their veggie options are a total game-changer. Their vegetarian döner is packed with perfectly grilled, marinated veggies that are bursting with flavor.
You can get it all wrapped in a warm flatbread or served in a fresh salad bowl, loaded with crisp lettuce tomatoes, and your pick of sauces—garlic, spicy, or their signature house sauce.
But it’s not just about the food because the vibe here is effortlessly welcoming. It’s the kind of place where you want to kick back with friends and enjoy amazing eats.
Pro tip:
Mix all three sauces—garlic, spicy, and house, for a perfect blend of tang, heat, and creaminess in your veggie döner.
6. St. Elsewhere
— Media credit: st.elsewhere.613
Website: https://www.stelsewhere.ca
Location: 826 Somerset St W
Contact Details: [email protected]
Business Hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 02:30 PM (Lunch)
- Monday to Sunday: 05:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Dinner)
St. Elsewhere is where plant-based meets pure flavor magic. This cozy, artsy wine bar and restaurant is all about crafting a fun and innovative vegetarian menu that feels anything but ordinary.
Their menu is packed with creative, bold dishes that pair perfectly with their expertly curated wine selection. You can have a fresh bowl of kale salad or a bite of lentil burger with a glass of famous Jabulani.
And trust me, the vibe is just as good as the food. With its inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to explore exciting flavors whether you’re on a casual date or celebrating something big.
Pro tip:
Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for their wine-pairing suggestions. They know exactly which wines complement the plant-based dishes best.
7. Chickpeas
— Media credit: chickpeasottawa
Website: https://www.chickpeasottawa.ca
Location: 500 Terminal Ave A-05
Contact Details: (613) 789-8999
Business Hours:
- Sunday & Monday: 11:00 AM – 06:00 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 09:00 PM
Chickpeas offers a delightful menu that’s perfect for veggie lovers. Their 100% vegan dishes focus on two stars of the show: crispy falafel and creamy hummus, making plant-based eating deliciously satisfying.
You’ll find their falafel served in a warm pita or as a hearty bowl, loaded with fresh veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, pickles, and cabbage. It’s an ideal combo for any veggie enthusiast.
What perfects it is the level of customization. With a variety of toppings and sauces, including their signature tahini, you can build a meal that’s uniquely yours.
For drinks, Chickpeas keeps it simple but satisfying. They offer convenient juice boxes, refreshing sparkling water, and a selection of flavorful teas that complement your meal.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking for a lighter option, go for the tabbouleh salad. It’s packed with herbs and flavor without being too heavy.
8. Ayla’s Social Kitchen
— Media credit: aylassocial
Website: https://aylassocial.ca
Location: 338 Preston St
Contact Details: (343) 984-4486
Business Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday: 05:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 05:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Ayla’s Social Kitchen was founded out of a passion for wholesome, delicious food and has been serving the community for six years.
Inspired by the warmth of home-cooked meals, Amir and Maryam created a space that mirrors the comfort of their own family dinners, offering a menu rich in Mediterranean flavors.
The menu boasts an impressive range of vegetarian options. One of the most popular is the Vegetarian mini pitas, featuring salsa verde, roasted red pepper, charred eggplant, and green tahini dressing.
If you’re after a filling dish, the Mediterranean veggie burger with grilled halloumi, eggplant, and zhoug is a perfect choice. Served with rosemary fries and kale salad, it delivers bold, satisfying flavors in every bite.
Pro tip:
Pair the Mediterranean Veggie Burger with Ayla’s refreshing house-made cocktails or a light Mediterranean white wine to perfectly balance the rich, bold flavors of the dish.
9. Play Food & Wine
— Media credit: playfoodwine
Website: https://www.playfood.ca
Location: 1 York St
Contact Details: (613) 667-9207
Business Hours:
- Sunday & Monday: 05:00 PM – 09:00 PM
- Tuesday & Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 02:00 PM, 05:00 PM – 09:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 02:00 PM, 05:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Play Food & Wine combines great cuisine, wine, and hospitality in a lively setting. As a small-plate restaurant, they offer appetizer-sized portions, allowing guests to sample a variety of flavors.
Prepared from scratch in their open-concept kitchen, the dishes showcase seasonal, sustainable, and locally sourced ingredients, reflecting their commitment to supporting area farmers.
They use fresh, local produce, like their savory Waldorf salad which features compressed celery and apple, black grape, walnuts, and fresh dressing that’s all farm-to-table.
And for those looking for light bites, they have plant-forward snacks like grilled sourdough with olive oil, grilled asparagus, and acorn squash soup.
Pro tip:
For group dining, consider Play Food & Wine’s semi-private space with set menus from $60 per person, providing high-quality dishes at a reasonable price.
10. Gezellig
— Media credit: gezelligwestboro
Website: https://gezelligdining.ca
Location: 337 Richmond Rd
Contact Details: (613) 680-9086
Business Hours:
- Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM – 02:00 PM (Brunch)
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 02:00 PM (Lunch)
- Tuesday to Thursday & Sunday: 05:00 PM – 09:00 PM (Dinner)
- Friday & Saturday: 05:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Dinner)
“Gezellig” (pronounced gah-zell-ig) is a Dutch word that captures that cozy, convivial feeling of spending quality time with loved ones.
Housed in a beautifully converted 1950s bank building, the restaurant blends historical charm with a modern, welcoming vibe.
At Gezellig, vegetarian dishes are thoughtfully crafted to showcase fresh, seasonal ingredients in creative and satisfying ways. This includes their coconut arancini, Gezellig greens, and heirloom tomato salad.
All these and more you can enjoy in a dining space that feels like home, whether it’s a casual dinner or a special night out.
Pro tip:
Ask the staff about wine pairings. Gezellig offers vegetarian-friendly wines that perfectly complement the menu, enhancing the overall dining experience.