Run by a Jewish-Muslim team, Falafel St-Jacques is home to some of the city’s best shawarma and falafel, and the fake meat options include vegetarian shish taouk, shawarma, general tao chicken, and Mongolian beef.

It’s hard to find an Indian restaurant in Montreal that isn’t vegetarian-friendly, but Pushap takes things a step further with its exclusively vegetarian offering (many dishes are also vegan). Eat well with one of Pushap’s thrifty thalis, which come in at under $10.

Casual Italian spot Knuckles doesn’t bill itself as a vegetarian restaurant, which makes its largely meat-free dishes (which, at present, make up the entire menu) a delightful surprise for anyone following a vegetarian diet. Knuckles’ vegetable-focused fare is simple-yet-refined, with a focus on fresh ingredients. Vegans be warned, though — cheese is abundant at Knuckles.

Sham specializes in vegan Syrian and Levantine cuisine. Its extensive menu includes a wide range of Middle Eastern-inspired vegetable and faux meat-filled sandwiches, skewers and other plates, with some burgers and poutine for good measure — and it is the real deal.

Noodles and tofu are made in-house at Mile End’s Umami, where everything is vegan, including (for a limited time) the “pork” gyoza and ramen, which feature OmniFoods’ vegan pork alternative. 

From the same people who brought now-shuttered vegan sushi joint Sata to Hochelaga (which the team recently replaced with sandwich joint Café Jones), Mimi & Jones has been churning out vegan revisions of greasy spoon classics since 2019. At Mimi & Jones, you can pair a whipped cream-topped milkshake with a Philly cheesesteak burger without any of the meat or dairy.

This is the place for pastries, both sweet and savoury, that could fool even the most discerning of non-vegans. The Italian-inspired menu often changes, focusing on viennoiseries, breads, cakes and tarts — expect items like focaccia, brioche, cornetti, calzones, financiers, and more.

Queen Sheba isn’t the only Ethiopian restaurant in Montreal with a robust vegan offering, but it’s arguably the best. Its “vegetarian delights” menu features five warming, veg-heavy (and vegan-friendly) dishes. Can’t decide? Opt for the veg combo, which includes three vegan items.

This Shaughnessy Village institution is beloved for its falafel and owner Nilufar Al-Shourbaji’s warm hospitality. But there’s also a vegan shish taouk, called the “mushawarma,” vegan garlic sauce for potatoes, and a vegan poutine featuring falafel and tahini sauce.

This quaint, cozy Plateau café offers simple fare and great coffee — a godsend for café-loving vegans who just want to grab a croissant or a quick breakfast bite to go with their latte without consuming any animal products.

Once among the growing number of omnivorous Montreal pizza joints to offer a handful of solid plant-based options, Pizzeria Zac went fully vegan in 2021 — and its reputation for crafting delicious, crispy pies and compelling ingredient combinations has only grown. Those who can take the heat would be remiss to avoid the El Diablo (which features seitan, roasted tomatoes, jalapenos, and chili flakes); the Lisa Simpson (sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes and crunchy almonds) and the Thai pizza are also fan favourites.

With several locations throughout the city, Montrealers just can’t get enough of Lola Rosa. Loaded nachos and hearty platters of curry, lasagna chili, and more give credence to the local chain’s reputation as a favourite of both vegetarians and omnivores alike.

Bowhead is Montreal’s first fully vegan pub, but its selection and bold flavours will satisfy even the most diehard meat eaters. Bowhead proves that enjoying some hearty pub grub over a beer in front of the game need not be an experience exclusive to omnivores.

Southern comfort with a vegetarian twist is the focus at Maynard, where the deep fryer is kept busy churning out items like pogos, mushroom wings, crispy breaded tofu, and even deep-fried Oreos and Dr. Pepper, a Southern favourite and a Maynard staple.

Let it never be said that Montreal lacks vegan sushi. Oplante’s all-you-can-eat sushi and wok menu is a welcome addition to the growing local vegan sushi scene. Expect a diversity of choice, with dozens of options for both sushi and wok dishes.

Verdun restaurant Archway offers an elegant, playful take on vegan cuisine, with fresh, homemade ingredients taking the spotlight, from a Thai-inspired maitake mushroom steak to bao filled with Creole-spiced lupin tempeh, kimchi, and cauliflower fungus.

Vegan food isn’t all soybeans and lentils; sometimes, it’s “chicken” nuggets, waffle fries, kimchi dogs, and chocolate milkshakes. Operated by the same team behind local vegan fave Hello 123 and recently opened Italian wine bar/restaurant Conceria, Burger Fiancé already has a second local location in DDO (and a third in Toronto) — proof that the demand for plant-based “junk food” is high.

Beyond more predictable staples like salads and pastas, Bistro Tendresse also features creative plates like calamari-style king oyster mushrooms and tomato sashimi. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, Tendresse’s cocktails, like the beet juice featuring “fuschia,” are also worthy of attention.