10 Best Vegetarian Restaurants In Seattle

According to the Vegetarian Times, Seattle ranks number two for abundance of vegetarian and vegan restaurants. How to choose from all that agricultural bounty? Here's our guide for where to find the best wholesome and delicious fare:

Café Flora
Topping many Best Vegetarian lists locally and nationally, Café Flora sets the salad bar high. Since 1991, this neighborhood bistro has served magnificent, meatless food, emphasizing their partnerships with regional farmers. Brunch is particularly popular, with Hoppin' John fritters and vegan sausage gravy n' biscuits delighting herbivores every weekend. A new craft cocktail program delights while the idyllic atrium allows for all-weather garden dining.

Juicebox
What began as a stall in farmers market has blossomed into a brick-and-mortar gem. Inside the lovely wooden  and plant-filled space, this urban juicer creates cold-pressed elixirs packed with produce. Whether you're looking for a cleanse or a wholesome pick-me-up, getting your daily dose of fruits and vegetables has never been so easy... or so tasty. The menu of vegetable-based cuisine, created by co-owners Brandin Myett and Kari Brunson, rotates with seasonal delights: rhubarb oatmeal, black bean and yam wraps, and pea and asparagus salad.

Sutra
Sutra elevates vegetarian cooking to fine-dining status. Yogi-chef Colin Patterson creates dishes that are equally artistic and delicious; before serving, he introduces each dish, emphasizing the importance of the food's provenance. Community is key at Sutra; one seating ensuring all guests experience the prix-fixe meal together. Sit at the bar to watch the chef in action.

Georgetown Liquor Company
Georgetown Liquor Co. shatters the stereotype that vegetarian food isn't hearty. Their stick-to-your-ribs pub grub is, as their website touts, "strong enough for a carnivore, made for a [sic] herbivore." Stellar sandwiches rule, like the Darth Reuben stacked with locally-made field roast. Don't miss the brunch and their awesome Bloody Mary bar.

Plum Vegan Bistro
Unlike the hippie vibe of most vegetarian eateries, Plum Vegan Bistro oozes urban, industrial chic with its dark wood, high ceilings, and window-paned garage door (that opens on sunny days). Their fresh and fabulous fare includes mac n' yease (protein yeast cheese), pistachio crusted seitan, avocado rolls, and a bevy of non-meat burgers, which can also be found at their roving food truck.

Sunlight Café
For over 35 years, Seattle's longest-standing vegetarian establishment has welcomed diners with their meatless comfort food. Inside the cozy spot, nosh on fresh-baked, whole grain goods like yogurt pancakes and the popular nut burger, as well as bountiful salads. Arrive early for the popular brunch.

Silence Heart Nest
Run by sari-clad followers of Sri Chinmoy, this tranquil, vegetarian café will nourish your spirit and stomach. Start your day off right with tasty egg scrambles, crispy waffles, or a pesto wrap. For lunch, the "neat loaf," a traditional Sri Chinmoy recipe, will wow even die-hard carnivores. The menu boasts lots of vegan options, too.

Traveler's Thali House
Take a trip to Traveler's Thali House for an in-town, Indian experience. Inside a perky, purple Craftsman bungalow you'll find traditional, Indian dishes served by an amiable staff. Choose from chaat (street food-inspired snacks) to plentiful thalis (multi-dish meals). Save room for dessert like the kaju barfi, a yummy condensed milk and nut confection. The house-brewed masala chai beckons fans for miles around and an onsite shop sells imported foodstuffs.

Chaco Canyon Café
Choose your own vegetarian adventure at Chaco Canyon Café. Build a rice bowl, sip from the juice and smoothie bar, or sample raw dishes like tomato and cashew cream enchiladas. With an emphasis on organic and sustainable food, monthly specials feature seasonal produce. Save room for homemade desserts like the lemon coconut bars.

Araya's Place
At these popular vegan Thai restaurants (Arya's Place has two locations; one in the U District and one in Capitol Hill), you won't miss meat. Traditional dishes like larb or satay are made vegetarian-friendly with tofu, seitan, and tempeh. The University District location has a $9.99 all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, luring students and professionals alike, while the new Madison Valley spot has a charming patio.