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The Most Sustainable Vegan Restaurants Nationwide

From on-site gardens to biodynamic wine lists and waste recycling programs, these restaurants are doing their part for the planet.

Front of Sage Plant Based Bistro & Brewery
Food & Drink

Courtesy of Sage Plant Based Bistro & Brewery

From on-site gardens to biodynamic wine lists and waste recycling programs, these restaurants are doing their part for the planet.

Make a positive impact on the planet, one bite at a time! These eco-friendly eateries not only serve up delicious plant-based meals but also prioritize sustainable practices to reduce their impact on the planet. From locally sourced ingredients to compostable packaging, they are changing the game and proving that sustainability can be both fun and flavorful.

1. Sage Plant Based Bistro & Brewery

Los Angeles, CA

Voted the favorite sustainable restaurant, Sage Plant Based Bistro & Brewery sources from local farms and regenerative agriculture! Nibble on their gluten- and soy-free Goatless Greek Salad and pair with their housemade Boozy Booch. Or go with the Bowl of Soul, featuring roasted sweet potatoes and kale, accompanied by their signature Field Day American Style Pilsner.

Person holding beer with food in background from Sage Plant Based Bistro & Brewery

Courtesy of Sage Plant Based Bistro & Brewery

2. The Green House

Wilmington, NC

Coming in a close second is The Green House, where all produce is sourced locally, with breads, cheeses, jams, preserves, and pickled dishes prepared in-house. Their onsite greenhouse hosts over one thousand organic, non-GMO plants in just 250 square feet! All the tables at The Green House are made from reclaimed 180-year-old hardwood pine from a local warehouse, and there is no single-use plastic used on-site!

The Green House vegan dish on plate

Courtesy of The Green House

3. Casa de Luz

Austin, TX

Wellness community center Casa de Luz comes in at number three—and for good reason. Step into a world of spirituality nestled in a green, lively garden. Meals at Casa de Luz are served family style, and all their dishes are organic, vegan, gluten-free, refined oil-free, and refined sugar-free. Each day of the week is assigned its own set menu—priced reasonably for both adults and children!

Casa de Luz vegan dish on plate

Courtesy of Casa de Luz

4. J. Selby’s

St. Paul, MN

St. Paul’s J. Selby’s claims fourth place, serving up classic dishes in an inclusive space, with sustainable and ethical meals front and center. J. Selby’s composts or recycles 90% of all waste, significantly decreasing its impact on the environment. Order familiar favorites like their classic Crunchwrap or Steak Sandwich and pair with a decadent PB + Chocolate Shake for the full experience.

Person holding sandwich from J. Selby's

Courtesy of J. Selby’s

5. Donna Jean

San Diego & Los Angeles, CA

Roy Elam began Donna Jean as a seasonal, sustainable vegan restaurant named after his mother, who passed away of aggressive breast cancer at just 55 years old. With their rustic, Italian-inspired menu featuring Ravioli Cacio e Pepe, Cast Iron Mac & Cheese, and Pistachio Cheesecake, it’s no wonder Donna Jean made the list at slot number five.

Vegan food and drinks from Donna Jean on table

Courtesy of Donna Jean

6. Le Botaniste

New York, NY

Coming in at number six is the only organic, plant-based, and carbon-neutral restaurant in New York City—Le Botaniste. From sourcing natural wines to serving on carbon-neutral, sustainably made trays, this Belgium-rooted establishment is making waves not only in New York City but across the world. Drop by for Young Coconut Ceviche, Magic Miso Quinoa Noodles, or an Omega-3 Brownie at one of their four NYC locations.

Le Botaniste vegan food on table

Courtesy of Le Botaniste

7. abcV

New York, NY

Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s all-vegan version of his acclaimed abc restaurant concept blossomed out of a desire to care for visitors’ taste buds just as much as the planet. A concern about industrialized agriculture, pesticides, carcinogens, and inhumane farming practices drew Chef Vongerichten’s eye to the concept of medicinal plant intelligence, which heavily inspired this non-GMO, sustainably sourced menu featuring Mushroom Walnut Bolognese, Crispy Celery Root Katsu, and Lemon Saffron Creme Brulee. abcV joins our list at number seven.

abcV vegan dishes on table

Courtesy of abcV

8. Julie Goes Green

Los Angeles, CA

Grab a chair at the community table at Italian restaurant Julie Goes Green, a plant-based and environmentally friendly eatery! Using biodegradable containers, omitting plastic-bottled drinks and paper plateware, and even sourcing internal decor from recycled material embodies our eighth slot’s commitment to a sustainable, green future. Order their Shrimp Scampi Pasta, Fried Coconut Calamari, or Margherita Pizza for an authentic Julie Goes Green experience.

Vegan pasta from Julie Goes Green

Courtesy of Julie Goes Green

9. The Plot

Oceanside, CA

Zero-waste vegan restaurant The Plot comes in at number nine. Opening in January 2020, the plot utilizes an on-site garden, produces all its meat substitutes in-house, and sources the remainder of its ingredients from regenerative local farms. Dine on plant-based Takoyaki, Spamless Masubi Maki rolls, or a Polenta & Chorizo entree in a modern, airy main dining room. Pair with a local hard kombucha or aperol-ish spritz.

The Plot vegan meal on plate

Courtesy of The Plot

10. Ravens Restaurant

Mendocino, CA

Last, but not least, we’ve got Raven’s Restaurant at Stanford Inn by the Sea. Ingredients at Ravens are organic and locally harvested. The spot sources their wines from certified organic, biodynamic vineyards, as well as those utilizing sustainable, traditional farming practices. Ravens composts all food waste, which is then used in garden beds on site. All glass, paper, and cardboard are recycled as well.

Food on table from Ravens Restaurant

Courtesy of Ravens Restaurant

Allison van Tilborgh

Allison van Tilborgh

Allison is a digital media consultant, writer, and aspiring vegan-feminist scholar living in the Orlando, Florida area. She’s the founder of The Sanford Vegan, a vegan media brand, through which she connected with VegOut. As an early reader of VegOut Magazine, she dreamed of one day putting her own writing on the national stage (spoiler alert: that dream came true!). Allison loves experimenting with plant-based cooking and reading up on the latest trends in veganism and animal rights scholarship.

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