THE ONLY GUIDE YOU NEED TO EATING VEGETARIAN IN DETROIT

As someone who has been vegetarian for almost 10 years and have spent the last 6 living in Detroit and surrounding areas. I love finding restaurants that have more than one option for vegetarian eating. I also love finding non-chain restaurants. If you are visiting Detroit and want to try some new spots, this list is for you.

Street Beet

1800 Michigan Avenue Detroit, MI 48216

Located in Corktown, my heart beats for Street Beet. A fully vegan restaurant with meat like options? Count me in! They have the best comfort food in the city. I love this restaurant from the food to the vibes, it’s perfect. Street Beet rotates out their menus and features Texas Roadhouse style food or Red Lobster, but made vegan.

My current favorite is the Chicken Caesar Wrap, it’s just delicious. I also love their handheld tofu sandwiches. There is something for everyone. My meat eating husband also loves this restaurant and agrees that it tastes so similar to ‘real’ meat.

La Lanterna

1224 Griswold Street, Detroit, MI 48226

This restaurant holds a special place in my heart. One of the first places I stumbled on when I moved to Detroit is La Lanterna. I’ve brought everyone important to me here and it’s also incredible. My husband immediately brought me here after we got engaged! Located in the heart of Downtown, do not skip this unassuming restaurant. From amazing cocktails to delicious pastas, you will find something you love here.

Bring your vegan friends, they have vegan pizza options as well! If you are in a pizza mood, the Mele is super interesting and delicious. Featuring an olive oil base with apples, goat cheese and drizzled with honey, I can’t get enough. If you’re in a pasta mood, the Ravioli di Ricotta Salvia or the Gnocchi Palomino are the best on the menu.

Grandma Bob’s

2135 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI, 48216

Grandma Bob’s is located in Corktown, and arguably the best vegan pizza in Detroit. There are so many incredible options, you are bound to find a great option. The best part, most pizzas can be made vegan, which is great for any vegan friends. One of the most unique pizza’s I’ve had, the Big Mack, a fully vegan pizza that tastes like a big mac at McDonald’s.

Mootz Pizzeria + Bar

1230 Library Street, Detroit MI, 48226

Located in downtown Detroit, Mootz Pizzeria is sure to make your list. Whether you are needing a quick slice of pizza or looking for a sit down dinner, this place is for you. In the summer, you can’t miss sitting on the patio and eating some of the best pizza the city has to offer. Start with the Truffled Bumblebee, it’s whipped ricotta with honeycomb,fig, truffle and bee pollen. You just have to try it! I’ve tried so many different pizzas here, but my all-time favorite is the Margherita. Get hot honey on the side and it will just make the pizza so much better.

Leila

1245 Griswold Street, Detroit, MI 48226

In the heart of downtown Detroit, you will find Leila a Lebanese restaurant. First recommendation, the roasted red pepper hummus. Served with warm pita fresh from the oven, you just have to try it. These meals are served family style, intended to share. I also love the falafel, Haloumi, and Baba Ghanouj. If I’m up for an entree, the Mjaddara is the go-to. It’s so fresh and full of comfort.

The Old Shillelagh

349 Monroe St., Detroit, MI

Located in Greektown, The Old Shillelagh is an Irish bar and haven for vegetarians and vegans. They have an entire menu dedicated to plant based food, including desserts. Have a drink here and enjoy the expansive menu. I personally love the Shepard’s Pie and grabbing a pint of beer.

IMA Izakaya

2100 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI 48216

With a few locations in the Detroit area, you are sure to find an Ima near you. My favorite is in Corktown. Ima is inspired by Japanese izakayas. The menu features a lot of options, but I always get the Yuzu Miso Ramen.

Pho Lucky

3111 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI.48201

Located in Midtown, Pho Lucky is one of my favorites. If you’re looking for a comfort meal and good portion of Pho, add this to your list. While there is only one veggie option, it comes with tofu so it makes the list. This is the perfect meal for a cold day.

Mad Nice

4120 2nd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

The best thing about Mad Nice, they have a great dinner AND brunch on weekends! Located in Midtown, Mad Nice is an Italian restaurant with the cutest interior. For dinner I recommend the Green Pizza or the Spaghetti Al Pomodoro. There are a lot of options for any meat eaters.

If you find yourself here on a weekend, Mad Nice has one of my favorite brunches in the city. The Farmer’s Quiche is so insanely good, I think about it all the time. If you have room for it, the Morning Bread is so good. The butter is top tier. Also, their coffee menu is incredible.

Ottava Via

1400 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI 48216

Located in Corktown, Ottava Via is an Italian restaurant you should try. The menu features quite a few pasta dishes, with my favorite being the Pesto Pasta. The pizza is also delicious and worth a try. I also recommend the bread service, its excellent. Vegetarians and meat eaters will find something to love here.

Takoi

2520 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216

Located in Corktown, this Thai inspired restaurant is one you don’t want to miss. The food is fantastic here and has multiple options for non-meat eaters. My favorite dish on the menu is Phat Makhuea Yao (sweet and sour eggplant). The menu also features really interesting cocktails and mocktails. Takoi also operates their own farm, so this meal is incredibly fresh.

Basement Burger Bar

1326 Brush St., Detroit, MI 48226

Located in Greektown, there is something for everyone at this build your own burger restaurant. I’ve loved coming to this restaurant because the quality is just perfect. When I’m in the mood for a burger, Basement Burger Bar is first on mt list. They also make the best French fries, crispy to perfection. While this isn’t a fully vegetarian menu, the impossible patty never misses!

Frita Baditos

Located in Downtown Detroit, you will find a Cuban inspired street food restaurant. This is one of my favorites! The Frita’s are so good and unique. I always get the Black Bean Frita, it comes with chipotle mayo, fries, all on an egg bun. You also must try the twice fried Plantains, the sauce on the side adds to the experience. I love coming here in the summer and sitting outside, it’s super casual and the perfect amount of food.

Final Thoughts

These are my top recommendations for vegetarian eating in Detroit. I love all of these restaurants and will recommend them to all of my plant-based friends. Let me know if there are any other favorites I should check out!

If you want more recommendations for vegetarian eating check out some of my other guides: The Ultimate Guide to Eating Plant Based in London