Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Calgary

While Calgary will always be renowned for its local beef, the city is also full of treats for food enthusiasts adhering to vegetarian and vegan diets.

Whether you live a life completely free of animal products or you’re just looking to cut down on your meat intake, these Calgary restaurants offer delicious meals to thrill anyone seeking a fully vegetarian experience.

Canela Vegan Bakery

Plant-based eaters love sweet treats as much as anyone else and this vegan bakery has won countless fans with delicious baked goods that are completely free of dairy, eggs, and any other non-vegan ingredients. To sweeten the deal further, many of the items are also gluten-free. Enjoy signature items like sandwich cookies, cinnamon rolls, croissants, and birthday cakes as well as savoury items like Canela ’s vegan quiche and breakfast sandwiches.

Address: 1319 9 Ave SE , 208 4 St NE

Hearts Choices

There are many facets to Hearts Choices ’ vegan food business: catering services, market stalls in both Calgary Farmers’ Market locations, and a café market in northeast Calgary. The business focuses on Thai vegan dishes like faux chicken or vegetable curries and soup, as well as non-Thai meals like burgers, poutine, sandwiches and mac ‘n’ (dairy-free) cheese.

Address: 4127 6 St NE, Calgary , 25 Greenbriar Dr NW , or 510 77 Ave SE

Nan’s Noodle House

Asian noodle soups are often a no-go for vegetarians because of their requisite meat-based broths, but Nan’s Noodle House boasts a completely vegan menu. The plant-based versions of classic ramen, laksa, and pho are rich and delicious, thanks to an aromatic miso-mushroom broth that adds depth to the soups. In addition to all those slurp-worthy bowls, Nan’s also sells plenty of enticing vegan Vietnamese vermicelli bowls, banh mi, and rice dishes.

Address: 3103b Edmonton Trl

Padmanandi

This family-owned and operated restaurant started many years ago in Edmonton — where it remains a much-loved institution — and is now making its mark in Calgary with a bright and spacious location on Macleod Trail. Padmanandi is based on Buddhist culinary principles, which means its food is entirely plant-based and also avoids pungent vegetables such as onions and garlic. The result is a delicious array of pan-Asian dishes including vegetable and tofu stir-frys and plant-based versions of favourites like teriyaki chicken and ginger beef.

Address: 8835 Macleod Trail SW #110

SaVeg Café

This Beltline café, located inside the Heavens Fitness gym, is only open from morning until late afternoon, so quick breakfasts and lunches are what’s on the menu at SaVeg . Health-conscious food lovers can enjoy all-vegan items like scrambled tofu breakfast burritos, faux tuna poke bowls, meatless bibimbap, and the all-important post-workout smoothies.

Address: 637 11 Ave SW, Calgary

Tamarind Vietnamese Grill and Noodle House

Not to be confused with an Indian restaurant with a similar name, Tamarind is a cozy full-service Vietnamese restaurant with a completely plant-based menu. Popular Vietnamese dishes are reflected throughout the menu, with pho-style soups, vermicelli bowls, and spring rolls. Many dishes are fortified with mock meat (usually beef or ham) and tofu to create satisfyingly hearty meals.

Address: 908 12 Ave SW

The Attic

The sister restaurant to the downstairs Vegan Street, The Attic is a plant-based pizza and pasta joint that doubles as a music venue and performance space. Proving that delicious pizza and pasta does not need any meat or dairy, the food is a hit with patrons regardless of their dietary preferences, with tofu standing in for egg in a tasty fettuccine carbonara and cashew cheese adding creaminess to many of the stone-fired pizzas. In addition to musical performances, comedy sets, and burlesque shows the stage is home to Carly’s Angels, Calgary’s longest-running drag show.

Address:1413 9 Ave SE

The Coup

A nice sit-down contemporary vegetarian restaurant, The Coup manages to be stylish and healthy at the same time. The lunch and dinner menus are varied, with selections like vegetarian sushi and hot pots, veggie-packed rice bowls, and an irresistible tempeh shawarma that has become a fan favourite with locals. The restaurant also features a fun cocktail list, as well as a nice selection of wine, local beers, and zero-proof drinks and kombucha.

Address: 924 17 Ave SW, Calgary

Vegan Street

One of the city’s most fulsome casual vegan restaurants, Vegan Street ’s from-scratch plant-based menu is full of creative dishes that are packed with incredible flavour. The restaurant is well-known for its tacos (often filled with the restaurant’s own high-quality faux meat), but there’s so much more, including excellent fried “chickin" sandwiches, crispy “chikin" wings, spicy noodle bowls, and creamy plant-based desserts. Kids menus are also available for little vegans.

Address:1413 9 Ave SE

WholeLifeGo

A welcoming Japanese fusion restaurant with a plant-based philosophy, WholeLifeGo is owned and operated by a husband-wife duo with a passion for healthy eating. The food plays on traditional Japanese dishes and flavours with all vegan ingredients, offering creative versions of umami-packed sushi (made with vegetables or WholeLifeGo’s signature “tuuna”), flavourful soups and salads, curries, and other innovative dishes. There’s also a full dessert section, featuring vegan cheesecakes, protein balls, and other treats.

Address: 340 14 St NW

About The Author

Elizabeth Chorney-Booth is a local food writer, cookbook author, radio columnist and a lifelong Calgarian.