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Best Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton, Ontario You’ll Love

These are the best vegan restaurants in Hamilton, Ontario that I know you’ll love. I grew up in Hamilton and the Hamilton area (specifically, the town of Dundas), so I’ve been looking for the best vegetarian and vegan meals in Hamilton throughout my life. Back in the day, there weren’t a ton of vegan or even vegetarian options.

However, in recent years, the vegan scene in Hamilton has grown by leaps and bounds. Today, it is thriving with new vegan restaurants opening in Hamilton all the time. The vegan options at non-veg restaurants are also increasing quite substantially. In this blog post, I’m going to show you the best vegan food in Hamilton, whether it’s coming from a 100% plant-based establishment or a vegan-friendly eatery.

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Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton

Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton: Planted In Hamilton

Planted In Hamilton - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario

Planted in Hamilton is a 100% plant-based, 100% gluten-free and kosher restaurant and bakery located in Hamilton, Ontario. Their aim is to provide tasty dishes that are equally as amazing as their animal product and gluten-filled counterparts. Their menu contains delicious offerings like nachos, hummus, sandwiches, bowls, mac and cheese, fish and chips, and even a special kids menu.

Planted In Hamilton - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario
Planted In Hamilton - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario

When I dined at Planted in Hamilton, I tried the Chickpea Salad Wrap, which has a creamy salad of chickpeas, onion, celery and red pepper, wrapped up with mixed greens and tomato in grilled laffa bread. The whole meal was outstanding, but I’m still dreaming about that crispy flatbread wrap. I can’t believe it’s gluten-free!

Planted In Hamilton - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario
Planted In Hamilton - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario

There’s also a massive selection of desserts and pastries in the glass cases at the front. I’d love to come back and try a dessert with one of their lattes or coffees. Donuts, cinnamon buns, cookies, pies, brownies, they’ve got it all. You can also order entire cakes or cheesecakes, too. Planted is quiet possibly my favourite vegan restaurant in Hamilton, but it’s really too difficult to pick favourites. They’re right up there at the top.

Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton: The Hearty Hooligan

The Hearty Hooligan - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario

Justin and I visited The Hearty Hooligan for a vegan comfort food feast. From the moment we walked into the restaurant and saw the mural with Simpsons characters, we knew that this place was for us! Some of the tables double up as arcade cabinets. How cool is that? This is one of the best vegan restaurants in Hamilton that you must check out.

The Hearty Hooligan - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario
The Hearty Hooligan - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario
The Hearty Hooligan - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario

The Hearty Hooligan describes themselves as “from scratch vegan junk food”. The menu is quite expansive and it’s hard to choose…so we ordered a few items. We enjoyed a huge nacho platter, a mac & cheese burrito, and the BBQ seitan brisket sub. It was decadent and there was enough food to enjoy some leftovers later!

Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton: Bring Me Some

Bring Me Some - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario

Bring Me Some is Hamilton’s first all vegan fast-food eatery. They used to be located inside the Hamilton Farmers Market, but Bring Me Some has expanded to their own independent location on Concession Street (on the mountain). Everything is high quality, super tasty and made from scratch.

Bring Me Some - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario
Bring Me Some - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario
Bring Me Some - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario
Bring Me Some - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario

Bring Me Some’s main focus is their vegan chicken, but you’ll discover they have a vast menu of vegan comfort food dishes and sides. We’ve ordered from Bring Me Some a couple of times now since we love it so much. This time around, we tried the chickun burger “U Don’t Like Buffalo? Bye Son”, chickee tendees with a couple of dips, and a Nashville hot poutine. If you love vegan fast food or junk food, Bring Me Some is an absolute must.

Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton: Rise Above Pizza and Wings

Rise Above Pizza and Wings - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario

Another one of our favourite vegan restaurants in Hamilton is Rise Above Pizza and Wings. We have been fans of Rise Above for years as the Rise Above Restaurant opened in St. Catharines many years ago. They opened Rise Above Pizza and Wings in Hamilton some years later and it’s been one of our go-to spots in Hamilton ever since.

Rise Above Pizza and Wings - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario
Rise Above Pizza and Wings - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario
Rise Above Pizza and Wings - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario

Rise Above Pizzeria & Wings is Hamilton’s all-vegan pizzeria. They also have some of the best vegan wings that I’ve ever had. We love visiting for Valentine’s Day when they’ve had a special offer for a heart-shaped pizza, wings, and dessert. In addition to pizza and wings, you can also try their subs and wraps, pasta, salads and sides. They have a kids menu, too.

Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton: Heal Wellness

Heal Wellness - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario

Heal Wellness is a 100% vegan cafe featuring smoothie bowls, smoothies and coffee. They also have vegan and gluten-free waffles: acai berry, PB banana split, newtella, and almond blueberry. Some of their smoothies and smoothie bowls have protein powder, making them a great choice following a workout.

Heal Wellness - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario
Heal Wellness - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario

I ordered the Blue Magic Bowl, which has a base of blue spirulina, banana, peach, pineapple, agave, oat milk. The toppings are fresh granola, strawberry, blueberry, banana, coconut, vegan chocolate flakes, hemp seed, and an optional peanut butter drizzle. Even though it’s super healthy, it tastes more like a decadent treat. I also tried a delicious Americano here. Next time…waffles!

Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton: Sookham – Conscious Eating

Sookham – Conscious Eating is a beloved Hamilton vegan restaurant with a menu inspired by principles of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine and wellness. Sookham means “all happiness” in Sanskrit. There is a vast menu of soup, pizza, curries, sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, side dishes, lunch and dinner combos, and luxury tea. This is one of the best vegan restaurants in Hamilton, especially if you’re looking to eat healthy and yummy food.

Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton: Little Asia (Dundas)

Little Asia - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario

Little Asia is one of my favourite vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Dundas, Ontario. I wish that this restaurant existed when I lived in Dundas, though I’m happy to make the trip into town simply to dine here. This family owned and operated restaurant serves delicious Asian comfort food from rich curries to fresh stir fried noodles.

Their mission is to show the world that you can enjoy sustainable and ethical food without compromising on taste. Mama Vone, head chef and owner of Little Asia has been cooking mouthwatering meals at home and at restaurants for 30 years. Vone and her husband, Saeng (who runs the front of restaurant) escaped from communist Laos to a refugee camp in Thailand before eventually settling in Hamilton.

While this is a vegetarian restaurant, it’s incredibly vegan-friendly. Most dishes are vegan and are clearly marked as such. For the ones that aren’t, many of them can be made vegan, no problem. Just make this request with your server upon ordering. They can also inform you as to which meals are gluten-free or not, too.

Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton: Odd Burger

Odd Burger is a vegan fast food chain that seems to be taking over Canada…and hopefully the world! Starting as “Globally Local” in London, Ontario, they received plenty of press over the fact that they were the first vegan fast food restaurant with a 24-hour drive-thru window. While their focus has changed slightly, franchised locations of Odd Burger are popping up all over southern Ontario.

One of their restaurants is located on the Hamilton Mountain. Try their famous burgers, chickUN burgers, salads, wraps, or sides. They even have fast food breakfast options, too. Odd Burger offers tasty fast food that makes vegan meals very accessible all over Ontario (and beyond).

Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton: Democracy*

Democracy* Hamilton - Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton Ontario

We reviewed Democracy many moons ago on the blog and loved it back then. We still love it nowadays, too. Democracy* Restaurant on Locke Street is one of the best vegan restaurants and cafes in Hamilton. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert, and they also boast having the best cauliflower wings in Hamilton (I agree with this statement!).

The entire restaurant menu is vegan and any reference to meat, dairy or eggs is the plant-based version. I believe the only non-vegan items they offer is dairy products for coffee, though it’s easy to request your favourite plant-based milk option. My friend, Sarah and I love dining here because she can find many gluten-free meals and desserts, too.

Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton: Cinnaholic

Cinnaholic

Cinnaholic is one of my very favourite vegan dessert chain cafes, operating in several locations across Ontario and the eastern USA. This is a gourmet and highly customizable cinnamon roll bakery. Their cinnamon buns and cookie dough are 100% plant-based, dairy and lactose-free, egg-free and cholesterol-free (aka vegan!).

Cinnaholic

Cinnaholic was featured on ABC’s Shark Tank and they’ve been opening new locations ever since. They have over 20 unique frosting flavors and a variety of fresh and decadent toppings for any taste or mood. You can even order “cinnacakes” for your next party.

Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton: Green Bar

Green Bar Plant Based Eatery has been a staple in Hamilton for many years, and it’s one of the best vegan restaurants in Hamilton. Their mission statement is to create wholesome and minimally processed fare that also contribute towards an eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle.

Through mindful ingredient sourcing and serving a menu free of animal products, Green Bar helps preserve our planet’s water supply and helps lower our carbon footprint. They have breakfast offerings, savoury bowls, sandwiches, pasta, wings, salads, chili and a kids menu. Pair one of their tasty dishes with a fresh fruit smoothie for a well-rounded healthy meal.

Vegan Restaurants in Hamilton: Jordan’s Homeside Pub

Jordan’s Homeside Pub is a 100% plant-based pub in downtown Hamilton. Order your favourite vegan pub grub like chicken tenders, a Caesar wrap, spring rolls, taquitos, Jamaican patties, samosas and burgers. There are also fun events happening at Jordan’s Homeside Pub, like open mic nights and special themed events.

Vegetarian Restaurants in Hamilton: The Himalaya

The Himalaya Restaurant in Hamilton has stood the test of time – it’s been a staple vegetarian restaurant in Hamilton since 1996. The Himalaya is an all-vegetarian Indian restaurant in Hamilton with vegan offerings. Every vegan item on the menu is marked with a “V”. Choose from several starters, curries, rice dishes, breads and more.

Moody’s Pizza Bar and Arcade

Moody's Hamilton

Justin and I stumbled upon Moody’s Pizza Bar and Arcade one night in Hamilton when we were looking for retro video game arcades. Little did we know, they have an entire plant-based menu in addition to the regular menu. As you can see (pictured below), it’s quite expansive and includes several pizzas, starters, snacks and even vegan dipping sauce.

Moody's Hamilton
Moody's Hamilton
Moody's Hamilton
Moody's Hamilton

We got the vegan loaded dough, the “Smac Daddy” pizza (like a Big Mac pizza) and a couple of pints. Everything was so delicious and there were enough leftovers to last us for a couple of days. The Big Mac pizza reminded me of the one that I used to enjoy at Apiecalypse Now in Toronto before it closed. Then, we played a whole bunch of video games on both the first and second floor of the bar. All of the games were set to free play mode, so you can play them as much as you’d like.

The Mule

The Mule

The Mule is an OG Mexican restaurant in Hamilton that’s now expanded to a handful of restaurants across southern Ontario. It’s one of my very favourite spots for vegan tacos in the city. Their menu has changed slightly over the years, but they are pretty clear in marking the vegetarian items and letting you know what can be made vegan.

The Mule
The Mule

One of the best vegan offerings on the menu are the Brussel sprout tacos. They are insanely good and will be loved by the vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores in the crowd. Their kitchen is 100% gluten-free so you won’t need to worry about any cross-contaminates if you have Celiac disease.

Mesa

Mesa

Mesa is another Mexican restaurant in Hamilton with traditional and authentic fare. They offer vegan, vegetarian, halal and gluten-free dishes. There are several options where you can choose your protein to create tacos, burritos, etc. While I tried a tasty cauliflower taco there many years ago, their vegetarian/vegan protein option nowadays is fresh cactus, pepper and onion with Mexican herbs and spices.

Mexican Kitchen (Hamilton Farmers Market)

Mexican Kitchen (Hamilton Farmers Market) Menu

While I haven’t tried Mexican Kitchen at the Hamilton Farmers Market yet, it’s another great place for Mexican food in Hamilton. When I dined at Mystic Ramen at the market, I took a photo of their menu as they were located just a booth away. It looks like you can order vegan tacos, burritos, tostadas and vegan pozole (Mexican soup).

Mystic Ramen

Mystic Ramen

Mystic Ramen was once open in the Hamilton Farmers Market, but they’ve secured their own standalone restaurant on King William Street. They boast that they are Hamilton’s favourite ramen and I’d have to agree. There are a couple of different vegan ramen bowls on the menu. The broth is so flavourful and it’s one of the best ramen bowls I’ve ever had.

The Burnt Tongue

The Burnt Tongue

The Burnt Tongue is a soup restaurant with four locations in Hamilton. We visited their location on King Street in Dundas. Their menu caters to vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diets. There are several vegan-friendly soups and sandwiches on the menu.

The Burnt Tongue

For soups, try the coconut curry corn chowder or the spiced carrot and lentil. For sandwiches, try the vegan chicken sandwich.

The Thirsty Cactus

The Thirsty Cactus

The Thirsty Cactus is a longtime Mexican restaurant and pub in Dundas, Ontario. I can’t even count how many times I’ve been to the Thirsty Cactus over the years for food or drink. I wouldn’t say that the menu is super vegan-friendly, but they have a great patio and it’s always been a fun place to hang out.

The Thirsty Cactus

Over the years, the staff has always been able to create and modify dishes into vegan ones for me. Their nachos can be made without cheese but they’ll pile on a corn and black bean topping, as well as other veggies and guacamole. You can get a veggie burrito without dairy products, and the same goes for a burrito bowl. New to the menu, they’ve brought in a vegan Beyond Meat burger.

Bangkok Spoon Deluxe

Bangkok Spoon Deluxe

Bangkok Spoon is another fabulous vegan-friendly restaurant in Dundas. It’s in the same space as the historic Deluxe restaurant and there’s a tribute to the former establishment on the walls down a narrow alleyway towards Bangkok Spoon’s patio.

This Thai restaurant has many vegan offerings on the menu, and the staff can easily clarify what can be made vegan, too. I’ve also dined here on more occasions than I can count. Some of my favourite dishes include the Tofu Pad Prik (pictured above), the Angel Hair Tofu, and the Tofu Preow Wann (Sweet & Sour Tofu).

India Village

India Village is a vegan-friendly Indian restaurant with two locations in Dundas and Ancaster. It’s some of the best Indian food that I’ve had in the area, and everything on the menu is clearly marked as plant-based (vegan) or gluten-free. There is an entire vegan section of the menu for main courses, which makes it so easy to order. There are 10 vegan entrees and a wide assortment of sides and breads.

Donut Monster

Donut Monster

Donut Monster is one of the best donut shops in Hamilton and they always have several varieties of vegan donuts, clearly labeled as such. I’ve visited Donut Monster when there has been a line-up out the door! Make sure you visit earlier in the day as certain flavours will sell out. It’s one of the best vegan cafes in Hamilton.

Donut Monster
Donut Monster
Donut Monster
Donut Monster

Here are their current vegan doughnuts: Sarsaparilla, vanilla bean cake, dill pickle, blueberry breakfast, blackout chocolate cake, almond coconut filled, cherry lime, Hamilton hurricane, apple fritter, maple pecan, cinnamon spice, vanilla bean, Nanaimo, and matcha black sesame cake. They also have vegan milkshakes, too.

Lady Glaze Doughnuts

Lady Glaze Doughnuts

Lady Glaze Doughnuts is a vegan-friendly doughnut shop with several locations across southern Ontario. There are several varieties of vegan donuts. Ask the staff which ones are plant-based. This donut shop is right next to Heal Wellness and down the street from Bring Me Some, so you have a little vegan-friendly area on Concession Street in Hamilton.

Lady Glaze Doughnuts

I opted for a vanilla sprinkle donut with an iced Americano with oat milk. The doughnuts are fluffy, sweet and satisfying, while the coffee is equally as delicious. Hamilton is very lucky to have several vegan-friendly donut shops, including Lady Glaze, Donut Monster and the Donut Stop. (Tim Hortons could learn a thing or two here!).

The Cannon Coffee

My friends, Sarah and Ryan, introduced me to The Cannon Coffee recently. I haven’t had the chance to pop by yet, but they said it’s one of their favourite breakfast joints. Not only is there a great coffee menu, but they offer vegan and gluten-free waffles for breakfast and brunch. I can’t wait to give them a try! You’ll have to let me know in the comments section if you’ve dined here.

The Donut Stop

The Donut Stop

The Donut Stop is an iconic coffee shop in the east end of Hamilton towards Stoney Creek. This longstanding coffee shop is a staple in the neighbourhood, and they also happen to offer many varieties of vegan doughnuts.

The Donut Stop
The Donut Stop

When I visited one weekday morning, they were almost all sold out of doughnuts! I managed to snag two apple fritters and two eclaires for Justin and myself. Not only are the donuts super affordable (like, half the price of any other vegan donuts), but they’re really yummy, too. They’re perfect for those of us with a sweet tooth!

Bliss Truffles and Gelato

Bliss Truffles and Gelato

Bliss Truffles and Gelato in Stoney Creek, Ontario is a seasonal gelato shop with several vegan options. Just like the gelato shops you’d see in Italy, the vegan-friendly gelato flavours are clearly labelled as such. Enjoy fresh fruit sorbettos or creamy rice milk gelato with flavours like blood orange, raspberry, strawberry lemon, chocolate, lemon, coconut, and pineapple.

Bliss Truffles and Gelato

Coven Market

Looking to shop for vegan food beyond the best vegan restaurants in Hamilton? Coven Market is a 100% vegan grocery store and bakery in Hamilton with a second location in Kitchener-Waterloo. They have so many interesting vegan ingredients and items you won’t find elsewhere. Coven regularly delivers all over southern Ontario. Even when you aren’t in Hamilton, you can order their groceries right to your front door (I’ve done this a few times now!).

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Ryan Biddulph

Saturday 21st of April 2018

Delightful guys! The food looks incredibly tasty Lauren.

Ryan

Marius

Monday 28th of November 2016

Thanks for sharing

Linda Aksomitis

Tuesday 29th of March 2016

Wow, this all looks soooo tasty, Lauren! I'm so glad I added the feed for your blog to my daily newspaper at https://paper.li/aksomitis/1457900855