These local eateries specialize in plant-based menu items.

Photography by Kevin A. Roberts

The menu at this Creve Coeur eatery draws inspiration from a range of international cuisines, with a focus on the street food of Mumbai. All items are plant-based, and made with locally-sourced produce and authentic spices.

Try this: Gobi Manchurian Bowl (cauliflower bites with soy-garlic sauce, cilantro fried rice, stir-fried noodles, brown rice, quinoa). 314-685-7181. 12955 Olive.

As the name implies, everything on the menu at this South City soul kitchen is fully vegan. Because each dish is made-to-order, customers will want to order ahead of time using the restaurant’s website. 

Try this: Double Trouble Burger (beet patty, brinjal patty, special sauce, raislaw). 314-899-9400. 4993 Loughborough.

Frida’s/Diego’s Cantina

Natasha Kwan and Rick Roloff opened Frida’s, the eco-friendly University City establishment, a decade ago with the objective of serving plant-based food that customers could feel good about eating. In recent years, Kwan and Roloff have expanded their restaurant portfolio with neighboring restaurant Diego’s Cantina and Station No. 3 in Benton Park. Frida’s is currently undergoing a kitchen renovation, but lunch can still be had next door at Diego’s. Station No. 3, meanwhile, provides flexitarian options in the evening.

Try this: Signature Kale Salad (marinated kale, sprouted sunflower seeds, tomatoes, nutritional yeast, avocado, scallions). 314-553-9906. 622 North and South. 

This breakfast counter on Chippewa has several vegan options for those looking for a quick bite in the morning. There are also pizzas available during the daytime, including the Vegan Deluxe (mushrooms, sweet peppers, red onion, spinach, kale) and the vegetarian-friendly St. Paul Pizza (egg fu yung patty, mayo, lettuce, red onion, pickles).

Try this: Tofu Scramble (veggie mix, fried tofu, topped with sweet and sour sauce).

Photo by Kevin A. Roberts

There’s much more here than merely traditional Chinese and Thai offerings. At Lona’s, more than 80 percent of the menu is vegan, with healthy options for spring rolls, dumplings, and more.

Try this: Create an individual tofu wrap while choosing from rice paper or a flour tortilla, filler (salad mix, stir fried rice, stir fried glass noodles, jasmine rice, and cold glass noodles), and topping it off with a sauce (spicy sesame, lemongrass pesto, smoked vinaigrette, lime-ginger peanut, or house-made barbecue) of your choice. 314-925-8938. 2199 California.

There’s something for everyone on the menu, which features a variety of dishes tailored to carnivores and plant-based diners alike. The vegan menu covers all the bases, with burgers, bites, and even fried rice.

Try this: Vegan St. Paul (Just Egg, bell pepper, onions, cauliflower, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, Veganaise). 314-695-5440. 10479 St. Charles Rock Road.

Photo by Kevin A. Roberts

Sustainability influences just about everything at this popular South Grand eatery. Not only is the menu full of appetizing, vegan- and vegetarian-friendly offerings, the restaurant encourages all who approach its door to consider a healthier way of living. Customers who ride their bike to the restaurant are even eligible to receive 15% off their order.

Try this: Lulu’s Falafel Bowl (crispy falafel, cucumber, kale, quinoa, hummus, tzatziki sauce, pesto). 314-300-8215. 3201 S. Grand.

This St. Charles cafe offers your standard bistro fare, including coffee, salads, soups, sandwiches, and more. All of the baked goods are fully plant-based and made from scratch on-site, making it a great option whether you just need a caffeine jolt, or you’re looking for a quick lunch.

Try this: Mediterranean Sammy (lemon-paprika hummus, spinach, red onion, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, ToFeta cheese, served on toasted wheatberry bread). 636-757-3349. 524 S. Main.

Photography by Kevin A. Roberts

The New York-style pie at Pizza Head

St. Louis diners have been blessed with an abundance of pizza options, from the more neapolitan-style offerings to the region’s unique, Provel-topped pies. For a great New York-style slice that also happens to be vegan- and vegetarian-friendly, this South Grand pizzeria fits the bill. While there’s no meat on the menu, pies are available with dairy or vegan cheese.

Try this: Vegan Utopian Dream (vegan cheese, tomato sauce, mushroom, green pepper, black olives, onion, artichoke, spinach, garlic). 314-266-5400. 3196 S. Grand.

For the past decade, this vegan kitchen has been serving up plant-based juices, smoothies, and meals to health-conscious customers just north of Forest Park. Order one of the rotating three-day vegan menus, which feature one juice, one smoothie, and one meal per day. Pickup is available each Tuesday from 3–7 p.m. See website for the latest menu. 314-932-5144. 307 Belt.

Photo by Kevin A. Roberts

Gluten-free, oil-free, refined sugar-free oatmeal doughnuts from Seedz Cafe

With a name inspired by Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree, Seedz is focused on offering St. Louisans one of the most varied and health-focused menus in the region. The cozy cafe boasts an impressive selection of sandwiches and salads, as well as fresh juices and smoothies. 

Try this: Tempeh Reuben (marinated tempeh, sauerkraut, Thousand Island, cashew cream, spicy mustard, served on a sprouted grain bread). 314-725-7333. 6344 S. Rosebury.

Photography by Kevin A. Roberts

With a rotating menu of creative dishes made with locally-sourced produce, you wouldn’t know from first glance that this Midtown restaurant only offers vegetarian and vegan fare. Located in a building that formerly housed an auto dealership, Small Batch’s dining room is elegantly designed to make it a great spot for date night.

Try this: Rigatoni alla Norma (eggplant, tomato, seitan, ricotta salata, basil, chili oil). 314-380-2040. 3001 Locust.

Chef-owner Reine Bayoc serves up a menu of vegan breakfast and lunch items, along with tasty baked goods—some of which include eggs and dairy. The restaurant, which was featured on the Netflix reality series Fresh, Fried & Crispy, places an emphasis on making plant-based eating fun, whether it’s crafting decadent desserts or building burgers meant to please.

Try this: Sweet Burger (vegan patty, lettuce, tomato, housemade vegan magic spread, ketchup). 314-771-4278. 2203 S. 39th.

When brothers Bradley Roach and Brian Roash set out to open their own restaurant, they wanted to incorporate their passions: Southwest-inspired vegan food, horror movies, and hardcore music. What they delivered is one of the most unique dining experiences in St. Louis. Everything at this South Grand haunt is plant-based—and delicious.

Try this: Citrus Mistress (spicy chorizo seitan taco topped with mango, pineapple, lemon, lime, pickled jalapeno salsa, diced onions, cilantro, and sour cream). 314-260-9996. 3191 S. Grand.

A hot spot among plant-based eaters on the bustling South Grand dining scene, this vegan- and vegetarian-forward restaurant serves brunch and dinner to satisfy a variety of tastes. Grab a table on the sunny, stylish patio as you people watch and dig into a plate of your favorite veggie-inspired cuisine.

Try this: Brussels Sprouts Salad (red and green cabbage, shallots, fresh herbs, jalapenos, sweet chili vinaigrette). 314-696-2100. 3177 S. Grand.

P.O. BOX 191606 St. Louis, MO 63119 314-918-3000

Copyright 2022 SLM Media Group. All rights reserved.