10 Must-Try Spots for Vegans in Downtown Kingston
By Aimee Latendresse
Whether you’re a full-time herbivore, a part-time plant-based eater, or just looking to try something new, Downtown Kingston has way more veggie options than you’d think, once you know where to look. The following list highlights spots that provide options on the menu that are vegan or vegetarian by default; no alterations needed. They branch a variety of cuisine from coffee to fine dining, all to help plan your (or your vegan friend’s) next meal out.
1. CRAVE Coffee House & Bakery:
A well-loved spot in the heart of downtown, Crave has many grab-and-go vegetarian and vegan options and offers rotating desserts that cater to specific dietary needs. Further, they have alternative milk options to choose from to make their drinks vegan-friendly.
My recommendation is the iced matcha with oat milk and mango cold foam, the falafel wrap, and the vegan red velvet cake.
Visit them at 166 Princess St.
Hours: 7:30 am - 8:00 pm daily
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2. Baja Craft Kitchen:
Inspired by travel through Coastal Mexico, the curated menu at Baja allows you to discover new flavours that blend together to offer an indulgent experience. From specialty cocktails to sharable dishes, the menu is great for a night out.
The must-trys are the masa chips starter with guac or the salsa roja, and the portobello mushroom taco.
Visit them at 253 Ontario St E.
Hours: 11:30 am - 11:00 pm, Monday - Saturday and 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm on Sundays
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3. Atomica:
Atomica has an entire plant-based section on the back of their menu and some of the best crispy tofu in the city. The innovative decoration and layout allows you to watch as your meal is cooked while enjoying a signature cocktail. Be sure to check out their cocktail menu, from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm daily for deals on drinks and food.
I recommend their rigatoni primavera with added crispy tofu for a filling and balanced meal.
Visit them at 71 Brock St.
Hours: 11:30 am – 9:00 pm, Sunday – Thursday and 11:30 am – 10:00 pm, Friday – Saturday
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4. Amadeus
Already in love with the European vibe of Kingston but want to have a stein to make it a full experience? Look no further than Amadeus, Kingston’s very own German and European inspired restaurant. Tucked on the back of their menu is a plant-based section with a variety of breaded tofu schnitzels styles to choose from. Ensure to clarify that you are vegan, as most of the dishes cater to vegetarian diets, and enjoy the multiple course meal on their beautiful Biergarten.
Visit them at 170 Princess St.
Hours: 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Tuesday - Friday and 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm on Saturdays
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5. Score Pizza:
At Score, you can build your own stone-fired pizza on a default plant-based crust, with unlimited toppings to make your pizza unique to your taste. They offer vegan-friendly options, such as a creamy vegan cheese and savoury plant-based pepperoni. After your pizza is ready, be sure to try the balsamic glaze or hot maple drizzle to elevate your dining experience.
Visit them at 91 Princess St.
Hours: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm, Sunday - Thursday and 11:00 am - 10:00 pm, Friday - Saturday
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6. Harper's:
Harper's carries both a Beyond Meat patty and a house-made chickpea patty as well as a variety of unique bases to make your burger yours. They also have over 10 different side dishes to choose from to create the perfect meal.
Visit them at 93 Princess St.
Hours: 11:30 am - 9:00 pm daily
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7. Sally’s Roti Shop:
Family owned and operated, Sally’s serves authentic Trinidadian foods ranging from wraps, curry dishes, and snacks. The portion sizes are enough for leftovers and then some, and the owners make the entire dining experience that much more special.
The must-trys are the doubles, and the curry squash plate.
Visit them at 203 Wellington St.
Hours: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm, Monday - Saturday
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8. HEAL Wellness:
The newly opened HEAL Wellness has an entirely plant-based menu, apart from the optional Nutella add-ons. They serve smoothies and acai bowls featuring whole food ingredients that leave you feeling satisfied without draining energy.
The must try is the blue magic bowl both for the pop of colour and the blend of tropical flavours.
Visit them at 324 Princess St.
Hours: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm daily
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9. Daal Roti:
For traditional Indian food with a modern twist, look no further than Daal Roti. They clearly separate the veg section in their menu, making all the options easy to find.
The must trys here are the chana masala and the delicious hara bhara kebab.
Visit them at 340 Barrie St.
Hours: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm - 12:00 am daily
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10. Tango Nuevo:
With many sharable small dishes, and saporous larger plates, Tango is a great option for a fancier night out.
They also serve Mio Gelato (located at both 178 Ontario St. and 320A King St.) which is a great spot if you are looking for a vegan sorbet to cool you down on a hot summer day. Look for the red handles to know which flavours are vegan!
Tango's must-try is their vegetable empanadas and kale salad but ensure to talk to your waiter to get the full vegan menu!
Visit them at 331 King St E.
Hours: 11:30 am - 11:00 pm, Sunday - Thursday and 11:30 am-12:00 am, Friday - Saturday
