Having a meal together as a family at a local restaurant can translate to a fun opportunity for bonding, all while you sample new dishes, flavors, and cuisines. But if you’re trying to stick to a plant-based diet, finding the right restaurant can sometimes feel like an overwhelming challenge. Fortunately, the area in and around Westmont features a variety of restaurants ready to come to the rescue with food that’s equal parts healthy and delicious.
Let Crème de la Crème of Westmont get you started finding your new favorite plant-based meal with this list of seven local restaurants. You’ll find restaurants with completely vegan or vegetarian menus along with eateries with specific (and delicious!) items suited to your needs, all without traveling far from Westmont.
Shree Restaurant
“red tomatoes on black plate” used with permission via Unsplash by klein2
You can’t go wrong with a trip to Shree Restaurant if you’re in the mood for a plant-based meal. This popular Westmont spot serves a mouthwatering array of South and North Indian cuisine, and the extensive menu will have you coming back for more to try out new dishes.
Separate kids’ and vegan menus take the guesswork out of ordering a meal for anyone in your party. Choose from rice dishes, classic street foods, dosa, and more for a meal to remember. You’ll find Shree Restaurant at 655 N. Cass Ave. in Westmont.
The Sweet & Savory Spot
This next Westmont restaurant isn’t exclusively plant-based, but you won’t want to miss it thanks to the unique vegetarian options on the menu here. The Sweet & Savory Spot is a bakery and bistro that puts a modern twist on tradition, and the duo behind the restaurant prides themselves on offering something for everyone. The restaurant will likely become a go-to spot for breakfast and beyond.
In addition to the veggie breakfast sandwich and veggie burger, you can indulge in treats like a pulled jackfruit sandwich (jackfruit braised with onions and pineapple and served with sweet and savory barbecue slaw) or the sloppy John (a lentil-based sloppy Joe served on a potato roll). Visit The Sweet & Savory Spot at 15 S. Cass Ave. in Westmont.
The Baked Apple Breakfast Co.
The Baked Apple Breakfast Co., located in nearby Downers Grove, offers yet another restaurant with a range of vegetarian-friendly menu items to explore. The family-owned eatery delivers a casual dining atmosphere perfect for a tasty meal any day of the week.
Signature homemade dishes like frittatas, crepes, waffles, pancakes, farm-fresh omelets, and of course, the baked apple pancake, mean there’s something for every member of the family. You can also find specials like the vegan bowl, which includes red and green peppers, mushrooms, onions, broccoli, and a Beyond Burger patty. Head over to 1224 Ogden Ave. in Downers Grove for a meal at The Baked Apple Breakfast Co.
Fill-A-Pita
Another Downers Grove restaurant that makes finding a vegetarian meal a breeze, Fill-A-Pita serves Mediterranean food ready to take your family excursion to the next level. Start off with vegetarian-friendly grape leaves for the table, then enjoy a range of plant-based options like hummus, salads, falafels, and more.
Not sure what you want to eat? The restaurant even offers a vegetarian plate on the list of signature entries, a dish that includes hummus, baba ganouj, tabouli salad, falafel, grape leaves, and pita, so you can easily sample a range of flavors. You’ll find Fill-A-Pita located at 1332 75th St. in Downers Grove.
The Chicago Diner
You don’t have to travel far to get to Chicago, which means you have an abundance of plant-based restaurants you can check out. First on the list? The Chicago Diner, a vegetarian oasis that delivers a classic diner feel complete with menu items that meet your needs. Whether you visit the Logan Square or Lakeview location, you’ll have a variety of dishes to try. The restaurant’s menu is “Meat free since ’83,” after all!
So, what wonders await your family when you plan a meal at this popular restaurant? Vegan milkshakes, meat-free burgers, and the world-famous Radical Reuben are just the start. The family-owned restaurant also uses local, seasonal ingredients and produce, highlighting a commitment to sustainability. There’s a lot to love at The Chicago Diner, so check out the Logan Square located at 2333 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago or the original Halsted location, which you’ll find at 3411 N. Halsted St. in Chicago.
Urban Vegan
Seeking out a vegan meal? Chicago has you covered with Urban Vegan, a restaurant serving vegan Thai cuisine you’re sure to enjoy. From soups and appetizers all the way through dessert, the delicious dishes here will have you planning your next visit the minute you take the last bite.
Go for vegetable dishes like stir-fried Chinese broccoli or spicy bok choy, or indulge in your favorite noodle or rice dishes made with all plant-based ingredients. You’ll even find vegan-friendly “meat” options like soy chicken and shrimp, seitan burgers, and dishes made with Impossible meat. Urban Vegan is located at 1601-1603 W. Montrose Ave. in Chicago.
Original Soul Vegetarian
No list of area plant-based restaurants would be complete without a mention of Original Soul Vegetarian, so we’ll end this round-up with the popular spot. The family-owned and -operated restaurant has served “food as medicine” for more than 30 years. This one-of-a-kind experience is great for vegans as well as anyone seeking out healthy, delicious food. You’ll find a menu filled with completely plant-based options, so you need to have this Chicago restaurant on your radar.
Whether you’re heading out for a family breakfast, lunch, or dinner or looking for a tasty vegan dessert, you’ll discover amazing options here. From the steamed veggies to the Black Eye Pea Burger to vegan cakes and everything in between, Original Soul Vegetarian makes good on its name with plant-based food that’s good for the soul. Find it at 203 E. 75th St. in Chicago.That concludes Crème de la Crème of Westmont’s list of amazing plant-based options in our area. Do you have a favorite restaurant we missed? Drop us a line so we can add it!