WHERE TO EAT THE BEST VEGETARIAN FOOD IN BOSTON

Boston has an incredible dining scene to suit all styles and tastes so you won’t be surprised to learn that vegetarian and vegan food is pretty easy to find in upscale restaurants right through to street food trucks and bars. If you’re looking to explore particular spots that do the best vegetarian food in Boston, you’re in for a treat. This guide aims to show a varies range of restaurants and eateries that are vegetarian -friendly so if you’re out with a group who are not vegetarian or vegan, you will have an idea of places that cater to your dietary needs. Heres a list of tried and tested eateries which we believe have some of the best vegetarian food in Boston.

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Is Boston Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly

The answer is a whole hearted Yes! In our experience, Boston seems to be one of the most vegetarian-friendly cities in the USA. The option span from brunch, lunch, dinners in casual to mid-range spots right up to some great fine dining in a variety of cuisines. Many of the restaurants in Boston focus their vegetarian selections around celebrating seasonal veggies instead of meat alternative such as seitan.

For fail safe vegetarian food in Boston, head to the North End and give the very authentic Italian restaurants a try, especially if you’re travelling in a group of carnivores, you won’t be disappointed.

Here’s your guide to eating some of the most delicious and varied vegetarian food in Boston.

Where to Try Local specialities of Vegetarian Food in Boston

Boston has a rich colonial history with an international influence, namely Italian as can be demonstrated in the North End but also due to its coastal location, seafood and lobster in particular is a firm favourite. However through the times, Boston has evolved too and now transformed simple flavours into world-renowned dishes.

Although clam chowder, lobster mac ’n cheese, lobster roll, roast beef sandwich and traditional clambake are top of the list for the non-vegetarians, there are a few traditional eats that the vegetarians can enjoy too.

Boston Baked Beans

Ever wondered why Boston is called ‘bean town?’ History has it that beans baked in molasses was a firm favourite for the Native Americans. 

• Where to eat suggestion: The Beantown Pub is located along the Boston Freedom Trail. Here the classic is Made to a traditional recipe with brown bread on the side. 

• Location: 100 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108. Tel. +1 617-426-0111. Beantown Pubs

Boston Cream Pie

Omni Parker House is said to be the birth place of this desert. It takes on more of a cake guide than pie and consists of sweet custard layered in-between a butter cake sponge with a glazing of chocolate.

• Where to eat suggestion: Many of the bakeries in Boston serve this (Magnolia’s bakery, Flour Bakery & cafe) but Omni Parker House is the birth place! French chef and Parker House Chef de cuisine, Augustine Francois Anezin apparently poured chocolate ganache over sponge cake filled with vanilla custard, created a name in history. It would be a no brainer to head here

• Location: 60 School St, Boston, MA 02108. Tel. +1 617-227-8600. Omni Parker House

Cannoli

 With the big Italian community in Boston, you’ll soon realise that Cannoli is a bit of a constitution here. Pastry tubular shells, filled with a delicious variety of flavoured sweet ricotta fillings topped with chopped pistachios. Having a neighbourhood such as the North End means that Bostonians absolutely love their Cannoli. But in Boston where you get your Cannoli from is just as important as the kind you go for, the competition is between Mike’s Pastry and Modern Pastry.

• Where to get Suggestion: Be-lavie favourite is Mike’s Pastry. The cannoli come in the signature white box with ‘Mikes Pastry’ in blue fonts and is tied together with a string bow. These are some of the best cannoli around and come in an immense number of flavours from Nutella, peanut butter, amaretto, strawberry, mint chocolate and so much more. The Sicilian lemon and pistachio are incredible.

• Location: 300 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113. Tel. +1 617-742-3050. Mike’s Pastry

Frappes

Bostonians adore their Frappes, made from milk, syrup and ice-cream. They’re thick and filling, almost like a dessert in a drink.

• Where to get suggestion: Boston Burger Company. The Freak Frappe menu here is incredible..One of the signature Frappes and most popular is the ‘S’More Than You Can Handle’ a frozen hot chocolate frappe with graham cracker rim, chocolate syrup, and a big s’more.

• Location: 1100 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215. Tel. +1 857-233-4560. Boston Burger Company

Food Prices in Boston : Vegetarian Food in Boston

The cost of living in Boston is pretty high, so expect to pay a little bit more for your dining.  Average dinner spots will cost around $25 per head and a lot lot more for fine dining. The best things to do is ask for local recommendations at hotels and other accommodation to see if there are any specials on that evening. Budget dinners can cost between $13-19. Go on local recommendations.

The Best Vegetarian-friendly Restaurants in Boston

Cósmica

A beautiful Mexican restaurant located in Boston’s residential district of South End. It specialises in modern Mexican food specialities including, tacos, small plates, cocktails, larger plates and is a great place to hang with friends. The Chef-led kitchen showcases artisanal Mexican cuisine blending tradition with a little updated twist.

Ingredients are carefully soured and include dried chillies, heirloom corn tortillas as well as meats.

Cosmica has a great outdoor terrace, which is lit up with rainbow lights in the evenings and has some great music playing. The atmosphere is pretty electric. The restaurant is located at The Revolution Hotel and guests can enter through the entrance via the hotel lobby or through the courtyard when open (weather conditions permitting)

Cosmica restaurant is a sister eatery to Beehive Restaurant which has been featured further down this guide.

• Location: 40 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116 I Tel. +1 6173137878 I Map Location
• Visiting Information: Cósmica
• Hours: Mon – Weds 17:00-23:00 I Thurs – Fri 17:00 – 00:00 I Sat 10:30- 00:00 I Sun 10:30 – 15:00
• Reservations: Advisable as certain times can be very busy (Thurs-Saturdays)
• Price Range: $$/$$$

Be-lavie Recommendations: Start with Guamcomle, chips and salsa. Order a medley of small plates to share such as, roasted leeks and tomato salad, cauliflower a la Cosmica as well as a strawberry Margarita

Kava Neo-Taverna

One of the best authentic Greek restaurants we’ve experienced, Kava is not all about timeless tried and tested dishes but also ingredients that have been brought from the Mediterranean. These include, a wide range of mezedes, or small plates; imported feta cheese, horiatiki salad, and a great changing menu of seafood such as grilled octopus. This is a great hangout for both vegetarians and carnivores.

The bar includes Greek wines, which are rare to find, with the usual list of spirits and craft beers. There’s Greek coffee and frappes, along with desserts like baklava, Greek yogurt and honey (both also imported from Greece), and more.

This is somewhere that has to be on your vegetarian dining list in Boston. Reservations are released on the day so you have to be quick, to guarantee a table – especially at weekends and busy holiday periods. There are a number of seating options from the minima yet airy dining room, foliage adorned patio or the curb side tables with the brownstone backdrop (which on the booking system is also called, Patio). Please state preference on Resy comments at time of reservation.

• Location: 315 Shawmut Ave, Boston, MA 02118 I Tel. +1 6173561100 I Map Location
• Visiting Information: Kava Neo Taverna
• Hours: Mon – Thurs 16:00 – 22:30 I Fri – Sat 11:00-23:30 I Sun 11:00 – 22:30
• Reservations: Essential (Slots are released on Resy on the day – book via Kava website)
• Price Range: $$/$$$

Be-lavie Recommendations: Kava is all about he small plates and also has offers where you can incorporate a certain number to make things great value. Start with a tradition Greek wine like Agiorgitiko, Nemea, Driopi, Peloponnese, which is a great full bodied red wine (there are lots of whites and reds to choose from. by the bottle and glass. Small plates we enjoyed, feta psiti (feta wrapped in Filo pastry with one, sesame and seeds), Kolokithakia (zucchini chips with tzatziki), potates lemonates (potatoes, lemon, oregano and olive oilI. Finish with a dessert of whipped Greek yoghurt, strawberries, nuts and a drizzle of honey.

La Piazza At Eataly

Modelled around a traditional Italian city square La Piazza will transport you to the heart of Italy, although not located in the heart of Italy, it’s a great place to dine with friends and family as well as a nice date night location and makes the most perfect fresh pasta as well as vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Pair your plates with an Aperol Spritz or a beautiful red vino and you’ll be transported to Europe. Oh and leave room for dessert, which has to be a classic Tiramisu of course!

• Location: 800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199 I Tel +1 617-807-7300 I Map Location
• Hours: Sun – Thurs 11:00-21:00 I Fri – Sat 11:00-22:00
• Visiting Information: La Piazza at Eataly Boston
• Reservations: Not necessary as tables are on a first come first served basis.
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: To start: Mozzarella Classico with fresh tomatoes, olive oil and bread. For mains, Gnocchi al Pomodoro and try the Tiramisu for dessert. Sip on a glass of red wine or one of their cocktails such as the Italicus Spritz.

La Pizza & La Pasta At Eataly

Our recommendation is to book a counter seat and watch expert Rossopomodoro pizzaioli prepare traditional Neapolitan pizza in golden wood-burning ovens and try the most perfect fresh, al dente pasta dishes. Simple flavours but fresh, delicious ingredients cooked teh right way at La Pizza & la Pasta, does exactly what it says. They have a fabulous range of vebetraina and non-vegetarian dishes so you and your party will most definitley be spoilt for choice.

• Location: 800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199 I Tel +1 617-807-7300 I Map Location
• Hours: Mon – Sun 11:00 – 22:00
• Visiting Information: La Pizza & La Pasta at Eataly Boston
• Reservations: Recommended at weekends especially
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: The Margherita Versace is incredible topped with San Marzano Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella di Bufala DOP, Basil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Try the Mole Cola if you’re not a wine fan!

Mela: Vegetarian Food in Boston

This is the South Ends first Indian neighbourhood restaurant and is a great place to sample some north Indian cuisine. The atmosphere is laid back and the staff are very attentive. It’s pretty authentic and curries can be customised to suit your palette. Just as it’s name translates as a festival or fair this is your slice of India in Boston.

• Location: 578 Tremont St suite1, Boston, MA 02118 I Tel. +1 6178594805 I Map Location
• Visiting Information: Mela Boston
• Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11:30-22:00 I Fri-Sat 11:30-22:30
• Reservations: Not always necessary during teh week. Best to book at weekends
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: Paneer makhani, rice and naan with the North Indian style vegetable samosas to start. They also do great thick lassi.

Giacamo’s 

Hailed as Boston’s best Italian restaurant, Giacomo’s is located in the North End and there is literally a line at this place every day of the week its open. Get there early to avoid disappointment. It’s small, cosy, the service is fast but most of all it is authentic. Portions are very generous and often most can be shared between two. Giacomo’s is definitely fuss free, traditional, yet simple and authentic Italian dining.

• Location: 355 Hanover St, Boston, MA 02113 I Tel. +1 617-523-9026 I Map Location
• Visiting Information: Giacomo’s Boston
• Hours: Sun – Thurs 12:00-22:00 I Fri – Sat 12:30-22:30
• Reservations: No reservations, prepare to queue on weekends 
• Price Range: $$ (cash only – there’s an ATM in the doorway!)

Be-lavie Recommendations: Keep it simple with red wine and a plate of Eggplant Parmigiana with a side of pasta in a Marinara sauce.

Fox & Knife

This Italian Enoteca & restaurant is by award-winning chef, Karen Akunowicz. Traditional Italian food, cooked beautifully in a contemporary fashion. It specialises in handmade pastas, antipasti and Apertivi and Amaro programmes. The ideas are based on sharing small plates from the primi and second menu. Fox & Knife is innovative, creative and the food and cocktails are playing a very high game indeed.

• Location: 28 W Broadway, Boston, MA 02127 I Tel. +1 617-766-8630 I Map Location
• Visiting Information: Fox & Knife
• Hours: Mon – Sun 16:30-22:30
• Reservations: Essential to avoid disappointment but certain number of spaces are reserved at the bar for walk-ins.
• Price Range: $$/$$$

Be-lavie Recommendations: Try a medley of dishes from the sharing menu. Wines and cocktails are of a really fab standard. Try teh buffalo mozzarella warm salads and tortellinis.

Double Zero

This plant based restaurant, by celebrity chef, Matthew Kenney is well located in the upscale Newbury Street and aims to combine a vegan approach to the world’s most popular food. Think of your favourite dishes but made entirely of plants! Their speciality is pizza made in their wood burning oven, which is hailed to be the best in Boston. They also do small plates and a great range of sustainable wines very well. The setting is casual with high top tables and chairs indoors and garden seating outside.

• Location: 163 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116 I Tel. +1 857-233-2615 I Map Location
• Visiting Information: Double Zero
• Hours: Mon-Sun (check website for current opening times
• Reservations: Recommended but not essential
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: The Eggplant parmesan is delicious with cashew mozzarella and meat-free pepperoni pizza is a stunner. The Rose Sangria Sunrise is a great cocktail option too.

Porto

A coastal Italian restaurant located in the Back Bay area of Boston. The focu here is on coastal cuisine therefore sea food features quite heavily on the menu. The decor is beautiful as is the service and presentation of dishes. Porto also has a fantastic wine menu to accompany the cuisine they serve. Vegetarian food options come in the form of a couple of salads but there is only one pasta option. The full menu as a whole consists of quite a small range of dishes in comparison to other restaurants but everything is cooked to absolute perfection. Great flavours, fresh ingredients and impeccable service are highlights at Porto. Additionally leave room for dessert as the Angel cake and tiramisu are delicious.

• Location: Pridential Centre. Ring Road, Boston, MA 02199 I Tel. +1 617-536-1234 I Map Location
• Visiting Information: Porto Boston
• Hours: Tues – Thurs 17:00-21:00 I Friday 17:00-21:00 I Closed Monday & Sunday
• Reservations: Essential especially for peak periods
• Price Range: $$/$$$

Be-lavie Recommendations: Ask for a wine recommendation to suit your taste. To start there are a number of fine antipasti including, Cauliflower Agrodolce, Burrata with peaches, herb pesto, focaccia croutons, basil, mint. For mains the only vegetarian pasta dish is wild mushroom Mafalde with wild mushrooms, garlic butter and aleppo pepper. The Tiramusi is a great dessert option as is the Angel food cake.

Clover Food Lab

Ayr Muir, a graduate of MIT and Harvard Business School founded this place as a food truck back in 2008 and now has a dozen locations in the Boston area.

Each of the spots has a seasonal menu of vegetarian food including toy BLT sandwiches, fresh meatballs made entirely ‘Impossible burger meat substitute (made totally from plants) and some themed meal boxes for picnics and brunch.

• Location: 27 School St, Boston, MA 02108 I Tel. +1 6178651435 I Map Location
• Visiting Information: Clover Food Lab
• Hours: Mon – Sat 0700 – 20:00 I Sun 08:00-16:00
• Reservations: Not required
• Price Range: $

Be-lavie Recommendations: Ginger soda with a Panel sandwich

Life Alive : Vegetarian Food in Boston

Life Alive just makes you feel healthy and wholesome from the minute you step into any of their restaurants. Decorated in  bright and inviting decor, Stay Alive are all about helping the planet and community as well as preparing delicious and healthy meals from soups, ramen bowls, Bruch bowls, fruit and grains to smoothies. You’ll find lots of greens on the menu but also some pretty fancy lattes too. It’s funky, fast and casual, good for the soul kind of dining here. Life Alive has to be one of the best places for vegetarian food in Boston.

• Locations and Visiting Information: 505 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116 I Tel. +1 6179826633 I Map Location
• Visiting Information: Life Alive
• Hours: Mon-Sun 07:00-21:00 ** There are many locations of Live Alive, this is the South End branch.
• Reservations: Not required
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: Spicy Tofu Miso Ramen with Pineapple Smash (ginger, turmeric, lemon, maple and Kombucha.)

Citrus & Salt

There’s a reason why this Baja coast Mexican restaurant is packed every night. The food represents the chef Jason Santos love for coastal cuisine of Southern California and Mexico. The decor is bright and inviting and this is where you’ll find the largest variety of tequila and Mezcal. The food is most definitely fresh, spicy and tasty with a huge variety of small plates and platers to choose from. A perfect date night spot as well as hanging out with friends.

• Location: 142 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116 I Tel. +1 617-424-6711 I Map Location
• Visiting Information: Citrus & Salt
• Hours: Mon – Tues 17:00-23:00 I Weds 12:00-23:00 I Thurs – Fri 12:00-00:00 I Sat – Sun 10:30 –3:45 pm, 5 pm–00:00
• Reservations: Required, walk-ins would have to sit at the bar and a seat is not guaranteed.
• Price Range: $$/$$$

Be-lavie Recommendations: Jalapeño chips, charred tomato salsa, sweet potato bravos, grapefruit and avocado salad, Guacamole and also some of their great Margarita flavours.

Beehove Restaurant

This is a wonderful bar and eatery located in Boston’s South End with a Bohemian vibe. You’ll be dining in the backdrop of a cool yet elegant art space. The food is simple and rustic, namely from Middle-Eastern dishes through to Eastern Europe and the Americas. There’s also an extensive selection of beers, wines and champagne.

The Beehive is also rated as one of the ‘Top 100 Jazz Clubs in the World’ by Downbeat magazine. Live music each night includes a variety of Jazz, Blues, R&B, Reggae, Country. Cabaret and Burlesque

This is a sister restaurant with Cosmica and part of the same hospitality group.

• Location: 541 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116 I Tel. +1 617-423-0069 I Map Location
• Visiting Information: The Beehive Restaurant
• Hours: Sun-Weds 17:00-23:00 I Thurs 17:00-00:00 I Fri – Sat 17:00 – 01:30 I Sun 10:00 – 23:00
• Reservations: Definitely recommended
• Price Range: $$

Be-lavie Recommendations: Vegetable couscous, eggplant, carrots, sweet corn and harissa Puree. Great cocktails, beers and pink champagne if you’re thirsty. Live entertainment on selected days.

Markets & Food Stalls Serving Vegetarian Food in Boston

Quincy Market

You cannot visit Boston and not try one of the foodie stalls in Quincy Market. Built in 1826, this Greek-inspired granite structure has been the place for meat, dairy and wholesale produce. The markets proper name is Fanueil Hall Market as named by the second mayor of Boston, Josiah Quincy but back in 1989, the Quincy Market sign was put on the building.

The market is a great place where you can indulge in a plethora of great eateries and shops. There are also pushcarts along the sides of the market and the area is a great spot where you’ll see locals and tourists hanging out.

There are some great ice-cream stalls as well as brunch restaurants and it’s perfect for all day affordable casual dining in an authentic setting.

• Location: 4 South Market Street, Boston. MA 02109 I Tel +1 6175231300 I Map Location
• Further Information: Quincy Market
• Hours: Mon – Sat 10:00-21:00 I Sun 12:00-18:00
• $-$$

Lemonade

Dotted around the city, especially in parks and common spaces such as the Boston Common, you’ll see Lemonade stalls, especially in the summer months. Give these a go as the lemonade is freshly made and very refreshing. It can even be made to your sweetness level.

•  Price Range: $5-7

Fine Dining Restaurants in Boston : Vegetarian Food In Boston

The Michelin Guide doesn’t exist in Boston, however the James Beard Awards do and its the closest thing to fine dining. Here are some great upscale dining restaurants in the city:

• Menton
• No. 9 Park
• Tasting Counter
• Mistral
• Yvonne’s
• Contessa
• Oishii
• O ya

The Best Roof Top Bars in Boston

Take in beautiful skyline of Boston, be it the city views or waterfront splendor.

• Terra at Eataly
• Lookout Rooftop & Bar
• Contessa
• Lifted Pool Bar
• Colonnade Hotel Rooftop
• Deck12 at Yotel Boston
• Sam Adams Faneuil Hall Tap Room

Search for Hotels With Rooftops, Great Bars & Restaurants

Many great rooftop restaurants are located at hotels. If you want to stay at a hotel with a rooftop so its not too far walk home, have a search below:

Booking.com

The Best Cafes & Brunch Restaurants in Boston

Head to the post below to read all about Boston’s cafe culture and the variety of brunch spots in the city.

Best Cafe Culture & Brunch Spots in Boston

Instagram-Friendly Restaurants & Rooftops in Boston

• Citrus & Salt
• Lolita
• Yvonne’s
• Bootleg Special

Gratuities Culture : Vegetarian Food in Boston

The gratuities culture is most definitely a thing in the US, very much so than Europe or many other countries. Boston is no exception and often you’ll see on your food bill receipt a suggested amount to tip, such as 15%, 20%. 35%. This can add a substantial amount to your food bill at the top end. You should pay what you think is right and what you feel reflect the service you received in the restaurant. 

Many establishment systems also have the option of ‘no tip’ and it’s always a good idea to feed back your concerns to the staff if something wasn’t to your satisfaction within reason.

The Best Vegetarian Food in Boston Round-up 

As demonstrated Boston is a great place for vegetarians and indeed vegans. It’s best to be organised prior to your trip and try and make reservations at your favourite sounding restaurants. Weekends are always busy with dining and especially brunch and dinner. Spots can get booked up fast. A good tip is to get in touch with the restaurant via email and ask about veggie options and what they may have in seasonally. Many restaurants may not be vegetarian but will make a huge effort to cater to the needs of dietary requirements. Food trucks and market stalls are also great for vegetarian choices if you want something on the go or less formal.

Foodie Tours in Boston : Vegetarian Food in Boston

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• The Ultimate Guide to Photo Spots in Boston
• The Best Cafes & Brunch Spots in Boston Now

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