By VANESSA MURI
Burritoville (Photo: ©Roxanne Ross)
Montreal’s vegetarian scene has evolved enormously over the last 10 years—most definitely for the better. The city has no shortage of delicious meat-free meals at non-veg eateries plus a host of gourmet and organic-focused entirely vegetarian and vegan restaurants.
Start the slideshow to see our top five favourite strictly vegetarian and/or vegan restaurants across the city.
- 53131
- Once an unknown hole-in-the-wall, years later this bright vegan eatery is continually bustling. Greatest hits include a BLT made with smoked coconut "bacon" on homemade chapati (Indian flatbread), weekend brunch (waffles with cashew cream, perhaps?), and decadent desserts like dark chocolate truffles. In a hurry? Stop in for a smoothie or fresh blended juice. Get here early for a coveted booth or spot on the patio in warm weather. <a href="http://www.auxvivres.com">Web site</a>
- Photo: shymuse
- Aux Vivres
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- The homemade salsa rocks at this casual restaurant, and you get it with your choice of chipotle, black bean, or regular corn tortilla chips. As should be expected with a name like Burritoville, the burritos are delicious: try the sweet potato on a whole-wheat tortilla. Most ingredients are organic and the restaurant even has on-site composting. Local musicians perform in the evening. <a href=" http://www.burritoville.ca">Web site</a>
- Photo: ©Roxanne Ross
- Burritoville
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- Photo: ©Roxanne Ross
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- A bit of a hidden gem on the vegetarian radar, this cozy corner of the hip Mile End neighbourhood has some of the best fair trade coffee around. Gluten-free brunch is popular and their sandwiches are beautiful and fresh. (One to try: the Black Betty with grilled, rennet-free cheddar, olive tapenade and roasted red pepper.) Be sure to have the soup of the day, always flavourful. <a href="http://www.lalumieredumileend.com">Web site</a>
- Photo: ©Lea Grahovac
- La Lumière du Mile End
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- Photo: ©Lea Grahovac
- 53134
- Sip on kombucha, a fermented sparkling tea, while you scarf down one of this casual café's famous falafel sandwiches. (The scrumptious marinated tofu steak is another must-try.) This 100% organic mecca has two locations, one right downtown, so it's easy to stop into the self-described "funky <em>chat</em>" even if just for a fresh juice with wheatgrass booster shot. <a href="http://www.thegreenpanther.com">Web site</a>
- The Green Panther
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- Everything here is vegan, soy-free and gluten-free. When you try one of the imaginative entrées like lasagne with sliced zucchini, sundried tomato sauce and macadamia nut “rawcotta," the only question for your waiter may be,“Is this really raw?" The brownie is a chocoholic’s delight. <a href="http://www.crudessence.com">Web site</a>
- Photo: ©<a href="http://www.ciampoli.ca">Adriano Ciampoli 2012</a>
- Crudessence
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