More Than Just Salads: A Food Critic's Guide to Chicago's Unforgettable Vegan Restaurants

Let’s be honest, the term “vegan food” used to conjure images of limp salads and bland tofu. It was the stuff of dietary restriction, not culinary desire. But if you’ve paid any attention to the culinary world lately, you know those days are long gone. And nowhere is this delicious revolution more apparent than in Chicago. The city that gave us deep-dish pizza and the jibarito has quietly become a powerhouse of plant-based dining, offering everything from greasy-spoon comfort to Michelin-recognized tasting menus.

Forget what you think you know. We have scoured the reviews, cross-referenced the critics, and synthesized the buzz from thousands of diners to bring you the definitive guide to the best vegan restaurants in Chicago. These are the spots that aren't just serving vegan food; they are creating unforgettable meals that will thrill any palate.

1. PLANTA Queen

The Vibe

Stepping into PLANTA Queen in River North feels like entering another world. The ambiance is dramatic and chic, with moody lighting and stunning, Asian-inspired decor that makes an immediate impression. It’s a high-energy, sceney spot that’s perfect for a glamorous date night or a celebratory dinner with friends who appreciate style as much as substance.

What Makes It Special

PLANTA Queen excels at creating an experience. It’s where innovative, pan-Asian vegan cuisine meets a high-fashion, club-like atmosphere. The genius lies in their ability to craft dishes like ahi-watermelon “tuna” and unagi eggplant nigiri that are both visually stunning and shockingly delicious, converting even the most skeptical omnivores.

Don't-Miss Dishes

Bang Bang Broccoli: Forget everything you thought you knew about broccoli. This dish is a game-changer. The florets are fried to a perfect crisp, then tossed in a sweet chili and peanut sauce that is utterly addictive. It’s a symphony of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice that will have you fighting over the last piece. An absolute must-try and a dish that single-handedly elevates broccoli to star status.
Vegan Sushi (Ahi Watermelon Nigiri & Spicy Tuna Roll): The ingenuity on display in the vegan sushi here is truly remarkable. The Ahi Watermelon Nigiri, with its vibrant color and surprisingly tuna-like texture, is a testament to the kitchen's creativity. Paired with a touch of ginger and citrus soy, it’s a refreshing and innovative bite. The Spicy Tuna Roll, also featuring the ahi watermelon, is equally impressive, with the toasted coconut adding a delightful textural contrast. This is vegan sushi that doesn't just imitate, it innovates.
Udon Noodles with Truffle Mushroom Cream: Prepare for a bowl of pure, unadulterated comfort. The thick, chewy udon noodles are bathed in a luxuriously creamy truffle mushroom sauce that is rich, decadent, and deeply satisfying. The earthy aroma of truffle permeates the dish, creating a truly indulgent experience. This is a dish that will warm you from the inside out and leave you dreaming of your next visit.

Address:413 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Phone:(630) 691-7238

Website:plantarestaurants.com/location/planta-chicago/

2. The Chicago Diner, Lakeview

The Vibe

With its "Meat Free Since '83" motto, The Chicago Diner is a true institution. The atmosphere at both the Lakeview and Logan Square locations is pure, unpretentious diner – bustling, friendly, and radiating a comforting, retro charm. It’s a place where you can slide into a booth and feel instantly at home, ready for some serious comfort food.

What Makes It Special

It's the history and the heart. The Chicago Diner has been perfecting vegan comfort food for over four decades, long before it was trendy. Their mastery of house-made seitan and their legendary, award-winning milkshakes make them the undisputed champions of plant-based nostalgia.

Don't-Miss Dishes

The Radical Reuben™: A towering monument to vegan comfort food, this sandwich is a delightfully messy and utterly satisfying experience. The house-made corned beef-style seitan is thinly sliced and piled high with tangy sauerkraut, peppers, onions, and a generous slathering of Thousand Island dressing, all held together by marbled rye. The vegan cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, savory masterpiece that could fool even the most devout carnivore. It’s the kind of sandwich that requires a stack of napkins and a hearty appetite.
Vegan Milkshakes: Prepare to be astonished. These are not just good vegan milkshakes; they are exceptional milkshakes, period. I opted for the chocolate peanut butter, a thick, creamy concoction that was pure, unadulterated joy in a glass. Made with vegan ice cream, they achieve a level of decadence that is simply divine. It’s no wonder these shakes have a cult following; they are a sweet, nostalgic trip back to the classic diner experience, without a drop of dairy.
Country Fried Steak: For those craving a taste of classic Americana, the Country Fried Steak is a must. The seitan steak, with its satisfyingly firm texture, is smothered in a rich, savory gravy and served with creamy mashed potatoes – a truly comforting and hearty plate that’s beloved by diners.

Address:3411 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657

Phone:(773) 935-6696

Website:veggiediner.com/

3. Kitchen 17

The Vibe

Kitchen 17 has a one-of-a-kind "vegan metal bar" or "Halloween dive bar" feel that’s loud, quirky, and unapologetically fun. The interior is dark and decorated with all sorts of interesting curiosities, creating a grungy, laid-back atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to gather with friends, play some board games, and dive into some seriously indulgent food.

What Makes It Special

The pizza. Full stop. Kitchen 17 cracked the code on vegan deep-dish, making a Chicago rite of passage accessible to everyone. Their house-made cheeses and meats, combined with their massive, shareable portions, make this a must-visit destination for any vegan food tour of the city.

Don't-Miss Dishes

Vegan Deep-Dish Pizza: As the birthplace of the original vegan Chicago deep-dish, Kitchen 17 delivers an experience that is both authentic and revolutionary. I opted for the Cheeseburger deep-dish, a gloriously messy and flavor-packed creation with vegan beef, pickles, and a special sauce that perfectly mimics its fast-food inspiration. The house-made K17 mozzarella provides a satisfyingly cheesy pull, and the thick, sturdy crust holds up to the mountain of toppings. It’s a massive, indulgent, and utterly unforgettable slice of Chicago.
Cauliflower Wings: These are some of the best cauliflower wings I’ve had the pleasure of devouring. The breading is perfectly crispy and adheres to the cauliflower, which is cooked to a tender-crisp perfection. I chose the Chipotle BBQ sauce, which had a lovely smoky and sweet flavor, and the accompanying house-made ranch was the perfect cooling counterpoint. A fantastic starter to share, though you might not want to.
Mac & Cheese: A true test of any comfort food joint, and Kitchen 17 passes with flying colors. The house-made vegan cheese sauce is creamy, tangy, and generously coats every noodle. It’s a simple dish, but executed flawlessly, delivering that classic, cheesy satisfaction. It’s also the star of their Mac and Cheese Pizza, a truly decadent and brilliant creation.

Address:2554 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Phone:(312) 391-8654

Website:kitchen17.com/

4. Alice & Friends' Vegan Kitchen

The Vibe

This cozy, family-run restaurant in Edgewater exudes a warm and welcoming energy. The recently remodeled space is bright and comfortable, making it feel like you’re enjoying a meal in a friend’s home. The service is famously friendly and patient, happy to guide you through their extensive menu of global delights.

What Makes It Special

Alice & Friends' shines with its incredible variety and its ability to masterfully veganize a wide array of Asian-inspired comfort foods. The "wow" factor comes from the sheer deliciousness and authenticity of dishes you might have thought you’d never enjoy again as a vegan, all served with genuine kindness.

Don't-Miss Dishes

Walnut "Shrimp": This dish is a marvel of vegan culinary engineering. The vegan "shrimp," with its surprisingly convincing texture, is enrobed in a creamy, sweet sauce and studded with crunchy walnuts. It’s a dish that has left many a diner, myself included, stunned that it’s entirely plant-based. It’s a heavenly combination of flavors and textures that is both nostalgic and innovative.
Tonkotsu Ramen: The ramen here is a rich and deeply comforting experience. I opted for the Tonkotsu, and the broth, a complex and savory concoction of kelp, eggplant, and miso, was a revelation. The house-made "facon" added a smoky, umami depth that was simply incredible. The noodles were perfectly cooked, and the dish was beautifully presented with an array of toppings. This is a bowl of ramen that will soothe your soul.
Crab Rangoons: The Crab Rangoons are a must-try appetizer. Crispy, golden-fried wontons give way to a creamy, savory filling of soy cream cheese and vegan crab meat. They are utterly addictive and a testament to the kitchen's ability to recreate beloved classics with plant-based ingredients.

Address:5812 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660

Phone:(773) 275-8797

Website:aliceandfriendsvegankitchen.com/

5. Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria

The Vibe

Penelope's is a cool, informal spot with a great, vibrant energy. While the space itself is small and can get loud, the friendly staff and cute outdoor patio create a welcoming and lively atmosphere. It feels like a genuine neighborhood taqueria that just happens to be entirely plant-based.

What Makes It Special

The authenticity and indulgence. Penelope’s proves that vegan Mexican food can be every bit as flavorful, hearty, and satisfying as its traditional counterpart. The generous portions and the ability to make partners exclaim, "I can't believe this is all vegan!" is their true superpower.

Don't-Miss Dishes

Loaded Nachos / Asada Fries: Prepare for a mountain of deliciousness. The Loaded Nachos are a sight to behold, a generous pile of chips smothered in soy chorizo, guacamole, vegan cheese, and a plethora of other toppings. The Asada Fries are equally impressive, with crispy fries providing the perfect base for the savory Beyond Asada crumbles. These are not for the faint of heart; they are a gloriously messy and indulgent feast best shared with friends.
Tacos (Soy Al Pastor, Cauliflower Al Pastor): The tacos here are the real deal. I was particularly taken with the Soy Al Pastor, with its sweet and savory marinated soy protein and juicy pineapple. The Cauliflower Al Pastor was another standout, with the cauliflower providing a surprisingly meaty texture. Each taco is generously filled and served in classic street-taco style, allowing the vibrant flavors of the fillings and salsas to shine.
Horchata: A perfect accompaniment to the spicy and savory fare, the horchata here is a creamy, refreshing delight. I opted for the Matcha Horchata, a creative and delicious twist on the classic. The earthy notes of the matcha perfectly complemented the sweetness of the rice milk, creating a unique and utterly satisfying beverage. It’s a must-try.

Address:230 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Phone:(312) 265-0400

Website:penelopesvegantaqueria.com/

6. Majani Soulful Vegan Cuisine

The Vibe

Located in the vibrant South Shore neighborhood, Majani (Swahili for "green") offers a fast-casual, community-focused atmosphere. It’s a bright, welcoming space that feels both modern and deeply rooted in culture. This Black-owned gem is a testament to soulful cooking and a cornerstone of its community.

What Makes It Special

Majani brings a much-needed and brilliantly executed perspective to Chicago’s vegan dining scene: plant-based soul food. Their focus on fresh, local ingredients and their ability to translate the rich, complex flavors of Southern and African heritage into mouth-watering vegan dishes makes them a truly unique and important destination.

Don't-Miss Dishes

Jerk "Chick'N" Tacos: These tacos are a flavor explosion. The house-made seitan is seasoned with a fantastic jerk spice that offers a beautiful, savory heat, which is perfectly balanced by a cooling pineapple salsa and a creamy sauce. It’s a dish that masterfully blends Caribbean and Southern influences.
BBQ Cauliflower: A true crowd-pleaser, these cauliflower bites are fried to a delightful crisp and then tossed in a tangy, smoky barbecue sauce. They manage to be both indulgent and light, serving as the perfect appetizer or side. I found them utterly addictive.
Oyster Mushroom Sandwich: This sandwich is a triumph of texture and taste. The oyster mushrooms are fried to a perfect golden-brown, offering a satisfyingly meaty bite and savory flavor that rivals any classic fried chicken sandwich. Served on a toasted bun with fresh toppings, it's a testament to the magic of mushrooms.

Address:7167 S Exchange Ave, Chicago, IL 60649

Phone:(773) 359-4019

Website:majani.biz

More Than a Meal, It's a Movement

From the iconic deep-dish pizza reimagined without a single animal product to the delicate artistry of watermelon "tuna," Chicago's vegan restaurants are proving that plant-based eating is about abundance, not absence. This city offers a staggering diversity of flavors, traditions, and dining styles, all united by a common goal: to create delicious, compassionate, and unforgettable food.

So, get out there and explore. This guide is just the beginning.

Now it's your turn! What are your favorite vegan spots in Chicago? Did I miss a must-try dish? Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below and let's build this delicious community together!

Browse All Chicago Restaurants