by Christine Ottoni
Toronto is a proud vegan town offering a foodie twist on your average animal product-free fare. Lace up your sneakers and explore the city of neighbourhoods with trendy vegan eateries and options from morning ‘til night. [Feature image: Through Being Cool Vegan]
Brunch has achieved a somewhat religious status in Toronto, with locals flocking in droves to their favorite Saturday and Sunday morning spots. City vegan brunch favorites include Cardinal Rule’s all-vegan weekend brunch menu on Roncesvalles Avenue, Hello Darling’s sunny café classics in Bloordale Village and Hibiscus Café’s sweet and savoury vegan crepe menu in the ever-cool Kensington Market.
Torontonians love lining up for itty-bitty, intimate eating, so live like the locals and grab a to-go cappuccino for the line. Roncesvalles especially is home to a ton of cafés and coffee shops, so swing by Reunion Island on your way down to Cardinal Rule (they do a mean almond milk latte).
If you’re spending the day running errands or traipsing around the city, chances are you’ll need some power eats on the go. For vegan snacking, check out Kupfurt and Kim a local counter service chain offering a “wheatless & meatless” menu of smoothies, snacks, all-day breakfast, lunch, dinner and sides. Or drop by one of Fresh’s several city locations for a take away juice, smoothie, wrap or cookie.
Bunners is a cute vegan and gluten-free bakery serving cookies and cupcakes in the Junction and Kensington Market. Through Being Cool on Bloor bakes to-die-for vegan doughnuts and Cosmic Treats in Kensington will tickle your sweet tooth with cashew-based, homemade vegan ice cream. Sweet Olenka’s has locations on West Queen West and in Kensington Market and are known for having an expansive selection of coconut milk-based treats.
Need an afternoon pick me up? Vegan coffee addicts can rest easy; you’re in good hands in Toronto’s coffee shops with almond, soy and coconut milk on the bar. Koreatown’s The Good Neighbour pours a killer almond milk latte with Intelligentsia beans roasted in Chicago. Almond Butterfly serves local Social Coffee and Tea and Sam James on Harbord is a cool, easygoing spot to grab an almond milk cappuccino.
Vegan dinner in Toronto offers something for everyone. Hogtown Vegan sets the Toronto standard with a dive-bar attitude and southern-inspired menu featuring unchicken and waffles. Live Organic Food Bar is a hidden gem and casual Annex favorite on Dupont at Spadina. Grasshopper has locations in the Junction and on College and boasts a tasty and adventurous menu including creamy quinoa mac ‘n cheese in a vegan chedda’ sauce. Doug McNish’s Public Kitchen offers a hip approach to locally sourced, cruelty free food in North York. Bloomer’s on Bloor just east of Ossington serves fancy pub fare like a portobello kimchi burger and a bbq tempeh wing sandwich. One Love Vegetarian is a West Indian restaurant with a veg-focused menu and friendly counter service at Bathurst and Bloor.
For thirsty vegans in #the6ix, Disgraceland is your best bet for cheap drinks, loud music and a late-night menu that promises absolute gluttony. All the mains can be done vegan, like an extra saucy vegan ribwich and a rich vegan butter chicken. With craft beer, rotating taps, seasonal cocktails, DJ sets and a jukebox with over 1000s tracks, this is your local haunt away from home.
Across the way, end your evening with an intimate experience at Grey Tiger, a café-by-day that goes cocktail lounge at night. Dig into the nut cheese sandwich, a smoked pecan and herbed cashew cheese served with sourdough. Try one of their stylish cocktails as a nightcap.
