These days, adopting a plant-based diet is easier than you think, thanks to the legion of tasty vegan restaurants popping up in Calgary.

From vegan sushi to fast food joints and decadent desserts that are unbelievably creamy, you’ll have to pick your jaw up off the floor, realizing that it’s not the usual stuff.

But vegan food in Calgary is the real deal in its own right.

Whether you’re just experimenting with Meatless Mondays or have been a longtime veg-head still going strong, veganism has a ton of health and environmental benefits that make each bite better.

It’s proven to lower the risk of cancer and diabetes, preserves the welfare of animals, and of course, plays its part in climate change by dramatically reducing greenhouse gases and habitat loss.

So the next time you’re hungry, go the vegan route. We’ve rounded up the top vegan restaurants for you to sink your teeth into, and you won’t regret it.

Check it out!

Canela

Now, this is a bakery. Canela is your one-stop shop for vegan pastries and hot drinks. Their cinnamon buns alone are to die for, but if you pop by for a visit, you won’t be able to resist ordering a little bit of everything off the menu. And the best part is–non-vegans would never know! Their cakes and pastries are so moist and decadent you won’t believe what you’re biting into. We recommend their seasonal drinks like the London Smog, classic carrot cake, and churros.

Location: 1319 9 Ave SE

Instagram: @canelayyc

Vegan Street

Calgarians go bonkers for this place, and we don’t blame them! This 100% plant-based taco bar located in Inglewood is an extension of their flagship restaurant in Beltline and a local success story that emerged from the pandemic. Their tacos are made fresh with in-house meat substitutes that are so scrumptious that even the most unconvinced meat lovers will concede. Choose from flavour-packed meals like poke, tostadas, and creative margaritas.

Location: Vegan Street Kitchen & Lounge (111 7 St SW)

Vegan Street Taco Bar (1413 9 Ave SE)

Instagram: @veganstreetinglewood @veganstreetbeltline

Nan’s Noodle House

Brought to you from the same owners as Hearts Choices, Nan’s takes the city’s vegan game up a notch, especially if you can’t resist a hot bowl of noodle soup. Their Thai and Vietnamese-inspired broths are rich in flavour and texture, making them consistent crowd-pleasers. And, you can always replicate the experience back home with their frozen vegan treats. The black garlic ramen and lemongrass chick’un banh mi (made from tofu and chickpeas) are must-haves.

Location: 310B Edmonton Trail NE

Instagram: @nansnoodlehouse

The Coup

Despite all the new vegan eateries exploding on the Beltine block, The Coup has not faltered in over 15 years. This institution offers vegetarian and vegan fusion dishes in an upbeat, intimate atmosphere. Locals rave about the Treehouse Sandwich made with smoked tofu, the classic tempeh shawarma, and unforgettable hearty soups.

Location: 924 17 Ave SW

Instagram: @thecoupcalgary

The Allium

Locals give The Allium five stars all around, and it’s because they do everything right. Their take on rustic vegan fare is unexpected, innovative, and exciting. You may underestimate what sort of culinary powers the humble vegetable wields, but each meal here bursts with flavour, making your senses do the happy dance. The Allium is praised for its crispy fried mushrooms, butternut squash gnocchi, and skillfully crafted cocktails.

Location: 211A 12th AVE SW

Instagram: @alliumcalgary

Hearts Choices

A fan-favourite, Hearts Choices has three locations across town to satisfy any vegan’s cravings. From mac and cheese and corn dogs to cauliflower wings and pad thai, they have food that’s good for the whole family. And if you’re short on time, you can grab any of their good-to-go meals. Our favourites include the Thai green curry and chick’un and waffles.

Location: 4127 6 St NE

Instagram: @heartschoices

V Burger

Listen, we all could use a good burger and shake every now and then, but it always comes at a cost. Up until now! V Burger is a hip burger joint that serves affordable vegan burgers, nuggets, fries, and mind blowing milkshakes and ice cream. Enjoy juicy plant-based patties and savour their heavenly shakes completely guilt-free. Oh, and don’t skip the Buffalo Caulifritters either. Between an appie, main, and dessert, you’ll surely be stuffed!

Location: 819 17 Ave SW

Instagram: @heyvburger

WholeLifeGo

High-quality sushi that’s vegan? Run, don’t walk to WholeLifeGo! This unique market cafe offers fantastic organic, gluten-free, and vegan options, especially for those who miss their seafood. And might we add that their sushi is basically edible art? WholeLifeGo doesn’t mess around with plating, as they serve stunning dishes that will have you floored. And the best part is that it tastes just as great as it looks!

Location: 340 14 St SW

Instagram: @wholelifego

Veg-In YYC

Don’t let this unexpected bodega fool you. The Indian-Western fusion menu at Veg-In sure packs a punch. They serve generous portions of tasty vegan butter chicken, burgers, samosas, and more using authentic and premium ingredients. One visit here, and we promise you won’t be missing meat anytime soon. We’re fans of the Jack in Bollywood rice bowl and Heaven on Earth samosas.

Location: 215 6 Ave SE

Instagram: @veginyyc

Support local vegan eats

And there you have it–your cheat sheet to the best vegan eats in Calgary! Discover more socially conscious restaurants near you through Locate Local, the only marketplace and community that matches your social interests and values-based shopping with local vendors to make supporting local that much more rewarding. Join our waitlist to be the first to connect with local vendors on what matters to you most.