No meat? No problem.
Whether you’re a devoted vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to enjoy more plant-based meals, Hamilton has a great variety of veggie-friendly restaurants and cafes.
From globally inspired dishes and wholesome comfort food, the city serves up bold flavours and satisfying options.
Here are some of Hamilton’s top spots for vegetarian and vegan eats – where the only thing missing is the meat.
Democracy on Locke
202 Locke Street South
This Locke Street coffee shop is a popular neighbour hangout that offers a flavourful lunch and dinner menu of animal-free ingredients. Choose from mains like the Korean BBQ tofu sliders, Almost Famous Taco Salad and Fries Supreme, slathered in homemade cheese sauce.
Must-try: Follow the crowd-in-the-know and order cauliflower wings: crispy cauliflower tossed in a choice of spicy Sriracha lime sauce, bourbon BBQ, sweet and sour, or sweet apple garlic sauce.
La Luna
306 King Street West and 650 Concession Street
Dig into authentic Lebanese food served at one of their various locations. You'll discover some tasty vegetarian options, like tabouli and Fattoush salad, lentil soup and vegetarian rice. For a hand-held choice, bite into a pita stuffed with three deep-fried falafel patties and vegetables, drizzled with tahini.
Must-try: The Vegetarian Dish gives you a taste of everything yummy: hummus, eggplant, falafel, fried cauliflower, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms.
Synonym
328 James Street North
This licensed cafe and book shop features a carefully thought-out menu, which includes a traditional shakshuka (poached eggs, tomatoes, peppers and onion) and warm mushroom salad. For dessert: treat yourself to chocolate babka.
Must try: The Three Dips Platter brings together hummus, house-made labneh and babaganoush to create a starter that begs to be shared with friends.
Berkeley North
31 King William Street
This popular restaurant on King William Street's Restaurant Row was recognized with a Bib Gourmand in the MICHELIN Guide Canada in 2024. You'll find plenty of shareable plates where vegetables are the star. Try the favourites, like gnocchi, mushroom dumplings, teriyaki eggplant, and avocado salad. For lunch, build your own bowl with greens and couscous or quinoa as the base, and toppings of your choice.
Must-try: The BN (Berkeley North) Salad is hearty enough to make it a meal with bibb lettuce, cucumber, radish, comté cheese and pickled green beans—all dressed in a sherry miso vinaigrette.
Burnt Tongue
10 Cannon Street East and 182 Locke Street South
Warm up with a tasty bowl from Hamilton's most famous soup restaurant. The menu changes daily but you'll always find vegetarian and vegan options. Think Roasted Garlic Potato Leek, Greek White Bean and Creamy Tomato & Tortellini. They also serve exceptionally good fries, salads and sandwiches.
Must-try: Thai Squash with peanuts and green onion and Egyptian Lentil with crispy chickpeas are two veggie faves.
Mulberry Coffeehouse
193 James Street North
Since it opened in 2010. this cool, comfortable downtown coffee shop has always been veggie friendly. Vegetarian and vegan paninis are served on house-made focaccia (options include a black bean and sweet potato burger and roasted vegetable panini). For something warm, the chili and daily soup are always vegan. On the sweet side, try the double chocolate oatmeal cookies, macarons and cupcakes.
Must-try: The hummus and roasted veggie sandwich, served on fresh focaccia, is a hearty, satisfying choice.
Little Asia
36 King Street East, Dundas
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Owner Mama Vone has honed her chef skills in numerous restaurants over three decades. At her Dundas restaurant, she offers vegan and vegetarian fare that she calls "Asian comfort food." The menu covers soups, salads, starters, curry specialties, fried rice and noodle dishes, so there really is something for everyone. The spicy dishes really do bring on the heat, so order accordingly.
Must-try:You can't go wrong with the classics. Think Soy Chicken Pad Thai and Nasi Goreng with Indonesian fried rice, cabbage, green beans and tofu.
The Himalayan Restaurant
160 Centennial Parkway North
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For almost 30 years, this east end eatery has been serving authentic, veggie-centric cuisine from the Himalayan foothills of Himachal. Its loyal clientele comes mainly for the exceptional curries and friendly service. It's a small place, so time your visit wisely to snag a table. Plan B when it's busy? Get takeout.
Must-try: The samosas are outstanding—large with flaky pastries and a well-spiced filling. Order extras to take home.
Wass Ethiopian Grill
207 James Street South
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Ethiopian cuisine showcases unique flavours, courtesy of spices that wake up your tastebuds. Ingredients, like lentils, chickpeas, split peas and collard greens, shine in luscious sauces that beg to be mopped up with bits of injera, a thin traditional pancake made with buckwheat flour (gluten-free).
Must-try: Indecisive? Order a combo to try the greatest hits of Ethiopian vegetarian dishes, like YeKik Alicha.
Apothecary Kitchen
35 York Boulevard
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Located on the lower level of the Hamilton Farmers Market, everything you get here taps into the power of plant-based whole foods minimally processed to retain maximum nutrition. Dine on-site or take something home, including soups, stews, pastas, wraps, salads.
Must-try: Warm your tummy with Carrot Orange Ginger soup and creamy vegan Mac Attack made with brown rice pasta.
The Mule
41 King William St
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Love tacos? This downtown spot is your new happy place. You'll find vegan and vegetarian options that even carnivores friends will want to try. Kick off your visit by sharing the Queso Fundido, a cheese dip with amped up flavours, before getting into the taco side of the menu.
Must-try: Try these especially delicious tacos—Sweet Potato Halloumi and The Brussels Sprout.