Cleveland Vegetarian Dining Guide: A Few of My Favorites

I’ll admit that Cleveland is not the best city for easily finding veggie friendly fare. I’ve been a vegetarian for more than 20 years so finding my favorite veggie friendly cafes and restaurants is always a priority when moving to a new area. In the past few years, I’ve lived in several veggie friendly cities like Tampa, Asheville, and Philadelphia.

While I had a more difficult time finding places to eat after first moving here, the few restaurants offering vegetarian options have actually been pretty good. I find more and more great options the longer I live here. Vegan food is much harder to find so good luck with that! There is a highly rated, long running cafe in Lakewood called the Cleveland Vegan Cafe but I’ve yet to try it. It’s all plant-based and they even have a full bakery and coffee bar on-site.

After living here for ~2 years, I’ve had a lot of time to explore the food scene. Here are a few of my favorite meat-free entrees around the metro. In this guide, my focus is on vegetarian options, so few items will be completely plant-based. Note that I have included a few options in suburban areas too for more variety.

Omizu

Where: Parma Heights

What to try: Veggie ramen

This is one of the more recent restaurants I’ve tried out and I only wish I found out about it sooner. Omizu is tucked away in a little strip mall next to a Dollar Tree and Ohio Pie Co. in Parma Heights. Don’t let the strip mall location fool you – this is the place to go for authentic ramen. For a city lacking the Asian dining scene of the major cities, this one was a real welcome surprise. I really love everything about this place including the colorful dining room, the Ladies night free drink special on Thursday nights, and even the music choice.

They offer a veggie ramen bowl with tofu on the side and it is really delicious. The serving is really big for only 13 bucks so really a great deal. A number of the sushi rolls are meat and seafood-free including the avocado, cucumber, and veggie rolls. Desert options include: green tea ice cream, mochi, fried cheesecake, and banana tempura, although I am way too stuffed to even consider ordering anything else!

Note: I’ve also heard Issho Ni Ramen & Sushi in Willoughby is great so it’s next on my list to try. Unfortunately, it’s a bit of a drive.

Tandul Indian Restaurant

Where: Tremont

What to try: Paneer Tikka Masala

This is the best Indian restaurant I’ve tried out in the metro thus far. I am really picky about Indian food after living in Flagstaff which was home to the best restaurant I’ve found anywhere in the country (a little gem called Delhi Palace). I like that it is located in Tremont nearby numerous coffeeshops, attractions, and stores. The service is great and the dining room is colorful with pleasant decor.

They offer a full selection of vegetarian entrees and appetizers as most Indian restaurants do. Indian food is always a safe bet if you are avoiding meat as they naturally cook with a lot of veggies and many of their curry sauces are free of mea.

We really enjoyed the Navratan Korma and the Paneer Tikka masala here. The app menu is particularly enticing with Samosa chaat, paneer pakoras, and vegetable pakoras on the lineup. While the Naan bread is great, I also loved the complimentary dip and papadum chips.

Rowley Inn

Where: Tremont

What to try: Rogi omelette

This great little neighborhood bar is located just across the street from the famous “A Christmas Story” house. I first toured the house of one of my favorite holiday movies (I actually was a fan in the late 80’s-early 90’s way before it became the cult classic it is today!) over 10 years ago on my first trip to Cleveland. I’ve been back to the house numerous times and recently tried out this bar mostly due to the convenience. I’ve been back several times for both brunch and dinner because I enjoy both the food and lively ambiance.

The menu consists of your regular bar comfort foods with a lot of local specialties like pierogi and potato pancakes opening up more options for vegetarians than your typical bar. Most of the times at bars, I am limited to a side salad and a few fried apps. A few highlights at Rowley include: 4 cheese macaroni, latkes with applesauce and sour cream, a Mediterranean salad, and a Philly cheesesteak made with Beyond burger. I recommend the Pierogi dinner which is simply 5 perogies served with sauerkraut and sour cream.

For breakfast, you can enjoy Nutella stuffed French toast, buttermilk pancakes, and even a veggie quesadilla with eggs, cheese, and various veggies. I recommend the Pierogi Omelet (just omit the Kielbasa). It’s basically an omelet stuffed with 2 pierogi, sauteed onions, hash browns, and cheese, served with sauerkraut. A vegan menu is available if you ask.

On a cool side, we learned on our tour that the cast of “A Christmas Story” often hung out here during filming. Also, I give them extra bonus points for the leg lamp in the window!

The Harp

Where: Ohio City

What to try: Veggie Boxty

I love Irish pubs even though they sometimes do not offer a lot of vegetarian options. I am from a pretty Irish neighborhood of Chicago, so visiting these pubs is always nostalgic for me. This city is actually a pretty fantastic St. Paddy’s Day destination (you can check out my guide here).

At many Irish pubs, I am stuck ordering a few sides and maybe a salad. This local Irish gem actually offers a nice selection of apps and entrees and the menu is conveniently marked. Options include: a vegetarian quesadilla, a Greek salad, and a black bean burger. I like that I can order a “real” entree instead of combining sides. That being said, the coleslaw and fries are delicious!

I always order the Veggie Boxty. This is a really filling entree that basically consists of all sorts of sauteed veggies like carrots, mushrooms, squash, and onions stuffed into a big potato pancake with the most creamy spinach sauce. It’s a huge serving and I often have to ask Mike to help me finish it – he has no problem doing so!

St. Patrick’s Day or not (they do offer a lively holiday celebration), The Harp is a fantastic place to enjoy some comfort foods and a pint of Guinness. The interior is cozy and inviting and they offer a scene outdoor patio for the summer season. Be sure to check the schedule for the live event lineup.

Guarino’s

Where: Little Italy

What to try: Eggplant Parmesan

Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood dates back to the 19th century and retains an authentic charm that draws tourists all year-round. It can get pretty busy around the holiday season and on summer weekends. I often drive around forever to find a parking spot.

Today, you can enjoy numerous Italian restaurants, cafes, bakeries, as well as numerous events in this historic neighborhood. My favorite restaurant on the fancier side is Guarino’s. The ambiance is perfect for date night and the vibe a bit less stuffy than Mia Bella where all the tourists head.

Most of the Italian restaurants in this city offer meat & seafood centric menus, but this place does offer a few great meatless options including: cheese ravioli, pasta primavera, gnocchi pesto, and a really delicious Eggplant Parmesan. Definitely check it out if you are seeking a nice affordable place to dine in Little Italy. I’ve dined here several times and I am never disappointed! After your meal, you can walk over to Presti’s for an authentic Italian dessert!

Tip: There is free street parking Monday-Friday after 5pm and anytime on the weekends. All other times are permit parking only (please watch the signs).

Taza: A Lebanese Grill

Where: Rocky River, Woodmere, and downtown

What to try: Hummus falafel rolled pita

I’ve found that Mediterranean restaurants are always a safe bet – a huge portion of the appetizers and entrees are loaded with veggies. Taza is my favorite upscale Mediterranean dining choice in the city. This is not a counter service restaurant which is nice and the interior is beautifully decorated. The service is very professional and they offer a great drink menu. This is a great pick for a date due to the low-key setting, great service, and attractively designed dining room.

The appetizer selection is great, especially the Vegetarian Feast which includes:  tabouli, hummus, baba, and falafel. They also offer a number of fresh salads, 3 vegetarian soups, and a range of entrees including: Mujadara, grilled veggies with Lebanese rice, and several veggie loaded rolled pitas. I love the hummus falafel pita which includes: tomato, lettuce, turnips, pickles, parsley, hummus, and falafel patties in a tasty wrap. As an extra bonus, they start you off with the most delicious complimentary bread and dip.

Le Petit Triangle

Where: Ohio City

What to try: Veggie quiche

This quaint French cafe was one of the first places I tried out on my first trip to this city over a decade ago. It’s still going strong and exactly the same as I remember it. Although they serve brunch, lunch, and dinner, I find the most enticing options on the brunch lineup plus their coffee is really delicious (with unlimited refills which is quite rare for this city).

They offer a delicious vegetarian friendly french onion soup, several light salads, and a long menu of both sweet and savory crepes. Most of all, I love their veggie quiche which is a base of Cabot white cheddar, spinach, and roasted red pepper. It’s served with a small side salad and Walnut raisin toast.

As for their savory crepes, I recommend the tomato, chevre, and spinach option. If you prefer something on the sweet side, I recommend the Lemon Curd and Chocolate Lovers crepe. Basically, everything I’ve tried here has been top notch and bonus points for the nice presentation!

The dining room is very small, but intimate and the decor is limited, but charming. We like to stop here for a date before visiting the wonderful art museum. Overall, it’s one of my top brunch date recommendations for anyone looking for a veggie approved meal.

Tip: Be sure to make a reservation in advance. They do take walk ins, but this place gets very busy on weekends!

The Judith

Where: Ohio City

What to try: Petite Assiette

While The Judith is far from one of my favorite coffeehouses in town (I prefer Roasted, Rising Sage, and Metropolitan), they do offer a really great veggie entree here called the Petite Assiette. Mike and I first tried this place out for our anniversary breakfast as we were looking for something new.

I really enjoyed this exotic dish – it was definitely something different. This plate is really filling and includes: a jammy egg, kelp caviar, local Greek yogurt, French lentils, persillade, cucumbers, tomatoes, gremolata, Bulgarian cheese, olives, and a baguette. Their coffee is just ok, therefore, I would recommend coming here specifically for breakfast.

I’ve only dined here for brunch, but they do offer a vegan cashew based cauliflower soup for lunch and dinner as well as some enticing sounding options like Foule (spiced stewed royal corona beans with lemon labneh). It might be worth checking it out if you are seeking something more on the exotic side.

Mezza

Where: Westlake

What to try: App combo

Mezza is a hidden gem tucked away in a strip mall in suburban Westlake. Most of the time when we head out to Westlake, Mike and I stop in one of our favorite chains like Choolaah or Condado, but one day we were craving Mediterranean food and decided to stop in here randomly. I am glad we did because this truly is a hidden gem.

First off, the menu is great for anyone who doesn’t eat meat as you can enjoy all the unusual Mediterranean veggie friendly apps and entrees like: hummus, Greek salad, falafel, tabouleh, and various wraps. I recommend the app combo where you can pick 4; it comes with a side of pita bread so really it’s a great deal. Pricing is super affordable and the vibe is your typical casual counter service setup.

They were offering a delicious lentil soup the first time we dined here, and honestly, it was the best part of the meal! I also really enjoyed the falafel and spinach pie. The pricing is super affordable here although the dining space is very small and a bit on the blah side in the decor department. Overall, I would say Mezza is a great choice for a low-key lunch if you happen to be in the area.

Sittoo’s Lebanese Grill

Where: Multiple locations around the metro

What to try: Vegetarian combo

This is a great regional chain serving authentic Mediterranean fare at a budget price point. It’s a counter service cafe so the vibe is super casual. There are numerous locations so it’s easy to find a cafe no matter where your days plans may take you.

I typically stop in the Parma or Middleburg Heights cafe and I have always been pleased with the food, service, and cleanliness of both restaurants. The space appears clean and well maintained, albeit a bit lacking in the decor department.

My usual entree of choice is the vegetarian combo which includes: Hummus, tabouli, baba, falafel, and diwali (stuffed grape leaves), served with tahini lemon dressing. The serving is huge (seriously they give you like an entire tub of hummus) that I often have dip and pita bread left over for days. The spinach pie combo is another one of my favorite choices. Overall, it’s one of my healthier picks around the metro although I can’t help ordering a side of their delicious fries as they are easily the best in the metro.

Tomato Grill

Where: Hudson

What to try: Eggplant Parmesan

Mike and I stopped in Tomato Grill once while attending a summer event in Hudson. Note: there always seems to be a farmers market or music fest during the summer season.

I was pleasantly surprised with the number of veggie friendly apps and starters including: a roasted veggie neapolitan appetizer, butternut squash & tomato basil soup, Greek salad, and a roasted beets salad. Entrees include: lasagna with a meat-free marinara sauce, baked ravioli, and linguini with garlic and olive oil. Eggplant Parmesan is one of my favorite Italian dishes and I was not disappointed.

Lunch prices are reasonably affordable and the servings are quite large. The dining room is nicely decorated, but not overly stuffy in nature. And best of all, it’s walkable to the charming downtown (one of my favorites in the region).

Lots to do here (I recommend a stop in The Learned Owl bookshop and a relaxing coffee break at the eclectic Open Door coffee company). Hudson is a great stop before or after exploring beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park (it’s an easy 10 min drive). I recommend hiking the gorgeous trek to Brandywine Falls or Blue Hen Falls.

Grumpy’s

Where: Tremont

What to try: Huevos Rancheros

This neighborhood cafe in Tremont is always busy and for good reason! it’s one of the best breakfast places I’ve tried thus far in the city. Not only is the food great, but the super eclectic colorful ambiance is a rarity nowadays. I love the funky decor and the diverse menu.

It’s been here since the 90’s and the locals love it. I ran out here once on a snowy morning and enjoyed a rare zero minute wait for a seat. Pricing is a bit high but you get what you pay for.

I like the Huevos Rancheros which includes the typical tortillas, eggs, salsa, and avocado with a veggie twist – black bean patties! It’s super filling and super delicious. Their coffee is decent enough, but if you prefer a coffeehouse experience, Civilization and Roasted are easily walkable.

They conveniently mark vegetarian and vegan items so you don’t have to ask any questions. They also offer a number of GF substitutions which are conveniently marked. Recent veggie diet friendly selections include: oat pancakes, apple walnut french toast, veggie omelet, a nutella waffle, and a veggie benedict.

I haven’t tried anything form their lunch menu yet, but you will find a selection of bowls, salads, and cavatappi mac and cheese which you can top with veggies of your choice.

Luna Bakery

Where: Cleveland Heights, Moreland Hills & Downtown

What to try: Almond croissant

Most of the time I don’t crave too many sweets, but when I do, I look for a good local bakery. My favorite spot in the metro is this little gem called Luna cafe. Pastry chef Bridget Thibeault opened the first location in Cleveland Heights back in 2011 (this is the cafe I always visit).

Everything is made from scratch and they offer a wide variety of items for everyone on their breakfast and lunch menu. Breakfast includes options such as: Roasted Veggie crepes, homemade granola with berries and yogurt, and a dark chocolate and berries crepe. On the lunch menu, you will find a Roasted Veggie panini, vegan grain bowls, and a Mediterranean salad.

I come here mostly for the delicious pastries – just looking at the counter is an overwhelming experience. I really love their croissants and danishes (flavor varies by the season) and their coffee is actually pretty good (although ridiculously overpriced for a refill).

The setting is casual but a bit too crowded and noisy for my liking. I try to get out here early during the week to beat the weekend traffic. On the bright side, they do offer a more low-key patio dining area for the warmer months.

Szechaun Gourmet

Where: Strongsville

What to try: Veggie fried rice

I don’t make my way out to Strongsville that often but when I do, I plan for dinner at this local gem called Szechuan Gourmet. I really love Chinese food and haven’t had much luck in this area finding “my place.” I’ve tried several local restaurants and this is the only one I’ve come back to more than once. It’s not the best I’ve ever dined at, but probably the best in this area.

First off, the dining room is really quaint and nicely decorated. Second, the staff is always so prompt and professional. And third, everything we tried has been delicious. Like most Asian restaurants, there is a large selection of the menu dedicated to tofu and vegetable based entrees.

Highlights include: veggie spring rolls, vegan tornado potatoes, tofu and vegetable soup, and vegan protein skewers. We usually stick with the veggie fried rice and lo mein because they are predictably good. If you eat eggs, the Egg drop soup is wonderful too. And you can’t leave without treating yourself to some green tea mochi!

Angelo’s Pizza

Where: Lakewood

What to try: Dinner salad

Angelo’s is your basic pizza place with a bar-like ambiance. It’s a decent casual dining choice if you will be doing anything in the Lakewood area. I wouldn’t go out of your way, but it’s a nice stop if you happen to be in the area. Asides from the standard pizzas, they offer a nice vegan option topped with red and green peppers, marinara, oregano, onions, and a balsamic glaze.

In addition to pizza, you can also enjoyed a meat-free mushroom marinara pasta and a range of all those tasty fried appetizers like zucchini sticks and onion rings. What I really loved here was the humongous salad which was loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, green peppers, cheese, and croutons. I’ve been to a lot of pizza places all over and one of the things few can do is serve up a great salad – most of the salads are limited to iceberg, tons of mozzarella cheese, and a few tomatoes if you are lucky.

Because the ambiance is super casual and they offer a lot of Happy Hour deals (from 3-6pm daily), I’d say this is a great after work choice. Best of all, you will be walking distance to a lot of great coffeehouses in Lakewood (Rising Star is my cafe of choice!)

Choolaah

Where: Westlake, Ohio City, & Orange Village

What to try: Perfect balance bowl with tikka masala sauce & vegetable croquettes

This is an Ohio originated fast Indian chain (est in 2014 in Beachwood) which has since expanded into Pennsylvania and Virginia. I typically try to avoid chains as much as I can, but this place is really delicious which lots of fresh and healthy options. I loved this place for a quick lunch when I lived in Pittsburgh, and I frequent the Westlake location in Cleveland all the time now too.

Basically, it’s one of those chains like Chipotle where you order at the counter and customize your own bowl. They also offer some appetizers like Naan bread, samosas, and samosa chaat.

My entree of choice is the Perfect Balance bowl which I customize with: white basmati rice, roasted veggies, the tastiest tikka masala sauce, and and these totally delicious black bean croquettes. It’s really amazing and filling with all the veggies and 3 bean filled croquettes. The naan bread is incredible too.

Other protein toppings include tofu and paneer cheese. Other veggie friendly sauces include: chickpea masala, black lentil daal, and yellow lentil daal, but really the tikka is too delicious for me to try anything else. You can add hot sauce to customize according to your preferred spice level but I leave it plain as I can’t handle much spice. I always get the Choolaah ranch on the side to dip my croquettes and naan bread in -it’s so tasty!

Pricing is quite affordable (around $15 per person) and the ingredients top notch. The only thing I don’t like is the blah Ikea-like design style. Unfortunately, I’ve found this is the norm at many healthier eateries. It’s clean, but the decor is quite boring.

I usually stop here before browsing around Crocker Park mall in Westlake but there are locations in Ohio City and Orange Village too.

Mama Santa’s

Where: Little Italy

What to try: Cheese pizza

Mama Santa’s is my favorite casual establishment in Little Italy. If you are looking to go cheap, but still keep it authentic, this is the place to go. They have won many awards over the years and their pizza honestly never disappoints. And the prices are totally affordable too – a large plain cheese will only run your $14 (the benefits of not eating pricey meat!).

They also offer cheese ravioli, eggplant parmesan, and manicotti if you prefer pasta. I always order a side of their tasty fries while waiting for my food. You can also order fried mozzarella, zucchini, and mushrooms to keep your hunger in check until your pizza or pasta arrives!

The setting is more casual than the other Little Italy restaurants (I love the old-school checkered tables) although it still attracts big crowds. I’ve often left because the line goes out the door!

5 Points Cafe

Where: Kamm’s Corner

What to try: Curry cauliflower pastry

I find that most of the coffeeshops in this area don’t offer much a breakfast selection outside of bagels and sugary pastries. One of the places I frequent most often is this awesome little Irish bakery/coffeehouse in Kamms Corner.

First off, I love the Irish decor, the giant mural, and the quaint setting. It’s nice when a coffeeshop puts a bit of effort into design instead of just trying to copy a corporate chain. Second, their house coffee is so rich and delicious (it’s so dark, I often order the light roast or Americano instead). Most importantly, they offer fresh muffins (the blueberry is great!) and Irish soda bread daily and the most incredible Jalapeno Cheddar Quiche.

And, although it’s not always on the menu, the curry cauliflower pastry is my best coffeeshop find in this area to date. It’s a slightly spicy mix of cauliflower and potatoes and I order it anytime I see it (which is not often enough!). For vegans, they offer carrot cake and banana bread. Also be on the lookout for their seasonal drinks and food specials and live entertainment lineup.

Honest Restaurant

Where: Parma Heights

What to try: Paneer Butter Masala

This is a local Indian restaurant that I checked out on a whim after receiving a coupon in the mail. The nice thing is that the menu is all vegetarian. However, the food is just okay at best. I would say it is worthy of a stop if you are more interested in having a lot of choices vs. the best quality food. I prefer Tandul but there are more options on the menu here. Basically, I recommend a stop here if you are looking for something decent in the Parma or Middleburg area. On the bright side, it’s never overcrowded, the presentation is very nice, and the space is really clean.

The Paneer Butter Masala we tested were decent enough to recommend this place but like I said not the best-of-the-best. The menu is diverse with something for everyone including: Indian street food, dosas, sandwiches, uttapam, chaat, and pav bhaji. The dessert menu is particularly large with a variety of ice cream, milkshakes, and traditional sweets on the lineup.

Frank’s Falafel House

Where: Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood

What to try: Vegetarian platter

This is one of the first restaurants we tried out after moving here because it was a quick option near Edgewater Beach. This is a casual, no-frills Middle Eastern restaurant with lots of choices for vegetarians. There are a number of veggie friendly wraps including hummus, falafel, and veggie. Even their breakfast menu offers a bit of variety with options like a falafel, Greek, or veggie omelet to choose amongst. I recommend the Vegetarian Platter which includes grape leaves, hummus, falafel, tabouleh, and baba lentil rice.

Joe’s Diner

Where: Rocky River

What to try: Mediterranean Vegetarian Platter

This long running family diner (est. in 1982) is one of the best I’ve come across for vegetarians. Most of the time I am stuck with a grilled cheese or salad as my only option at these types of restaurants. Joe’s actually offers a number of enticing choices including: a portobello mushroom sandwich, hummus and tabouleh as appetizers, Greek and Lebanese salads, and a veggie melt sandwich.

I love their potato pancakes and fried mozzarella sticks as starters (so good!). As an entree (it’s an app but the serving is large), I recommend the Mediterranean Veggie Platter which includes: tabouleh, baba ganoush, hummus, fresh tomatoes, grape leaves, and pita bread. They also offer a number of enticing desserts.

Condado tacos

Where: Westlake, Independence, Strongsville, and Mentor

What to try: Sweet Lucy build-your-own tacos

Mexican food in general is usually a good pick for vegetarians as tacos, burritos, and nachos are easily customizable. Condado is no exception. Again, I rarely recommend chains, but this Midwest based Mexican chain actually offers a pretty awesome menu for vegetarians. You can customize your own tacos and burritos with many meat-free toppings, proteins, veggies, and sauces of your choice. They serve great guacamole, Mexican street corn, and various salsa and queso dips. Everything we have tried has been so delicious.

I usually go with 2 Sweet Lucy tacos (a flour plus corn taco, queso, and guacamole). They completely stack these tacos so even 2 is usually too much for me. You can pick from a long list of toppings which includes options such as: rice and beans, smashed tots, vegan chorizo, thai chili tofu, fajita peppers and sauteed onions, jicama and cabbage slaw, pickled red onions, several types of cheese (I go for the smoked white cheddar), and various salsas and sauces (I love the cilantro lime aioli and the avocado ranch).

The Crocker Park location in Westlake gets seriously busy. On weekends, you can expect a long wait. It’s noisy and super crowded and the service is often seriously slow. I can see why so many people love this place because it’s cheap and delicious. That being said, I would avoid weekend nights for sure!