I am a total food girl. I love to cook, and I also love going out to eat. I’m also vegan and have found dining out a bit challenging since coming to university, given that my school is a smaller university town that doesn’t have the plethora of vegan-only restaurants like my home city of Montreal. There’s only one fully vegan restaurant in Kingston and its fast food style (no hate to Copper Branch—I love you and always will). So, with that, I have been to many sit-down restaurants in Kingston, many of which have been disappointing for a plant-based girly like myself. Over the past two years, I have been trying to find great vegan food in the sea of restaurants here. So, I’ve decided to compile a list of my current favourite sit-down restaurants in Kingston for vegan/veggie folks! Even if you’re not vegan, these places are incredible, and can be a fun way to try some plant-based dishes.
Number 5…. Pizza studio
Takeout from here after a night out is absolutely ideal. It is right next to a lot of the popular bars, and is open late! While yes, they make vegan pizza, they also have gluten-free crust for the coeliac queens. This place is like a subway for pizza… you pick your crust, sauce, cheese, and then go down the topping line. A pizza with vegan cheese, vegan chicken, and all the veggies is my ideal late-night snack to share with friends, and Pizza Studio always has me covered!
Number 4 Flavours of India
In my opinion, Indian food is one of the best types of cuisine for vegetarians and vegans! So many Indian dishes are naturally plant-based; some of my favourites include Chana Masala, Aloo Gobi and Daal soup. Flavours of India is on Princess right off University Avenue, and their plant-based dishes are amazing. If you’re looking for a phenomenal samosa in Kingston, hit up Flavours of India!
Number 3: Harper’s Burger Bar
Coming in hot at number 3 is Harper’s Burger Bar. I know what you’re thinking—a burger bar for vegan options? YES. The Harpers menu has a solid 3 different types of veggie burgers (all amazing), so many good salads, and even a veggie hot dog! I am yet to try the hot dog… I will be trying it the next time I visit Harper’s! From the veggie options, to the amazing cocktails (for 19+ of course…), and great vibes, Harper’s is a fantastic restaurant for plant-based girlies and carnivores alike. And don’t get me started on their vegan chocolate decadent cake… insane.
Number 2: Miss Bao
Oh, how I love you, Miss Bao. It is a small, intimate restaurant on Princess just past Clergy. From the Mount Fuji (a matcha flavoured cocktail!) to the mushroom bao and tofu bao, this place is unreal. There are lots of vegan options here, and they are all marked with a VG logo for convenience. Although I love the Mount Fuji and the mushroom and tofu bao, keep in mind this restaurant offers seasonal menus, so the menu may look different when you give it a try. We love Miss Bao for buying in season… sustainable legends.
Number 1: Atomica Kitchen and Cocktails
My number one choice for plant-based eats in Kingston… Atomica! Honestly, one of the main reasons is that they have a dedicated plant-based menu, and I absolutely love when non-vegan restaurants do this! This Italian/Mediterranean fusion restaurant has so many amazing choices from their pesto funghi truffle pizza (my favourite), to tagliatelle with mushroom scallops, fattoush salad, and so many other great vegan dishes! And, keep in mind this place is called Atomica Kitchen AND COCKTAILS, so if you want a yummy drink to go with your plant-based meal, I highly recommend the pear sangria!