With the ever-growing popularity of veganism and vegetarianism, restaurants across the US have been upping their game to ensure they cater for all potential customers. And none more so than in Denver, Colorado. Typically, a health-conscious part of the country, more and more vegan and plant-based options are popping up in local restaurants and we couldn’t be more excited to see it.
What we particularly love is the variety of vegan and plant-based restaurants that is apparent in Denver, so whether you crave a vegan burrito, stir fry or something colourful and Caribbean, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect vegan dish on this list of best vegan restaurants in Denver.
Best restaurants in Denver
Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant – Fresh, locally sourced
Located just outside the city in Boulder, Leaf holds a commitment to cultivating a sustainable way of producing food. The team is passionate about using fresh, local ingredients with the chefs catering for brunch, lunch and dinner diners. On the menu we have a range of salads and soups, sandwiches and main meals such as Tandoori Tofu, Jackfruit Enchilada and Jamaican Jerk Tempeh.
Look at these udon noodles!
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The reviews are all glowing, with one customer giving his favourite recommendation: “This is quite refined and creative. I love the natural lighting and interior theme. One of the most satisfying vegetarian meals I’ve had in a long time! Everything I tried was very good but the buffalo cauliflower tacos are brilliant.”
Vital Root – Nourishing earth food
Vital Root produces beautiful, healthy and thoughtful (almost completely) vegan dishes. It lives by the ethos of fast (slo) food and offers treats such as Korean Stir Fry, Sambar Bowls and Sprout Head Sandwiches. With both indoor and outdoor seating areas, Vital Root feels relaxed but really special.
Take away options available.
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We particularly love this review by one especially happy customer: “On a whim, my son and I decided to try this restaurant. We are both meat eaters, but thought this might be a nice change. I just have to say that the food was awesome, I had the sunflower risotto and my son had the Korean stir fry. I want to eat at this restaurant all the time.”
Bang Up To The Elephant – Colourful and Caribbean inspired vegan food
Take a look at the website and you can get an idea of the character and colour within this restaurant. It’s full of vibrance with a Caribbean-inspired mural and an interior filled with multi-coloured glass panelling and even a fountain-adorned entrance. The menu is bursting with choices – including sandwiches, main courses and sides such as Coconut Curry, Seitan Cubano, Sweet Plantains and cornbread.
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We think this comment says it all: “Miami meets Brooklyn style interior, with unique fusion of Caribbean and Oriental flavors. This spot is a fun quirky and unique place you def have to check out if you love new exotic flavor combinations in a cruelty-free kitchen with kick-ass cocktails and gorgeous staff. They know what they’re doing.”
Piante Pizzeria – VEGAN PIZZA!
The Holy Grail for many a vegan among us.
Piante Pizzeria is a family-owned and operated plant-based, wood-fire pizza restaurant. It’s cosy and welcoming and serves gourmet New York-inspired pizzas, healthy salads and desserts that are made mainly from local, season and organic ingredients. I mean…what more can we say?
Perhaps only this from one reviewer “If you want to see a true artist create a pizza, go ahead and pick anything on the menu. We ordered the Mr. White, and the DMT, and my mind is blown.”
Look!
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Make Believe Bakery – Vegan bakery treats
What can we say about a bakery that offers beautiful products such as the one below and that has an entirely vegan menu? I imagine many people would move to Denver alone for this one establishment. The day-to-day menu includes Peanut Butter Cups, Cupcakes and Brownies, Cookies and of course, an array of breads.
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In addition to this, the team works to a special order menu and can cater for bulk orders, whole cakes and custom flavours.
Based in Capitol Hill, the team is incredibly friendly and receives regular comments such as this one “My 8yo is newly on a gluten and dairy-free diet, and I wasn’t sure how we would handle celebrating our first family birthday – but Make Believe Bakery made it a wonderful experience!!”
Somebody People – Vegetable-focused Mediterranean vegan and Vegetarian dining
Set in an unassuming corner slot, Somebody People offers a relaxed and absolutely stunning menu, full of Mediterranean-inspired vegan and vegetarian dishes. Started by Tricia and Sam Maher because of a desire to bring fresh, Mediterranean flavours to Denver, the team focuses on local seasons in a fun and friendly environment. On the menu, we have dishes such as Rigatoni, Gramigna and Arancini. For dessert, Tiramisu, Rhubarb or Chocolate Tart.
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And reviewers are equally as thrilled with their vegan meals, as stated in Conde Nast Traveller: “At this exceptional vegan restaurant, the cuisine is polished, the vibe is hip and lighthearted, and the service is smooth.”
Superfood Bar – Sustainable and Wholesome Vegan Food
This place is the ultimate in health food restaurant with everything being bought in, dried, frozen and created completely from scratch. Ideal if you fancy a smoothie, healthy bowls of goodness such as a Black Bean or Falafel Bowl, soups, salads or wraps. You’ll leave positively glowing from all the nutrients.
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As expected from such a venue, customers are repeat and always happy: “This is a new favorite of mine. The food is super filling, fresh and delicious. The vibe and customer service is great too. I am a big fan of the falafel and black bowl. The smoothies are also great!”
