Denver is a vibrant city offering an impressive collection of vegetarian restaurants for foodies like me. From cozy cafes serving delicious vegan dishes to modern eateries offering gourmet takes on traditional vegetarian fare, Denver has something for everyone, even those looking for a meat-free meal.
Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or just curious about plant-based food options, here are the top 18 vegetarian restaurants in various categories, from breakfast to bomb a$$ tacos. While I included restaurants that aren’t solely vegetarian but have excellent vegetarian options, I did add a category of “Exclusively Vegetarian/Vegan.”
Best of Breakfast & Brunch
1215 20th St, Denver, CO 80202
Self-described as a “multilevel ‘gastro-brothel’ with live music” & eclectic American food,” and I’m here to attest to that. This restaurant is simply excellent. Alongside their non-vegetarian options, they offer a variety of vegetarian dishes like their “Fun-Guy” flatbread with Koji mushrooms and a garlic-chili crunch, “600 Degree Charred Eggplant” with green tomato marmalade, and of course, fried “turmeric” pickles (which your girl can’t live without). When you walk into Ophelia’s Electric Soapbox, your senses will be taken to another world.
1020 S Gaylord St, Denver, CO 80209
The Cookery is a quaint, cozy, mom-and-pop-style restaurant. The menu changes and is inspired by local, seasonal ingredients. The decor is rustic but welcoming, making it the perfect spot for brunch with friends or lunch with loved ones.
Vegetarian highlights include their breakfast burrito, cornbread waffles (you can request vegetarian), and Myrtle Hill Hash, which you can request to be made vegetarian. I had the Myrtle Hill Hash the last time I was there, and it was delicious.
I’ve also had their Soup Du Jour (soup specials vary); you can order a jar of their soup to bring home – how cozy is that?
Date Nights in Denver
7303 E 29th Ave, Denver, CO 80238
I enjoy Blue Fin for their vegan sushi rolls, which aside from Wellness Sushi (listed below), are some of the most creative and delicious I’ve ever had. We’re not talking basic cucumber rolls here. Blue Fin offers a variety of vegan/vegetarian rolls that hit the spot more than any traditional fish rolls ever had for me. My favorite is their mushroom roll cooked in coconut milk – scrumptious.
2930 Umatilla St Unit #500, Denver, CO 80211
El-Five has the best views of the city, hands down. Making it the perfect date night or celebratory spot. I highly recommend reservations. The menu is a fusion of Mediterranean and Latin cuisine, with a selection of vegan and vegetarian items. Highlights include their “spreads of the med” (vegan), harissa eggplant fries with dill, mint, lemon yogurt, and vegetable paella. The flavors here are indeed out of this world!
2030 W 30th Ave, Denver, CO 80211
The unique fixture of this restaurant, and the reason for its name, is location, location, location. Linger is in an old mortuary, bringing life where there once was none. The restaurant serves vegetarian dishes with fusion from around world; Vietnamese crepes and wild mushroom dosa. The atmosphere is vibrant and posh, but also slightly eerie and eclectic due to its history. Definitely worth the visit if you’re in Denver!
Pro-trip: Linger is in a prime location for checking some Denver Bucket List items off your list. Little Man Ice Cream is just a few blocks away, so you can grab a scoop after your meal.
1431 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202
Rioja is hands down our go-to fancy-er dinner date night restaurant. We’ve been here a few times, including to celebrate Greg’s promotion. They have a fantastic sessional vegetarian plate (pictured bottom left). It’s a four course sample-style meal that never disappoints. The food is always delicious and the atmosphere is sophisticated yet cozy.
1600 W 33rd Ave, Denver, CO 80202
Rootdown features a seasonal menu with many vegetarian and vegan options. They also offer tasty mocktails like coconut ginger fizz. Highlights of their current menu include carrot & Thai red curry soup and harissa tofu tagine.
The food here is light yet flavorful, and the staff was very friendly. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with a rustic meets modern vibe.
1560 Wazee St, Denver, CO 80202
The Kitchen is a fabulous restaurant we’ve visited on more than one occasion, for special occasions, including our anniversary. Not only is their menu full of delicious vegetarian options like the crispy cauliflower and halloumi naan, but they are also dedicated to sustainability and local ingredients. The atmosphere is sophisticated and inviting, with warm wood accents and bright natural lighting. I highly recommend making reservations if you’re planning to visit.
Exclusively Vegetarian/Vegan
206 E 13th Ave, Denver, CO 80203
Casual cuisine with bursts of flavor. They offer a fully vegan “chicken” & waffles. Along with totally vegan poutines, buffalo cauliflower bites, and a mushroom seitan Reuben sandwich. The atmosphere is fun and laid back, making it perfect for a casual date day or a fun night out with friends.
1605 E Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210
100% Plant-Based and absolutely delicious. This isn’t really for your “healthy” veggies. Next Level is a classic American burger joint with a cruelty-free twist. My go-to order is “American ChzBurger” with tempeh bacon, tater tots (the absolute best I’ve ever had), and a mint chocolate chip shake. Favorite post long-distance run meal spot when I was training for my marathon.
Greg loves their “Fire ChzBurger 🔥🔥” and “special style fries” (similar to In-and-Out’s “animal fries”).
837 E 17th Ave, Denver, CO 80218
If you’re looking for authentically delicious vegan comfort food, Watercourse is the place. The menu is subject to change based on locally sourced ingredients, but highlights include Oyster mushroom po’ boy and cauliflower wings. All ingredients are organic, non-GMO, and locally sourced where possible. Bonus, they have a wonderful zero-proof cocktail list.
2504 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80206
The first 100% plant-based sushi restaurant I’ve ever heard of. The sushi rolls are made with ingredients like roasted sweet potatoes and avocado, so you can be sure the flavors are truly unique. Highlights include their dancing green roll (my favorite, pictured below), mango avocado roll, and veggie tempura roll. They also serve ramen. The atmosphere here is relaxed but inviting, great for a date day or group dinner.
Pro-trip: Wellness Sushi is located in the same complex as Tattered Cover bookstore – make a day out of it.
1401 N Ogden St, Denver, CO 80218
The Corner Beet is an all-vegetarian, health food cafe located in the hip LoHi neighborhood. They have smoothies and salads as well as a deli counter offering items like hummus wraps, veggie burgers, and tacos. Highlights include their house toast, which has roasted beet spread whipped into a butter texture – heavenly. The atmosphere here is bright and inviting, perfect for a healthy little lunch or somewhere to hang out and read or write.
Bomb A$$ Tacos
2217 E Mississippi Ave, Denver, CO 80210
Agave Taco Bar is an often-overlooked spot as it’s outside the downtown Denver area. They offer several vegan and vegetarian options, such as their rajas con queso y elote taco (my favorite), and their freshly made salsa is mouth-wateringly delicious (but spicy). The bright and open atmosphere, with plants all around, is perfect for a quick bite or casual dinner.
2001 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
It’s astounding how many times I’ve eaten here and not taken photos, but I digress. Photos or no photos, BarTaco is an amazing spot for vegan and vegetarian tacos, plus scrumptious sides. Their veggie taco options are fresh and delicious, ranging from herb-roasted wild mushroom, chili cauliflower, and seasonal veggie tacos; last time I was there, they had an avocado taco (seasonal) that was to die for. Also, love their “not-taco” options. My favorites being plantains and street corn.
The atmosphere is beach-chic and lively, with fun photography. Perfect for a group gathering, girls-day, or casual dinner.
Funky Fun & Delicious
4141 E 9th Ave, Denver, CO 80220
Culinary Dropout is the perfect spot for an after-work happy hour or a weekend brunch. They offer several vegetarian options, including their whipped feta & tahini did and black truffle mushroom flatbread. The atmosphere is energetic yet relaxed, perfect for a quick bite or a long night of conversation.
Forest Room 5
2532 15th St, Denver, CO 80211
Forest Room Five offers an outdoors style, artsy hotspot with fir-pits and all. They offer several vegetarian options such as fried polenta, hearts of artichoke spread, and forest room sliders (which can be made vegetarian upon request).
Forest Room Five is known for their eclectic atmosphere and craft cocktails, perfect for a night out with friends or a special occasion drop-in.
2215 W 32nd Ave, Denver, CO 80211
We love a good ramen, and Uncle provides. They have vegan and vegetarian options, such as their classic vegan miso ramen with shiitake mushrooms and the yummy Chinese eggplant buns with pickled plum mustard seed dressing.
The atmosphere here is casual and relaxed, perfect for a nice dinner out or group gathering. Unfortunately, reservations are not accepted at the Highlands locations, so they may have a wait (it’s hit or miss with that).
I hope you found something from the list to tantalize your taste buds!
Whether you’re looking for something fancy-er or just a quick bite, I know you’ll love any of these. So don’t hesitate; treat yourself to something delicious. You won’t regret it! Enjoy. 🙂
