CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Are you a vegetarian? Maybe you just want a break from meat or are looking to eat healthier in 2020. If you relate to this you’ll be interested in the following list we’ve put together for you.
We teamed with Yelp Cleveland to bring you this ranking of top vegetarian food spots in our area. There surely is a restaurant near you to try. If you’re a seasoned pro, check out where your favorite go-to spot ranks on the list.
Methodology: This is an all-time list of the best vegetarian spots in Greater Cleveland according to Yelp Cleveland. Yelp Cleveland identified businesses in the restaurants and food categories with a large concentration of reviews mentioning “vegetarian,” then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews mentioning “vegetarian.” This list looked at businesses in the counties of Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, Portage and Summit.
CUYAHOGA COUNTY
No. 1 Pura Vida
170 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-987-0100, Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample Yelp review: “Clean, good service, quick lunch service, and absolutely delicious!! The vegan BBQ burger was amazing!!” – Jacquelyn I.
Pura Vida is the top vegetarian spot in Northeast Ohio according to Yelp.The Plain Dealer
No. 2 Munch
28500 Miles Road, Solon, 216-231-0922, Yelp rating: 5 stars
Sample Yelp review: “However you wanna score it, this place is a winner!! Service is super friendly - you can try the daily soups while you place your order. Tons of vegan/non-vegan options! I got the falafel salad and cold brew. The people who work here are friendly, kind and attentive.” – Becky V.
This laid-back Munch café embodies the flexitarian attitude of semi-vegetarians. While most of the items are vegetarian and vegan, there are also a variety of deli-style meat options. Check out The Falafel – a big but light dish that comes with Israeli salad, baba, tabbouleh, falafel, tahini on the side. Tastes great and pairs well with the minestrone vegan soup. Must add: The pita chips are perfectly crispy.John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer
No. 3 Earth Bistro Cafe
11100 Clifton Ave., Cleveland, 216-201-9338, Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample Yelp review: “Great location, diverse menu, amazing flavors. So many options for vegetarians and vegans as well.” – Jamie V.
Earth Bistro Cafe is located at 11100 Clifton Avenue in Cleveland.The Plain Dealer
No. 4 TownHall
1909 W. 25th St., Cleveland, 216-344-9400, Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample Yelp review: “One of my favorite restaurants of all time. Not only is it delicious, it has an amazing healthy options for everyone!” – Maxamillon C.
TownHall in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood.Marc Bona, cleveland.com
No. 5 Melt Bar and Grilled
14718 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-226-3699, Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample Yelp review: “Melt is a staple of Lakewood, and for Greater Cleveland. Super innovative chefs create the most unique types of grilled cheese, while offering a variety of dietary-restricted options as well. Whether you’re a meat eater or vegan, there’s something here for you.” – Ian A.
It's an eclectic atmosphere at the Melt Bar and Grilled in Lakewood.The Plain Dealer
No. 6 The Root Cafe
15118 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-226-4401, Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample Yelp review: “Quaint vegan cafe in Lakewood. Tons of choices. Had the “Southwest Tofu Scramble” - pleasantly surprised! Cinnamon roll was good too.” – Dolores C.
House-made hummus lightened with zucchini and served with seasonal vegetables is a specialty at Root Cafe, an organic vegan and vegetarian restaurant in Lakewood.The Plain Dealer
No. 7 Happy Dog
5801 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-651-9474, Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample Yelp review: “Vegan hot dogs!!!! And ones that are thick and taste real!!!!! Crazy toppings!!!! Tater tots. Endless dipping choices. Live music.” – Jordan M.
A vegan dog with Yuengling sauerkraut at the Happy Dog in Cleveland.The Plain Dealer
No. 8 India Garden
18405 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-221-0676, Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample Yelp review: “Best Indian food in Lakewood - and maybe all of Cleveland too! I order takeout from here all the time and have yet to be disappointed! Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, which I appreciate. Everything is incredibly flavorful and it is truly authentic.” – Emily G.
India Garden's decor is colorful and exotic. So is the menu, which serves up Southern Indian dishes, many of which are vegetarian. The masala, curry and paneer tandoori dishes are among the most flavorful items you’ll find.John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer
No. 9 Tommy’s
1824 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-321-7757, Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample Yelp review: “If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, Tommy’s should be at the top of the list of places to go. I had the BBQ Seitan sandwich and it’s pretty good! Tastes like pulled pork and was on a multi-grain bun with lettuce and tomato.” – Mike A.
Tommy's in Cleveland Heights is one of the top 10 vegetarian spots in Northeast Ohio according to Yelp.
No. 10 Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant
2240 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-465-3239, Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample Yelp review: “Wow! What an amazing little find in the heart of Cleveland Heights! My hubby and I had dinner there, and we were really impressed. The service was great and our food was super yummy.” – Heidi H.
Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant brings the rich, diverse and spicy cuisine of the African nation to Cleveland Heights.The Plain Dealer
No. 11 Taza Lebanese Grill
1400 W. 6th St., Cleveland, 216-272-1170, Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample Yelp review: “Absolutely delicious…Naglaa was our server and she was so wonderful and attentive…The bread comes out warm and delicious. We shared the vegetarian feast which includes the best falafel I have ever had….” – Leslie W.
Vegetarian rolled pitas with hummus, falafel, lettuce, tomato, parsley, pickles and turnips. Here with bulgur at Taza Lebanese Grill in Cleveland.John Petkovic, The Plain Dealer
No. 12 Melt Bar and Grilled
13463 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-965-0988, Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample Yelp review: “Melt is a dream for vegetarians. The new Impossible burger is absolutely killer! I seriously have never tasted something so close to the real thing. I have never been disappointed with the crazy menu, fun drinks and new monthly specials.” – Jordan M.
The Parmageddon sandwich at Melt Bar & Grilled in Cleveland Heights.The Plain Dealer
No. 13 56 Kitchen
33587 Aurora Road, Solon, 440-349-0056, Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample Yelp review: “One of the best restaurants I have found in a strip mall location in Solon. Really enjoyed the diversity of options on the menu - lots of vegetarian and vegan picks, and gluten free all clearly denoted on the menu.” – Brady B.
An inside look of bar area of 56 Kitchen in Solon.The Plain Dealer
No. 14 Melt Bar and Grilled
6700 Rockside Road, Independence, 216-520-1415, Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample Yelp review: “They have a vegan menu! I used to beat up on Melt when I was a meat eater. The food was iffy but I have given them a second chance and I am glad I did. They not only have a vegan menu but one for GF folks as well…” Rob F.
Melt Bar and Grilled patio in Independence.Maura Zurick, NEOMG
No. 15 Sittoo’s Pita & Salads
5870 Ridge Road., Parma, 440-885-2525, Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample Yelp review: “Yum! They were extremely helpful at making sure everything was vegan. I ordered the falafel sandwich. Heads up, the tahini has yogurt in it, but the pita bread has no dairy. And neither does the hot sauce they make, which I love love, love!...” – Rachel O.
Sittoo's Pita & Salads vegetarian combination plate.The Plain Dealer
No. 16 Aladdin’s Eatery, Middleburg Heights
No. 17 Aladdin’s Eatery, Independence
No. 18 Banana Blossom Thai Cuisine, Cleveland
No. 19 El Carnicero, Lakewood
No. 20 La Kabob Lebanese Grill, Strongsville
No. 21 Johnny Mango World Café & Bar, Cleveland
Johnny Mango restaurant in Clevelandcleveland.com
No. 22 Taste of Kerala, Beachwood
No. 23 Choolaah, Orange Village
No. 24 L’Albatros, Cleveland
No. 25 Forage Public House, Lakewood
No. 26 Boaz Cafe, Cleveland
Boaz Cafe, located just blocks from the West Side Market, has a great menu filled with Mediterranean cuisine. If you want something they don't have on the menu, they'll prepare a custom bowl for you at their "make-your-own-bowl" area.The Plain Dealer
No. 27 Luna Bakery Cafe, Cleveland
No. 28 Phuel Cafe, Cleveland
No. 29 Thai Spice, Westlake
No. 30 Momocho, Cleveland
No. 31 Barrio, Lakewood
No. 32 Empress Taytu Ethiopian Restaurant, Cleveland
Empress Taytu, an Ethiopian restaurant at 61st and St. Clair. Unique tastes and a unique experience and truly a Cleveland treasure.cleveland.com
No. 33 Banter Beer & Wine, Cleveland
No. 34 Felice, Cleveland
No. 35 Flying Fig, Cleveland
No. 36 Lola, Cleveland
No. 37 Barrio, Cleveland
No. 38 Local West, Cleveland
Local West is located in Cleveland at 7402 Detroit Ave.cleveland.com
No. 39 Soho Chicken + Whiskey, Cleveland
No. 40 Buckeye Beer Engine, Lakewood
No. 41 Deagan’s Kitchen & Bar, Lakewood
No. 42 Water Garden Cafe, Cleveland
No. 43 Tandul, Cleveland
Tandul restaurant in Clevelandcleveland.com
No. 44 Biryani Hut Express, Westlake
No. 45 Fat Cats, Cleveland
No. 46 Aladdin’s Eatery, Westlake
No. 47 Siam Cafe, Cleveland
Siam Cafe, located at 3951 St. Clair Avenue, has been in this location for about 20 years.Lisa DeJong/The Plain Dealer
No. 48 Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar, Woodmere
No. 49 Dante, Cleveland
No. 50 Phnom Penh, Cleveland
LAKE COUNTY
No. 1 Melt Bar and Grilled
7289 Mentor Ave., Mentor, 440-530-3770, Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample Yelp review: “They gave me the best grilled cheese sandwich I’ve ever had!!! And it was vegan!!! … everyone that I encountered was so nice and sweet and even told me when one of my choices wasn’t vegan!” – Kaylin M.
No. 2 Aladdin’s Eatery
8870 Mentor Ave., Mentor, 440-205-5966, Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample Yelp review: “Great service, great food. Every time. It’s our go-to place for something healthy and fresh. Get take-out hummus from Aladdin’s weekly.” – Kate L.
Aladdin's Eatery in Mentor is one of the top vegetarian spots in Lake County according to Yelp.
LORAIN COUNTY
No. 1 The Feve
30 S Main St., Oberlin, 440-774-1978, Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample Yelp review: “So good. The Feve is the best restaurant in Oberlin. It’s upscale but not ridiculously expensive. They have good handcrafted drinks and plenty of vegan-friendly items.” – Steve A.
The Feve in Oberlin is the top vegetarian spot in Lorain County according to Yelp.Marc Bona, cleveland.com
No. 2 Aladdin’s Eatery
5 W. College St., Oberlin, 440-774-5283, Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample Yelp review: “Great restaurant. Lots of variety, especially vegetarian options. Seems more authentically Middle Eastern than other places I’ve tried….” – Anshuman M.
Aladdin's Eatery in Oberlin is one of the top vegetarian eateries in Lorain County according to Yelp.
PORTAGE COUNTY
No. 1 Grazers
123 N. Water St., Kent, 330-968-6612, Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample Yelp review: “This place has been a life saver - our ‘go to’ restaurant since changing to a whole food/plant-based diet without added oil…Grazers is over-the-top friendly with guaranteed fresh food. We have eaten here regularly and never been disappointed.” – Debbie W.
Grazers in Kent is the top vegetarian spot in Portage County according to Yelp.
SUMMIT COUNTY
No. 1 The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery
1970 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-926-9774, Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample Yelp review: “We have been going to the Blue Door since it first opened. Michael and his team make some of the best food in the area with so much love and attention put into each dish. They use only the finest ingredients and it produces wonderful dishes.” – Valerie P.
The Blue Door is primarily a bakery and cafe, but it offers a limited dinner menu two nights a week. Well-prepared, exotically plated dishes are served. The emphasis is on fresh and local ingredients.Marc Bona, cleveland.com
No. 2 Ms. Julie’s Kitchen
1809 S. Main St., Akron, 330-819-3834, Yelp rating: 4.5 stars
Sample Yelp review: “This to date has been the most delicious vegan food I have eaten that I haven’t made myself!!! A creative and scrumptious menu with selections that make it difficult to decide. I wanted everything on the board!!!...” – Anna K.
Ms. Julie's Kitchen in Akron is one of the top vegetarian spots in Summit County according to Yelp.
No. 3 Aladdin’s Eatery
3895 Medina Road, Fairlawn, 330-665-3102, Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample Yelp review: “This place is so fresh with so many vegan and vegetarian options. Amazing Lebanese food.” – Sahithya S.
No. 4 Aladdin’s Eatery
44 Park Lane, Hudson, 330-656-0560, Yelp rating 4 stars
Sample Yelp review: “This is my go-to place when I’m trying to eat healthy and lose weight. There are so many great options on the menu. Started with the roasted cauliflower...absolutely phenomenal!” – Rob K.
No. 5 Mr. Zubs Deli
795 W. Market St., Akron, 330-252-0272, Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample Yelp review: “There isn’t much to be said about this place that hasn’t already been said…Best late night food spot in Akron for sure.” – Jeremy D.
Mr. Zubs Deli in Akron is one of the top vegetarian spots in Summit according to Yelp.
No. 6 Jaipur Junction
180 W Streetsboro St., Suite 5, Hudson, 330-653-6640, Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample Yelp review: “Absolutely love this place. Best Indian food I have ever had. The way they use their spices is phenomenal…I’d say it’s the best place in the area to get good vegetarian cuisine. I’d recommend the malai kofta, Shahi Paneer, or bainghan bharta.” – Aidan S.
Jaipur Junction in Hudson is one of the top vegetarian spots in Summit according to Yelp.
No. 7 Aladdin’s Eatery
1991 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-4640, Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample Yelp review: “The regular hummus plate was huge, and ordering the extra veggies is well worth it. It was super creamy and flavorful.” – Adam R.
No. 8 Aladdin’s Eatery
782 W. Market St., Akron, 330-535-0110, Yelp rating: 4 stars
Sample Yelp review: “The food was so delicious!! The falafels were a little too crisp for my liking but the veggie pita roll I had was amazing!! That hot sauce is so good. I need all of it. The service was great too.” – Parinita S.
PREVIOUS CLEVELAND’S BEST ARTICLES:
Results of Cleveland’s Best Brewery contest
Ranking the best fast food salads from 11 chains; not all were fresh
Ultimate onion rings rankings from 11 fast food chains
Ranking 174 pasta sauces found in local grocery stores
Ranking French fries from 24 fast-food chains; No. 1 will surprise many
Cleveland’s Best Mexican Restaurant winner is Blue Habanero! See Top 20
Ranking the best donut shops throughout Greater Cleveland according to Yelp
Best foods to eat at Browns games