It goes without saying that most young professionals (YPs) care about their body, their health, and the way they look.
This means that many of you have likely adapted a healthier food lifestyle.
Maybe you’re a vegetarian. Maybe you’re all the way vegan. Either way, we assume most of you have enjoyed a Meatless Monday or two and noticed the benefits it can have not only on the environment, but on your overall health.
So if you’re looking to expand your healthy food knowledge and options while still dining out in the city, here are 9 restaurants in Toronto that take animal products out of the equation without sacrificing taste.
FRESH
This Toronto staple has become so successful it’s grown into four different restaurants throughout the city. Even the biggest meat lover will fall in love with the tofu at Fresh – they know how to make healthy food tastier than a burger (almost).
GRASSLANDS
This vegetarian staple on Queen W. is the perfect place to go if you’re avoiding gluten or have any sort of food allergies. The menu labels every single item so you’ll know how to go wheat free, gluten free, and nut free whenever you want.
LIVE FOOD BAR
With locations on Dupont and in Liberty Village, as well as their raw vegan products in grocery and health food stores around the city, it’s safe to say this early pioneer of healthy eating in the city has taken over.
FEEL GOOD GURU
This tiny Queen W. hole in the wall may not leave a lot of room to sit down and enjoy your raw organic plant based meal, but it’s right across from Trinity Bellwoods – so you can just take it to the park (when it’s not freezing out).
URBAN HERBIVORE
Okay, so they don’t get points for friendliness – this is a serious business vegan take out joint – do not walk in wearing your Canada Goose jacket unless you want to be kicked out. But when you’re looking for a fast and fresh option, they’ve got it covered.
KUPFERT & KIM
This meat-free, wheat-free take out spot has made it a mission to make fast food healthy, and all the Bay Street suits in the Financial District are thankful to them for this lunch option that allows room to indulge in some less healthy alternatives at the bar after work.
HOGTOWN VEGAN
Sometimes you want to clean up your diet without being restricted to soups, salads and grain bowls. This is why we love Hogtown Vegan. By removing all the animal products from our favourite childhood comfort foods, they allow us to enjoy something like their legendary “unchicken and waffles” without worrying about raising our cholesterol through the roof.
SADIE’S DINER
A downtown staple, Sadie’s has been turning voracious meat eaters into sometimes vegetarians with their retro diner curb appeal. You might not suspect this 50s style diner serves up vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free comfort food, but once you taste it, you’ll be converted.
THE GOODS
Having won our best juice bar in the city poll, we’d be remiss if we left off one of the cutest and most delicious shops in town. Pick up and delivery options ensure that you can always grab a fast fix of your favourite vegetarian and gluten-free smoothies, salads, and soups.
#NOTABLE
Cover photo: istock.com/klenova
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