Looking for a standout, five-star restaurant meal for an anniversary, birthday, or a swanky date? PETA staffers around the country have spoken, and these delicious dishes are some of our favorites from the most outstanding vegan fine-dining establishments in the country.
Eleven Madison Park
New York City, New York
After closing for more than a year because of the pandemic, this three-star Michelin restaurant reopened with a vegan menu. A year later, it was once again recognized by Michelin and awarded three stars.
Executive chef Daniel Humm stated that he “wanted everyone who comes into contact with Eleven Madison Park to become a part of doing good.” This philosophy informed his decision to remove ingredients made from killing animals and other environmentally harmful ingredients from his menus.
While the restaurant offers a multicourse prix fixe menu that doesn’t use anything made from animals, it does still include honey and cow’s milk as part of its coffee and tea service. We hope it will eventually ditch these in favor of the many delicious vegan sweeteners and milks available instead.
Jardin at Robinia Courtyard
Madison, Wisconsin
Located in downtown Madison, Jardin is a high-end vegan restaurant featuring a rotating, seasonal menu that draws inspiration from around the world.
Dishes include Seasonal Hummus, Chickpea Paneer with cardamom chutney, and the Lobster Casarecce made with lion’s mane mushrooms. There’s also an extensive drinks menu featuring vegan wines, classic cocktails, and unique house cocktails.
Vedge
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Vedge is the real deal. Not only was chef and owner Richard Landau nominated for a prestigious James Beard Award, the restaurant also appeared at the TOP of Zagat’s list of Philadelphia’s best restaurants.
Dishes include Eggplant Braciole With Sicilian Salsa Verde, Grilled Tofu Fillet, and Smoked Portabella Carpaccio. The desserts at Vedge are a favorite among rave Yelp reviewers.
Plant
Asheville, North Carolina
Plant was named one of the best vegan/vegetarian restaurants by Food & Wine magazine, and it isn’t hard to see why. The exquisitely plated vibrant food at Plant is so beautiful that you may have reservations about even sticking a fork in it to begin eating. However, we encourage you to get over it and taste these remarkable dishes, including the Masala Uttapam, Hazelnut and Ramp Crusted Tempeh, and raw Lasagna Cruda.
Be sure to cap off your visit with the exceptional ice cream.
Crossroads Kitchen
Los Angeles, California and Las Vegas, Nevada
Angelenos are no strangers to vegan fare, and celebrities and civilians alike sing the praises of Crossroads. Chef and owner Tal Ronnen was named Los Angeles’ Top Vegan Chef by the Huffington Post, and LA Weekly previously named Crossroads the Best Vegan Restaurant in the city. The restaurant’s second location is opening in Resorts World Las Vegas, and will feature favorite dishes from the Los Angeles location alongside unique creations exclusive to Las Vegas.
Its iconic dishes include the Artichoke Oysters with artichoke purée, crispy oyster mushroom, yellow tomato béarnaise, and kelp caviar.
Elizabeth’s Gone Raw
Washington, D.C.
Three nights a week, the venue at 1341 L Street N.W. is transformed into the stunning Elizabeth’s Gone Raw, where diners are presented with a changing six course vegan tasting menu. A reservation is required, so be sure to call ahead if you want to try some of the delicious food served here.
Ravens Restaurant
Mendocino, California
Ravens was named one of the 10 Best Foodie Resorts in the country by USA Today. Much of the tasty food is grown on site, at the Stanford Inn’s California Certified Organic Farm, and a dedication to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients is prevalent in all its beautiful dishes.
Planning a road trip or vacation anytime soon? Be sure to add the restaurants in this post to your itinerary, and if you’re looking for other great vegan food around the country, we’ve got you covered. Check out our lists of the top vegan doughnuts, pizzas, hot dogs, wings, mac and cheese, and food trucks.
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