Unearth The Voyage
Portland has earned its reputation as one of the best cities in America for plant-based eating. From cozy cafes serving up hearty breakfast bowls to late-night taco spots and donut shops with flavors that change weekly, the city’s vegan and vegetarian scene offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a committed herbivore or just curious about trying more meatless meals, these spots represent the heart and soul of Portland’s plant-powered food culture.
1. Blossoming Lotus (NW/Slabtown)
For over a decade, this spot has been feeding Portland’s plant-based community with scratch-made meals sourced from local farms. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., it’s become a reliable destination for anyone craving nourishing bowls, fresh-pressed juices, and wholesome comfort food.
Everything here is 100% vegan, which means no guessing games when you order. The menu changes with the seasons, reflecting what’s available from nearby growers. If you’re new to plant-based eating, this is a welcoming place to start.
Regulars appreciate the consistency and care that goes into every dish, making it a true neighborhood staple in the Slabtown area.
2. Harlow (SE Division & NW 23rd)
With two locations across the city, Harlow has become synonymous with Portland’s veggie-forward breakfast and lunch culture. Their hearty bowls and scrambles are packed with flavor, and the smoothies are thick, creamy, and satisfying. Both spots stay busy throughout the week, especially on weekends.
What sets this place apart is how approachable the food feels. You don’t need to be vegan to enjoy a meal here; the flavors speak for themselves. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, perfect for catching up with friends or working solo with a good meal.
Open daily, it’s a go-to for locals who want reliable, delicious plant-based food without any fuss.
3. Off The Griddle (SE Foster & NE Alberta)
Brunch lovers rejoice: this spot serves up comfort food seven days a week, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options to choose from. Whether you’re craving pancakes, scrambles, or something savory, the menu has you covered. They’re also gluten-free friendly, which is a bonus for anyone with dietary restrictions.
The vibe is casual and unpretentious, making it a great place to roll out of bed and grab a satisfying meal. Portions are generous, and the food hits that sweet spot between indulgent and wholesome.
With two locations, it’s easy to find a spot that works for your neighborhood. Perfect for lazy Sunday mornings or midweek brunch cravings.
4. DC Vegetarian (SE Division)
What started as a beloved Portland food cart has grown into a fully vegan brick-and-mortar sandwich shop. DC Vegetarian specializes in plant-based versions of classic deli favorites like pastrami, seitan, po’ boys, and burgers. The transformation from cart to permanent location shows just how much Portlanders love this spot.
Each sandwich is packed with flavor and texture, proving that vegan food can be just as hearty and satisfying as its meat-based counterparts. The seitan here is particularly well-made, with a chewy, savory quality that keeps people coming back.
If you’re skeptical about vegan sandwiches, this is the place to change your mind. Old-school Portland charm meets creative plant-based cooking.
5. Mis Tacones (NE Killingsworth)
This queer-owned vegan taquería brings serious creativity to Portland’s plant-based taco scene. House-made carnitas, quesabirria, and rotating specials keep the menu exciting and unpredictable. Located on NE Killingsworth, it’s become a neighborhood favorite for anyone craving bold, flavorful Mexican-inspired food without any animal products.
The menu gets updated regularly, so there’s always something new to try. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared, with attention paid to spices, textures, and presentation. The vibe is welcoming and community-focused, reflecting the values of its owners.
Whether you’re vegan or not, these tacos will impress you. It’s proof that plant-based Mexican food can be just as rich and satisfying as traditional recipes.
6. The Sudra (N Fremont)
Spiced, vibrant, and full of flavor, The Sudra has been a cornerstone of Portland’s plant-based dining scene for years. Their menu draws inspiration from Indian cuisine, with vegan plates that showcase bold spices and creative combinations. The cocktail menu is equally impressive, making this a great spot for both dinner and drinks.
What makes this place special is how it elevates vegan food beyond the typical salad-and-grain-bowl formula. Each dish feels thoughtfully crafted, with layers of flavor that keep you engaged from the first bite to the last.
The atmosphere is cozy yet lively, perfect for date nights or group dinners. It’s a foundational name in the city’s vegan scene for good reason.
7. Mirisata (SE Belmont)
Worker-owned and entirely vegan, Mirisata brings authentic Sri Lankan flavors to Portland’s SE Belmont neighborhood. Their rice-and-curry plates are a feast for the senses, with multiple side dishes that showcase the depth and variety of Sri Lankan cuisine. Kottu and seasonal specials round out the menu, and late-night deals make it a budget-friendly option.
The cooperative ownership model adds an extra layer of community connection to every meal. You’re not just supporting a restaurant; you’re supporting the people who run it. The food is aromatic, colorful, and deeply satisfying.
If you’ve never tried Sri Lankan food, this is your chance. The flavors are bold without being overwhelming, and the portions are generous.
8. Doe Donuts (NE Sandy)
Women-owned and entirely vegan, Doe Donuts has become a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth in Portland. Small-batch flavors change frequently, which means there’s always something new to try. But be warned: these donuts sell out fast, so arriving early is your best bet.
The ice cream selection is equally impressive, with creative flavors that pair perfectly with the donuts. Everything is made with care and attention to detail, resulting in treats that are both beautiful and delicious.
Located on NE Sandy, this shop has built a loyal following thanks to its commitment to quality and creativity. It’s a sweet reminder that vegan desserts can be just as indulgent as traditional ones.
9. Boxcar Pizza (NE Sandy)
Detroit-style pizza gets the vegan treatment at Boxcar, where 100% plant-based deep-dish pies take center stage. The menu also includes wings and salads, making it easy to build a full meal. The thick, crispy crust and generous toppings have made this spot a favorite among pizza lovers, vegan or not.
What’s impressive is how satisfying these pizzas are. The plant-based cheese melts beautifully, and the toppings are fresh and flavorful. The menu is current through 2025, so you can count on consistency when you visit.
Located on NE Sandy, Boxcar proves that vegan pizza can compete with traditional pizzerias. It’s hearty, delicious, and worth the trip across town.
10. The Bye and Bye (NE Alberta)
This iconic vegan bar on NE Alberta has been serving plant-based food and drinks for years, and it’s still going strong. The full vegan menu covers everything from comfort food to weekend brunch, and the bar program is solid. Even after the 2024 closure of its sibling bar Sweet Hereafter, The Bye and Bye continues to thrive.
The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, making it a great place to meet friends for a casual meal or drinks. Weekend brunch is particularly popular, with creative dishes that go beyond the typical avocado toast.
It’s a neighborhood institution that has proven its staying power in Portland’s ever-changing food scene. A true classic.
11. Kate’s Ice Cream (N Mississippi & NW 23rd)
Award-winning and entirely vegan, Kate’s Ice Cream has set the bar high for plant-based frozen treats in Portland. With two locations on N Mississippi and NW 23rd, it’s easy to satisfy your ice cream craving no matter where you are in the city. Everything is gluten-free, which makes it accessible to even more people.
The flavors are creative and well-balanced, ranging from classic favorites to seasonal specials. Ice cream cakes are also available, perfect for celebrations or just treating yourself. The texture is creamy and smooth, rivaling any dairy-based ice cream.
Posted hours at both shops make planning a visit easy. It’s proof that vegan ice cream has come a long way.
12. Dirty Lettuce (NE Fremont)
Black-owned and entirely plant-based, Dirty Lettuce brings Southern, Cajun, and Creole comfort food to Portland’s vegan scene. Think fried chicken (plant-based, of course), ribs, greens, and cornbread. Each dish is packed with soul and flavor, honoring traditional recipes while making them accessible to everyone.
The food here is hearty and satisfying, perfect for anyone who loves bold, comforting flavors. The fried chicken has a crispy coating and tender interior that rivals any meat-based version. Sides like collard greens and mac and cheese round out the experience.
Located on NE Fremont, this spot fills an important niche in Portland’s plant-based dining scene. It’s comfort food with a conscience, and it’s absolutely delicious.
