Portland has become a true paradise for plant-based food lovers. The city offers amazing vegan restaurants that serve everything from Asian comfort food to Latin American treats. These twelve dining spots prove that plant-based eating can be exciting, delicious, and totally satisfying for everyone.
1. Jade Rabbit (Buckman)
Chef-owner Cyrus Ichiza has created something magical at this cozy Belmont Street gem. Pan-Asian vegan dim sum meets comfort bowls in ways that will surprise your taste buds. The chile-oil wontons pack serious heat, while the creamy congee warms you from the inside out.
Their famous “bunny bao” has developed a cult following among locals and visitors alike. The mapo tofu delivers all the savory, spicy flavors you crave without any animal products. Making reservations ahead of time is usually necessary because word has spread about this special place.
2. Mis Tacones (Vernon/NE Killingsworth)
This Chicano, queer-owned taquería brings authentic flavors to the plant-based world. Fresh-pressed tortillas are made daily, creating the perfect foundation for their incredible house-made seitan creations. The al pastor and asada varieties taste so real, you might do a double-take.
Beyond amazing food, this spot serves as a community anchor, hosting events that bring neighbors together. The owners pour their hearts into every dish, creating a welcoming space where everyone feels at home. Each bite connects you to traditional Mexican cooking techniques adapted brilliantly for vegan diners.
3. Mirisata (Belmont)
Worker-owned restaurants are rare treasures, and this Sri Lankan kitchen stands out as something truly special. Every single dish is 100% vegan, showcasing how plant-based ingredients can create incredibly complex and satisfying flavors. The curries burst with aromatic spices that transport you straight to South Asia.
Their rotis are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside, ideal for scooping up rich, coconut-based sauces. Family-style feasts let you sample multiple dishes, making it one of Portland’s most distinctive plant-based dining experiences you absolutely cannot miss.
4. Obon Shokudo (Central Eastside)
Homestyle Japanese cooking gets a completely plant-based makeover at this chef-owned treasure. The udon noodles swim in rich, savory broths that taste like they’ve been simmering for hours. Perfectly shaped onigiri rice balls make excellent snacks or light meals throughout the day.
Daily specials keep the menu exciting, with seasonal ingredients highlighting the best of what’s available. The Japanese curry delivers comfort in a bowl, thick and warming with vegetables that melt in your mouth. Everything here feels like a loving meal prepared by family members who truly care.
5. Epif (Kerns)
Pisco cocktails and Andean-inspired vegan cuisine create an exciting combination you won’t find anywhere else. The lively atmosphere makes every meal feel like a celebration, with colorful dishes that look almost too beautiful to eat. Causa dishes showcase how potatoes can be transformed into elegant, layered creations.
Their ceviche-style plates use creative plant-based ingredients to mimic traditional textures and flavors amazingly well. Hearty mountain-inspired dishes warm you up during Portland’s cooler months. The bar program deserves special mention, with pisco-based drinks that perfectly complement the bold, vibrant flavors coming from the kitchen.
6. Dirty Lettuce (Beaumont-Wilshire)
Black-owned vegan soul food brings New Orleans flavors to Northeast Portland in the most delicious way possible. The fried “chicken” is crispy, seasoned perfection that will make you question everything you thought you knew about plant-based proteins. Tender “ribs” fall apart with each bite, covered in smoky barbecue sauce.
Jambalaya packed with vegetables and plant-based sausage delivers all the comfort you’re craving. Traditional sides like collard greens and cornbread round out meals that satisfy both your stomach and your soul. Moving into their brick-and-mortar location has only made this special restaurant even better.
7. Ben & Esther’s Vegan Delicatessen (Alberta Arts)
Jewish deli favorites get completely reimagined without losing any of their traditional charm or flavor. Carrot “lox” bagels taste surprisingly authentic, with smoky, salty notes that perfectly mimic the original. Classic Reubens pile high with plant-based meats and tangy sauerkraut between thick slices of rye bread.
Matzo ball soup provides ultimate comfort, with fluffy dumplings floating in rich, golden broth that tastes like it came from someone’s grandmother’s kitchen. Breakfast and lunch menus offer familiar favorites that prove vegan versions can be just as satisfying as traditional deli foods you remember growing up with.
8. Blossoming Lotus Café & Juice Bar (Slabtown)
This longtime Portland vegan name has found a perfect new home inside Root Whole Body. Nutritious bowls packed with fresh vegetables, grains, and proteins fuel your body throughout busy days. Creative wraps make healthy eating convenient without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Fresh juices and smoothies use seasonal fruits and vegetables to create drinks that actually taste amazing. The daytime café atmosphere feels calm and welcoming, perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet meal alone. Everything on the menu focuses on wholesome ingredients that make you feel energized and happy.
9. Boxcar Pizza (Kerns/The Zipper)
Detroit-style pizza goes completely plant-based without losing any of its signature characteristics. Thick, square slices feature perfectly caramelized edges that get crispy and golden in all the right places. House-made vegan meats and cheeses taste so authentic, even pizza purists will be impressed with every single bite.
The crust strikes an ideal balance between chewy and crispy, providing the perfect foundation for generous toppings. Vegan wings make excellent appetizers or sides, with sauces ranging from mild to seriously spicy. This 100% plant-based pizzeria proves that you don’t need dairy or meat for outstanding pizza experiences.
10. Doe Donuts (Hollywood District)
All-vegan donuts that rival any traditional bakery, plus house-made ice cream that’s equally impressive. Creative flavors change with the seasons, keeping regular customers excited about new combinations and limited-time specials. Each donut is crafted with care, resulting in perfect texture and sweetness levels.
The vegan ice cream program deserves its own recognition, with creamy scoops that pair beautifully with warm donuts. Seasonal specials showcase local ingredients and innovative flavor combinations you won’t find anywhere else. This sweet spot proves that plant-based desserts can be every bit as indulgent and satisfying as conventional treats.
11. Kate’s Ice Cream (Mississippi/Boise)
Award-winning recognition as VegNews’ “Best Vegan Ice Cream Shop 2024” speaks volumes about the quality here. Every scoop is both 100% vegan and gluten-free, making it accessible to people with various dietary needs and restrictions. The creamy texture rivals any traditional ice cream you’ve ever tasted.
Custom cakes provide perfect centerpieces for special celebrations and gatherings. Flavors range from classic vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous seasonal creations that showcase the creativity of the team. This Mississippi Avenue gem has earned its reputation through consistent quality and innovative approaches to plant-based frozen desserts.
12. Ice Queen (Hosford-Abernethy)
Bold Latin flavors meet vegan innovation at this unique paletería and soft-serve destination. Oatchata brings familiar horchata flavors into plant-based territory, while tamarind and avocado options offer adventurous taste experiences. The “Thiccflurries” provide Instagram-worthy treats that taste even better than they look.
Traditional Mexican frozen treat techniques get creative vegan updates that honor the original flavors. Each paleta is crafted with authentic ingredients and techniques passed down through generations. This Southeast Portland spot brings cultural authenticity to the plant-based frozen dessert scene in ways that feel both familiar and completely fresh.
