12 Don't Miss Connecticut Vegan Restaurants

By Rebecca HansenPhotos by J.Koteen Photography, Lisa Nichols & Winter Caplanson

With “clean eating” becoming a popular social media hashtag, having a plant-based diet is more than justa fad. It’s a way of living holistically, mindfully, and deliciously.While 10 years ago, “vegan” was a relatively new idea, it’s become a focus of culinary exploration and innovation. And much of that is happening right here in Connecticut. We rounded up a selection of vegan restaurants and chefs making their mark in our small state. These 12 spots are demonstrating all the wonderful, delicious things you can do with plants.

Vegan Fine Dining

G-Zen

2 EAST MAIN STREET, BRANFORD

G-Zen has been named by publications like Travel + Leisure, Huffington Post and Shape Magazine as one of the top 10 vegan restaurants in America. Chefs Marc and Amy Beach Shadle are known pioneers in the upscale vegan food scene and are on a mission to spread their passion for a plant-based lifestyle, one perfectly crafted plate of Feisty Monkey at a time. Open for dinner service and take-out, G-Zen is a can’t miss place to dine -- vegan or not. Check out their restaurant or scout for the Gmonkey mobile -- the Shadle’s roaming food truck.

21 Oak

21 OAK STREET, MANCHESTER

Manchester usually gets overlooked when discussing the Connecticut foodie scene. The looming chain restaurants of the mall overshadow the vibrant culinary revolution happening in neighborhoods outside of Buckland. 21 Oak is one of these foodie havens that is a must-visit for any trip to Hartford County. An unassuming exterior opens into a delightfully rustic and elegant interior. Start your night with the Butternut Hummus to share then savor the Portabella Steak or Gnocchi in a black garlic “cream” sauce.

Vegan Casual Dining

It’s Only Natural

606 MAIN STREET, MIDDLETOWN

No list of vegan restaurants in CT would be complete without ION. A mainstay for over 30 years, this restaurant lives by its ethos of remaining cruelty-free, organic, and 100% vegan. Try the Buffalo Cauliflower followed by the Yam Quesadilla for a winning combo of spice and sweet. And don’t miss out on their organic cocktails. The Ginger Blossom is a pleasing combo of vodka, rose liqueur, ginger beer and lime that is like a tonic for your soul.

Ninth Square Market Too Caribbean Style

89 GEORGE STREET, NEW HAVEN

Whoever said vegan food couldn’t have a little “flava” clearly never went to Ninth Street. Using a pan-Caribbean culinary style, this vegan restaurant serves up hot dishes with spice. See their take on traditional foods like “Fish” Cakes and Jerk seasoned dishes and sides like Yam with Green Plantains. However, it’s their vegan Mac and Cheese that’s the renowned crowd-pleaser. Made with cashew cheese, it’s everything you love about the iconic comfort food without the heaviness of dairy.

SHAYNA B’S BY THE SEA BY LISA NICHOLS 182 CT FOOD & FARM / WINTER 2018

Vegan Cafes & Juice Bars

Right Path

140 STATE STREET, NEW LONDON

Get ready for some truly inventive juices. Right Path is a great stop to pick up a smoothie or juice on the go, but they also offer a variety of snacks, salads, “sun burgers,” soups, and Buddha bowls. Try a Seawich with “tuna” salad served on a homemade onion roll with a side of kale chips.

The Stand Juice Company

87 MILL PLAIN ROAD, FAIRFIELD& 1 NORTH WATER STREET, NORWALK

Every juice you buy at The Stand gives back. Owner Carissa Dellicicchi also operates The Hideaway Farm with 15 acres of land on the Connecticut River. There, she cares for rescued farm animals and sources much of The Stand’s fresh, organic produce from her gardens. Carissa’s passion for making this earth better day-by-day is felt in her simple but satisfying dishes. Start your morning off right with a BOC: avocado toast with sea salt and cayenne pepper, loaded with tomato, basil and olive oil.

Shayna B’s By The Sea

247 MAIN STREET, OLD SAYBROOK

This vegan and gluten-free cafe is brand new to Connecticut, even though its owner, Christine Reed, has been on the farmers’ market circuit for a decade. Opened in November 2017, Christine took her passion for producing gluten-free and vegan baked goods to opening her own vegan cafe. Shayna B’s serves lunch fare like soups, salads and sandwiches, but the real knockouts are the desserts. Test any of her “cream”-filled cupcakes -- like the raspberry-infused Josie’s Berries & Cream Chocolate Bliss -- and you’ll be back for more.

Pure Alchemy Juice Bar & Cafe

236 NORTH COLONY ROAD, WALLI

When you need a quick fix of food th you, Pure Alchemy is your stop. Perfe choose from a list of smoothies, juice elixirs. Order the Lavenberry Dream s a combination you won’t find anywhe made with dried lavender, nut milk, b banana, and maple syrup for a cream go for something a bit more substan Alchemy serves up light entrees like t Salad made with walnut meat.

Catch A Healthy Habit Cafe

39 UNQUOWA ROAD, FAIRFIELD

Even though Catch a Healthy Habit is a cafe, its menu is extensive and diverse. Try the Lo Mein Noodles & Ginger Salad or their Spaghetti and “Meatballs.” There are also juices, smoothies, elixirs and a vegan kids menu. And, true to their name, they’re not just about serving up delicious, healthy, plant-based food but also about educating their community to create healthy habits around mindful eating and nutrition. With a documentary series and weekly round tables, owner Glen Colello makes it his mission to open up dialogue on what we put into our bodies.

The Sweet Beet

498 SALMON BROOK STREET, GRANBY

This grab-and-go spot is great for a quick fix. They are 100% vegan, gluten free, organic/non GMO, soy and peanut free. If you look at that and think “so, what’s there left to eat,” the Sweet Beet lives to show you! Rich savory soups, sandwiches that feature the season’s best flavors, and even mini cupcakes for a sweet treat make this a perfect stop for a bite. Take a moment, too, to explore their little market stocked with vegan and gluten free food options, books, and fun t-shirts.

Vegan Goodies

Three Girls Vegan Creamery

350 STEPSTONE HILL ROAD, GUILFORD

As their website proudly states, Three Girls produces “Artisan Nut Milk Cheese.” Creamy, rich and flavorful, they make some of the best nondairy milks, creams and cheeses around. While their Almond Ricotta and Cream Cheeses are great for every day, it’s the Cannoli Dip that’s the true show-stopper. Buy online or see their stock at Foodworks (Old Saybrook, Guilford), Fiddleheads Food Co-op (New London) or Edge of the Woods Market (New Haven).

Amor Plant Based

HARTFORD

You loved the Amor truck at your favorite local farmer’s market, festival or fair. Although the truck no longer makes its rounds, Amor lives on as a custom vegan catering service. Check out Amor’s social feeds to see what they are creating for their catering customers. Drool over Gabriella’s passion fruit cheesecakes, carrot cakes, s’mores celebration cake, and lemon drop wedding cake.