Vegetarian Journal's Guide to Natural Foods Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada

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• Vegetarian restaurant
•• Vegan restaurant
§ Reviewer's choice

Maine

Bangor

Bagel Central

33 Central St., Bangor, ME 04401

(207) 947-1654

Café/bakery. Located in the heart of downtown Bangor, Bagel Central offers a wide variety of bagels and spreads, including a house-made vegan tofu cream cheese. This eatery also carries some vegan dessert pastries. The atmosphere is friendly and vibrant, featuring paintings from local artists on the walls. Bagel Central is a great place to go for a quick and delicious bagel, soup, sandwich, or sweet treat. Open Sunday through Friday for breakfast and lunch. Closed Saturday. Counter service, vegan options, take-out, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

Giacomo's

1 Central St., Bangor, ME 04401

(207) 947-3702

Café/coffeehouse. Giacomo's serves a variety of Panini sandwiches, each of which is available grilled or ungrilled on your choice of bread, wrap, or served as a salad or pizza. There are several vegetarian selections, noted with a heart on the menu, and the majority of those can be made vegan. Examples of such Panini sandwiches include Vegetable Antipasto, Caprese, and Grilled Vegetable. They also carry a selection of vegan Whoopie pies, a Maine tradition, and vegan breakfast scones. Enjoy outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, and great music. The café is located in the heart of downtown Bangor. Giacomo's is closed on Fridays and Saturdays between lunch and late night service, so please call ahead for hours. Open Monday through Thursday for breakfast and lunch. Open Friday and Saturday for breakfast, lunch, and late night service. Open Sunday for brunch. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, wine/beer, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Bar Harbor

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Ellsworth.)

2 Cats

130 Cottage St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609

(207) 288-2808

Café. 2 Cats is a cozy café, coffeehouse, and inn known far-and-wide for its wonderful breakfasts. Enjoy coffee, juices, and baked goodies made fresh on-site each day. 2 Cats is a place to unwind and relax, especially on their outdoor patio where you can dine in nice weather. Open daily for breakfast and lunch. Full service, vegan options, take-out, smoothies, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, VISA/MC, $$.

Café This Way

14 1/2 Mt. Desert St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609

(207) 288-4483

American. Café This Way has an extravagant breakfast menu, nearly all of which can be made vegetarian (if it's not already) with mockmeats like veggie sausage. They have a few vegan breakfast items as well. Dinner has slightly less options, but there are vegetarian appetizers to choose from as well as a variety of salads and two entrées (Southwest Tempeh Steak and Cashew-Crusted Tofu). Enjoy dining on the outdoor deck in nice weather. Please note that Café This Way is closed between breakfast and dinner so call ahead for hours. Open daily for breakfast and dinner from May through October. Full service, vegan options, take-out, espresso/cappuccino, beer/wine/alcohol, VISA/MC, $$-$$$.

CASA on Cottage

33 Cottage St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609

(207) 801-2285

Mexican/Tex-Mex. CASA on Cottage offers regional Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine with many vegetarian and vegan options. Enjoy vegan versions of tacos, burritos, and quesadillas made with tofu or marinated chickpeas and vegan cheese. Rotating specials include tempeh and green pepper mole poblano, eggplant in Veracruz sauce, and eggplant, tofu, or tempeh in a green pumpkin seed mole. For dessert, try the vegan fruit crumble with soy ice cream (make sure to request the soy ice cream instead of dairy ice cream). CASA is located across from Rite Aid. Hours vary seasonally so please call ahead. Reservations are recommended. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, beer/wine/alcohol, VISA/MC, $-$$$.

··Eden Vegetarian Café

321 Main St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609

(207) 288-4422

Vegan/organic/gourmet. Eden Vegetarian Café is a vegan restaurant featuring organic ingredients and produce from local farms. Their elegant menu changes with the seasons, but previous offerings have included Fire Cracker BBQ Tempeh, Garden Vegetable Stuffed Tofu Pockets, Spring Asparagus & Leek Bisque, and Thai Drunken Noodles. The restaurant is located on the corner of Edgewood and Main. Please note that Eden is open from May through October. Reservations are accepted. Open Monday through Saturday for dinner. Closed Sunday. Open May through October. Full service, take-out, beer/wine, VISA/MC/DISC, $$-$$$.

Gringo's

30 Rodick St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609

(207) 288-2326

Mexican. Gringo's is a vegan-friendly restaurant serving Mexican dishes with optional tofu in place of meat. They also offer many vegetarian burritos. Gringo's is a local favorite in the beautiful town of Bar Harbor and is open seasonally. Open daily for lunch and dinner from May through October. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, soymilk, smoothies, beer, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Belfast

Belfast Co-op Deli

123 High St., Belfast, ME 04915

(207) 338-2532

Natural foods. Belfast Co-op serves three vegetarian entrées daily, as well as salads and breads. Open daily for breakfast and lunch. Limited service, take-out, fresh juices, $.

·Chase's Daily

96 Main St., Belfast, ME 04915

(207) 338-0555

Vegetarian/American. Chase's Daily is a vegetarian restaurant with creative dishes. They use fresh produce gathered from their own farm. Popular dishes include Soba Noodles with Spicy Grilled Tofu, Napa Cabbage Salad, and the Black Beans and Rice Burrito. They also feature a daily soup. Open Tuesday through Thursday for breakfast and lunch. Open Friday for three meals. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, beer/wine, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

Darby's Restaurant & Pub

155 High St., Belfast, ME 04915

(207) 338-2339

International. Darby's Restaurant & Pub has operated continuously since 1865 with the original walls, tin ceiling, and antique bar. There are some vegetarian items offered including the Fiesta Salad (available with vegetarian black beans), portobello sandwich, Pad Thai (available with tofu), and Bombay Curry (available with tofu). Darby's is located in the historic downtown of Belfast, just two doors down from the Colonial Theatre (movie theater). Reservations are recommended. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, take-out, espresso/cappuccino, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$-$$$.

Bethel

·Café DiCocoa

125 Main St., Bethel, ME 04217

(207) 824-5282

Vegetarian. Café DiCocoa is a self-proclaimed "funky and hip natural foods eatery." Located in an 1880s Victorian farmhouse, this café has a full bakery and holds cooking and baking classes. They are kid-friendly and do vegetarian catering. Open year-round with seasonal hours. Full service, vegan options, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, espresso/cappucino, soymilk, VISA/MC/DISC/DC, $-$$.

Biddeford

New Morning Natural Foods

230 Main St., Biddeford, ME 04005

(207) 282-1434

Natural foods store/organic/café. New Morning Natural Foods is a family-run labor of love. They offer whole, organic foods, bulk items, organic produce, and more! They have a café in the back of the store with an ever-changing selection of creative entrées, a wide variety of sandwiches, and homemade soups and chili. Please note that only the Biddeford location contains a café. Open Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Counter service, vegan options, take-out, $.

Brunswick

Henry and Marty Restaurant

61 Maine St., Brunswick, ME 04011

(207) 721-9141

Organic/natural foods. Henry and Marty Restaurant uses the best local ingredients available to create food that celebrates the season. They offer a few vegan options, and almost every dish is gluten-free or can be prepared gluten-free. Try dishes such as the awesome Pasta with Henry's Red Sauce (made with vegan soy meatballs), the Roasted Delicata Squash (with Maine maple syrup, stuffed with red and white Quinoa, topped with a drizzle of roasted butternut squash seed oil), or the Tempeh Sauté (organic soy tempeh with caramelized leeks and toasted pumpkin seeds, topped with a slow roasted heirloom tomato sauce, and served with Himalayan Red rice and a vegetable). Hours may change seasonally, so please call ahead or check online. Open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, beer/wine/alcohol, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$-$$$.

·Parkview Adventist Medical Center Café

329 Maine St., Brunswick, ME 04011

(207) 373-2248

Vegetarian/cafeteria. This hospital café is open to both staff and visitors and is completely vegetarian. They use mostly organic ingredients and locally-sourced foods whenever possible. Each day the café features a different cuisine, such as American or Asian. Cash only. Open Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch. Closed on Saturday and Sunday. Cafeteria, vegan options, $.

Wild Oats Bakery & Café

Tontine Mall, 149 Maine St., Brunswick, ME 04011

(207) 725-6287

Bakery/café/deli. Wild Oats is a from-scratch bakery, café, and deli in the heart of downtown Brunswick. They have a revolving selection of deli salads, many of which are vegan, and they usually have at least one vegan soup. They don't offer vegan bakery items. Have a refreshing fruit salad or a cup of coffee while surfing the Internet. Free Wi-Fi is available. Check out each day's menu online or sign-up to receive it by email. Wild Oats is located in the Tontine Mall, across from Pleasant Street, and within easy walking distance of Bowdoin College. Open daily for breakfast and lunch. Cafeteria, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, smoothies, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, non-alcoholic beer, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

Ellsworth

Riverside Café

151 Main St., Ellsworth, ME 04605

(207) 667-7220

American. Enjoy breakfast or lunch in the relaxing environment of the Riverside Café. The restaurant offers a separate vegetarian menu, including The Illusive Tofu Scramble, The TLT, and 151 Main, a vegan French toast dish. Open daily for breakfast and lunch. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, smoothies, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Freeport

Royal River Natural Foods

443 US Route 1, Freeport, ME 04032

(207) 865-0046

Natural foods store/organic. Royal River Natural Foods is a health market specializing in local and organic foods. They offer tofu cheeses, meat substitutes, and other vegan items; local organic produce; fresh-baked bread; special dietary products; organic and specialty wines; local and micro-brewed beer; gourmet treats; cruelty-free body care items; and eco-friendly household goods. Royal River also offers delicious take-out foods such as sandwiches, soups, muffins, and salads. Table seating is available. Check their website for daily hot deli choices, fresh organic juice schedule, and upcoming seminars and other events. The store is located in downtown Freeport near L.L. Bean. Open daily. Cafeteria, vegan options, take-out, delivery, fresh juices, soymilk, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

The Corsican Restaurant

9 Mechanic St., Freeport, ME 04032

(207) 865-9421

Natural foods. Homemade vegetarian soups, unique whole-wheat pizza, calzones, and fresh baked breads are offered daily. Delicious pies and cakes are also available for dessert. No smoking is allowed. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, wine/beer, $$.

Kennebunk

New Morning Natural Foods

3 York St., Kennebunk, ME 04043

(207) 985-6774

Natural foods store/organic. See description under Biddeford, ME.

Lewiston

She Doesn't Like Guthries

115 Middle St., Lewiston, ME 04240

(207) 376-3344

American/eclectic. She Doesn't Like Guthries is an inviting restaurant filled with local art and live music. They offer many vegetarian and vegan selections such as their Vegan Burrito or Marquee Moon Panini (request the turkey be replaced with Tofurky). They make every effort to be eco-conscious and have been certified as a Green Restaurant by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Free Wi-Fi is available. Open Monday through Friday for three meals. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, smoothies, beer/wine, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

Norway

··Taste of Eden Vegan Café

238 Main St., Norway, ME 04268

(207) 739-6090

Vegan/café. The Taste of Eden Vegan Café, located in the center of Main Street, is committed to promoting a healthy, vegan lifestyle for its customers. Some of their weekly specials include vegetable pot pie, chickpea alfredo, and spinach lasagna. They also occasionally offer small group vegan cooking classes, and the restaurant includes a small vegan store with ingredients and cookbooks. Open Sunday for brunch and dinner. Open Monday through Thursday for three meals. Closed Friday and Saturday. Full service, take-out, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

Portland

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Biddeford and Freeport.)

·Green Elephant Vegetarian Bistro

608 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101

(207) 347-3111

Vegetarian/Asian. Asian-inspired vegetarian cuisine is the focus at Green Elephant. Most items are vegan (and are noted as such on the menu) or can be made vegan. All "meats" are vegetarian soy. The menu offers a good variety and includes entrées such as Watercress Veggie-Duck, Organic Green Tea Noodle, and Veggie Citrus Spare Ribs. Green Elephant is closed between lunch and dinner so please call for hours. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday and Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, soymilk, beer/wine, non-alcoholic beer, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$-$$$.

··Little Lad's Bakery & Café

482 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101

(207) 871-1636

Vegan/café/bakery/kosher. Little Lad's Bakery & Café offers an all-vegan menu that is easy on the wallet. Stop in for breakfast or their very popular lunch buffet. The buffet includes a salad bar, soups, bread, dessert, sandwiches, and entrées. While the buffet menu rotates regularly, previous items have included Shepherd's Pie, Corn Pone Pie, Spoon Bread, and Sweet Peas. Cash only. Open Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Buffet, take-out, catering, $.

Pepperclub Restaurant

78 Middle St., Portland, ME 04101

(207) 772-0531

International. The Pepperclub menu is approximately 50% vegetarian and 50% fish. There is always at least one vegan entrée offered daily. Open daily for dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, wine/beer, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

··ROOST House of Juice

11 Free St., Portland, ME 04101

(207) 899-4275

Vegan/organic/juice bar. ROOST House of Juice is an artisan juice and smoothie bar with a cozy yet chic atmosphere. You can order straight at the bar and sit down with some friends, or make yourself comfortable on the pillow-lined window seats. The majority of their menu items are prepared with local, organic, and sustainably-grown produce, and they offer specials utilizing fruits and veggies that are in season at local farms. A section of their freshly-pressed juices are based on cocktails, such as the Arugulita, omitting the tequila in favor of flavor-packed arugula (salt around the rim is optional). ROOST is located just east of the Portland Public Library and the Maine Historical Society in the Old Port neighborhood. Open Tuesday through Friday for three meals. Open Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday and Monday. Full service, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, wine, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Silly's Restaurant

40 Washington Ave., Portland, ME 04101

(207) 772-0360

Natural foods/eclectic. Silly's is a small eatery with a colorful atmosphere and delicious food. Their extensive menu offers a variety of choices including hummus, falafel, sesame noodles, pizza, Jamaican beans and rice, and sandwiches. Silly's is very veg-friendly; its menu notes what is vegetarian and vegan and they have a dedicated vegan fryer. The outdoor garden patio is open for summer dining. Silly's is located in the East End. Open Tuesday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, beer/wine/alcohol, special beverages, VISA/MC, $-$$.

The Works Bakery Café

15 Temple St., Portland, ME 04101

(207) 879-2425

Bagel deli. More than 16 varieties of bagels are offered with various topping options, including cream cheeses, Tofutti spreads, salads, and other vegetarian combinations. Only natural ingredients without preservatives are used. The Works Bakery Café is environmentally conscious and socially active in its community. Open daily for breakfast and lunch. Counter service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, espresso/cappuccino, $.

Whole Foods Market

2 Somerset St., Portland, ME 04101

(207) 774-7711

Natural foods store/deli. A wide variety of vegetarian and vegan foods are offered in the deli and on the salad bar. Open daily. Cafeteria, vegan options, take-out, wine/beer, VISA/MC, $-$$.