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

Symbol Key:

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

Minnesota

Blaine

Organica Cafeteria

Aveda Corporation, 4000 Pheasant Ridge Dr., Blaine, MN 55449

(763) 783-4069

Organic/natural foods. Located at Aveda Corporation Headquarters, this employee cafeteria is open to the public and offers many vegetarian entrées, soups, salads, and sandwiches. Open Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Cafeteria, vegan options, fresh juices, take-out, catering, $.

Bloomington

Tandoor Restaurant

8062 Morgan Cir. S., Bloomington, MN 55431

(952) 885-9060

Indian. Their menu features many vegetarian offerings, including appetizers, Channa Aloo (chickpeas and potato), Yellow Dahl (lentils), Bhindy (Okra) Masala, Malai Kofta (veggie rolls with cashews and raisins), Bangan Barta (puréed eggplant with onions, tomatoes, and peas), Mushroom Palak (with spinach in curry), and a vegetarian combination platter. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer, non-alcoholic beer, special drinks, take-out, catering, $$-$$$.

Duluth

Pizza Luce

11 E. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802

(218) 727-7400

Pizza. Pizza Luce is extremely veg-friendly with menu notations indicating what is vegan as well as items that can be made vegan upon request. While they offer veggie hoagies, salads, and appetizers, the main attraction, of course, is the pizza! And their hallmark 'Build Your Own Pizza' does not leave vegetarians and vegans out! Their meat substitutes include phony pepperoni, veggie sausage, mock duck, and tofu. Instead of cheese, choose their own Rinotta or soy cheese (both vegan). They've got veggies covered too with several types of onions, peppers, and olives, along with roasted eggplant, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts. Enjoy your pie! Open Monday through Friday for three meals through late night. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner through late night. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, fresh juices, beer/wine, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$-$$$.

Taste of Saigon

DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace, 94 Lake Ave. S., Duluth, MN 55802

(218) 727-1598

Vietnamese. The Taste of Saigon offers a selection of vegetarian dishes, including tofu and mock meat items. Open Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, $-$$.

The New Scenic Café

5461 N. Shore Dr., Duluth, MN 55804

(218) 525-6274

Eclectic. A passion for interesting and beautiful foods combined with an interest in the cuisines of the world set the stage for the fare at the New Scenic Café. This culinary global fusion includes a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. Reservations are recommended. Opens daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, beer/wine, non-alcoholic beer/wine, special drinks, VISA/MC/DISC, $$-$$$.

Edina

Good Earth

3460 Galleria., Edina, MN 55435

(952) 925-1001

Natural foods. Good Earth is a casual, welcoming restaurant with a spiritual feel. Tea, cinnamon, and citrus fill the air. Fresh baked goods are offered daily. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, beer/wine, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Hopkins

Curry 'N' Noodles

802 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343

(952) 681-7834

Indo-Chinese Fusion. With "an inspired mix of Indian spices and Chinese styles," Curry 'N' Noodles can provide an exciting lunch buffet or a cozy romantic dinner. Enjoy such exotic pairings as Szechwan Fried Rice with creamy Palak Paneer or Hot and Sour Soup with an aromatic Vegetable Biryani and feathery, layered Paratha bread. For dessert, add a touch of sweetness to the spice with an egg-free Mango Chocolate Mousse. They offer vegan buffet items, which are clearly labeled, and they also cook vegetarian items to order for vegans. Curry 'N' Noodles is on the corner of Main Street and 8th Avenue in downtown Hopkins. The restaurant is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Wednesday through Monday for lunch buffet and dinner. Closed Tuesday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, beer/wine, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Mankato

The Coffee Hag

329 N. Riverfront Dr., Mankato, MN 56001

(507) 387-5533

Coffeehouse. Customers say that Coffee Hag presents fast healthy, deli-style food at a fair price. Each day features a new menu of vegetarian and vegan items, including soups, salads, sandwiches, and calzones. Located in the historic old downtown, the café offers a unique cultural and dining experience. Regional artists, musicians, and poets find The Coffee Hag a welcome oasis to present their art amid acres of cornfields. Open daily for three meals. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, $.

Maplewood

Taste of India

1745 Cope Ave., Maplewood, MN 55109

(651) 773-5477

Indian. This restaurant offers several vegetarian offerings, including a dinner for two. Dishes can be made mildly spiced to extra hot at a diner's request. Taste of India is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, wine/beer, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Minneapolis

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Anoka, Blaine, Bloomington, Columbia Heights, Edina, Hastings, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Roseville, Spring Lake Park, St. Louis Park, and St. Paul.)

Birchwood Café

3311 E. 25th St., Minneapolis, MN 55406

(612) 722-4474

Natural foods/organic/coffeehouse. Birchwood Café is a veg-friendly eatery serving organic and local foods. Enjoy a specialty coffee beverage in this cozy café. Birchwood is located in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. Open Monday through Friday for three meals. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, espresso/cappuccino, wine/beer, VISA/MC, $$.

Café Organica

400 Central Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

(612) 378-7413

Organic/natural foods. This café, located in an educational center, serves organic bean burritos, sandwiches, and special entrées each day. They make vegetarian foods using organic base foods; most cooking is done on the premises and from scratch. Open Tuesday through Friday. Closed Saturday through Monday. Cafeteria, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, $.

··Ecopolitan

2409 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55405

(612) 874-7336

Vegan. Ecopolitan's menu consists entirely of raw, organic vegan foods and offers a nice variety of soups, salads, entrées, pizzas, and desserts. The clean, smoke-free environment is enhanced by the use of non-toxic paints and building materials. Dress is typically informal but suitable for business entertaining. Reservations are recommended. The restaurant also has an ecological shop that sells natural, non-toxic home and body products. Ecopolitan emphasizes education and social support and offers weekly events that emphasize health and sustainability on Mondays. Open daily for three meals. Full service, fresh juices, smoothies, non-alcoholic cocktails, take-out (please bring your own containers), VISA/MC, $$-$$$.

Falafel King

701 W. Lake St., Minneapolis, MN 55408

(612) 824-7887

Middle Eastern. Try the tabbouleh salad with the Falafel King Combo (hummus, eggplant, king salad, potatoes, and falafel) at this highly-recommended establishment. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, fresh juices, $.

French Meadow Bakery & Café

2610 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55408

(612) 870-7855

Café. French Meadow is a highly-recommended, casual café with a bakery that is renowned for its great-tasting, healthy breads. It offers a nice variety of vegetarian meals, from the Tempeh Fajita Wrap to the award-winning Vegan Black Bean Chili. Try the Vegan Fruit Crisp for dessert. The restaurant also features a large sidewalk café, which lends itself to an eclectic atmosphere and crowd. Open daily for three meals. Limited service, vegan/macrobiotic options, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, beer/wine/alcohol, non-alcoholic beer/wine, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Galactic Pizza

2917 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55408

(612) 824-9100

Pizza. Located in uptown Minneapolis, this colorful establishment touts itself as "pizza with a conscience." They use hemp for eveything from their menus to their pesto, and 90 percent of the pizzas are available as vegetarian or vegan, which substitutes gourmet mozzarella alternative for cheese and mock duck for chicken. Interesting offerings include the Alamo, with BBQ sauce, cheddar, and red peppers; the CSA, which uses fresh seasonal crops from the Natural Harvest Community Supported Agriculture; and the truly unique Paul Bunyan with morel mushrooms and wild rice. Pasta, salads, desserts, and soft drinks are also available. Open daily for lunch through late night. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

·Hard Times Café

1821 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55454

(612) 341-9261

Vegetarian. Hard Times Café is a worker-owned collective located in the Cedar/Riverside neighborhood. Whether you're in the mood for a late-night snack at 3 a.m. or a mid-afternoon lunch, Hard Times Café is the place to go. Enjoy their seitan gyro, bean burrito, or vegan brownie. Cash only. Open daily for three meals to late night service. Full service, vegan options, take-out, $$.

It's Greek To Me

626 W. Lake St., Minneapolis, MN 55408

(612) 825-9922

Greek. To start things off, try the Fakes Me Spanaki soup with lentils and spinach. There are six vegetarian entrées, but you may want to try out the Vegetarian Mousaka and wash it down with a Greek Coffee. Open Tuesday through Friday for dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX/DC, $$.

Lotus To Go Go

113 W. Grant St., Minneapolis, MN 55403

(612) 870-1218

Vietnamese. Vegetarian options include tofu, vegetable, and mock meat dishes. No eggs are used. Lotus To Go Go is located in Grant Mall in downtown Minneapolis. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

Moghal's

1123 W. Lake St., Minneapolis, MN 55408

(612) 823-2866

Indian. The vegetarian menu at Moghal's is extensive and creative. Try the Mushroom Spinach Curry or the Mushroom Bhazee. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $-$$.

Ping's Szechuan Bar & Grill

1401 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55403

(612) 874-9404

Chinese. Located near the Convention Center, Ping's serves vegetarian entrées, including some made with mock duck. The restaurant is willing to make substitutions for any dish. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

Pizza Luce

119 N. 4th St., Minneapolis, MN 55401

(612) 333-7359

3200 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55401

(612) 827-5978

2200 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55404

(612) 332-2535

Pizza. The two other Minneapolis locations of Pizza Luce do not serve brunch on weekends. They are open daily for lunch and dinner through late night. See description under Duluth, MN. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner through late night. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner through late night.

Seward Community Café

2129 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55404

(612) 332-1011

Natural foods. The Seward Café is located on the corner across from the Seward Co-op and offers sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts in a cafetaria/café atmosphere. Patio dining is available. Open daily for three meals. Cafeteria, vegan options, take-out, $.

Tao Natural Foods & Books

2200 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55405

(612) 377-4630

Juice bar/deli. The Tao has a small juice bar and deli in front of its natural foods store. Daily sandwich and soup specials are offered, along with a great selection of books, herbs, vitamins, and health and beauty products. Tao is located next to an eco-store. Open daily. Limited service, take-out, fresh juices, $.

The Lotus of Campus

313 Oak St., SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

(612) 331-1781

Vietnamese. The Lotus has a vegetarian section on its menu. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, beer, take-out, no credit cards, $.

Triple Rock Social Club

629 Cedar Ave., S., Minneapolis, MN 55454

(612) 333-7399

American. This corner bar has two owners, one who eats meat and one who is vegan. So the menu has an equal number of meat and vegan dishes. Among the veggie items are Vegan French Toast, Vegan Meatloaf, and a Tofu Down Home BBQ Sandwich, but they can make most items vegan unless otherwise noted. The restaurant is non-smoking, with a typically casual atmosphere. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, beer/wine/alcohol, non-alcoholic beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Wedge Community Co-Op Deli

2105 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55405

(612) 871-3993

Natural foods deli. The Wedge Co-op has a deli counter in the back with a wonderful selection of salads, sandwiches, and some soups. Open daily for three meals. Take-out, vegan options, VISA/MC, $.

Minnetonka

The Marsh Restaurant

15000 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, MN 55345

(612) 935-2202

Health club restaurant. The highly-recommended Marsh Restaurant serves some vegetarian foods. All muffins and breads are baked from scratch on-site, using a minimum of processed foods. Open daily. Cafeteria, take-out, fresh juices, wine/beer, VISA/MC, $$.

Rochester

·The Back Room Deli

1001 6th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901

(507) 289-9061

Vegetarian deli in a natural foods store. Located in the back of the Good Food Store Co-op, the Back Room Deli, is completely vegetarian and very vegan-friendly. They offer soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and great weekday lunch specials. Many items are gluten-free and organic ingredients are used whenever available. The Back Room Deli has won numerous Readers' Choice awards. Open Monday through Saturday for three meals. Closed Sunday. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Roseville

Good Earth

1901 W. Hwy. #36, Roseville, MN 55113

(651) 636-0956

Natural foods. See description under Edina, MN.

St. Louis Park

Taste of India

5617 Wayzata Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55416

(952) 541-4865

Indian. Enjoy a fine selection of vegetarian dishes at Taste of India. The restaurant is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, VISA/MC, $-$$.

St. Paul

Babani's Kurdish Restaurant

544 St. Peter St., St. Paul, MN 55102

(651) 602-9964

Kurdish. This Kurdish restaurant offers dishes such as Vegetarian Bakla, Garbanzo Shilla, Biryani, and Dolma. For a real kick, try the Kurdish Tea. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for dinner. Full service, vegan options, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

·Bravo! Café & Bakery

1106 Grand Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105

(651) 287-9118

Vegetarian. Bravo! Café & Bakery serves vegetarian Chinese cuisine that features mock meats. Their faux fish is a favorite among people who frequent the place. For a small fee, you can request they serve your meal with brown rice instead of white, an option I would love to have at other Chinese restaurants. Unfortunately, the bakery doesn't feature vegan desserts very often, but you can order whole vegan cakes from them. The staff is very knowledgeable about their vegan options, so don't be afraid to ask questions. Open Monday through Saturday for three meals. Closed Sunday. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, smoothies, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, special beverages, VISA/MC, $.

Everest on Grand

1278 Grand Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105

(651) 696-1666

Himalayan/Nepalese/Indian. The menu at Everest on Grand is 75% vegetarian. Choose from veggie soup, momo (dumplings), curry dishes, combination plates, rice dishes, and desserts. Everest is closed on weekdays between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, beer/wine, non-alcoholic beer, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$.

Khyber Pass Café

1571 Grand Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105

(651) 690-0505

Afghan. Vegetarian options include Shorwa, a vegetarian vegetable soup; Aush made with whole green peas and kidney, garbanzo, and mung beans; Shola, Mung Beans, and Rice topped with Chutney; as well as a few other   la carte items. Khyber Pass is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, take-out, catering, beer/wine, VISA/MC, $$.

Mississippi Market Natural Foods Co-op

1500 7th St. W., St. Paul, MN 55102

(651) 690-0507

622 Selby Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102

(651) 310-9499

Natural foods store/deli. You will find several veggie options here. The 7th Street location is a grab-and-go deli only. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Deli-style, vegan options, take-out, smoothies, VISA/MC, $.

Pizza Luce

1183 Selby Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104

(651) 288-0186

Pizza. See description under Duluth, MN. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner through late night. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner through late night.

St. Peter

St. Peter Food Co-op and Deli

119 W. Broadway Ave., St. Peter, MN 56082

(507) 931-4880

Natural foods deli. The shop offers self-serve soups and entrées, plus a cooler stocked with pre-made sandwiches and salads. Fresh baked goods are also available. Open daily. Cafeteria, vegan options, take-out, $.