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

Symbol Key:

•• Vegan or vegetarian restaurant
§ Reviewer's choice

Connecticut

Avon

Garden of Light Natural Food Market

395 W. Main St., Avon, CT 06001

(860) 409-2196

Natural foods store/deli. Award-winning vegan chef Ken Bergeron supervises this store's deli. Organic ingredients are used whenever possible. Enjoy a full salad bar, fresh baked goods, and hot dishes sold mostly by the pound. Open daily. Counter service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, VISA/MC, $$.

Bridgeport

  (For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Fairfield and Norwalk.)

•• Bloodroot  §

85 Ferris St., Bridgeport, CT 06605

(203) 576-9168

Vegetarian. Situated on an inlet in Long Island Sound, Bloodroot is "a feminist restaurant and bookstore with a seasonal vegetarian menu." This menu changes every three to four weeks to take advantage of foods in season. Outdoor dining on the herb terrace is available. Open Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday. Closed Monday and Wednesday. Limited service on the weekdays, full service on weekends, vegan options, wine/beer, no credit cards, $$.

Brookfield

Pancho's & Gringo's Mexican Restaurant

77 Federal Rd., Brookfield, CT 06804

(203) 775-0096

Mexican. A separate vegetarian menu includes chimichangas, black bean soup, vegetable fajitas, as well as several other vegetarian items. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, espresso/cappuccino, smoothies, catering, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DC, $-$$.

Danbury

Hanna's

72 Lake Ave., Danbury, CT 06810

(203) 748-5713

Middle Eastern. Hanna's offers a vegetarian combination platter with falafel, grape leaves, hummus, and tabbouleh. They also have a falafel sandwich, spinach pies, and vegetarian grape leaves. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, beer/wine, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Sesame Seed

68 W. Wooster St., Danbury, CT 06810

(203) 743-9850

Natural foods. Middle Eastern dishes, broccoli strudel, spinach dumplings, and vegetable pie are featured at the Sesame Seed. Open Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Full service, non-alcoholic beer, wine/beer, take-out, $-$$.

East Hartford

•• Woodland

838 Silver Ln., East Hartford, CT 06118

(860) 568-8800

Vegetarian/Indian. Woodland's menu offers something for everyone who enjoys Indian cuisine. Try spicy dishes like the chili-pepper-powered sambhar soup, the green chili pakora, or the aloo gobi, or you may want to feast on one of 10 different kinds of dosai, all of which are seasoned with cumin, turmeric and black mustard seeds. However, this restaurant's specialty is its light, delicious breads, including batura and parathas. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options.

Fairfield

Fairfield Diner and Vegetarian Enclave

90 Kings Hwy. Cut Off, Fairfield, CT 06430

(203) 335-4090

American. Located near Exit 24 off I-95, this diner offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including Middle Eastern cuisine, tempeh Reuben sandwiches, grilled polenta, grilled tofu, veggie burgers, grilled portobello mushroom sandwiches, and veggie chili. They also serve vegan chocolate cake. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

•• Health In A Hurry

1891 Post Rd., Fairfield, CT 06824

(203) 254-5777

Vegetarian/natural foods. Health In A Hurry offers organic vegetarian cuisine to go. Some notable dishes include Portabella Quinoa, Vegetable Tofu Almondine, Three Bean Tempeh Chili, and Sweet Ginger Tofu. During spring and summer, there is limited seating just outside the restaurant. Open Monday through Friday for three meals. Open Saturday for breakfast and lunch. Closed Sunday. Take-out, vegan options, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Glastonbury

Ambassador of India

2333 Main St., Glastonbury, CT 06033

(860) 659-2529

Indian. This terrific Indian restaurant has been voted 'Best Indian Restaurant Statewide' by Connecticut Magazine numerous times and with good reason. The food is delicious and there are both spicy and non-spicy dishes to choose from. Try the Dal Tadka, a combination of mung and lentils or the assorted veggie platter which includes vegetable samosas and pakoras. Open Sunday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday for dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, beer/wine, non-alcoholic beer, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Garden of Light Natural Food Market

2836 Main St., Glastonbury, CT 06033

(860) 657-9131

Natural foods deli. See description under Avon, CT.

Greenwich

Chola

107-109 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich, CT 06830

(203) 869-0700

Indian. This restaurant is owned and operated by the same people who run Chola in New York City. However, the menus are slightly different. Sample the Aloo Dilruba, Nilgiri Korma, Chana Dal, or Tofu Kadai. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, catering, take-out, delivery, beer/wine/alcohol, carrot juice, soymilk, buffet, reservations taken, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$-$$$.

Guilford

Shoreline Diner & Vegetarian Enclave

345 Boston Post Rd., Guilford, CT 05437

(203) 458-7380

American. Located near Exit 59 off I-95, this restaurant is owned and operated by the people who run the Fairfield Diner in Fairfield, CT. They have the exact same menu and options available. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Hartford

  (For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see East Hartford, Glastonbury, Middletown, Rocky Hill, and West Hartford.)

•• Alchemy Juice Bar Café

203 New Britain Ave., Hartford, CT 06106

(860) 246-5700

Vegetarian café/organic/juice bar. Alchemy is a quaint eatery that serves raw, macrobiotic, vegetarian, vegan, and 99% organic food. Alchemy offers soups, juices, sandwiches, wraps, and platters. Baked goods are made on-site and a selection of organic teas and coffees are available. The café features an energizing atmosphere with high-speed wireless Internet access (wired jacks available), an oxygen bar, clothing, jewelry, books, and incense. Classes of yoga, meditation, and cooking are offered. Hartford location is across from Trinity College, Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for brunch. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, special drinks, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

Lion's Den

403 1/2 Woodland St., Hartford, CT 06112

(860) 241-0512

Caribbean. Though this restaurant serves fish, its mostly vegetarian menu features many dishes made from steamed vegetables and soy products. Open Monday through Saturday for three meals. Closed Sunday. Counter service, vegan options, take-out, catering, no credit cards, $-$$.

Killingworth

The Country Squire

243-247 Rte. 80, Killingworth, CT 06419

(860) 663-3228

International. Housed in an historic 18th century inn, the restaurant is located in a period carriage barn. Although not a vegetarian restaurant, they do cater to the needs of vegetarians, listing menu items that can be made both vegetarian and vegan. These include the Artichoke Hearts and Granny Smith Apples and the Smoky Eggplant Caviar. Open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Full service, catering, reservations required, vegan options, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, smoothies, soymilk, non-alcoholic wine/beer, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

Middletown

•• It's Only Natural Vegetarian Restaurant

386 Main St., Middletown, CT 06457

(860) 346-9210

Vegetarian/natural foods. This restaurant serves international gourmet vegetarian and macrobiotic meals, featuring fresh baked bread and desserts. It also features an outdoor patio in a small mall. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open the first Sunday of the month for brunch. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• Udupi Bhavan

749 Saybrook Rd., Middletown, CT 06457

(860) 346-3355

Vegetarian/Indian. This South Indian restaurant offers curries, crepes, rice dishes, and much more. They are very accommodating and will gladly make most dishes vegan upon request. Located in Trade Wind Plaza. Udupi Bhavan is closed between lunch and dinner on weekdays so please call ahead for hours. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, special beverages, VISA/MC, $-$$.

New Haven

  (For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Fairfield, Guilford, Killingworth, Old Saybrook, and Southington.)

•• Ahimsa

1227 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511

(203) 786-4774

Vegan/international. Ahimsa is a vegan, organic, and kosher restaurant offering international cuisine. About one third of the menu is raw and includes some raw desserts. Near Yale University, the restaurant has a meeting room which is convenient for both students and organizations. Enjoy live jazz music on Friday and Saturday evenings at this upscale restaurant. Ahimsa is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, espresso.cappuccino, beer/wine/alcohol, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$-$$$.

Avanti's

45 Grove St., New Haven, CT 06511

(203) 777-3234

Italian. Avanti's is an Italian restaurant and pizzeria with several vegan options. Open Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, espresso/cappuccino, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC, $$.

•• Claire's Corner Copia

1000 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06510

(203) 562-3888

Vegetarian/organic/kosher. Described as one of "America's Oldest Vegetarian Restaurants," Claire's Corner Copia is a warm and cozy café. Visitors to New Haven should stop by and check out the BBQ Tofu, Soy Beef Fajitas, risotto, and soups that Claire's has to offer. The website also has updates on special events and recipes. Open daily for three meals. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, soymilk, smoothies, $$.

Edge of the Woods

379 Whalley Ave., New Haven, CT 06511

(203) 787-1055

Health foods store deli. Partake of vegetarian fare with some vegan choices and baked goods. Open daily. Cafeteria, fresh juices, take-out, $.

•• Elaine's Healthy Choice

117 Whalley Ave., New Haven, CT 06511

(203) 773-1897

Vegan/Caribbean. Near Yale University, this 100% vegan Jamaican restaurant offers satisfying foods like barbequed 'chicken' and macaroni & 'cheese.' Elaineés is mostly a take-out restaurant, but a few small tables are available. Open Sunday through Thursday for lunch and dinner. Open Friday for lunch. Closed Saturday. Limited service, take-out, delivery, catering, VISA/MC/DISC, $-$$.

House of Chao

898 Whalley Ave., New Haven, CT 06515

(203) 389-6624

Chinese. House of Chao offers many vegan options and is accustomed to adjusting the menu for vegetarians. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, $$.

India Palace

65 Howe St., New Haven, CT 06511

(203) 776-9010

Indian. There's a vegetarian menu section to choose from, plus vegetable pakora, samosas, soup, breads, and desserts. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer, take-out, $$.

Mamoun's Falafel Restaurant

85 Howe St., New Haven, CT 06511

(203) 562-8444

Middle Eastern. Mamoun's has an informal atmosphere with Middle Eastern décor. Located just a few blocks from the Connecticut River, this restaurant makes everything fresh daily, including favorites such as Tabbouleh, Stuffed Grape Leaves, and Baba Ghanouj, as well as specialties such as Moujedrha, Ful Mudammas, and Kibbeh without meat. Open daily for lunch and dinner through late night. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, $.

Rainbow Garden

1022 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06511

(203) 777-2390

Natural foods. Hot and cold vegetarian sandwiches along with ethnic entrées, daily specials, and soups are available at Rainbow Garden. Menu changes daily and there are many vegan entrées offered in a smoke- and alcohol-free environment. Open daily. vegan options, Self-service, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $.

•• Thali Too

65 Broadway, New Haven, CT 06511

(203) 776-1600

Vegetarian/Indian. Thali Too offers delicious and healthy all-vegetarian Indian cuisine served in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Someone who enjoys spicier dishes should try the Sabji Manchurian (cabbage, cauliflower & carrot fritters in hot cilantro garlic sauce). Some dishes contain milk products (paneer especially), so vegans should ask the staff what is appropriate to eat. This is a great place to catch dinner after a movie since they are open late on weekends. Thali Too is closed between lunch and dinner so please call ahead for hours. Open Sunday through Thursday for lunch and dinner. Open Friday and Saturday for lunch and dinner through late night. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, beer/wine, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Norwalk

Falafel Inn

333 Westport Ave., Norwalk, CT 06851

(203) 354-8497

Middle Eastern. It's no surprise that the Falafel Inn specializes in falafel. You can get them in pitas, wraps, platters, or salad. But there are other delicious Middle Eastern choices such as foul (fava beans), fried eggplant, hummus, baba ghanouj, and stuffed grape leaves. Salads, rices, soups, and desserts are available too. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, VISA/MC, $$.

The Lime Restaurant

168 Main Ave., Norwalk, CT 06851

(203) 846-9240

Natural foods. This restaurant has many eclectic dishes from around the world, including Tofu in Oriental Orange Sauce, Soy Carrot Loaf, and Black Bean Burritos. Outdoor seating Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, reservations recommended, fresh juices, beer/wine, non-alcoholic beer/wine, MC/AMEX/DC, $$-$$$.

•• The Stand Café & Juice Bar

31 Wall St., Norwalk, CT 06850

(203) 956-5670

Vegan/juice bar/café. The Stand Café & Juice Bar sells drinks, of course, but also salads, soups, sandwiches, and baked goods. Ingredients are organic whenever possible. The menu includes raw options. Open Monday through Saturday for breakfast, lunch and early dinner. Closed Sunday. Limited service, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, VISA/MC/AMEX, $.

Old Saybrook

Saigon City

1315 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook, CT 06475

(860) 388-6888

Vietnamese/Thai. When you want authentic Vietnamese or Thai cuisine, the only road to travel leads to Saigon City in Old Saybrook. The menu has a full page of vegetarian options, including Thai Coconut Tofu with Veggies and Pad Thai. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, non-smoking, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$-$$$.

Rocky Hill

Rasoi Grill

1860 Silas Deane Hwy., Rocky Hill, CT 06067

(860) 529-5252

Indian. This Indian restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian favorites. Open daily for lunch. Open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner. Open weekends for brunch. Full service, buffet, take-out, $$.

Simsbury

•• Alchemy Juice Bar Café

554 Hopmeadow Ave., Simsbury, CT 06070

(860) 408-0989

Vegetarian café/organic/juice bar. See description under Hartford, CT. Open Monday through Saturday for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner. Closed Sunday.

Southbury

Seéor Pancho's Mexican Restaurante

Union Square Mall, Southbury, CT 06488

(203) 262-6988

Mexican. A separate vegetarian menu includes chimichangas, black bean soup, vegetable fajitas, as well as several other vegetarian items. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, espresso/cappuccino, smoothies, catering, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DC, $-$$.

Southington

El Sombrero

Oak Hill Mall, Southington, CT 06489

(203) 621-9474

Mexican. A separate vegetarian menu includes chimichangas, black bean soup, vegetable fajitas as well as several other vegetarian items. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, espresso/cappuccino, smoothies, catering, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DC, $-$$.

Stamford

Mrs. Green's Natural Market

950 High Ridge Rd., Stamford, CT 06905

(203) 329-1313

Natural foods store. See description under Fairfield, CT.

West Hartford

Tapas

1150 New Britain Ave., West Hartford, CT 06040

(860) 521-4609

Mediterranean. Tapas offers platters, eclectic pizzas, side orders, salads, and daily specials for lunch and dinner. Patio dining is available in good weather. Open daily. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.