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

Symbol Key:

•• Vegan or vegetarian restaurant
§ Reviewer's choice

Michigan

Ann Arbor

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Canton, Dearborn Heights, Farmington Hills, and Livonia.)

Chia Shiang Restaurant

2016 Packard St., , Ann Arbor, MI 48104

(734) 741-0778

Chinese. Chia Shiang has a separate vegetarian section on the menu. Enjoy delicious vegetarian entrées, pot stickers, and spring rolls. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Del Rio

122 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104

(734) 761-2530

International. This hip restaurant serves up mainly vegetarian Mexican, American, and Italian cuisine, including salads, nachos, wheat crust pizzas, tempeh burgers, and quesadillas. Open Sunday through Friday for dinner through late night service. Open Saturday for lunch through late night service. Full service, vegan options, no credit cards, $-$$.

•• Earthen Jar

311 S. 5th Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104

(734) 327-9464

Vegetarian/Indian. Earthen Jar offers inexpensive but satisfying Indian cuisine that is completely vegetarian and mostly vegan. A wide range of dishes are offered and food is served buffet-style; guests pay by the pound. Earthen Jar is located near the Ann Arbor District Library. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Buffet, vegan options, take-out, catering, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

People's Food Co-Op and Café Verde

216 N. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104

(734) 994-9174

Café. Café Verde at People's Food Co-op features a Food Bar with super-fresh organic salad ingredients, hot soups, sides, beans and rice, vegetarian sandwiches, and entrées. Some hot items are only available for lunch and dinner, but you can enjoy bagels with dairyless cream cheese, hummus, or sunflower sprouts or their vegan and dairyless cookies, cakes, and pastries at any time. Open daily for three meals. Counter service, vegan options, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, non-smoking, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $.

•• Seva

314 E. Liberty St., , Ann Arbor, MI 48104

(734) 662-1111

Vegetarian/Mexican. We've been told Seva offers some of the best Mexican food in Michigan, and ités all vegetarian! Menu headings include small courses, salads, soups, Mexican specialties, Oriental specialties, sandwiches, omelettes, beverages and blended drinks. Vegan options are clearly indicated on the menu. As an appetizer, try the Yam Fries or the Cold Sesame Noodles. For an entrée, enjoy the Melanzana Rustico (grilled eggplant over noodles with olive oil). Open Monday through Friday. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer/alcohol, catering, take-out, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

Shalimar

307 S. Main St., , Ann Arbor, MI 48104

(734) 663-1500

Indian. Vegetarian options are available at this restaurant, which features Indian and Mexican foods. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, non-alcoholic beer, wine/beer/alcohol, take-out, VISA/MC, $.

The Blue Nile

221 E. Washington St., , Ann Arbor, MI 48104

(734) 998-4746

Ethiopian. The Blue Nile's authentic Ethiopian cuisine includes many vegetarian options. The all-you-can-eat Vegetarian Feast includes cabbage, collard greens, and red, green & yellow lentils. Open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$-$$$.

Whole Foods Market

3135 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48104

(734) 975-4500

Natural foods store/deli. This gourmet natural foods deli offers organic salads, vegan entrées, daily soups, a salad bar, and a bakery. Open daily. Cafeteria, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Berrien Springs

•• Andrews University

Campus Center, U.S. Hwy. 31 N., Berrien Springs, MI 49104

(616) 471-3161

Vegetarian/cafeteria. Cyclical menu changes feature soups, main dishes, hot food selections, plus an extensive salad bar and desserts. Soy- and gluten-based meat analogs are utilized in many dishes. Open daily during school year. Call for summer hours. Cafeteria, $.

Dearborn

LaPita Restaurant

22681 Newman, Dearborn, MI 48124

(313) 563-7482

Middle Eastern. This restaurant, known for its good food and service, serves hummus, tabbouleh, baba ghanouj, falafel, and other favorites. Parking is arranged for customers. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, wine/beer, non-alcoholic beer, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$-$$$.

Detroit

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Dearborn, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Grosse Pointe, Harper Woods, Livonia, Roseville, Royal Oak, Southfield, Troy, Warren, and West Bloomfield.)

•• Golden Gate Café

18700 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48203

(313) 366-2247

Vegetarian/natural foods/organic. Enjoy sandwiches, salads, soups, and more at this vegetarian café located inside the Innate Healing Arts Center. They frequently feature evening events including meditation, drum circles, and jazz; the café stays open later on those nights. Call ahead or check their website to see if anything is scheduled. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $-$$.

Traffic Jam and Snug

511 W. Canfield St., , Detroit, MI 48201

(313) 831-9470

Natural foods. The menu changes weekly at this natural foods eatery, but there are always vegetarian entrées and usually vegan options as well. Seasonal and local foods are emphasized. Homemade breads and brews are also offered. The service here is friendly. Open Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, wine/beer, take-out, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

East Grand Rapids

Osta's Lebanese Cuisine

2228 Wealthy SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506

(616) 456-8999

Lebanese. Osta's offers a variety of vegetarian selections. Choose from appetizers like cucumber lebneh (Lebanese yogurt, diced cucumber, garlic, and mint) to lubyee (green beans sautéed with tomatoes, onions, and garlic in tomato sauce). Entrées include moudardara (lentils and rice sautéed in olive oil and onion) and hummus sandwiches made from pita bread. Open Tuesday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday for dinner only. Closed Monday and Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

East Lansing

Beggar's Banquet

218 Abbott Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823

(517) 351-4540

American. Located near the north side of the Michigan State University campus, this restaurant offers a decent selection of vegetarian options in an environment decorated with paintings and sculptures by local artists. You can choose from the "Vegomatic" Sandwich, Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili, Vegetarian Manicotti, a Wild Mushroom Napolean, the Spinach and Dried Cherry Salad with walnuts and bleu cheese, and more. Note that the Black Bean Burger does contain eggs. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC.

Sultan's Place

Hannah Plaza, 4790 S. Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823

(517) 333-4444

Middle Eastern/Mediterranean. This restaurant offers about 20 vegetarian options, including stuffed grave leaves, hummus, baba ganouj, and falafel. Open Sunday though Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday from late afternoon through dinner. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, VISA/MC/AMEX, $-$$.

Farmington Hills

Shalimar

29200 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48334

(248) 626-2982

Indian. See description under Ann Arbor, MI.

•• Udipi Vegetarian

29210 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills, MI 48334-2965

(248) 626-6021

Vegetarian/Indian. This restaurant serves South Indian vegetarian dishes, including iddly, lentil soup, masala dosais, uthappams, curry dishes, rice dishes, Indian breads, desserts, and more. They also offer a daily lunch buffet. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, special drinks, catering, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Ferndale

Om Café

23136 N. Woodward Ave., Ferndale, MI 48220

(248) 548-1941

Macrobiotic. The Om Café offers terrific macrobiotic food, including a good range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, non-smoking, $.

The Blue Nile

545 W. 9 Mile Rd., Ferndale, MI 48220

(248) 547-6699

Ethiopian. See description under Ann Arbor, MI.

Garden City

•• Krishna Catering & Restaurant

28636 Ford Rd., Garden City, MI 48135

(734) 513-3663

Vegetarian/Indian. Krishna Catering & Restaurant features vegetarian food on their extensive menu. Some dishes contain forms of cow's milk, so vegans should inquire about ingredients before ordering. An incredible lunch buffet is held on weekdays with lots of food for not a lot of money. Krishna is located between Inkster and Middlebelt Roads. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, special beverages, VISA/MC/DISC, $-$$.

Grand Rapids

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see East Grand Rapids.)

Bombay Cuisine

1420 Lake Dr., SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

(616) 456-7055

Indian. This casual yet romantic Indian and Pakistani restaurant is among the best in the area. It offers a wide range of vegetarian fare, including Kafta Dilkush (vegetarian dumplings), Saag (spinach stuffed bread), Kormas, Kabobs, and Onion Bajia. Open Sunday and Monday for lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesday. Open Wednesday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday for dinner only. Full service, vegan options, beer/wine/alcohol, non-alcoholic beer, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$-$$$.

Gaia Coffee House

209 Diamond St., Grand Rapids, MI 49506

(616) 454-6233

Vegetarian. This restaurant is actually vegetarian, though most of the regulars are not. Gaia offers delightfully fresh food, including the veggie hash, which is a mound of colorful vegetables smothered in melted cheese and blended with a hint of garlic (can be made vegan). Many of the menu items are made fresh in house, including focaccia and corn breads, as well as the infamous Gaia cookies (which are vegan) and chock-full of everything that makes cookies so good. House recipe soups and nightly dinner specials ranging from polenta to pasta, keep even the most carnivorous coming back for more. Featured dishes include the mean green burrito, sundried tomato-artichoke dip, and the suicide juice to drink. Open daily for three meals. Open Sunday for brunch. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, soymilk, smoothies, espresso/cappucino, take-out, macrobiotic options, VISA/MC, $$.

•• Little Africa

956 E. Fulton, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

(616) 222-1169

Vegetarian/Ethopian. This excellent restaurant serves delicious, mostly vegan dishes, including spiced peas, gomen (greens), potatoes, cabbage, lentiles, split peas, flax seed dishes, and beets with injera, Ethopian bread that is used instead of utensils. Juices, coffees, and teas are also available. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, no credit cards, $.

Grosse Pointe

Atom's Juice Café

345 Fisher Rd., Ste. B, Grosse Pointe, MI 48230

(313) 885-0095

Juice bar. Atom's Juice Café serves fruit juices, smoothies, tea and coffee, soups, salads, and healthy snacks. It is also the first certified Green Restaurant in Michigan, meaning that they recycle, use eco-friendly carry-out containers and cleaning supplies, and are otherwise environmentally aware. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and early dinner. Open Sunday for brunch. Take-out, vegan options, fruit juices, smoothies, special drinks.

Harbert

Café Gulistan

13581 Red Arrow Hwy., Harbert, MI 49115

(269) 469-6779

Middle Eastern. Located near Lake Michigan and a popular antiquing area, Café Gulistan offers many vegetarian and vegan options amidst its Middle Eastern and Meditteranean fare. Their menu includes sautéed vegetable dishes, baba ganouj, tabbouli, falalel, and much more. Reservations recommended. Call for seasonal hours. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, beer/wine/alcohol, take-out, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$-$$$.

Harper Woods

Steve's Back Room

19872 Kelly Rd., Harper Woods, MI 48225

(313) 527-7240

Middle Eastern. This Middle Eastern Restaurant offers an array of vegetarian meals. Try the Bulgur and Beans, Grapeleaves, or Meatless Kousa. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Limited service, vegan options, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $-$$.

Kalamazoo

Just Good Food Deli

Rose St. Market, 303 N. Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007

(616) 383-1033

Natural foods deli. This natural foods store's deli offers friendly service and such vegetarian options as soups, salads, freshly-made sandwiches, and veggie pesto pastas. Open Monday through Friday for breakfast through early dinner. Open Saturday for lunch. Closed Sunday. Counter service, macrobiotic/vegan options, non-smoking, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $.

Mi Ranchito

3112 S. 9th St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009

(269) 375-5861

3806 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008

(269) 343-7262

Mexican. Mi Ranchito offers a seperate vegetarian menu that includes enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas, burritos, tamales, chili rellenos, and many other traditional Mexican dishes at good prices. They use corn oil for all frying, and no preservatives, artificial ingredients, lard, animal fats, or chicken broth is used in the preparation of any of the dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, catering, take-out, VISA/MC/DISC, $-$$.

Lansing

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

Apple Jade

300 N. Clippert St., Lansing, MI 48912

(517) 332-1111

Chinese. This Chinese restaurant offers Vegetarian Pot Stickers, as well as many other vegetarian entrées. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, VISA/MC, $$.

Marquette

Sweet Water Café

517 N. 3rd St., Marquette, MI 49855

(906) 226-7009

Café. This establishment offers quite a few vegan options for one that isn't vegetarian. For breakfast, choose from items like the Café Scramble (herbed tofu, broccoli, tomatoes, and onions served with potatoes and toast) or the Hot Winter Grain Cereal (oatmeal, wheat berries, brown rice, and millet topped with dried apricots, raisins, and toasted almonds). Lunch and dinner selections include Tabbouleh, the Hammondsport (greens topped with cauliflower, orange, and raisins), Tofu Stir-Fry, and the Trio Plate of Beans and Rice, Salsa, & Vegetables. They offer at least one vegetarian soup each day and have a children's menu. They are convenient to Northern Michigan University and close to the coast of Lake Superior. Open Monday and Tuesday for breakfast and lunch. Open Wednesday through Sunday for three meals. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, beer/wine/alcohol, VISA/MC/DISC.

Northville

•• Red Pepper Deli

116 W. Main St., Northville, MI 48167

(248) 773-7671

Vegetarian/raw foods/organic. The Red Pepper Deli serves fresh, organic, and mostly vegan, raw foods and beverages. Try their Collard Rolls -- filled with zucchini, cucumber, carrot, romaine, avocado, cashew cheese, and, of course, red pepper! Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Otsego

Mi Ranchito Tres

108 E. Allegan St., Otsego, MI 49078

(269) 692-6008

Mexican. See description under Kalamazoo, MI.

Rochester

Mind Body & Spirits

301 S. Main St., Rochester, MI 48307

(248) 651-3663

Organic/natural foods. Located in downtown Rochester, Mind Body & Spirits is an eco-conscious restaurant focusing on organic and local foods. They even have their own greenhouse. Seating is available on their gorgeous outdoor rooftop garden seasonally. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for brunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, beer/wine/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$-$$$.

Royal Oak

•• Inn Season Café

500 E. 4th St., Royal Oak, MI 48067

(248) 547-7916

Vegetarian/organic. Even some non-vegetarians call this the best restaurant in Michigan. Menu items include Scrambled Tofu, Black Bean Avocado Quesadillas, Three Mushroom Walnut Pizza, Seitan Sandwiches sautéed with onions and tamari, Cashew Ginger Stir-Fry, organic salads, and much more. Sugar-free desserts are also served. Note that the soy cheese here is not vegan. With dimly lit chandeliers, hardwood floors, and lace curtains, this restaurant is a great place for a special occasion. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for brunch. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, special drinks, beer/wine/alcohol, non-alcoholic beer, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$-$$$.

Southfield

Jerusalem Pizza

26025 Greenfield Rd., Southfield, MI 48076

(248) 552-0088

Kosher. Jerusalem Pizza is a certified kosher pizza restaurant. Their vegetarian options include the Veggie Meatball Sandwich, Falafel Calzone, and Potato Jerusalem Pie. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, catering, take out, $.

Trenton

The Blue Nile

2156 W. Jefferson Ave., Trenton, MI 48183

(734) 362-8560

Ethiopian. See description under Ann Arbor, MI.

Troy

Good Food Company Deli

74 W. Maple Rd., Troy, MI 48084

(248) 362-0886

Juice bar/deli. Good Food Company's deli serves vegetarian, vegan, and organic entrées and has a bakery that features vegan cookies. The atmosphere is earthy and informal. This is one of the largest health food stores in the Detroit area. Open Monday through Saturday for three meals. Open Sunday for lunch and early dinner. Cafeteria, vegan options, take-out, macrobiotic options, fresh juices, soymilk, smoothies, VISA/MC, $.

Whole Foods Market

2880 W. Maple Rd., Troy, MI 48084

(248) 649-9600

Natural foods store/deli. See description under Ann Arbor, MI.

Union City

•• Creative Health Institute

918 Union City Rd., Union City, MI 49094

(517) 278-5837

Vegetarian/living foods. Sample a living foods buffet that includes assorted sprouts, organic indoor greens, seed cheeses, raw vegetable dishes, soups, and salads. Call for hours. Buffet, vegan options, $.

West Bloomfield

Whole Foods Market

7350 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, MI 48322

(248) 538-4600

Natural foods store/deli. See description under Ann Arbor, MI.