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

Symbol Key:

•• Vegan or vegetarian restaurant
§ Reviewer's choice

Missouri

Chesterfield

Crazy Bowls and Wraps

1627 Clarkson Rd., Chesterfield, MO 63017

(314) 519-7277

American. This Missouri chain offers a fair number of vegetarian options. Try the Veggie Barbecue Wrap or the Tofu Veggie Bowl. As for drinks, go for the Raspberry Smoothie. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, smoothies, $.

Clayton

Crazy Bowls and Wraps

7353 Forsyth, Clayton, MO 63105

(314) 783-9727

American. See description under Chesterfield, MO.

India's Rasoi

7923 Forsyth Blvd., Clayton, MO 63105

(314) 727-1414

Indian. The menu at India's Rasoi includes 11 vegetarian dishes. Try the Bharta (eggplant with tomatoes and onions) or the Aloo Gobi (cauliflower and potatoes sautéed in herbs and spices). Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, catering, $-$$.

Columbia

International Café

209 Hitt St., , Columbia, MO 65201

(573) 449-4560

International/Greek. One local patron recommends the appetizer combo as the best-bet dish at this establishment, which specializes in international and Greek cuisine. Patio dining is available. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Limited service, $.

•• Main Squeeze Natural Foods Café

28 S. 9th St., Columbia, MO 65201

(573) 817-5616

Vegetarian/natural foods/organic. The Main Squeeze uses organic foods and locally grown products as much as possible. Inside the restaurant you'll find a plaster wall of handprints from local vegetarians and natural foods supporters. They have daily specials, such as stuffed peppers and noodle salads, as well as a juice bar. Free Internet available. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for lunch. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, special drinks, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Kansas City

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Kansas City, Mission, Overland Park, Prairie Village, Shawnee, and Shawnee Mission in Kansas.)

Blue Bird Bistro

1700 Summit St., Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 221-7559

Natural foods. Blue Bird offers organic foods available from local farmers. For dinner try the Curried Vegetable triangle. If you are there for lunch or brunch, check out the Basil Bruchetta or the Biscuits with Savory Mushroom Gravy. Open Monday through Friday for lunch. Open Friday and Saturday for dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Full service, vegan options, catering, take-out, espresso/cappucino, smoothies, beer/wine, VISA/MC/DISC/DC, $-$$.

Eden Alley Café

707 W. 47th St., Kansas City, MO 64112

(816) 561-5415

Café. Eden Alley was voted "Healthiest Menu" in "Kansas City Magazine" in 2001 and 2002. Though they do serve a few fish specials, they are careful that there is no cross contamination between meals. The daily menu features dishes like Tomato Bisque, Apple Cranberry Salad, Falafel Platters, a vegan Spinach and Mushroom Loaf, and a veggie burger. Past specials have included Mexican dishes like vegan Soft Tacos and Black Bean Tostadas made with TVP, African Stew, Potato Cannelloni, Pesto Mushrooms, and Zucchini Cake topped with a smokey tomato aioli. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, take-out, catering, $$.

Great India

1706 W. 39th St., Kansas City, MO 64111

(816) 753-3331

Indian. Several vegetarian entrées and numerous breads are offered. Northern Indian cooking spiced to each customerés request. Special meals may be requested. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, delivery, catering, informal atmosphere, suitable for business entertaining, vegan options, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

Papagallo

3535 Broadway St., Kansas City, MO 64111

(816) 756-3227

Middle Eastern. Papagallo was voted "Best Falafel" by "The Kansas City Star." Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, smoothies, soymilk, beer/wine/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$$.

Z-Teca

2450 Grand Ave., Ste. 143, Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 474-7779

Mexican. Z-Teca is a fast food chain that serves vegetarian friendly options. Entrées are prepared fresh daily without lard or animal fats. Menu items include grilled vegetable tacos, salads, and vegetable or bean burritos. Open daily. Limited service, take-out, $.

Maryland Heights

•• Raj's Rasoi

2286 McKelvey Rd., Maryland Heights, MO 63043

(314) 576-6666

Vegetarian/Indian. Located in a suburb of St. Louis, Raj's Rasoi is near the AquaPort, a local water park. They have a full vegetarian menu including mulligatawny soup, chana masala, samosas, and mango lassis. Don't miss the daily lunch buffet that includes vegan options. They will also deliver lunch and dinner boxes which are very reasonably priced. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, delivery, smoothies, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Springfield

Market Place Café

307 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65802

(417) 865-9897

Italian. The menu at Market Place Café offers appetizers, salads, soups, and desserts. Vegetarian pizza options include the Meditterranean (with artichoke hearts and black olive pesto), the James tomatoes, zucchini, and carmelized onions), and the Californian (fresh spinach leaves and garlic). Or choose a pasta dish, such as the Santa Fe Ravioli (cheddar cheese, black olives, and green onions in a cream sauce). Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, beer/wine/alcohol, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

•• Wellspring Café

300 W. McDaniel St., Springfield, MO 65804

(417) 865-1818

Vegetarian. This all-vegetarian café serves veggie burgers, salads, falafel, sandwiches, quiche, and baked potatoes. They also offer a range of vegan fare, including desserts, as well as organic coffee. Open Monday through Friday for lunch. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX.

St. Louis

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Clayton, Chesterfield, and University City.)

Caldwell's At The Plaza

94 Plaza Fronterac, , St. Louis, MO 63131

(314) 997-8885

American. At Caldwell's, dine on fresh pizza made in a wood-burning stove, a Mediterranean sampler dish, Sautéed Vegetable Pilaf, salads, veggie sandwiches, plus more. Vegan dishes are clearly marked on the menu. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, catering, take-out, espresso/cappuccino, non-alcoholic beer, wine/beer/alcohol, MC/AMEX/DC, $$.

Crazy Bowls and Wraps

3852 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108

(314) 533-9727

American. See description under Chesterfield, MO.

Curry In A Hurry

612 Olive St., St Louis, MO 63101

(314) 241-7900

Indian. See description under India's Rasoi in Clayton, MO. Open daily for lunch.

•• Gokul

10633 B Page Ave., St. Louis, MO 63132

(314) 428-8888

Vegetarian/Indian. Gokul is an Indian fast food restaurant. They are known for their buffet, but you can also order off the menu. Their website gives you the option of ordering ahead online for either dine in or take-out. Gokul is located next to Seema and across from Hollywood Motors. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, special beverages, VISA/MC, $-$$.

•• Govinda's

3926 Lindell Blvd., , St. Louis, MO 63108

(314) 535-8085

Vegetarian. Located on the grounds of a Krishna temple, Govinda's features a wide variety of vegetarian foods. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Buffet, vegan options, fresh juices, take-out, $.

Hacienda Mexican Restaurant

9748 Manchester Rd., , St. Louis, MO 63119

(314) 962-7100

Mexican. Dine indoors and outdoors in a fun atmosphere with terrific food. Items are prepared from scratch, including chips made on premise. Be sure to request their separate vegetarian menu, and you'll find quesadillas, chili, black bean soup, salads, veggie pizza made on a tortilla, fajitas, tacos, and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, non-alcoholic wine/beer, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

House of India

8501 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63124

(314) 567-6850

Indian. Enjoy a wide selection of vegetarian Indian dishes in a warm environment. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

India's Rasoi

4569 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108

(314) 361-6911

Indian. See description under Clayton, MO.

Pho Grand Vietnamese Restaurant

3195 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63118

(314) 664-7435

Vietnamese. This is considered one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the area, and it's one of the most affordable as well. They have many vegetarian items, with large portions that will give you a lot of bang for your buck. Vegetarian selections include tofu with ginger and onions, with hot chiles or lemongrass, or with special tomato sauce; snowpeas with garlic and sesame oil; Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce; and bun (vermicelli noodle) dishes. Open Wednesday through Monday for lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesday. Full service, vegan options, reservations recommended, wine/beer, special drinks, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Shangri-La Diner

2201 Cherokee St., St. Louis, MO 63118

(314) 772-8308

Diner. Located in the heart of antique row, along Historic Route 66 is the Shangri-La Diner. Walking into the diner is like stepping back into 1967 except with free Wifi. The Shangri-La Diner has received an award for best veggie burger in St. Louis, and offers such specialties as vegan French toast, vegetarian meat-loaf, and vegan and vegetarian versions of the St. Louis Slinger. The coffee is fair-trade and organic, and they always have a vegan dessert. Open Wed. & Thursday for dinner. Open for all meals on Fri., Sat., and Sunday. Full service, vegan options, Catering, $$.

University City

Brandt's Market & Cafe

6525 Delmar Blvd., , University City, MO 63130

(314) 727-3663

Natural foods. Eggplant Parmigiana, veggie burger, black bean chili, spring rolls, pizza, and other options are available for vegetarians. There is live music provided nightly. Open daily. Full service, vegan options, fresh juice, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Crazy Bowls and Wraps

7353 Forsyth, University City, MO 63130

(314) 725-5030

American. See description under Chesterfield, MO.

Fitz's Restaurant

6605 Delmar Blvd., , University City, MO 63106

(314) 726-9555

International. This root beer microbrewery and restaurant offers a wide variety of vegetarian dishes, including grilled veggie sandwiches; veggie burritos; vegan black beans and rice; couscous burgers; pasta and red sauce with artichokes, mushrooms, and spinach; and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, espresso/cappuccino, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

Red Sea

6511 Delmar Blvd., , University City, MO 63112

(314) 863-0099

Ethiopian. Red Sea offers several vegetarian Ethiopian dishes. Open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday through Tuesday for dinner only. Full service, non-alcoholic wine/beer, wine/beer/alcohol, catering, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.