Where to Get the Best Plant-Based Food in Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland offers many dining options for plant-based eaters in the area. Many restaurants have expanded their menu to appeal to many diets and culinary needs. Cleveland provides several vegan and vegetarian dining choices for you and your family, whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner. Check out where to get the best plant-based food in town with the list below.

Masthead Brewing Co.

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If you’re looking for meatless pizza in the area, look no further than Masthead Brewing Co. at 1261 Superior Ave. in downtown Cleveland. This restaurant serves up a variety of plant-based pies to suit your cravings, like the fan-favorite Margherita pizza, topped with fresh mozzarella and basil.

Other vegetarian pizzas include the four cheese, basil pesto, veggie, and Bianco pizzas. The Bianco features fresh mozzarella, garlic, and olive oil. Consider the goat-cheese stuffed dates or the Everything Pretzel if you’re looking for something to share. The latter comes with house-made pimento cheese, Bertman stadium mustard, and house-made IPA honey mustard.

Vegans can opt for the vegan tofu pizza, which features red pepper-marinated tofu, red bell peppers, red onion, basil, and jalapeno garlic hummus. You can also order the hummus platter for the table. The hummus comes topped with paprika and chili oil and a side of celery, carrots, and pita bread.

Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant

Zoma Ethiopian Restaurant at 2240 Lee Rd. in Cleveland Heights offers delicious dinner options in an authentic atmosphere. From African artifacts to themed decor, you’re sure to feel like you traveled far and wide for a plate of authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Browse the vegetarian menu that features a veggie combo, complete with injera bread and your choice of three or four veggies. Some vegan options include the split red lentil stew, split yellow pea stew, and veggie sambosa. The veggie sambosa is a vegetable pastry with lentils, onions, and jalapeno pepper as filling and Sriracha dip.

Happy Dog

Happy Dog at 5801 Detroit Ave. began as a live music venue but eventually expanded to include a kitchen. In 2009, Eric Williams joined the team and shrunk the menu to contain nothing but veggie dogs, hot dogs, and French fries with an assortment of toppings. The following year, The Cleveland Orchestra performed on the Happy Dog stage, and eventually, the establishment saw the likes of many people with varying talents.

While Happy Dog serves locally made hot dogs and burgers, vegans can also find plant-based options on the menu. Consider ordering a Field Roast vegan burger or artisan vegan dog from the menu. While both give you a taste of these American classics, you can find comfort in the plant-friendly meat substitution. Happy Dog even lets you customize your food. Consider topping your dog with your choice of sauces, fresh toppings like lettuce or diced tomatoes, or savory options like marinated cremini mushrooms, vegan chili, or chunky peanut butter.

Earth Bistro Cafe

Earth Bistro Cafe at 11122 Clifton Blvd. prides itself on offering fresh, local ingredients in every dish. With meals for both vegans and vegetarians, you’re sure to get your fill of plant-based eats. If you want breakfast, stop by on a Sunday to enjoy some vegan alternatives. Some vegan options include a stack of pancakes with fresh strawberries and a breakfast burrito that features an egg alternative. Pair your breakfast with a cup of coffee, tea, or juice.

Besides breakfast, every item on the regular menu comes with a vegan option. Consider ordering the crispy chicken poppers, Louisiana-style fried chicken, or grilled chicken pesto panini. Each of these comes with a meat substitute. Other vegan options include a marinated tofu wrap, spicy fried chicken sandwich, and black bean burger. Every burger on the Earth Bistro menu comes with a side of fries and a pickle.

Aladdin’s Eatery

Aladdin’s Eatery is a Cleveland staple for vegetarians and healthy eaters, and it features a vast menu that includes pitas to vegan soups. After three decades of business, this establishment has over 30 locations, including one at 12447 Cedar Road in Cleveland Heights. Fady Chamoun started the first branch in Lakewood with a strong belief that “food is a philosophy.” At the start, Aladdin’s Eatery focused on perfecting Lebanese classics like hummus and shish kabob and eventually adding new and healthier options to the menu.

Start your dining adventure with something off the appetizer menu. Some of your options include creamy hummus, fresh tabouli, and a vegetarian combo dish with hummus samples, baba gannouj, and dawali. For the main course, try a pita pizza. Opt for the vegan Farrouk’s Falafel Pitza or the vegetarian Farmer’s or Greek Pitzas. You can also order the cauliflower rolled pita or hummus tabouli garden rolled pita — both vegan options. Other offerings include a selection of salads, specialty plates, and soups. Consider washing it down with a carrot smoothie (fresh-squeezed carrot juice, banana, and honey).

Shuhei Restaurant of Japan

Step inside Shuhei Restaurant of Japan at 23360 Chagrin Boulevard in Beachwood for an authentic dining experience. From the delectable cuisine to experienced chefs, it’s no wonder this is a prominent restaurant for Japanese cuisine. Shuhei has an upscale atmosphere and a staff that’s served local customers for over 25 years. Stop by for lunch, dinner, or drinks. Plant-based appetizers include the kaiso moriawase (also known as seaweed salad) and ohitashi, fresh-steamed spinach with sesame seasoning.

If you’re a tofu fan, consider ordering the Korean-style tofu or the age dashi tofu. Plant-based items include a vegetable stir fry and vegetable tempura. The vegetable tempura is a plate of select vegetables dipped in tempura batter and lightly fried. Both entrees come with a side of rice. When you explore the Shuhei drinks menu, you can find a large assortment of red and white wine, warm and cold sake, and craft beer.

You can find a delicious meat-free meal no matter where you go on this list. From vegan hot dogs to plant-based Ethiopian cuisine, Cleveland doesn’t disappoint. If your favorite plant-based restaurant didn’t make our list, contact us here at Honda of Cleveland Heights. We’re happy to add your selection and share it with our local plant-based community.