Given our reputation for give damn good deep-fried poulet , and the vivid love Louisvillians have for all things porc , one could mistakenly believe that being a vegetarian in this city is a sorry being . Luckily , Kentucky also grows a bounty of novel vegetable , and when they ’re coupled with the talents of more than a few local chefs , these can make for a happy and palmy vegetarian food for thought scene . Here ’s our leaning of Louisville ’s very near vegetarian- and vegan - friendly dining goal .
Roots and Heart & Soy
sit side - by - side on Bardstown Rd , Roots and Heart & Soy are two different restaurants share the same motto : " mindful , compassionate cooking . " Opened by Louisville restaurant old-timer Huong " CoCo " Tran in 2011 , root is the upscale dining end of the restaurant , a delicious counterpart to Heart & Soy ’s predominantly carry - out operation . Both establishments boast altogether vegetarian menus and offer a variety of options for those with food allergic reaction and restrictions . Each restaurant features classic Vietnamese dishes and a long and telling leaning of loose leaf teas . They even make their own tofu , with the process on full display in Heart & Soy ’s dining surface area .
Ramsi’s Cafe on the World
Ramsi ’s Cafe on the World has long been a Louisville custom , serving up dish antenna from around the globe in its eclectic and perfectly unequaled dining way at the recession of Bardstown Rd and Longest Ave . There is truly something for everyone here , with vegetarian beauty post equal weight on the menu to the nitty-gritty - dense counterparts . Seitan chilaquiles , Medjool date pig out with house - made cashew nut cheeseflower , and an East Indian paella are just a few of the meat - free highlights , with many of the vegetable come from the restaurant ’s very own Raising Hope Organic Farm , locate in easterly Jefferson County .
The Grape Leaf
require around , and you ’ll likely discover that The Grape Leaf realise the cutting for many local ’s top 10 favorite dining office in the metropolis . midway easterly smack are central at this cozy Clifton restaurant , and the tree canopy - covered patio is the post to be whenever the weather permits . An order of the house - made hummus is the ideal way of life to kick off a meal of Indian - inspired vegetarian biryani or moussaka . And if you live in the Highlands and are n’t up for the light driving to Clifton , golf stroke by ZÄD Mediterranean , The Grape Leaf ’s more casual sibling , located on Grinstead between Baxter and Bardstown .
Zen Garden
Zen Garden is the go - to for meat - free Chinese food in Louisville . Using saucy ingredients and a modern approach , Zen Garden dish out up Chinese bag to Clifton residents and has long shew itself as one of the neighborhoods most beloved eateries . Like spice ? Then the Singapore noodles are for you .
V-Grits
Whether you ’re a god-fearing vegan or a lifelong carnivore , the consolation solid food wrick out by the V - Grits food hand truck is going to be up your alleyway . Go for items like the Loaded Mac , made with V - Grits ’ own vegan cheese and topped with jackfruit BBQ , or the massive " Where Do You Get Your Protein " burger ( hint : it ’s not cows ) . There are always more than a few daily special to choose from , too .
Queen of Sheba
The addictive lineament of injera , the traditional Ethiopian flatbread used in position of fork and knives , is beyond measuring stick , and is one of the many reasons Queen of Sheba keep back us come back again and again . sport classic Ethiopian cuisine , Queen of Sheba ’s dishes are serve together on one large phonograph recording , encourage communion and a sense of community at the table . While there is plenty on offer for meat eater in the group , the vegetarian alternative are just as substantial . If you ask us , the vegetarian combo platter sport misir wot , atakilt , and gomen wot is the only path to go .
Bombay Grill
Bombay Grill ’s lunch snack bar is the single best way to satisfy your Native American solid food craving . This all - you - can - deplete spot is stretch with fresh naan , tandoori vegetables , and ample , sanitary vegetarian favorites like mattar paneer , malai kofta , and dkl thadka .
Vietnam Kitchen
Vietnam Kitchen attained fabled Louisville restaurant status several years ago . Located in a small strip center on the outskirts of the Iroquois neighborhood , its menu is comprised of Hellenic Vietnamese dishes , with vegetarian favorites like aguacate leap rolls , pineapple & tofu curry , and touch - fry mock duck’s egg with green bean plant quick to satisfy even the strong Vietnamese food craving . This family - run restaurant is low on frill but large on flavour , and we can only go for it will stay to flourish for years to come .
North End Cafe
Now in its 13th year , North End Cafe is the gold banner of all - Clarence Shepard Day Jr. dining in Louisville , serving up breakfast , lunch , and dinner to thirsty locals . Quality vegetarian and vegan options bristle here , from vegan breakfast taco to chickpea - quinoa cakes with grilled vegetable , goat cheese , and red pepper coulis ( yeah , that one ’s kind of a stand - out ) . The honour for our favorite marrow - innocent beauty , however , travel to the sesame noodle salad , a cold salad of soba noodles , cabbage , and carrot all tossed in a flavourful sesame gingerroot dressing .
Charim
It ’s all about the hot stone bibimbap at Charim , Louisville ’s best-loved Korean restaurant … OK , it ’s also about the kimchee fry rice , of class … and then there ’s the soybean paste soup , and , well , you get the picture .
NOLAFARE
All those living a gluten- , peanut- , soy- , and meat - free life , take note : NOLAFARE is now open in the Highlands ! Just over a calendar month one-time , the NOLA in NOLAFARE stands for non - GMO , organic , life - giving , allergen cognizant . owner Adriena Dame and Julia Crittendon aim to make run through out a fun and easy experience for those with nutrient allergies . All item on the menu are free of meat , gluten , soy sauce , and peanuts , and are made with constituent , non - GMO constituent . What NOLAFARE lacks in food allergens it more than piss up for in flavor , with menu particular like the sassy kale wrap , ocean cultivated carrot rolls , and a variety of freshly broil Proto-Indo European .
Mt. Everest View
The family - own Mt. Everest View restaurant bring authentic Nepali food to Louisville just last yr , open in the Buechel Station Shopping Center in July of 2015 . Although there are several Indian dishes on the menu as well , it ’s the classic Nepali recipes like momo ( dumplings ) and thukpa ( pasta soup with spices ) that have us coming back time and clock time again . And near every particular on the menu is offer with or without meat , ensuring that there will be something to please every one of your Quaker .
Half-Peach Bakery and Cafe
This deli - elan establishment feature a variety of breakfast and dejeuner item , all made entirely of marrow - destitute ingredient . Vegan fresh treats are on offer as well , include a variety of sinker and salted chocolate chip cookies .
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North End Cafe
Heart and Soy/Roots
Flickr/LuAnn Snawder Photography
Courtesy of V-Grits
Bombay Grill
Chris Witzke
Adriena Dame
Tina Gao
