1. Akar

This vegan-friendly pan-Asian restaurant opened in Clayton just last year to rave reviews, including winning Best New Restaurant in Sauce Mag and STL Today. Every dish hails some significance to executive chef Bernie Lee’s upbringing and travels. From the sophisticated flavors to the cozy, intimate setting, Akar is a culinary journey you won’t forget. 

Pictured are Mama Lee’s Noodles with peanut sauce, veggie “meatballs,” confit mushrooms, and almonds. Other vegan favorites include the mapo tofu donabe, kabocha squash bisque, and sweet potato gnocchi.

7641 Wydown Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105

2. DD Mau

DD Mau is a fast-casual Vietnamese restaurant in Maryland Heights that aims to reinvent the idea of fresh, healthy Vietnamese food. DD Mau boasts its fast service (“di di mau” means “hurry up and go” in Vietnamese!) and friendly environment. Customers are offered a wide range of customization options, and almost every dish can be made vegan.

Pictured is the spicy vegan lemongrass soup with tofu and rice noodles. Other vegan options you have to try are the vegan pho, fried tofu spring rolls, and vegan beef banh mi!

11982 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043

3. Small Batch

Located in Midtown, Small Batch is an elegant vegetarian restaurant and whiskey lounge with dishes inspired by global cuisine. The dishes boast a wide range of inspiration, from Chinese to Italian to Middle Eastern. While every dish is vegetarian, many are vegan or can be made vegan.

Pictured is the rigatoni with cajun cream sauce, seitan smoked mushrooms, red pepper, red onion, and kale. We’re also partial to the pad thai, and khao soi, and curry.

3001 Locust Street, St. Louis, MO 63103

4. Tree House

Tree House is a plant-based restaurant in South Grand with a mission to source locally, organically, and support cruelty-free practices. All seitan, vegan cheese, sauces, dressings, and desserts are proudly made in-house.

Pictured is the risotto with butternut squash, crimini mushroom, toasted pistachio crumble, chili oil, and either vegan, parmesan, or goat cheese. You should also try the wild mushroom stuffed ravioli, “crab” cakes, and brussel sprouts salad.

3177 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63118

5. Lulu’s Local Eatery

Lulu’s is a local staple for good reason! Located in South Grand, Lulu’s boasts an expansive menu of all-vegan dishes, rotating seasonally, as well as vegan baked goods and a cozy neighborhood ambiance. After you eat, you’re also welcome to peruse the ping pong bar upstairs. 

Pictured are the “carnitas” tacos with marinated and grilled jackfruit, diced onion, cilantro, pickled jalapeno, salsa, and house-made butternut squash cheese sauce on soft corn tortillas, and buffalo cauliflower bites. Other favorites include the kale caesar wrap, the winter quinoa bowl, and sweet potato falafel.

3201 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63118