Over the past year, as I’ve adopted a plant-based diet I’ve been exploring all of the vegan options that Boston to offer. I’m happy to report that the city has plenty of incredible restaurants that fit the bill, and that there’s a vegan alternative for almost any dish you can dream up! Because my love of lists is undeniable, I pulled together a round-up of my top six plant-based spots in Boston.
Full disclosure: I’m a green juice kind of girl, so my list is focused around juice bars and healthier restaurants, but there are plenty of vegan comfort food options as well (and I’ll share a few at the end of the post).
1. Life Alive
For me, Life Alive makes the very top of the list! Chef Leah Dubois leads their culinary vision and their menu is full of creative bowls, smoothies, juices, wraps, and superfood lattes. If you’re looking for a high-vibe spot and filling dishes, this is it. Earlier this year they expanded to four locations with a new restaurant opening near Boston University. I was already head over heels in love with Life Alive, but their newest location seals the deal. The interior is stunning and it’s wonderful to work in such a beautiful space while enjoying a Green Goddess bowl.
Life Alive locations:
888 Commonwealth Avenue
Brookline, MA 02115
765 Mass Ave
Cambridge, MA 02139
281 Essex St.
Salem, MA 01970
194 Middle Street
Lowell, MA 01852
At Nourish Your Soul, everything is made with optimal health in mind and they use only the highest quality ingredients. Founder Susan Cabana has an incredible story, and she found her calling with Nourish Your Soul. She’s dedicated to helping customers feel their absolute best and to simplify healthy eating. You can see her passion in the quality of the offerings on the menu – which includes a variety of nutrient-dense plant based options from smoothies, to smoothie bowls, to juices and healthy snacks. My favorite pick-me-up is their Blue Moon Milk which is a combination of their house made cashew milk, blue majik, and ashwaganda. Fun fact: I painted a mini mural at their Beacon Hill store!
Nourish Your Soul locations:
282 Cambridge Street
Boston, MA 02114
17 Playstead Road
Medford, MA 02155
15 Thompson Street
Winchester, MA 01890
Think that you have to miss out on ice cream when you go vegan? Absolutely not! FoMu is proof that plant based ice cream can be just as good as the real thing. They make delicious coconut milk based ice creams in incredible flavors that are crafted with real ingredients. Some of their regular offerings include Bourbon Maple Walnut, Salted Caramel, George Howell Cold Brew, and Cookies & Cream. They also come out with seasonal flavors, and every spring I patiently await the arrival of their Avocado ice cream. FoMu’s first location opened in Jamaica Plain in 2013, and Boston has fully embraced them. They’ve now expanded to three locations across the city, with a new location coming soon to Fenway.
FoMu Cafe locations:
481 Cambridge St.
Allston, MA 02135
655 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02118
617 Centre St.
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
Fenway location – coming soon
140 Brookline Ave.
Boston, MA 02215
4. Taco Party
And now – for everyone’s favorite food group, TACOS! Taco Party began as a food truck & expanded to include a restaurant in Ball Square in Somerville. Their menu is entirely plant based, and their combinations are next level. Even my meat eating husband was thoroughly impressed. They offer options like Chimichurri Tempeh with Cashew Crema, Chorizo Seitan with Chipotle Salsa, and Fried Sweet Potato with Okonomi Sauce. Add some nachos and some Mexican brown rice with smokey black beans to your order and you’ve got the makings of a perfect taco Tuesday!
Taco Party locations:
711 Broadway
Somerville MA 02144
Taco Party Truck
various locations – see website for details
5. Jugos
Step into Jugos you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a tropical island, which is a huge bonus during Boston winter. Their reggae soundtrack is just as enjoyable as their fresh juices and smoothies. They have a small juice shop in the Back Bay train station, which is perfect for when you’re on the go — and a second larger location, Jugos Supremo in the south end. On nice days I opt for Jugos Supremo and get an order “for there” to enjoy at their outdoor patio.
Jugos locations:
145 Dartmouth Street
Boston, MA 02116
502 Massachusetts Ave
Boston, MA 02116
6. Whole Heart Provisions
Veggies are the star in Whole Heart’s warming bowls! Founders Rebecca & James set out to create a restaurant where you could eat healthy, real food, affordably. Their bowls offer layers of delicious textures and flavors with inventive sauces. I have yet to branch out from the Seeta Bowl because the combination of pickled cauliflower, crispy lentils, currant, and coconut curry is so delicious. They also offer Sunday Brunch with options like Seared Avocado Tacos, “Huevos” Rancheros, and Pancakes.
Whole Heart locations:
487 Cambridge St.
Allston, MA 02134
298 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
1350 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
If you’re interested in a more comprehensive list of Boston restaurants you can head over to abillionveg, where I was honored to put together this Boston Vegan Guide. Blogger Ana Alarcon also has an incredible round-up of vegan spots in the city to check out.
Have you tried any of the spots on this list? Do you have any favorites? Let me know in the comments below!
Pop & Circumstance | Guidebook for Beautiful Living 