The Emerald City is green in more ways than one. The coffee-addicted city is one of the best cities in the US for vegan food. It could be the heightened awareness of how our diet impacts the environment that has Seattle at the forefront of veganism. After all, they have a stunning natural environment —thousands of acres of parks, evergreen forests, the Puget Sound, and snow-capped mountains that must be protected.
Or, maybe it’s that the progressive and inclusive city has always been at the forefront of finding ways to embrace positive change.
Whatever it is, I couldn’t get enough of it! And, I am willing to guess that you will feel the same too.
No matter where you are in Seattle, you’ll find vegan options — from the bustling Pike Place Market all the way to Ballard and everywhere in between. Seattle is full of amazing vegan and vegetarian restaurants, but just about anywhere will have a vegan option — it’s rare to look at a menu and find nothing.
But you don’t have to worry about menu hunting or Google searching because this vegan travel guide has everything you need! So go on, and get planning your epic vegan adventure in the Emerald City.
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Can’t-Miss Vegan Restaurants in Seattle
This guide is broken up into vegan restaurants and vegetarian/very vegan-friendly ones, along with outstanding bakeries to help you plan the best eating adventure. If this is just too many recommendations to wade through, check out these 12 favorite vegan spots from my friend who’s a local!
Plum Bistro
1429 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
Highlights: weekend brunch, and the menu is well marked for gluten-free, nut-free, & soy-free options.
This Capitol Hill vegan spot has found a way to take everyone’s favorite dishes and make them vegan and stylish. The globally-inspired menu features everything from Mac & Yease to crispy Korean tofu, and I promise you’ll want to try all of it!
Harvest Beat
1711 N 45th St, Seattle, WA 98103
Highlights: vegan fine-dining
If you’re looking for a sophisticated spot for a special dinner, look no further than Harvest Beat! This vegan fine-dining spot features a 5-course chef’s menu and wine pairing (non-alcoholic options available). The menu highlights local and seasonal cuisine; you can expect delicious dishes like pumpkin-filled celery root ravioli, ginger-spiced pear upside-down cake with sticky toffee sauce and wild huckleberry coulis, and more. As you can imagine, this is a popular spot; reservations are recommended.
Kati Thai
1190 Thomas St, Seattle, WA 98109
Highlights: vegan Thai cuisine, and the menu is well marked for gluten-free options.
Kati has found an impressive way of veganizing traditional Thai dishes; with one look at this menu, you will be frozen with indecision. Don’t miss the garlic jackfruit on sticky rice or Pad Keemao. This is the kind of place to bring a group so you can order loads of dishes to try!
Araya’s Place
Two locations in Seattle — University District and Washington Park
Highlights: vegan Thai food, and the menu is marked for gluten-free options.
This family-run restaurant has a fantastic lineup of veganized Thai dishes — veggie satay, curries, noodles, stir-fry, and more! They also have a daily lunch special with a small serving of a few of their popular dishes.
Cycle Dogs
5410 17th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Highlights: the best vegan junk food and weekend brunch.
If you’re craving cheese-covered hangry fries or crispy and spicy Nashville hot chick’n, you need to come here! This small spot started as one man on a bicycle peddling vegan hot dogs throughout Seattle. The delectable junk food menu and space have grown — I can’t wait to see what they do next!
Plantiful Superfoods
340 Westlake Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Highlights: healthy spin on junk food + smoothies, and adaptogenic lattes.
You’ll come for the cheesy cauliflower crust pizza (seriously, SO good) and keep returning for the air-fried tater tots and shroom-infused lattes. Every city needs a Plantiful! It’s also gluten-free friendly!
Georgetown Liquor Company
5501 Airport Way S Ste. B, Seattle, WA 98108
Highlights: vegan bar with happy hour specials
If you’re coming from or going to the airport, you must stop at Georgetown! The restaurant reopened in December 2020 with new ownership and a fully vegan menu full of hearty sandwiches (who wouldn’t want a vegan French dip?), nachos, salads, and more.
Sushi Samurai
1817 Queen Anne Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Highlights: vegan sushi.
When I first looked at the menu, I thought, no way, this is all vegan. Indeed, it is! Seattle’s first fully vegan sushi shop impresses with its creative salmon and shellfish rolls lineup and proves eating fish is so passe.
Next Level Burger
1026B NE 64th St, Seattle, WA 98115
Highlights: milkshakes, burgers, and fries!
These burgers are seriously next-level — loaded with crispy onion rings, melty cheese, house-made sauces, and more. If burgers aren’t your thing, they also have Next Level Cluckers (chick’n sandwiches and tenders), salads, and loaded French fries. Just don’t forget one of their mouthwatering milkshakes.
Broadfork Café
Two locations in Seattle — University District and Uptown
Highlights: gluten-free friendly, and veggie-packed menu.
This veggie-loving café believes in the power of community, so much so that it’s based its entire menu around highlighting notable local and ethical companies. You’ll find healthy, nutrient-dense bowls, house-made burgers, burritos, and more.
El Borracho
1521 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Highlights: casual taqueria in Pike Place Market.
This Mexican spot wasn’t always vegan; the effects of the pandemic pushed them to the greenside! Their flavorful menu includes loaded burritos, crispy tacos, cheese-covered nachos, and much more.
Life on Mars
722 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122
Highlights: vegan brunch on the weekend and late-night tacos.
If the food on Mars tastes this good, then I’ll be on the first rocket ship! This Capitol Hill vegan bar offers a fantastic lineup of comfort food with great gluten-free options. Don’t skip the sweet corn tamale cakes or Not So Crabby Po’Boy!
ChuMinh Tofu
1043 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104
Highlights: casual Asian spot near King Street Amtrak station
Whether you’re looking for meaty Bánh Mì or spicy noodles, you’ll find it at this Vietnamese spot in Seattle’s International District. Their menu is also well-marked for gluten-free items to boot — hooray!
Pi Vegan Pizzeria
5301 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Highlights: vegan stuffed crust pizza! From the creative Magic Mac covered in white garlic sauce, mac-n-cheese, and Canadian bak’n to a traditional Margherita, there’s something for everyone to love at this magnificent vegan pizzeria! On top of irresistible cheesy pies, they also have house-made bread sticks, chick’n wings, and dessert pizza! Gluten-free friends, they have options for us too!
Ba Bar Green
500 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Highlights: fast-casual Asian
Explore the flavors of Vietnam, China, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore at this casual Asian spot. If you’re in a hurry, you can grab something from their grab-and-go section or order from their main menu, which is filled with spicy curries, noodles, Bánh Mì, and more. Don’t leave without trying their Vietnamese coffee with coconut condensed milk if you like coffee.
Veggie Grille
1427 4th Ave., Seattle, WA 98101
Highlights: fast-casual vegan eats.
Whether you’re on the run or want an affordable and tasty burger, Veggie Grille has your back! The fast-food inspired vegan eatery has a lineup of food the whole family will love — classic burgers, mac-n-cheese, hearty salads, chocolate chip cookies, and more.
Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Seattle
As I mentioned before, most restaurants in Seattle will have at least one vegan option — this guide would never end if I listed them all. So I have highlighted a couple of the awesome vegetarian spots and two vegan-friendly spots that are loved by locals!
Café Flora
2901 E Madison St, Seattle, WA 98112
This vegetarian café is a long-time Seattle favorite and has even been recognized nationally for its tasty fare! The globally-inspired menu features a great mix of vegan-friendly dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have a special weekend brunch menu.
Sunlight Café
6404 9th Ave NE Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98115
This hippie haven has been pushing its veggie fare in Seattle for over 45 years! You’ll want to start the day with a vegan and gluten-free lemon poppy seed waffle and come back for their special house-made nut burger!
Frelard Tamales
6412 Latona Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115
If you love authentic, handmade tamales (you can see them making them when you order), you’ve got to hustle over to Frelard! This family-run tamale shop always has sweet and savory vegan and gluten-free options— soyrizo and cheese, sweet potato mole, sweet piña, and more! There isn’t any restaurant seating, but after ordering, walk to Green Lake Park, where you’ll find multiple park benches.
El Grito
234 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
This vegan-friendly Mexican spot has a full vegan menu that features enchiladas, tacos, and quesadillas. Locals say their enchiladas are the best in town (especially when paired with a spicy margarita)!
Yaygit
5309 22nd Ave NW suite D, Seattle, WA 98107
It’s all about gut health at this plant-forward vegetarian café! Their menu focuses on delicious dishes that are packed with all the beneficial things you need for your health like raw oats and berries for breakfast and an abundance of super green salads and sandwiches for lunch. They also have a great lineup of specialty coffee drinks, cold pressed juices, and smoothies.
Vegan Breakfast Spots in Seattle
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day (in my book), and these two vegan restaurants will make sure you’re ready to conquer it. If you’re in need of more suggestions, don’t worry, we have a full lineup of vegan breakfast and brunch spots in Seattle.
The Wayward Vegan
801 NE 65th St Suite C, Seattle, WA 98115
The all-day breakfast menu at this vegan diner will have you coming back every day! There’s no way to say no to fluffy chocolate chip pancakes, golden Belgian waffles, biscuits covered in gravy, or veggie-packed omelets! In addition to breakfast, they also have burgers and sandwiches.
Café Red
7148 Martin Luther King Jr Way S, Seattle, WA 98118
This West Seattle café and coffeehouse is an excellent spot to visit to get your coffee and breakfast sandwich fix! They have a creative lineup of house-made sammies, breakfast wraps, toast, hash browns, and more. But their specialty coffee drinks are really the cat’s pajamas — who needs Starbucks!?
Vegan Bakeries & Sweet Spots in Seattle
Here are just a few favorite spots for sweets, want more? Check out the full lineup of vegan bakeries and ice cream spots in Seattle!
Lazy Cow
3418 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
Just around the corner from the Fremont Troll is this charming vegan bakery that always has a lineup of flaky pastries, freshly made bread, cookies, and more. They also have gluten-free options.
Mighty O Donuts
Locations in Green Lake, Capitol Hill, Ballard, and downtown
This vegan donut shop has a mouthwatering lineup of cake donuts covered in chocolate, peanut butter, sprinkles, and more! Some locations also have specialty and yeast-raised donuts.
Dough Joy
1316 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122
One more fantastic vegan donut shop — you can’t have too many! This cheery shop specializes in creative handmade yeast-raised donuts filled with jam and cream and topped with chocolate, strawberry cream, cookies, and more.
Frankie & Jo’s
Locations in Capitol Hills, University Village, and Ballard
Forget about Ben and Jerry’s, the house-made ice cream at Frankie and Jo’s will knock your socks off! Their flavor lineup is anything but basic —Chocolate Tahini Super Cookie, Salty Caramel Ash, Jamocha Chaga Fudge, and more! In addition to being vegan, everything is also gluten and soy-free!
Seattle Vegan Map
Overwhelmed by all of these fantastic options? No worries! I’ve created a handy Google Map to help you figure out where everything is — happy eating!
Vegan Options at Seattle’s SeaTac Airport
If you’re in a rush before you hop on your flight, you’ll want to check out these spots for a hearty meal or snack!
Floret by Café Flora
Near Gate A1
If you’ve had a chance to visit Seattle, you might be familiar with Café Flora; this is its little sister café! This is hands down the best spot to visit in SeaTac as it’s fully vegetarian, and most menu items can be made vegan (it’s also gluten-free and nut-free friendly)! The café is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Evergreens
Central Terminal
If you’re interested in a hearty salad, check out this spot. They have a couple of vegan options, or you can create your own.
Qdoba
Central Terminal
You can never have too many burritos with extra guac, am I right? This Tex-Mex chain has vegan-friendly bowls, tacos, and more.
Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen & Bar
Near Gate N19
For a piping-hot bowl of Pho, come here! They have a few other options that are vegan as well.
What’s the Best Neighborhood to Stay in Seattle?
Where to stay in Seattle depends on various factors — Is this your first time visiting? Do you like walking (and hills)? Are you on a budget? Will you have a car? I bet you get my drift.
I really loved Capitol Hill, and it would get my vote as the best area to stay. I am a sucker for eclectic boutiques, creative coffee shops (don’t miss Wunderground), and it’s also home to multiple vegan hot spots — what more can you ask for in a neighborhood? Capitol Hill is also not too far from many major attractions — a 30-minute walk to Pike Place or 40 minutes to the Space Needle (of course, quicker if you take the bus).
If you’d prefer to be closer to downtown attractions, I suggest Belltown, which is between downtown and Capitol Hill, and home to a vegan-friendly hotel (so, keep reading).
Vegan-Friendly Hotel in Seattle
If you’re looking for a centrally located hotel with vegan snacks, look no further!
The Sound Hotel
2120 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
Not only is this hotel in a perfect location for exploring Seattle, but it’s also vegan-friendly — hooray! Forget about lackluster or no breakfast options; here, you can start your day with a feast — yummy tofu scramble with veggie sausage or hearty avocado toast with house-made pesto and balsamic reduction. Later, when you need a snack, grab Beyond jerky, trail mix, or chocolate from their onsite shop.
In addition to delicious food options, all their complimentary toiletry options from NEST are vegan and cruelty-free. I am sure by now I have sold you, but to really put you over on staying here, try and nab a high floor facing The Space Needle for picture-perfect downtown views.
Book Your Stay
Seattle Airbnb Suggestion
If you’d prefer a rental with a kitchenette, I have the perfect place for you. My friend Matthew is the expert behind the Pacific Northwest focused blog, Kessi World and he has a beautiful Airbnb in Capitol Hill! This is an excellent spot for up to four people.
Capitol Hill Airbnb Apartment
What to Do in Seattle
#1 Take a plant-based tour of Pike Place Market
Right in the heart of downtown Seattle and nestled next to Puget Sound is this iconic market. It is one of the oldest continuously operating markets in the US and is well known for its maze of little shops, a slew of local businesses, and of course, the Starbucks Empire.
At first glance, vegan friends, you might be a little horrified, it is also home to many fishmongers who have somewhat jarring displays. I encourage you to look beyond it and not only take in the history and the views of the snow-capped mountains, but there are vegan-friendly vendors to visit too! You can find the following:
- Vegan biscuits at Honest Biscuits
- Chocolate at DeLaurenti Food & Wine
- Cookies & treats at Cinnamon Works
- Fully vegan Mexican eats at El Borracho
But, that’s not all! The best way to explore the veggie food scene at Pike Place is on a plant-based food tour with a local! They will take you around the fishmongers to all the terrific spots to sample everything from cookies to pierogis!
Book the Veggie Tour
#2 Wander around Seattle Center
The Seattle Center is the city’s central gathering spot and a hub for arts and culture. For visitors, it’s probably most well-known for the Seattle Space Needle, which, along with many other landmarks, was built for the 1962 World’s Fair, which was aptly themed, The Age of Space (it makes sense why the Space Needle looks like a space ship)!
Aside from visiting the Space Needle, you should also consider checking out the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum (there are gorgeous sculptures outside of the museum to give you a sense of what to expect) or the Museum of Pop Culture. Some free spots include the International Fountain (also built for the World’s Fair) and the Olympic Sculpture Park, right on the waterfront.
Freebie bonus idea — if you want to capture Seattle skyline views but don’t want to pay to go into the Space Needle, visit Kerry Park, which is a 15-minute walk from the Seattle Center. The walk is mostly uphill, but once you get there, you’re rewarded with beautiful views of downtown Seattle and Puget Sound.
#3 Enjoy Seattle from the water
Another excellent way to see and learn about the Emerald City is from the sea! Be sure to choose a narrated guided tour. Most start at Pier 55 on the waterfront and loop around Elliott Bay. During the tour, you’ll learn a little about Seattle’s history and the historic waterfront while enjoying panoramic views, including the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges, including majestic Mt. Rainier (on a clear day).
#4 Get outdoors
From sailing across Puget Sound to scaling mountain peaks, there is endless natural beauty to explore. Even if you’re not an avid adventurer, once you see how stunning Seattle is, there’s no way you won’t want to spend a little bit of time in it. Plus, it’s good for you!
If you’re looking for a low-key hike or stroll, check out The Washington Park Arboretum, Volunteer Park (there is a water tower here that you can climb for great city views), Discovery Park, or Gas Works Park. For a unique experience, consider a Mystic Nature experience — this guided nature walk helps you experience nature’s beauty in new ways while leaving behind distractions.
For those interested in a longer hike, head about 30 miles east of Seattle to Mount Si. The hike is 8 miles round trip and includes stunning views!
If you want to get out on the water, consider an REI kayaking tour — Seattle is regarded as one of the best cities in the US to kayak, and REI has multiple options. A popular choice is to hit Lake Washington, but consider Alki Beach for a unique experience. You might get lucky and see a giant Pacific octopus and seals, but at the very least, you’ll get terrific views of the city skyline.
#5 Shop, eat, & hangout in Seattle’s coolest neighborhood
The rainbow crosswalks in this charismatic neighborhood led to trendy independent boutiques, many vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants, hip coffee houses, and even a cat café! It seems that just about anything goes here, and everyone is accepted just as they are in Capitol Hill.
The heart of the neighborhood is on E. Pike and E. Pine Streets between Bellevue Ave. and 12th Avenue.
How to Get Around Seattle
Do I Need a Car in Seattle?
No, a car isn’t necessary to visit Seattle, especially if you’re just exploring downtown and neighboring areas. If you want to get to West Seattle or points further north, a car would be necessary (you could use car sharing or take a Lyft if you want to avoid the rental). Mass transit is excellent throughout the city, but once you get outside of it, then a car becomes necessary. If this is your first time in Seattle, I would focus on just exploring downtown and nearby. On your second visit, rent a car.
What’s Mass Transit like in Seattle?
Seattle has an excellent public transit network that includes light rail, bus, streetcars, monorail, and metro. Tickets vary from $2.25 – 3.50 (they vary by mode of transit and how far you’re traveling). You can pay by cash, Orca Card, or with the Transit Go app.
I suggest foregoing the Orca Card and downloading the Transit Go app before you get to Seattle. You have to pay $3 to get the Orca Card and add fare to it; the app is free. With the app, you can also plan transit routes and buy tickets as you go. For visitors, it’s the most efficient option. In addition to using the Transit Go route planner, Google Maps also works perfectly — I used it almost exclusively in Seattle without issue.
One last note: when using the metro or light rail, activate the ticket (if using the app) before you board. There isn’t a turnstile scan that you go through before boarding, the transit system operates on the honor system, but transit officers come on the trains from time to time to ensure everyone has a ticket. You can face a hefty fine if caught without a ticket or if it’s not active.
More Vegan Travel Help
If you’re looking for more yummy eats in Seattle or if your travels are taking you somewhere else in the world, let us help you! Check out these other vegan guides and articles to plan another trip for for vacation inspiration.
The Best Spots for Vegan Breakfast & Brunch in Seattle
Amazing Vegan Bakeries and Donut Spots in Seattle
The Best Vegan Travel Guide to Portland
The Best Places for Breakfast or Brunch in Portland
The Perfect Vegan Travel Guide to Philadelphia
The Ultimate NYC Vegan Travel Guide
Vegan Festivals & Events Worth Traveling This Year
The Best Vegan Guide to Reykjavik, Iceland
The Best Places to Go for Vegan Food in Denver
