Eating meat-free hasn’t always been easy, but in Kansas City, it’s a piece of (vegan) cake.
Our local food scene is as vibrant as ever, so it’s no surprise there are a slew of local chefs serving up fresh, vegetarian bites across town. From vegetarian barbecue to scrumptious vegan tacos, here are 25 restaurants serving up meat-free fare in KC.
Casual eating
Gigi’s Vegan + Wellness Café , 1103 Westport Rd., KCMO | Try a smoothie or chow down on a wrap at this sustainable, zero-waste spot.
Billie’s Grocery , 3216 Gillham Plaza, KCMO | This spot is perfect for on-the-go moments or work-from-home days, with a robust menu and immaculate vibes.
Mattie’s Foods , 633 E. 63rd St., KCMO | Enjoy plant-based comfort food with dine-in or to-go options.
Mildred’s , two locations | Mildred’s is Editor Bella’s favorite Crossroads spot to work-from-home — she recommends the hummus wrap with an iced latte (with oat milk, of course).
Elsa’s , 8016 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS | Bring the whole family or friend group for a meal at this Ethiopian restaurant — trust us, there are options for everyone.
Date night
Café Gratitude , 333 Southwest Blvd., KCMO | With 100% organic and plant-based options, this spot is centered around gratitude — perfect for an intentional + romantic date night.
LuLu’s Thai Noodle Shop , multiple locations | Arrive early for a happy hour drink and stay for a delicious meal. Pro tip: The Westwood location’s dive bar Our House is now open right next door for a post-meal bev.
Chewology , 900 Westport Rd., KCMO | Talk about immaculate date night vibes. This contemporary Taiwanese eatery offers bites like bok choy and three cup mushroom ramen.
Westport Cafe , 419 Westport Rd., KCMO | Transport you + your special someone to France for an unforgettable meal and drinks.
Café Sebastienne , 4420 Warwick Blvd., KCMO | Pop into this cafe after browsing the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art.
Little shop, big love for sweets.
Photo by KCtoday
Delicious deserts
Seven Swans Crêperie , 1746 Washington St., KCMO | You can find an entirely vegan, seasonal menu featuring sweet + savory options.
Mud Pie , 7319 W. 95th St., Overland Park, KS | This spot features 100% plant-based coffee + bakery treats featuring seasonal sweets and fan-favorite staples alike.
Betty Rae’s , multiple locations | While the menu is rotating, you can always count on dairy-free options here.
The Littlest Bake Shop , 645 E. 59th St., KCMO | Cookies, cupcakes, and cakes — oh my. Plus, they’re all vegan and gluten-free.
Sweet EMOtion , 312 Armour Rd., North Kansas City, MO | It was never a phase. Channel your inner emo-kid with themed ice cream flavors, all vegan and some gluten-free.
Feast your eyes and your stomachs at Tailleur.
Photo by Heather White
For the vegan carnivore
The Fix! , 600 E. 31st St., KCMO | Plant power is the word at this entirely plant-based eatery. Editor Bella recommends the Chicken-Fried Chicken.
Joe’s KC BBQ , multiple locations | Try the Portobello Z-man sandwich to experience classic KC barbecue while meeting vegan requirements.
Tailleur , 3933 Main St., KCMO | Chow down on the Garden Burger with a side of fries while sipping on a glass of wine.
The Brick , 1727 McGee St., KCMO | Order the vegetarian meatloaf at this restaurant featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.”
The Peanut , multiple locations | Watch the Chiefs game while eating the veggie burger at one of KC’s oldest bars.
The brunch bunch
Succotash , 2601 Holmes St., KCMO | With plenty of build-your-own options, this spot is great for brunch — party of many.
Blue Bird Bistro , 1700 Summit St., KCMO | Start your day with dishes like the tofu scramble or the veggie bowl.
The Wooden Spoon , two locations | This brunch option boasts its fresh ingredients and house classics.
Chef it up at home
Check out our favorite tips and tricks for serving veggie-focused fare from your own kitchen:
- To make zucchini, carrot, or beet noodles, try a veggie spiralizer that magically turns vegetables into noodles.
- Tired of wasting money on spices you use once? Broth Bomb combines all the spices you need for a flavorful meal.
- Harness the power of fresh and high-quality spices from James Beard Award-winning chef Meherwan Irani.
- A tofu press draws out water and can help tofu firm and crisp up once you cook it — the one linked here is dishwasher safe + works in twenty minutes.
- If your least favorite part about veggie prep is chopping, this all-in-one vegetable chopper can minimize prep time.
- Use a sprouting jar kit to grow microgreens and sprouted beans at home.
- If you’re making fresh bread, this Sourhouse starter jar was designed to be the easiest-to-clean sourdough starter jar in the world.
- For the ultimate veggie food prep, this glass storage container set keeps lunches and leftovers organized.
- Need some good recipes? Browse cookbooks “Inspiralized: Turn Vegetables into Healthy, Creative, Satisfying Meals” for veggie spiral recipes, “The Blue Zones Kitchen: 100 Recipes to Live to 100” for plant-based ideas, or “The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook” from America’s Test Kitchen
What did we miss? If you know a restaurant that’s not on the list, let us know using this survey .