As a vegetarian for 20+ years, I absolutely love eating my way through Boulder whenever I’m in town. This place is a plant-based diner’s dream come true and it feels like local chefs are always cooking up creative vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Not only is there an overwhelming number of vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Boulder, but I absolutely love that the focus is heavily on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
If you’re looking for vegetarian restaurants in Boulder, I’ve got you covered with 12 excellent vegetarian-friendly places to try on your next trip. A few restaurants on this list are pure vegetarian or vegan, but most stand out with their clearly marked vegan and vegetarian options, which is helpful if you’re dining with meat eaters!
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The 12 Best Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in Boulder
1. Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant
If you ask any local where to find the best vegetarian restaurants in Boulder, chances are they’re going to direct you to Leaf. Set right on Pearl Street, Leaf is all about cooking up farm-fresh vegetarian and vegan dishes.
On the menu, you’ll find all sorts of creative salads, sandwiches, and small plates, as well as globally-inspired mains like the Curried Samosa Cake, Korean Bibimbap, and Jamaican Jerk Tempeh. Also, if you prefer to go vegan, you can veganize most of the vegetarian menu items!
Take advantage of their happy hour, and you’ll get discounts on drinks (try the Pineapple Habanero Margarita!) and small plates, like the Vegan Crab Cake Slider and Buffalo Cauliflower Taco.
2. Meta Burger
If it’s comfort food you’re after, Meta Burger might be just what you’re looking for. The menu here is entirely plant-based and features a long list of burgers, “not burgers,” salads, sides, and 100% dairy-free shakes.
Burger options range from the Inferno with house ghost pepper ranch, gouda “cheese,” and pickled habaneros and jalapeños to the Big Country with ranch, BBQ shiitake “pork,” crispy onions, and American “cheese.”
For something different, there’s always the Monte Cristo with “turkey,” “bacon,” pulled “pork,” gouda “cheese,” and raspberry jalapeño jam on Texas toast or the Chicken Caesar Salad. Whatever you order, don’t forget a side of the seriously addictive Fried Pickle Chips!
3. Thrive
Thrive is a really cool vegan restaurant in Boulder, that’s perfect if you’re looking for healthy, nutrient-packed eats. From soups, curries, and salads to wraps, smoothies, and desserts, everything here is raw vegan and thoughtfully prepared with all sorts of nutritional extras.
Some popular options include the Broccoli Chedda soup, the Inner Flame salad with a chipotle-lime cashew dressing, the Nori Wrap, and the OG Cheesecake for dessert!
4. Zeal
Located in Hyatt Place Boulder/Pearl Street, Zeal is another option that works for carnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike. The team here takes pride in using as many organic and locally sourced ingredients as possible in an effort to create “Food That Loves You Back.”
The menu here features tons of vegetarian options, including the Breakfast Burrito with eggs, beans, veggies, and Mojo sauce and the Med Plate with pita, hummus, falafel, and tzatziki.
You’ll also find all sorts of vegan comfort food dishes here, from the gluten-free Vegan Mac ‘n Cheese and the spicy Cauli Wings with cashew dipping sauce to the Tom Kha Soup and the Kale Caesar with vegan Caesar dressing.
5. Flower Child
The menu at Flower Child also goes above and beyond to cater to vegans, meat-eaters, and everyone in between. Peruse the customizable menu, and you can choose from a variety of healthy starters, salads, bowls, and wraps.
Or you can always choose an entree and pair it with a protein and a healthy side or two! Think Sticky Thai Watermelon with summer tomato, lemony Roasted Broccoli, Cauliflower “Risotto,” and so much more!
6. Postino
Located on Pearl Street, Postino is another local favorite. This is the perfect place to go if you’re in the mood to socialize over Mediterranean-style small plates and a glass of wine or two!
The menu here has an assortment of starters, soups, salads, and paninis. But peruse “The Boards” section and you’ll find some seriously tempting bruschetta options (choose up to four flavor combinations for your board), as well as a vegetarian Greek Hummus and Table Cheese board.
Other veggie options include the Crunchy Vegetarian panini (with whipped feta, romesco, broccolini, cauliflower slaw, and cheddar), the Roasted Mushroom Fondue, and the Mixed Greens Salad (with pears, pecans, and gorgonzola).
7. Pizzeria Alberico
If you’re looking for one of the best Italian restaurants in town, be sure to go to Pizzeria Alberico – there are tons of vegetarian options on their curated menu. You’ll be able to choose from appetizers like arancini, artichoke with smoked ricotta, and burrata with white focaccia.
And then there are the vegetarian “Pizze Rosse” options, including the Marinara Antica with garlic, capers, and Rocky Mountain cherry tomatoes. Or go for one of the veg “Pizze Bianche” options like the Quattro Formaggi, the Funghi, or the Albicocca Piccante with crème fraîche, Rancho Durazno apricots, taleggio, basil, and Calabrian chili.
Do as the locals do and visit any day from 11:30 am to 4 pm to enjoy a two-course meal for $22! And whenever you decide to visit, you’ll want to pair your meal with a glass of one of their handpicked wines.
8. A Cup of Peace
If you’re looking for something different, A Cup of Peace is another local restaurant that serves up some of the most creative vegetarian food in Boulder. Most of the Korean dishes here all come with the option of tofu or veggie, as well as meaty protein options. You’ll also find that almost all of the menu items are gluten-free and dairy-free.
From the Bulgogi (Traditional Korean Barbecue Plate) and the Suhn (Sundubu-Soft Tofu Soup) to the Kimchi Fried Rice and the Bibimbap (Traditional Rice Salad), dishes here are packed with flavor, nutrition, and protein.
9. Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse is a must-visit for any newcomer to Boulder. This place was built by 40+ artisans in Tajikistan and the entire building is a work of art. If that’s not enough, Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse also serves some of the best vegetarian food in Boulder!
You’ll find all sorts of globally-inspired vegetarian dishes on the menu. Think Mexican Chilaquiles and Indian Dosa for brunch, Vietnamese Bun Bao Xao and Malaysian Sambal Curry for lunch, and Swedish Svamptoast and Persian Chickpea Kufteh for dinner.
Of course, this is a teahouse, so they serve a lovely afternoon tea from 3 pm to 5 pm. Your tea will be accompanied by a three-tiered tray of light bites, including house-made sandwiches, scones, and pastries. You can also make your afternoon tea a boozy one with a glass of wine or a cocktail!
10. Walnut Cafe
If you’re looking for vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Boulder for a hearty breakfast, you really can’t go wrong with Walnut Cafe.
If it’s eggs you’re craving, you’ll be spoiled for choice with the vegetarian options on the menu. Plus, vegetarians will appreciate being able to order a side of Morning Star Veggie Sausage. And if eggs aren’t your thing, you can always go with the Boulder Scramble with tofu or Dana’s Tempeh Skillet.
For something sweet instead of savory, there’s a long list of pancakes, waffles, and French toast dishes to choose from. You can even make the waffles and French toast gluten-free for just $1.50!
11. Rincon Argentino
Rincon Argentino consistently churns out their addictive empanadas, and the good news for vegetarians is that there are tons of creative options on the menu.
You’ll find six vegetarian empanada options on the menu, including the Caprese (with mozzarella, cherry tomato, fresh basil), the Hongos (with three types of mushrooms, garlic, parsley, and spices), and the Choclo (with Colorado sweet corn, homemade cream, mozzarella, red bell peppers, onions, fresh basil, and spices.
There’s also a vegan option with Beyond meat, onions, red bell peppers, raisins, and spices. Whatever you decide on, be sure to order up a mate served in a traditional mate gourd!
12. Tibet Kitchen
Tibet Kitchen is also a popular go-to for vegetarian food in Boulder. Dine here and you pretty much have to start with an order of Tsel Mo-Mo (vegetarian dumplings). They’re just so addictive!
They have a separate menu with vegetarian items, like Tofu & Bok Choy, Sliced Potatoes & Spinach, Aloo Govi, and Chick Peas Curry. But you might be too tempted by the noodle dishes, like the Thenthuk Hand Pull Pasta, the Long Noodle Soup, or the Sherpa Stew, which can all be cooked in a vegetable soup.
