If you’re looking for some of the best vegan or vegetarian food in Wisconsin, head to Madison, known not only as a quintessentially American area, but a fantastic hub for craft beverages.
This is “America’s Dairyland” where cheese of all kinds is found in abundance. Yet, over the years Madison has been progressing and you can find a selection of vegan and vegetarian eateries to enjoy here in Wisconsin’s capital.
Enjoy exploring Madison’s food, beer, entertainment scene and shopping areas. And why not start here with our selection of the best vegetarian restaurants in Madison? Let’s get started!
The Eight Best Vegetarian Restaurants In Madison, Wisconsin: Food Worth Waiting For!
1. Sookie’s Veggie Burgers
A simple vegan fast food menu in a cozy restaurant setting
Serving up healthy, sustainable food, Sookie’s has come a long way from a food trailer in Milwaukee to this outlet in Madison. Offering an entirely plant-based menu and biodegradable packaging this establishment is striving to tick all the boxes.
Named after the resident dog, Sookie, this colourful, cozy restaurant is not quite the setting you’d expect for fun plant-based fast food. Found in the heart of downtown Madison, there are several car parks around, so there’s easy parking. While at the restaurant you’ll find a fun atmosphere with quirky decor, a beautiful mural to look at and great background music. The staff are super friendly so you’re sure to feel welcome.
The menu offers some simple offerings ranging from burgers to dessert including some great side dishes such as chips and guac or hummus and pita as well as fries.
Locals recommend the air-fried fries and sweet potato fries in this nut-free restaurant and have been amazed by the taste and texture of the “chicken” and “impossible” burgers so be sure to bring along your sceptic meat-eater friends. And if you’re gluten-free you can sub your bun for a lettuce wrap so you’re not missing out on the burger action.
In addition to the food menu, you can find a great selection of tap beers, as well as delicious pour-over coffee depending on the occasion.
Sookie’s Veggie Burgers are simply delicious and that’s why this place is considered one of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Madison, Wisconsin.
Opening Times: Sun-Wed 09:00-22:00, Thurs-Sat 09:00-02:30
Address: 502 State St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
2. Jardin
Plant-based dishes that offer tastes from all over the world
Found in downtown Madison’s Robinia Courtyard, Jardin offers a completely plant-based globally-inspired menu and bar.
Within this unique dining space, you can enjoy a spacious environment with soft lighting, hanging baskets, plants, and a stunning outside patio. The service is well-timed and the staff are not only wonderfully attentive, but they’re also knowledgable when it comes to the menu. Locals will tell you the food is incredible and you simply must get a round of cocktails in when visiting.
Enjoy choosing from a three-course menu that includes dishes inspired by world cuisine. You can expect flavorsome dishes that many regulars rave about. Past favourites have included Chickpea Paneer accompanied by cranberry, golden raisin and cardamom chutney, and Thai basil. This silky-smooth curry encased in a crispy exterior is not only delicious but gluten and nut free.
In addition, many love the roasted eggplant, a dish that comes with seared heirloom tomato, saffron couscous, chermoula crema, roasted carrot, and blistered green bean. This delicious meal can also be nut and gluten-free so those with dietary needs can rest assured you’ll be well-catered for.
If you’re partial to a cocktail, order a Martini with your meal and you won’t be disappointed. Other standout favourites over the years have included focaccia with olive tapenade and the affogato for dessert which is a coffee-lovers dream.
Jardin’s elegant meals inspired by worldwide cuisine, alongside fantastic cocktails, is certainly earn them a spot as one of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Madison.
Opening Times: Tues-Thurs 17:00-21:00, Fri-Sat 17:00-22:00
Address: 829 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703, USA
3. Green Owl Cafe
Cozy café serving in-house faux meat dishes for over a decade.
Offering vegan comfort food since 2009, Green Owl Cafe is considered the longest-running plant-based restaurant in the city, and to this day it remains one of the most popular vegetarian restaurants in Madison.
Its casual setting and colourful seating make for a cozy café to enjoy some simple creative dishes. This intimate space includes a bar stocked with local beers and spirits and you can enjoy an outdoor dog-friendly patio offering picnic-style tables and parasols to enjoy in the warmer months. Parking can be a little tricky around this area but if you plan ahead you’ll be alright.
The friendly staff will be happy to help you make your choice from the menu consisting of sandwiches, burgers, pasta, bowls and salads, soup and chilli as well as tacos on Tuesdays!
Past recommendations include the ‘Steak’, which is a thinly sliced house-made seitan on a baguette with sauteed mushrooms and onions, owl sauce, arugula, and cashew cheez sauce or provolone. You won’t find it too hard to convince carnivorous friends to give fake meat a try here where it’s been lovingly made in-house.
Be sure to try a wrap for lunch served with your choice of salad, not to mention veggie nuggets! It’s possible to make multiple items on the menu gluten-free so don’t be shy to ask.
The longest-running veggie café around and still serving some great food, the Green Owl Café is a must visit, especially for Taco Tuesdays!
Opening Times: Tues 17:00-21:00, Wed-Sun 11:00-21:00
Address: 1970 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704, USA
4. JustVeggiez
Healthier vegan fast food with delicious flavor combinations
So you want fast food but don’t want to compromise on nutrition? JustVeggiez is sure to hit the spot with its flavorful and nutritious vegan fast food.
In 2018 owner James Bloodsaw brought over 30 years of experience into this business to offer healthy vegan food to customers. Situated within Madison East Shopping Centre with plenty of parking, this simple fast-food-style restaurant offers more wholesome food.
The small menu presents salads, sandwiches, wraps, pizza and kids’ options including cheese quesadilla and “chicken” nuggets. The food is a hit with locals who have recommended many options over time including the Vegan Chix Sandwich.
This tasty combination of a tofu chix patty topped with slaw mix, pickles, and bacon avocado ranch sauce is a delicious nutritious dish that you can enjoy plain or with buffalo sauce. Regulars will tell you how flavorful the meals are here and this dish is no exception!
Ticking the boxes, JustVeggiez is easily up there as one of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Madison, Wisconsin.
Opening Times: Tues-Fri 11:00-20:00, Sat 12:00-21:00
Address: 2817 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53704, USA
5. Daisy Café & Cupcakery
Vegetarian-friendly comfort food cafe with a good range of vegan and vegetarian options.
While not strictly vegan or vegetarian, Daisy Café and Cupcakery offer many vegetarian and vegan options in Madison and more than 80% of their menu can be modified for gluten-free customers.
We recommend arriving early – especially on the weekends – if you want to take advantage of the limited parking that is available. There are spaced-out picnic benches outside in a dog-friendly area with parasols ,and simple seating inside including an array of tables and chairs. There is some great artwork to be found inside which adds to the ambience of this friendly establishment and the staff are keen to make your experience a happy one.
The menu offers a range of comfort food dishes and creative cupcakes on offer fresh every day in a family-friendly setting.
There’s a separate vegan menu with breakfast and lunch options, sides and non-dairy milk options for your hot drinks including soy, almond, and oat.
Regulars have loved dishes such as vegan pancakes served with fresh fruit which includes two or four pancakes and a side of berry compote. If you’re after something savoury there have been some great vegetarian and gluten-free options including Veggie Enchiladas, topped with shredded vegan cheese, then smothered in housemade tomatillo avocado salsa and served with herbed rice and seasoned black beans.
In addition, the Vegan Rancheros are also gluten-free and include grilled corn tortillas, black beans, ranchero veggies, shredded vegan cheese, avocado, fresh fruit and tomatillo-avocado salsa. If you’ve got an appetite, this is the place to go it seems!
The cupcakery side of the business offers a range of flavors fresh every day, ranging seasonally and Daisy’s strive to have two or more gluten-free options each day.
With all these choices available for plant-based customers, it’s no wonder Daisy Café and Cupcakery had to get a special mention as one of the best vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Madison, Wisconsin.
Opening Times: Tues-Sun 09:00-14:00
Address: 2827 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704, USA
6. Everly
Delicious and simple meals in a relaxed modern restaurant with great beer and cocktail selection.
This vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Madison also offers some great options for vegans and vegetarians with its creative Californian-style menu. A modern space with plenty of light and dog-friendly outdoor seating, Everly is an intimate venue with plenty of on-street parking available as well as a shared parking lot.
This restaurant has an artsy feel to it while still maintaining a relaxed and casual atmosphere. With smooth finished surfaces, foliage, great background music and warm lighting you’ll feel comfortable taking a seat perhaps at the bar with the friendly bartenders.
Servers work hard to serve you efficiently and with kindness as they offer you a fantastic menu comprising breakfast lunch, dinner and everything in between.
A lunch favourite for locals has been the Veggie Scrambled Eggs or Tofu with seasonal vegetables, melting cheese, herb-smashed fingerlings and wheat toast.
Whilst a popular choice for dinner is the Butternut Squash and Forbidden Rice Curry – this vegan dish includes coconut milk, cashews, cilantro, and Fresno Chiles. You can add to this dish to suit any diet, from a choice of chicken, seared tofu or salmon filet.
Many menu items are also gluten-free or can be made to suit those who are intolerant to gluten, and the air fryers are dedicated to gluten-free products.
Kids will be suitably happy to dine here too with a small selection for them to choose from including the Kids Egg Scramble which includes two scrambled eggs or scrambled tofu, herb-roasted potatoes, and toast.
With plenty of choices and deliciously prepared, Everly can be considered one of the best vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Madison, Wisconsin.
Opening Times: Mon-Thurs 11:00-21:00, Fri 11:00-22:00, Sat 09:00-22:00
Address: 2701 Monroe St, Madison, WI 53711, USA
7. The Globe
Asian-inspired menu with vegetarian options
A final honourable mention when it comes to vegetarian options is the quaint and intimate dining space known as The Globe. With friendly staff and well-presented food, their menu selection comprising Asian-inspired dishes is a great choice for lunch and dinner.
Locals have recommended their past favourites as being the Vegetarian Tibetan Dumplings, which are eight pieces either steamed, fried or jhole (tomato chutney soup), with edamame, soya balls, cabbage, onion, scallion and cilantro.
In addition, the simple but effective previous offering of Farmers Market Mixed Vegetables served with rice and topped with sea salt and The Globe’s special spice has been a hit. Plus if you’re gluten-free you can enjoy dishes like the delicious Thai Coconut Curry-Hurry including coconut milk, lemongrass, ginger and garlic.
A flavorful array of dishes with a decent amount of meat-free offerings makes The Globe one of the best vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Madison, Wisconsin.
Opening Times: Mon-Thurs 11:00-20:30, Fri-Sat 11:00-21:30
Address: 309 N Henry St, Madison, WI 53703, USA
8. Monty’s Blue Plate Diner
Old-school American diner with a plentiful vegan menu
Get your fix of classic diner food with a wealth of vegetarian and vegan options. This renovated gas station impresses with its 1950s-style diner looking like something out of Grease! If you’re driving you can find space in the parking lot before heading in to enjoy the fun atmosphere with a royal blue and grey colour scheme, large round tables outside and booth seating and stools indoors. Monty’s Blue Plate Diner is a retro hub that isn’t short of vegetarian and vegan options.
Upbeat staff offer a great service old-school style as they get your order of delicious food in. Monty’s has a comprehensive vegan menu for you to choose from including all-day breakfast, salads, sandwiches and entrees, as well as desserts.
Some local favourites over the years include the Heathen Vegan Shoplifter’s Delight which includes portobellos, fried tempeh, red onions, avocado, and lemon tahini dressing on a baguette, plus you can add almond cheese. Another top pick has been the delicious Banana Walnut Pancakes served with maple syrup and locals will tell you simply must have a speciality shake including flavors such as Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Fat Elvis, Spiced Apple and Orange Dream.
Those with gluten intolerances can rest assured there are some options for you too including Beyond Burger with cheddar-style cheese, grilled onions, guac, lettuce, and tomato on your choice of bread including a gluten-free option. If you’re visiting with kids they’ll be sure to love the classic Mickey Pancake served with maple syrup – oh gee!
Enjoy healthy meatless meals in Monty’s Blue Plate Diner, one of the best vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Madison, Wisconsin.
Opening Times: Mon-Sun 07:30-21:00
Address: 2089 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704, USA
