Long gone are the days of vegans and vegetarians being relegated to side dishes at restaurants.
As plant-based diets have become more prevalent, local eateries have popped up around Columbus to deliver fantastic animal product-free cuisine.
If you’re new to the vegan lifestyle, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But Columbus makes it really easy to test the waters.
It doesn’t matter if you’re just adding one or two days to your week without animal products like “Meatless Mondays” or if you’ve been a long-time rider on the Vegan diet train, there are so many restaurants around the city that offer creative, delicious dishes.
The Nile Vegan

Craving delicious Ethiopian cuisine? From curried veggies to mushroom stew, the menu at The Nile Vegan is full of complex flavors. The portions are huge, the prices are low, and it’s all yummy. What’s not to love?
Item to try: I’m a sucker for lentils, so my suggestion is the Puy Lentils. It’s a hearty put lentil stew with tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, onions, garlic, and spices.
Location: 1479 Worthington St, Columbus, OH 43201
Website: The Nile Vegan
Paulie Gee’s

Paulie Gee’s is one of my favorite pizza spot suggestions in the city because I know that no matter what anyone’s dietary restrictions are, they can have something incredible at Paulie Gee’s. They’ve got a variety of vegan pizza options to choose from.
Item to try: If you’re feeling adventurous, order the Trustfall. It’s a sort of surprise pizza where the chef gets to choose your toppings. Don’t worry, you can specify that you’d like it vegan.
Location: 1195 North High St, Columbus, OH 43201
Website: Paulie Gee’s
Greenhouse Canteen And Bar

Vegan cuisine has had a renaissance over the last 5 years and nowhere is that more evident than at Greenhouse Canteen. The menu is expansive with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options for your whole crew.
Item to try: No matter what you get for your starter or main course, you’ve got to end your visit with a slice of pecan pie. The cashew cream that comes with it might actually be made with magic.
Location: 1011 W 5th Ave, Grandview, OH 43212
Website: Greenhouse Canteen
True Food Kitchen

True Food Kitchen is all about flavor. Although the entire menu isn’t vegan, they do have some really delicious vegan options on the menu.
Item to try: The vegan double cheeseburger is one healthy cheeseburger that you’ll actually love eating.
Location: 4052 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219
Website: True Food Kitchen
Zammy’s Vegan Kitchen

Zammy’s has everything you’d expect to find in any neighborhood lunch joint, except it’s all vegan. With sandwiches, salads, and sweets on the menu, there really is something for everyone.
Item to try: Zammy’s serves breakfast all day, so go ahead and treat yourself to a vegan breakfast sandwich.
Location: 1155 Worthington Woods Blvd, Columbus, OH 43085
Website: Zammy’s Vegan Kichen
Comune

Everything about Comune is amazing. The menu is so thoughtful, the food is executed perfectly, and the cocktails are wonderful. Even the bathrooms at Comune are splendid. The best part about grabbing your friends and having a meal at Comune is that the name really does represent the restaurant well. Be prepared for sharing some yummy food and good vibes.
Item to try: Treat yourself to the tasting menu, which can be made vegan and include the chef’s selection of six courses.
Location: 677 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
Website: Comune
4th And State

Located in the heart of downtown Columbus, this family-owned restaurant serves traditional American diner fare made from plant-based ingredients. They also have a great kids’ menu for the little vegans in your life.
Item to try: Get the patty melt. Everything about it is good, but it’s really pushed over the edge by the sriracha aioli.
Location: 152 E State St. Columbus, OH 43215
Website: 4th and State
Seitan’s Realm

Seitan’s Realm is a badass vegan deli. Their menu includes a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, sides, desserts, and more.
Item to try: The Rick Reuben, Seitan’s Realm’s version of the traditional Reuben sandwich, is always an epic choice.
Location: 3496 N High Street, Columbus, OH 43214
Website: Seitan’s Realm
Woodhouse Vegan

Woodhouse Vegan is located over in Italian Village and if you’re craving nachos, there’s no place better to get your fix. And when I say no better, I mean plant-based or not.
Item to try: The OG Nachos are corn chips covered in nacho cheese, chipotle black beans, corn guacamole, pico de gallo, cashew sour cream, pickled red onions, scallions, and fresh jalapeño. They’re freaking incredible.
Location: 851 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Woodhouse Vegan
Pattycake Bakery

A bakery that caters exclusively to vegan eaters, they offer all the traditional baked goods. From cupcakes to cookies to whoopie pies, you can get your favorite pastries made vegan-friendly.
Item to try: Pattycake Bakery is home to my favorite version of carrot cake in the city, so get a Carrot Cake Cupcake and fall in love.
Location: 3870 N. High St, Columbus, OH 43214
Website: Pattycake Bakery
Two Dollar Radio HQ

Good books and great food come together at this vegan eatery on Parsons Ave. You can swing by and grab something to read while you munch on brunch, sandwiches, wraps, and more. If you are feeling a little DIY, you can even pick up the Two Dollar Radio Guide to Vegan Cooking and make something yummy for yourself.
Item to try: Any Tortuga is a good choice, but if you want to try a flavor combo you’ve probably never had before, give the Walnut Chorizo & Cactus Tortuga a go.
Location: 1124 Parsons Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43206
Website: Two Dollar Radio HQ
Willowbeez SoulVeg

Willowbeez SoulVeg is one of the best reasons to visit North Market. They’re serving up a variety of signature dishes, including their GrabCake sliders, their plant-based po’boy, and their vegan mac n’ cheese.
Item to try: Everything they cook up in the kitchen at Willowbeez SoulVeg is delicious, but it would be an absolute crime to eat there and not get some cornbread to accompany your meal. I promise you won’t regret adding it to your order.
Location: 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215
Website: Willowbeez SoulVeg