Portland, Maine: A Vegan Foodie City?
Portland, Maine, might be best known for its fresh seafood and cozy New England charm. But scratch the surface, and you’ll find a surprisingly vibrant and diverse vegan food scene that’s rapidly gaining momentum.
Known as a foodie city for all tastes, Portland has seen an explosion of plant-based options in recent years, driven by a growing demand for creative and delicious vegan cuisine. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, or simply curious, Portland’s vegan restaurants offer something for everyone.
This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap to navigating Portland’s plant-based dining landscape. We’ll cover everything from breakfast and lunch to dinner and specific cuisines, offering neighborhood-based recommendations for easy navigation.
Whether you’re a traveler seeking the best vegan eats, a local looking for new dining experiences, or a family with diverse dietary needs, this guide will help you discover the best vegan restaurants Portland Maine has to offer.
Starting the Day: Vegan Breakfast in Portland
Let’s be real: finding a good vegan breakfast can be tricky. While Portland’s vegan scene is thriving, breakfast options can still be a little thin on the ground. It’s easy to find toast and fruit, but a substantial, satisfying vegan breakfast can take a little more searching.
Luckily, there are a couple of spots that consistently deliver:
Forage Market
Forage Market is a great option. They’re known for their amazing bagels and even better vegan breakfast sandwiches. Food & Wine magazine even recognized them as one of the best bagel shops in the country!
Pro tip: Order ahead of time, especially on weekends.
Friendly Toast
Friendly Toast is another reliable choice. They always have several vegan options on their menu, so you can be sure to find something that hits the spot.
Quick Bites and Casual Eats: Vegan Lunch and Grab-and-Go Options
Sometimes, you just need something fast and easy. Luckily, Portland has you covered with some great grab-and-go vegan options for lunch or a quick bite.
LB Kitchen
LB Kitchen is a local favorite for breakfast and lunch, and they’re super flexible when it comes to catering to different dietary needs. While not exclusively vegan, many of their dishes can be easily adapted for a plant-based diet. Just ask!
Banh Appetit
Craving something savory and satisfying? Head over to Banh Appetit for their incredible Tofu Banh Mi. This Vietnamese sandwich is packed with flavor and is a perfect vegan option.
Crunchy Poké
For a fresh and customizable meal, Crunchy Poké is the way to go. Build your own poke bowl with a variety of plant-based proteins, veggies, and flavorful sauces. It’s a healthy and delicious option that’s perfect for a quick lunch.
Vegan Pizza & Pub Fare
Sometimes you just want a burger and a beer, you know? Or maybe a pizza? Here are some of your options for vegan pub fare in Portland:
- Brickyard Hollow: This brewpub offers a few clearly marked vegan options. The atmosphere is casual and fun, and you can always fill out your meal with an order of fries (ask if they’re fried in shared oil, though!).
- Local pizza places with vegan cheese: A lot of pizza joints around Portland will substitute vegan cheese on any pie. When you order, be sure to ask about the crust, too. Some crusts contain milk or eggs, while others do not.
Honestly, you can find vegan options at most restaurants in Portland. Don’t be afraid to ask!
A world of flavors: Vegan cuisine exploration
Portland, Maine, is a foodie town, and that means there’s plenty for vegans to enjoy! Here are just a few examples of the vegan-friendly cuisine you can find in Portland.
Asian delights
Several Asian restaurants in Portland make it easy to find vegan options. For example, at Empire Chinese Kitchen, the menu clearly marks which dishes are vegan or vegetarian.
Boda is another restaurant that clearly labels its vegan offerings. You can also find plenty of vegan-friendly dishes at many of Portland’s Thai and Japanese restaurants, where tofu and vegetable-based dishes are plentiful.
Global vegan cuisine
If you’re in the mood for Caribbean food, Yardie Ting serves up a delicious coconut curry.
For a family-friendly option, consider Asmara, which features Eritrean cuisine. They have loads of flavorful vegan dishes that are great for sharing with a group.
You can also find many Indian restaurants in Portland. Indian cuisine features a wide array of vegetarian dishes that can often be made vegan with a few simple substitutions.
Fine Dining: Elegant Vegan Experiences
Portland’s vegan scene isn’t all casual cafes and delicious dives. If you’re looking for a more upscale experience, you have a couple of options.
Twelve is a great choice. This high-end restaurant often has a rotating prix fixe menu, and they’re usually able to create a customized vegan selection if you let them know in advance.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to other upscale restaurants, too! Even if they don’t have clearly marked vegan options on the menu, many fine dining establishments are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions. Call ahead, explain your needs, and see what culinary magic they can create for you.
Sweet Treats: Vegan Ice Cream and Desserts
No vegan food tour is complete without dessert! Portland has some truly great vegan-friendly options for those with a sweet tooth.
Several local ice cream shops now offer vegan flavors, often made with coconut milk or oat milk. Check out their menus for daily specials!
For baked goods, explore Portland’s vegan bakeries and cafes, which boast cakes, cookies, and pastries. Don’t forget to check out the local farmers’ markets; you might find a hidden gem selling vegan pies, tarts, or other goodies!
Exploring Portland’s Neighborhoods for Vegan Gems
Portland’s vegan scene isn’t confined to a single area. You’ll find plant-based options sprinkled throughout the city’s diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own unique vibe.
Old Port
The historic Old Port district is known for its cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and lively atmosphere. While not exclusively vegan, many restaurants in this area offer clearly marked vegan options on their menus. Plus, when the weather cooperates, lots of places have outdoor seating, so you can people-watch while you enjoy your meal.
East End, India Street, East Bayside, Munjoy Hill
These up-and-coming neighborhoods boast a diverse culinary scene with a growing number of vegan-friendly restaurants. You’ll find everything from casual cafes to upscale dining experiences in these areas. India Street and East Bayside, in particular, are experiencing a culinary renaissance, with innovative chefs embracing plant-based cuisine. Munjoy Hill, with its stunning views of Casco Bay, offers a more laid-back atmosphere with cozy restaurants catering to various dietary needs.
Arts District, West End, Parkside
If you’re planning a visit to the Portland Museum of Art or exploring the city’s cultural attractions, you’ll find several restaurants with vegan options in the Arts District and surrounding areas. The West End is home to a number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly cafes, perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely lunch. Parkside, a vibrant residential neighborhood, also offers a mix of dining options with plant-based choices.
Off-Peninsula
Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the main peninsula to discover even more vegan treasures. The neighborhoods located off-peninsula offer a chance to experience a different side of Portland’s culinary scene. You might stumble upon hidden gems and unique dining experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.
Final Thoughts
Portland, Maine, offers a surprisingly diverse and delicious vegan food scene. The city is a fantastic place for plant-based eaters, with options ranging from elevated cuisine to casual comfort food.
This guide is just a starting point. I encourage you to explore Portland’s many vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants and discover new favorites. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path; some of the best vegan finds are in unexpected places.
I’d love to hear about your favorite vegan dishes and restaurants in Portland. Please share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below. By sharing our favorite spots, we can help each other discover even more of what Portland’s vibrant vegan community has to offer. Happy eating!