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4 great vegan restaurants in Salt Lake

To clear up any confusion, Vegan restaurants are those that serve 100% plant-based dishes, i.e., no meat, eggs, nor dairy products.

Now, this doesn’t mean all of the carnivores in Salt Lake should shy away from these veggie-loving eateries. In fact, the general attitude toward vegan eating seems to be changing rapidly, encouraging Salt Lake’s best vegan cooks and chefs to step forward and shine.

The four restaurants listed below expose vegan cuisine for what it truly is—ingenious, exciting, and delicious.

 

1. Sage’s Cafe

The recently relocated Sage’s Cafe is now housed in the iconic Jade Cafe, which sits in the middle of the developing Central 9^th Business District. Inside this updated, mid-century modern-esque space, diners will find classic menu favorites, such as carrot butter pate and mushroom stroganoff, mixed in with a variety of new, tasty items and weekly specials. Owner Ian Brandt, who helped influence the rise of vegan cuisine in Salt Lake City more than 15 years ago, has only expanded on his original mission to offer delicious, expertly crafted, and thoughtful dishes to vegans and non-vegans within the community. Sage’s Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the week, with an extended brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays.

234 West 900 South

Salt Lake City, UT 84101

 

2. Vertical Diner

Vertical Diner, also owned by Ian Brandt, is the stick-to-your-ribs little sister to Sage’s Cafe’s more fine dining feel. True to the ‘50s diner décor, Vertical serves up classic comfort food—try hearty biscuits and gravy, chili cheeseburgers, and mashed potatoes with fried chicken—with an entirely vegan twist. The diner is tucked away in the light-industrial district just southwest of downtown and has an intimate back patio with views of the lofty City of South Salt Lake Water Tower. Vertical diner serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the week.

2280 South West Temple

Salt Lake City, UT 84115

 

3. Frisch Eatery

Frisch is a Compassionate Eatery, meaning each dish is prepared with all natural, plant-based products found as close to home as possible. Rachel and Leigh Kade, owners of Frisch Eatery, are on a mission to prove to Salt Lake City that vegan eating can be incredibly tasty while being good for you and the environment. Frisch features a permanent menu of salads, wraps, and entrée items but also offers daily specials and a revolving selection of fresh baked goods. Frisch is an excellent place for a grab-and-go lunch or a dinner spot with company. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served every day; however, the restaurant is closed on Sundays.

145 East 1300 South

Salt Lake City, UT 84115

 

4. Omar’s Rawtopia

Omar’s Rawtopia, located in the heart of Sugar House, is the brainchild of raw foodist and chef Omar Abou-Ismail. Although the idea of a raw vegan diet may be foreign to some, the concept of this restaurant is quite simple—to prepare and serve fresh, living, plant-based foods in the most sustainable ways possible. All dishes featured on the menu are 100% organic, gluten free, vegan, and, of course, raw. For those new to the raw foods movement, Omar’s creates appetizers, entrées, and sweet treats that are delicious and approachable. Also, don’t miss out on the fresh-squeezed juices and dessert drinks. Omar’s Rawtopia is open for lunch and dinner throughout the week and closed on Sundays.

2148 South Highland Drive

Salt Lake City, UT 84106