Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants

Vegans are individuals who follow a diet that is entirely free of any animal-derived products, such as meat, eggs and dairy. Vegetarians, on the other hand, are slightly less strict and although they do not eat meat, will generally consume eggs and dairy. Many restaurants serve either vegan or vegetarian dishes. However, a handful of restaurants across the United States serve both vegan and vegetarian cuisines. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Cafe Gratitude

Cafe Gratitude is an entirely organic eatery that is based out of San Francisco, California. Several other locations are available in the region, including one in Oakland. Cafe Gratitude specializes in gourmet meals that are either cooked or raw. The restaurant utilizes eco-friendly products that are sustainable. The diverse menu consists of items such as biryani bowls, spring rolls, lasagna, sushi, porridge, nachos, taco salad and pesto pizza.

Zen Palate

Zen Palate is a New York City vegetarian and vegan restaurant that has three locations in Manhattan -- on the Upper West Side, in Union Square and in the Theater District. Zen Palate has been in existence since 1991, and serves Asian fusion cuisine. Some notable items off of the menu include tofu with sun-dried tomatoes, portobello mushrooms and soy nuggets, curry, yam fries and stir-fried spinach linguine.

Grasshopper Restaurant

The Grasshopper Restaurant is a vegan and vegetarian Vietnamese and Chinese establishment that is in Allston, Massachusetts, minutes away from the center of Boston. The Grasshopper Restaurant has an affordable menu of dishes, including "fake meat" dishes. The menu choices include vegetarian chicken fingers, vegetarian beef lo mein, vegetarian miso soup, house fried rice, vegan strawberry or blueberry cheesecake, watercress soup and fried vegetable dumplings.

Mother's Cafe and Garden

Mother's Cafe and Garden is an Austin, Texas restaurant that serves an extensive array of vegetarian and vegan meals. Mother's Cafe and Garden was founded in 1980 and serves brunch on weekends. The international menu items include artichoke enchiladas, baked potatoes, chili melts, spinach omelets, breakfast tacos, tofu lasagna, barbecue tofu, ravioli marinara, mushroom stroganoff, szechuan stir-fry and guacamole salad.

Julio's

Julio's is a Miami, Florida restaurant that specializes in foods that are all natural. Julio's is open seven days a week and offers eat-in, catering and delivery services. The 100 percent natural menu offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes, such as vegetarian burgers, avocado salads, tofu melts, sweet baked potatoes, steamed vegetables, grilled organic tofu, hummus, quinoa and brown rice.