There’s no denying that the instagrammability of a restaurant is a factor in a visitor’s decision to spend a meal there. These days, a stellar restaurant isn’t just defined by its vegan fare alone. Social media is now the best way to find picture-perfect views into restaurants’ menus and overall ambiance. We’ve rounded up nine vegan establishments across the country that offer all the elements of a crave-worthy experience—namely, gorgeous food in equally photo-worthy surroundings. With their scrumptious content, it’s unlikely your visit will go unnoticed or even unphotographed.
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1. Althea (Chicago, IL)
This gem on Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile is deceiving at first because it’s located on the seventh floor of Saks Fifth Avenue. But step inside, and you’ll immediately be immersed in plant-based pioneer Matthew Kenney’s simple but elegant creation. Eye-catching photographs of vegetables and live frames of plants adorn the white walls, but the real draw is the location. Situated on the corner of the building, the restaurant features spectacular views of Michigan Avenue, and while there’s no bad seat in the small eatery, the best ones are adjacent to the windows. You also won’t be disappointed with the globally inspired, photo-worthy dishes that highlight Kenney’s creative culinary side, such as the kimchi dumplings and tomato and zucchini lasagna.
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2. Avo (Nashville, TN)
First impressions are everything, which may be why your first viewing of Avo (short for avocado) is a colorful display of avocados on its building—which is actually a large shipping container. The avocado artwork continues inside as you slip into a stool at the bar (be sure to take snaps of its living wall and the upside-down tulip-shaped lights); at a table in the spacious, airy eatery; or outside on the patio. The locally sourced food is as colorful as the décor, and while you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, you should order the kimchi spring rolls and the avocado margarita—both of which are worth a spot on your Instagram stories.
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3. Gracias Madre (Los Angeles)
Created by the same folks who brought the world Café Gratitude, this stunning eatery is easily one of LA’s most instagrammable vegan restaurants. Its décor screams elegance; its white-and-black-tiled bar, white walls, and vaulted white ceiling provide a clean backdrop to its colorful vegan Mexican creations; and its drop-down lights, wood floors, and a backlit bar complete the romantic ambiance. There’s also outdoor seating in a beautiful courtyard, suitable for dogs, too. Get your phone camera out before you dig into the taco flight, Jamaica Flautas, and the prettiest cocktails you’ll ever see.
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4. Hangawi (New York)
No vegan restaurant nails atmosphere like the Korean hideout Hangawi. It declares itself a “vegetarian shrine” (although it serves only vegan food) and the description couldn’t be more accurate. You walk into another world when you enter Hangawi, even being asked to take off your shoes and place them in cubby holes before you take a seat. The mahogany wood tables are set low so that you have to squat to get into the seat, but once you do, you’ll sit comfortably on a cushion in the zen-like, dimly lit atmosphere, perfect for moody Instagram shots. The menu isn’t only extensive, but unique, too, and you won’t go wrong ordering one of its stone bowls or clay hot pots.
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5. Plant Miami (Miami Beach, FL)
Plant Miami requires a little searching to find—it’s located on the campus of holistic wellness center Sacred Space—but once you do, you’ll feel right at home in this simple but elegant restaurant. Natural light that is perfect for photo-taking floods the main dining area, thanks to a large wall of windows that overlook a massive patio. If the temperature isn’t unbearable, grab a seat outside so you can be surrounded by the natural setting, including a reflecting pond, guava grove, and meditation garden. Then dive into the plant-based, certified kosher menu, which features organic, locally grown ingredients, such as the cultured cashew-based cheese board, sunflower risotto, or passion fruit flan.
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6. Plum Bistro (Seattle, WA)
Since opening in 2009, Plum Bistro has earned a reputation as one of Seattle’s best vegan eateries—and for good reason. This place has redefined vegan comfort food with its creative spins on favorites like the Spicy Cajun Mac & Yease (arguably its most famous option), the BBA Chick’n Burger (made with seitan), and the My American Guy Cheese Burger. While the food might delight your taste buds, the chic, classy atmosphere will make you wish you could move in. Plum Bistro features high, wood ceilings, wood floors, and unique drop-down lights. Plants adorn one of the walls, and its glass front opens to the outdoors when the weather allows. Basically, it’s a vegan Instagrammer’s picture-perfect setting.
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7. Ravens Restaurant at The Stanford Inn by the Sea (Mendocino, CA)
You may not normally plan to wait for a table, but at the Ravens, the views of its location on the Mendocino Coast are so intoxicating that you may want to give yourself time to record an Instagram video of the surrounding from the terrace. Then settle into the restaurant’s charming main area, reminiscent of a ski lodge with pine accents and beautiful views of its property. On the menu, you’ll find organically grown food, much of it from the Ravens’ own garden or, at the very least, local producers. Dishes are plated to look like works of art, almost as if they sprang from the pages of the Ravens’ cookbook, Dining at the Ravens. Signatures include the ravioli and sea palm and rooted vegetable strudel.
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8. The Gold Leaf Collective (Fort Collins, CO)
It’s hard to ignore Colorado’s best vegan restaurant, as named by Food & Wine, and while it’s not as upscale as other vegan haunts, this one shouts charming and adorable in a hipsterish way. What started as a food truck called the Silver Seed (which is still in operation) has morphed into this uber-cozy hangout. The small space is well-designed (and it has a small outdoor patio, too), pulling in elements of nature like the display of branches in one corner and the numerous wood accents. The ambiance makes it easy to relax while practicing your photography skills on Gold Leaf’s scrumptious dishes. Fan favorites include the Mac & Shew, Lion’s Mane Po Boy, and Seitan Philly with house potatoes.
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9. Vedge (Philadelphia, PA)
The décor might be minimal at this vegan icon, which is housed in an historic brownstone home, but the vibe is classy and sophisticated. The intimate, dimly lit ambiance makes for the perfect setting for a romantic meal, but it can also accommodate those seeking a comfy spot to hang out with friends, as it’s as rustic as it is elegant. A long, marbled bar awaits those who want to grab a seat at the rail or you can opt to sit at a table in one of the dining rooms, a fireplace and ornate glass windows in one. Then indulge your palate—and your Instagram followers—in arguably some of the best vegan fare around (the menu changes seasonally).
Karen Asp is the author of Anti-Aging Hacks and award-winning journalist, as well as a fitness pro certified in plant-based nutrition, world record-holding athlete (in Nordic walking), and a vegan mentor with PETA.
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