From burger joints to soul food spots to bakeries, the Black-owned vegan restaurant scene is thriving with eateries that showcase diverse flavors and creative ways to prepare plant-based ingredients. This makes it easier than ever to enjoy delicious vegan food while also supporting Black-owned businesses. Check out some of our favorite Black-owned vegan food spots below.
Jump to the bakeries and Restaurants
The Buy Black movement
In the US, Black Americans are increasingly adopting vegan diets at a faster rate than any other demographic. According to a 2016 Pew Research Center study, eight percent of Black Americans identify as vegan or vegetarian, compared to just three percent of the US population overall. Not only are more Black Americans embracing plant-based lifestyles, but entrepreneurs are also taking note and launching restaurants to better serve their communities.
Frequenting local Black-owned businesses throughout the year is a great way to support Black entrepreneurs and take part in the Buy Black movement, which encourages consumers to shop with Black-owned businesses whenever possible.
Maya’s Cookies
Between February and April 2020, the number of Black business owners witnessed a sharp 40 percent decline, according to Forbes. This steep decline was largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to unprecedented closures worldwide. But since then, many businesses have struggled due to inflation and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
After the resurgence of the Buy Black movement in the summer of 2020, Black businesses experienced a boom of support. In fact, Bloomberg reports, the number of Black business owners in operation increased to 1.5 million during August 2021.
Now in 2026, we’re keeping the momentum going, so if you’ve got an insatiable sweet tooth or are simply looking for a new favorite lunch or dinner spot, here are some Black-owned vegan bakeries and restaurants we can’t stop dreaming about.
Black-owned vegan bakeries and restaurants
From New York to Los Angeles, there’s no shortage of Black-owned vegan businesses to choose from. Join us as we eat our way across the country on a tour of some of the most popular Black-owned vegan food spots in the US.
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Maya’s Cookies
1 Maya’s Cookies
San Diego and San Marcos, CA
This fan-favorite bakery made headlines after coming back from the brink of closure. After the pandemic forced owner Maya Madsen to let go of half of her staff, the cookie company experienced a jaw-dropping 10,000-percent increase in sales after the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement. Now spearheading two locations, Madsen and her team are whipping up specialty cookies—from chocolate chip s’mores to snickerdoodle and annual Black History Month cookie collections. Our favorite part? Nationwide shipping—vegan cookies for all!
FIND IT HERE
Southern Roots Vegan Bakery
2 Southern Roots Vegan Bakery
San Antonio, TX
After Marcus and Cara Pitts adopted a plant-based lifestyle, Cara Pitts was determined to recreate her favorite dishes and desserts without animal products and earn her grandmother’s stamp of approval. She took to the kitchen, and through trial and error, Cara Pitts whipped up a dreamy vegan doughnut that her grandmother, friends, and family couldn’t get enough of. From their humble beginnings selling baked goods at their church to captivating Tabitha Brown and her millions of followers, this husband-and-wife team doesn’t disappoint.
FIND IT HERE
The Vegan Doughnut Company
3 The Vegan Doughnut Company
Lakewood, OH
Founded by sisters Kharisma and Kyra Mayo, The Vegan Doughnut Company made history as Ohio’s first and only all-vegan doughnut shop. The bakery’s iconic square doughnuts are guaranteed to satisfy the strongest sweet tooth. Choose between classic flavors or opt for the duo’s one-of-a-kind creations, such as Lemon Lavender, Cotton Candy, and Cookie Butter. We’ll take one of each.
FIND IT HERE
Vegan Monarch Bakery & Café
4Vegan Monarch Bakery & Café
Winter Haven, FL
Mika Altidor knows the power of plants. When the former jewelry designer was diagnosed with several large fibroid tumors, her doctor informed her that she’d have to undergo surgery. Instead, she turned to a whole-food plant-based diet, and over time, she claims she successfully healed herself. Now, Altidor and her partner in life and business, Victor Munoz, helm Central Florida’s first vegan bakery. Between Oreo rolls, whole vegan cakes, individual slices, and gluten-free tiramisu, you can’t go wrong at Victor and Mika’s.
FIND IT HERE
Like Mom’s Only Vegan
5 Like Mom’s Only Vegan
Cincinnati, OH
Like Mom’s Only Vegan is truly a family affair. Helmed by Naomi Sams and her mother Sakile Chenzira, Sams’ four children also work for the bakery in brand identity and communications, production and sales, and administration and accounting. Vegan for over 20 years, Sams raised her children vegan and always ensured they could partake in their friends and family’s birthday celebrations with their plant-based treats. Now, she’s making vegan cupcakes and cookies for all! Lemon cranberry poppy seed cookies, we’re coming for you.
FIND IT HERE
Mo’Pweeze Bakery
6 Mo’Pweeze Bakery
Rockaway, NJ
You won’t find any top eight allergens at Mo’Pweeze Bakery. This Kosher-certified, plant-based bakery helmed by Christine Allen has churned out cookies, doughnuts, brownies, cupcakes, pies, and more since 2013. Allen, whose family of five is no stranger to food allergies (her youngest son has over 30 himself), takes extra care to also omit sesame and mustard seed—two rising allergens of concern—from her baked treats. Allergen-friendly never tasted this good!
Find IT HERE
Brown Sugar Baking Company
7Brown Sugar Baking Company
Seattle, WA
When the COVID-19 pandemic began shuttering businesses worldwide, chef-owner Lillian Hill decided to temporarily close her kitchen and focus on helping other small, BIPOC-led businesses succeed. She then returned to her mission of satisfying every sweet tooth in Seattle, of course. Follow the bakery on Instagram for the latest updates.
FIND IT HERE
Devi’s Donuts & Sweets
8Devi’s Donuts & Sweets
Long Beach, CA
More than 16 years ago, Eva Ognibene acquired a doughnut recipe from a friend and soon started making fresh doughnuts for family celebrations and events. The positive reviews were plenty, and Ognibene, alongside her husband Tom, launched a vegan boutique doughnut business. After six years of selling their specialty vegan doughnuts at local farmers’ markets, the “Vegan Doughnut Queen” and Tom Ognibene launched their first shop. Whether you pay a visit to their doughnut shop or stop by one of their pop-ups, don’t miss the Pina Colada, Cookies and Cream, and Lemon Meringue.
Find IT HERE
Cloudy Donut Co.
9Cloudy Donut Co.
New York, NY
This vegan doughnut shop is making history in New York City’s Brooklyn Heights and Nolita neighborhoods. The first Black-owned food and beverage business in each neighborhood, Cloudy Donut Co. slings pillowy-soft doughnuts in rotating flavors that range from Boston Cream and powdered jelly to grapefruit mimosa and mango chile lime.
Find IT HERE
VTasteCakes
10VTasteCakes
Decatur, GA
From elegant custom creations to frosted cupcakes, muffins, and sugar cookies, this metro Atlanta-area bakery is whipping up artisanal vegan treats. Founder Jasmyn Reddick wows patrons with creations that deliver in both taste and aesthetics.
FIND IT HERE
Sweet Vegan Bakes
11Sweet Vegan Bakes
Richton Park, IL
Chef Cheryl Nelson adopted a vegan lifestyle nearly 20 years ago, and after expertly veganizing her favorite dishes, she launched Sweet Vegan Bakes. Now, Nelson wows patrons with a sweet-and-savory menu complete with juicy chick’n sandwiches, burgers, order-ahead cakes, and more.
Find IT HERE
Compton Vegan
12Compton Vegan
Hawthorne, CA
Specializing in vegan comfort food, Compton Vegan founder Lemel Durrah serves up an array of delicious fare, from shrimp Alfredo to pulled pork sandwiches and mac and cheese bowls topped off with chopped ribs. For a taste of Durrah’s signature fare, stop by the restaurant, now located in Hawthorne.
FIND IT HERE
Vegan Mob
13Vegan Mob
Oakland, San Bruno, and Vallejo, CA
Toriano Gordon combined his talents as a rapper, social media entertainer, and chef to create Vegan Mob, a vegan barbecue and soul food eatery, which was an instant hit, selling out within six hours on opening day. Vegan Mob has two locations in California (in Oakland and Vallejo) serving up classics such as shrimp po’boys and plant-based brisket.
FIND IT HERE
Veg on the Edge
14Veg on the Edge
Santa Cruz, CA
A fast-casual restaurant created by Nigerian owner Akindele Bankole, Veg on the Edge serves vegan, gluten-free, and kosher West African cuisine in Santa Cruz. Bankole takes traditionally meat-heavy West African eats and subs in mushrooms, beans, and tofu instead to create truly hearty vegan meals.
FIND IT HERE
Simply Pure
15Simply Pure
Las Vegas, NV
The Simply Pure food truck is run by vegan chef and nutritionist Stacey Dougan, who serves up dishes like Mama Mia Lasagna, nachos, and bbq jackfruit sliders in her mission to inspire others to embrace plant-based foods. Keep up with the truck on social media to find where it’s rolling to next.
FIND IT HERE
Green Seed Vegan
16Green Seed Vegan
Houston, TX
Owned by Matti Merrell and Rodney Perry, Houston’s popular Green Seed Vegan outgrew its roots as a food truck, adding a brick-and-mortar outpost in 2012 with an expanded menu of fresh-pressed gourmet paninis, burgers, cold-pressed juices, and smoothies.
FIND IT HERE
The Rabbit Hole
17The Rabbit Hole
Pompano Beach, FL
Billed as elevated vegan comfort food, The Rabbit Hole serves a globally inspired menu of plant-based dishes—modern takes on familiar classics. Highlights include the “Smoke in the Woods” Southern BBQ platter, featuring citrus-marinated barbecue spare ribs, mac and cheese, and buttered corn on the cob; buffalo shrimp battered and tossed in tangy sauce; and boneless wings, triple-battered, seasoned, and fried to golden perfection.
FIND IT HERE
Lovin It Live
18Lov’n It Live
East Point, GA
Located just 10 minutes from Atlanta, Lov’n It Live serves a menu of high-quality, nourishing, organic vegan dishes, including collard rolls, seaweed soup, lentil burgers, and stuffed avocados. Dishes are typically prepared slowly—but that’s all part of the ethos. Sit back, relax, and prepare to be seriously impressed.
FIND IT HERE
Slutty Vegan
19Slutty Vegan
Multiple locations
Established by entrepreneur Pinky Cole Hayes, popular vegan burger chain Slutty Vegan has six locations across the US. Each spot boasts a menu of “sluttified” fast-food dishes, like the One Night Stand burger and Philly cheesesteak-style Hollywood Hooker. All orders come with the chain’s siganture Slut Sauce.
FIND IT HERE
Majani
20Majani
Chicago, IL
At Majani, husband-and-wife team Tsadakeeyah and Nasya Emmanuel are vegan and catering veterans who serve soul food dishes such as barbecue cauliflower, jerk tofu, fried grits, and more at this charming eatery.
FIND IT HERE
Murielle Banackissa
21The Land of Kush
Baltimore, MD
Named after an ancient African civilization, The Land of Kush is a longtime all-vegan spot that feeds your spirit with soul-food classics such as black-eyed pea fritters, crab cakes, and carrot tuna.
FIND IT HERE
Belmont Vegetarian
22Belmont Vegetarian
Worcester, MA
A popular takeout spot among locals, Belmont Vegetarian specializes in a “soulful Belmont twist on Jamaican and American-inspired dishes” with robust plant-based entrées such as vegan barbecue chicken and lamb. Plus, hit-the-spot pasta dishes such as mac and cheese and spaghetti with meatballs shouldn’t be overlooked.
FIND IT HERE
Dirty Lettuce
23Dirty Lettuce
Portland, OR
Expect to find a delicious range of “sinful Southern eats” at this plant-based eatery, including barbecue ribs, fried catfish, and popcorn chicken, all of which are made with tender, meaty seitan. On the side, choose from Cajun mac and cheese, cornbread, hushpuppies, and so much more. Good luck deciding.
FIND IT HERE
Ras Plant Based
24Ras Plant Based
New York, NY
This popular Brooklyn restaurant is a celebration of Ethiopian heritage and cuisine, “reinterpreted through a vibrant New York lens.” Treat yourself to entrées like the mushroom tibs or the Ras Special tibs, both of which offer a delicious vegan twist on the traditional spicy dish, which is usually made with lamb or beef.
FIND IT HERE
Lesbiveggies
25Lesbiveggies
Woodbury, NJ
You can’t beat good brunch dishes, and Lesbiveggies has them in spades. Some of the most mouthwatering options include breakfast tostadas, the Vegan Hungry Man (with tofu scramble, roasted garlic potatoes, pancakes, and maple syrup), and blackened Cajun cauliflower salad. Everything on the menu is not just vegan, but gluten-free, too. The restaurant is currently closed as it moves into its new location in Camden, NJ. Keep up with Lesbiveggies on social media for the latest updates on its grand re-opening.
FIND IT HERE
Baba’s Vegan Cafe
26Baba’s Vegan Cafe
Los Angeles, CA
Baba’s Vegan Cafe is committed to bringing delicious food to South LA (including mac bowls, oyster mushroom sandwiches, soul platters, and much more), but it’s also committed to tackling food insecurity, too. Owned by food activist Wo’se Kofi, the café is striving to create a space in the community for healthier foods. “We firmly believe that access to healthy food should not be a privilege but a basic human right,” the café’s website reads.
FIND IT HERE
Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat
27Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat
Chicago and Orland Park, IL
This popular Chicago-area eatery isn’t 100 percent vegan, but it is vegetarian, and its diverse and delicious range of animal-free options has earned it a well-deserved spot on this list. Our eye is immediately drawn to the Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, the Surf and Turf Burger (complete with vegan shrimp), and the Hot Diggity Chili Dog.
FIND IT HERE
Refocused Vegan
28Refocused Vegan
Baltimore, MD
This family-friendly restaurant proves that vegan food really can be for everyone. Its diverse menu includes everything from vegan mac and cheese to vegan chicken to truffle fries. And that’s just scratching the surface—we recommend visiting with plenty of people so you get to try a little bit of everything (if your friends are game for sharing, that is).
FIND IT HERE
Stuff I Eat
29Stuff I Eat
Inglewood, CA
Created by renowned vegan chef Babette Davis, this plant-based eatery, which has been open since 2008, is a must-visit. The menu includes hearty, nourishing dishes, like the breakfast plate with grits and cottage-fried potatoes, the Enchilada Pie Bowl, and the jerk tofu sandwich.
FIND IT HERE
Souley Vegan
30Souley Vegan
Oakland, CA
Chef-owner Tamearra Dyson developed a cult following after launching Souley Vegan in 2009. Despite winning over patrons with her “plant-based Louisiana Creole cuisine,” Dyson made the difficult decision to close her flagship Oakland restaurant for good—or so she thought. Now, after relaunching in Martinez, CA, Dyson and her beloved Souley Vegan are back in Oakland. We’re currently dreaming of biting into an Ain’t Gator Po’Boy.
Find it here
Jerrell’s Betr Brgr
31Jerrell’s Betr Brgr
New York, NY and Jersey City, NJ
Sustainable, juicy, meaty burgers were the inspiration behind this vegan micro-chain. Fueled by the desire to offer planet-friendly, late-night comfort food, Jerrell Obee launched Jerrell’s Betr Brgr. From seriously stacked handhelds to loaded waffle fries and oat milk soft serve, we’d say Obee hit the mark.
Find it here
Vegan Bake Shoppe
32 Vegan Bake Shoppe
Charlotte, NC
Sometimes, only dessert will do. If you fancy a sweet treat in Charlotte, the first place you should go is Vegan Bake Shoppe (formerly known as Bouje Vegan Bakery) at the Charlotte Regional Farmer’s Market. Indulge in vegan banana pudding, chocolate chunk cookies, cakes, and more. Our stomachs are rumbling just thinking about it.
Find it here
Vegan Vibrationz
33Vegan Vibrationz
Plano, TX
Vegan Vibrationz recently made history as the first vegan vendor at the State Fair of Texas, but you’ll usually find it serving up its delicious plant-based eats at the Legacy Food Hall in Plano. The vegan crunchwrap, in particular, is not to be missed.
Find it here
Community Vegan
34Community Vegan
Austin, TX
Community Vegan is one of the best spots in Austin for plant-based comfort food. From hand-battered oyster mushrooms to lion’s mane “chicken” and baked macaroni and cheese, you’ll leave with a very full—and very happy—belly.
Find it here
For more Black-owned vegan businesses, read:
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Nicole Axworthy is a Digital Editor at VegNews and author of the cookbook DIY Vegan.
Jocelyn Martinez is VegNews' senior editor based in Los Angeles, CA.
