From San Diego to New York: The 10 Best Plant-Based Fish Sandwiches

One of the best things about plant-based meat and seafood alternatives is the sheer amount of innovation in the category. Like vegan burgers and plant-based chicken, vegan fish can be made from a wide range of ingredients, each offering its own take on that flaky texture and ocean-inspired flavor.

That means it’s easier than ever to make a delicious vegan fish sandwich at home, whether you’re using store-bought fish-style fillets or freshly fried tofu. But these restaurants have truly mastered the handheld, from the fish alternative itself to the toppings, sauces, and perfectly paired buns.

Here are the vegan fish sandwiches you have to try. 

RELATED: It’s Official: These Are the 35 Best Meatless Sandwiches in the Country

Nice Guys

1Nice Burger

Multiple locations

This popular California chain, with locations in Irvine, Long Beach, Mission Viejo, and Santa Ana, keeps things simple with a hot grill, bubbling fryer, and a menu full of comfort food favorites. While the burgers are certainly worth a try, the fish sandwich is a standout if you’re not in the mood for vegan beef. Served on a sesame seed bun, it features a thick, golden fish-style fillet topped with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce. For the full experience, pair it with one of Nice Burger’s dairy-free Mooshakes in strawberry, malt, chocolate, or vanilla.

NuVegan Cafe

2 NuVegan Cafe

Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, VA

Visit either of NuVegan Cafe’s locations, and you’re likely to be spoiled for choice. To make the decision a little easier, start with the vegan fish sandwich as your main—though narrowing down the sides may still be a challenge, with more than a dozen options to choose from. This handheld keeps things simple, but that’s exactly what makes it so satisfying. Packed with fried vegan fish, lettuce, tomato, onion, and tartar sauce, it pairs effortlessly with much of the menu. Sometimes, when a dish is done well, there’s no need for extra frills.

The Modern Vegan

3 The Modern Vegan

Las Vegas, NV

Distinctly unique from a split-top lobster roll, The Modern Vegan’s Lobster Melt can only be found in Vegas. The triple-stacked sourdough sammie with Maine flair is loaded with a heart of palm-based vegan lobster meat, melty plant-based cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and a swipe of pesto. If the standard fish sandwich doesn’t appeal, this lobster version will pique your curiosity at the very least.

PLNT Burger

4 PLNT Burger

Multiple locations

From classic cheeseburgers and chili bowls to elevated steakhouse-style burgers, this East Coast chain delivers on both flavor and variety. But if you’re craving a fish-style sandwich, PLNT Burger’s Save the Bay Fillet is the standout choice. A crispy, fried fillet is topped with pickles, lettuce, and tartar sauce before being tucked into a soft, pillowy potato bun for a satisfying, comfort-food-inspired bite.

Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat

5 Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat

Chicago, IL

Chicago’s Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat is a dream destination for plant-based meat lovers. Seriously, the menu features everything from Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls to Steak Nachos to, of course, the reason it’s on this list: Pop’s Big Fish Sandwich. A crispy vegan fish fillet is layered with lettuce, tomato, vegan cheese, and housemade tartar sauce to create a satisfying sandwich that rivals any fast-food fish offering. Craving even more seafood-inspired fare? Try the Shrimp Po’ Boy, which comes loaded with housemade epitome sauce and pickles.

Yuhm Vegan

6 Yuhm Vegan

Pembroke Pines, FL

Yuhm Vegan only opened in 2025, but it’s already making waves on the food scene in Pembroke Pines. One look at the menu, and it’s easy to see why. Alongside creative offerings like the Vegan Oxtail Philly Sandwich and crispy vegan chicken, you’ll find the Vegan Fish-Ish Sandwich. Crispy, savory, and packed with umami flavor, it’s especially delicious when topped with Yuhm Vegan’s signature sauce.

Grilled Vegan

7 Grilled Vegan

Brooklyn, NY

Brooklyn isn’t short on vegan dining options, but if it’s a plant-based fish sandwich you’re after, make a beeline for Grilled Vegan. The restaurant’s Crispy Fish Filet keeps things classic and simple, featuring a Good Catch fish-style fillet, tartar sauce, romaine lettuce, and a soft bun.

Veggie Galaxy

8 Veggie Galaxy

Cambridge, MA

This popular vegetarian spot in Cambridge is a haven for anyone looking to skip the meat. While the menu features everything from buffalo chicken to gyros, the seafood-inspired sandwiches are not to be missed. Choose from the Chickpea Tuna Melt or the seasonal Lobster Roll, which comes loaded with vegan lobster bites mixed with vegan mayonnaise and is served alongside coleslaw and fries.

9 Soul Veg City

Chicago, IL

Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat has some serious competition. Another popular plant-based spot serving up a standout vegan fish sandwich is Soul Veg City. The restaurant’s crispy, cornmeal-battered fish-style fillets are served with tartar sauce, raw onions, and pickles for a simple but satisfying bite. If you’re in the mood for something different but still a little fishy, try the Vegan Shrimp Boat, which comes loaded with chipotle mayo and served in a soft hoagie roll.

Taystees Burgers

10Taystees Burgers

Multiple locations

Our final entry is a little different because the restaurant itself isn’t actually vegan or even vegetarian. In fact, most of the menu at this popular Midwest burger chain features meat and dairy. That’s what makes its vegan fish sandwich all the more intriguing. Taystee’s Burgers has earned a reputation for serving one of the best vegan fish sandwiches around, thanks to its Fishless Filet, which is made with a plant-based fish patty. Just be sure to order it vegan, as the standard build includes non-vegan ingredients like American cheese and coleslaw.