World’s greatest vegetarian restaurants – my favorites

As a non-meat eater, nothing is more difficult when I travel than not having a decent meal while I’m on the road.  You can eat only so many side salads, bread, and steamed veggies before you feel like you will absolutely go crazy.  Street food, like falafel if available, is always a lifesaver, but what if you’re looking for a sit down restaurant?

Prior to leaving for a trip, I like to check out one of my favorite web sites, Happy Cow.  What I like about this site is their list of restaurants that are vegetarian or veg-friendly around the world.  They also have apps for the iPhone or Android phones, too.  Restaurant listings include web sites, address and phone numbers, but most important are the reviews.  By preparing yourself and getting the information you need, you can know before you go if the restaurant you’re interested in is actually worth it.

Here are a few vegetarian restaurants I have had the opportunity to visit in my travels:

• Graenn Kostur in Reykavik, Iceland:  On my last trip to Iceland only this month, I discovered this great little restaurant tucked away in Reykjavik.  After several days of only being offered meat or fish, fish or meat, I was dying for something all veg.  Walking inside, I was greeted to an opportunity of being able to order any of the items and knowing I could get a great meal.  Each entrée (see feature photo) with a heaping vegetable salad and a side of fruit salad.  I was in heaven!  I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in need of a good, home cooked veg meal. Address: Skólavörðustígur 8b, Reykjavik, Iceland

• Loving Hut in Orlando, Florida:  If you can get past the non-stop religious advertising that is played on the TV’s in the restaurant, you might be able to find yourself enjoying a great veggie meal.  Calling their restaurant chain the “fastest growing international vegan fast food chain in the world,” Loving Hut has restaurants around the globe.  This Asian themed restaurant offers veg sushi, fried rice, sandwiches, soups, and fake meat entrees and much more. Address: 2101 E Colonial Dr., Orlando, Florida 32803

•  Sublime Restaurant and Bar in Fort Lauderdale, Florida: The first gourmet vegan restaurant I have ever visited, Sublime doesn’t advertise itself as a vegan restaurant.  I love the looks on the faces of carnivores when they discover that they are going veg whether they like it or not.  This was the first place I had ever tried Gardein and I’ve been hooked ever since.  Absolutely adored their Frito Misto made with cauliflower, sweet Thai chili sauce, and black and white sesame seeds.  Loved this restaurant although service can sometimes be hit or miss.  Address: 1431 North Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304

  

•  Mirchi in Berlin, Germany: Although not a vegetarian restaurant, this Singapore style restaurant was ridiculously veg friendly.  It was so good, I hate to admit that I ate here more than once, but it was that good.  One of my favorites was the Mango Indiana soup.  Terribly addictive and delicious! Address: Oranienburger Straße 50, Berlin, 10999, Germany

What’s my best advice when traveling and searching for a vegetarian or veg-friendly restaurant?  Before you step foot inside the restaurant, look inside to see how many people are actually inside eating.  If it is mostly employees sitting around doing nothing, run!  The only thing worse than a bad vegetarian restaurant is a regular restaurant with no feasible vegetarian options.  If you can’t find anything, search out ethnic restaurants as they usually can accommodate vegetarians easily.

Happy eating!  Do you have any vegetarian restaurants from your travels that you’d like to share?

Marian Krueger

Marian Krueger is the Founder of the Travel Shop Girl blog, a blog that simply states, “Travel musings by a girl who loves to write and travel the world.” Functioning on high-octane coffee most days, her straightforward and honest approach has resulted in a worldwide following and a desire for global domination. Connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

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