The vegetarian guide to the USA

The United States might be the home of the lobster roll, the corn dog, the cheesesteak and other plates of meaty goodness but certain cities have also taken an interest in the other side of the plate. Here are the best destinations for vegetarian food in the USA, according to our travellers.

Portland, Oregon

Portland’s vegetarian dining scene has flourished in recent years with exclusively vegetarian and vegan establishments popping up throughout the city centre. The Aviv Restaurant is a fantastic (and delicious) example of this trend; after starting life as a falafel and hummus food truck, today this Israeli-inspired restaurant is one of the most popular in Portland (ranking higher than most meat-serving restaurants). Many of the city’s best vegetarian restaurants are in the Irvington district and you can stay nearby at the Hotel Eastlund.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles tends to be rather purist when it comes to vegetarian food, with many restaurants swapping meat substitutes for greens, grains and other natural forms of protein. The city’s best vegetarian restaurants can be found in East Hollywood (including the renowned Flore Vegan). Stay a 5-minute drive or 25-minute walk from Flore at The Steady, a hostel that’s also close to the Griffith Observatory and a number of beautiful hikes.

San Francisco, California

As the home to the world’s first VegFest, it’s not surprising to see San Francisco rated so highly for vegetarian food although the number of options on offer is still a little breathtaking. Whatever time of year you visit, you’ll find every type of vegetarian cuisine from fine dining to junk food, alongside Japanese, Mexican, Chinese and Thai food. And if you’re planning to visitto coincide with the festival, you can stay close to the venue at the Stanyan Park Hotel – make the most of the daily wine and cheese hour if you can.

San Diego, California

San Diego’s vegetarian restaurants rely on classic Californian flavours to create an ever-changing menu. Vegetarian travellers can base themselves in the city centre at Stay Alfred on 6th Avenue and easily find their way to Donna Jean, a vegan restaurant serving hearty comfort food like bourbon chili and smoked sweet potato with kombuchas and beers. If you’re planning to travel outside the city head north up the coast to the Trilogy Sanctuary & Cafe for organic vegan fare and aerial yoga.

NYC, New York

New York City has a reputation for mouthwatering cuisine and its offering of veggie burgers is no exception. Classic joints like Superiority Burger and 5 Napkin Burger have incredible meat-free burgers but the best in NYC has to go to The Cinnamon Snail food truck. Try a Beastmode Burger Deluxe (seitan with mac-n-cheese) or a Lentil Artichoke Burger (including a pretzel bun), then sleep it off at the veggie-friendly Marlton Hotel.

Chicago, Illinois

While many of Chicago’s eateries focus on meat, the city is also home to a vibrant vegetarian community. Travellers in search of traditional Chicago fare should make sure to have their first meal at the Chicago Diner. Order the Radical Reuben (corned beef seitan) or the Cuban Sandwich (with a side of fried yucca root chips) and top it off with one of their vegan milkshakes. The Fairmont Chicago hotel is popular with vegetarian travellers and overlooks the city’s Millennium Park.