Make a positive impact on the planet, one bite at a time! These eco-friendly eateries not only serve up delicious plant-based meals but also prioritize sustainable practices to reduce their impact on the planet. From locally sourced ingredients to compostable packaging, they are changing the game and proving that sustainability can be both fun and flavorful.
Los Angeles, CA
Voted the favorite sustainable restaurant, Sage Plant Based Bistro & Brewery sources from local farms and regenerative agriculture! Nibble on their gluten- and soy-free Goatless Greek Salad and pair with their housemade Boozy Booch. Or go with the Bowl of Soul, featuring roasted sweet potatoes and kale, accompanied by their signature Field Day American Style Pilsner.
Courtesy of Sage Plant Based Bistro & Brewery
Wilmington, NC
Coming in a close second is The Green House, where all produce is sourced locally, with breads, cheeses, jams, preserves, and pickled dishes prepared in-house. Their onsite greenhouse hosts over one thousand organic, non-GMO plants in just 250 square feet! All the tables at The Green House are made from reclaimed 180-year-old hardwood pine from a local warehouse, and there is no single-use plastic used on-site!
Courtesy of The Green House
Austin, TX
Wellness community center Casa de Luz comes in at number three—and for good reason. Step into a world of spirituality nestled in a green, lively garden. Meals at Casa de Luz are served family style, and all their dishes are organic, vegan, gluten-free, refined oil-free, and refined sugar-free. Each day of the week is assigned its own set menu—priced reasonably for both adults and children!
Courtesy of Casa de Luz
St. Paul, MN
St. Paul’s J. Selby’s claims fourth place, serving up classic dishes in an inclusive space, with sustainable and ethical meals front and center. J. Selby’s composts or recycles 90% of all waste, significantly decreasing its impact on the environment. Order familiar favorites like their classic Crunchwrap or Steak Sandwich and pair with a decadent PB + Chocolate Shake for the full experience.
Courtesy of J. Selby’s
San Diego & Los Angeles, CA
Roy Elam began Donna Jean as a seasonal, sustainable vegan restaurant named after his mother, who passed away of aggressive breast cancer at just 55 years old. With their rustic, Italian-inspired menu featuring Ravioli Cacio e Pepe, Cast Iron Mac & Cheese, and Pistachio Cheesecake, it’s no wonder Donna Jean made the list at slot number five.
Courtesy of Donna Jean
New York, NY
Coming in at number six is the only organic, plant-based, and carbon-neutral restaurant in New York City—Le Botaniste. From sourcing natural wines to serving on carbon-neutral, sustainably made trays, this Belgium-rooted establishment is making waves not only in New York City but across the world. Drop by for Young Coconut Ceviche, Magic Miso Quinoa Noodles, or an Omega-3 Brownie at one of their four NYC locations.
Courtesy of Le Botaniste
New York, NY
Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s all-vegan version of his acclaimed abc restaurant concept blossomed out of a desire to care for visitors’ taste buds just as much as the planet. A concern about industrialized agriculture, pesticides, carcinogens, and inhumane farming practices drew Chef Vongerichten’s eye to the concept of medicinal plant intelligence, which heavily inspired this non-GMO, sustainably sourced menu featuring Mushroom Walnut Bolognese, Crispy Celery Root Katsu, and Lemon Saffron Creme Brulee. abcV joins our list at number seven.
Courtesy of abcV
Los Angeles, CA
Grab a chair at the community table at Italian restaurant Julie Goes Green, a plant-based and environmentally friendly eatery! Using biodegradable containers, omitting plastic-bottled drinks and paper plateware, and even sourcing internal decor from recycled material embodies our eighth slot’s commitment to a sustainable, green future. Order their Shrimp Scampi Pasta, Fried Coconut Calamari, or Margherita Pizza for an authentic Julie Goes Green experience.
Courtesy of Julie Goes Green
Oceanside, CA
Zero-waste vegan restaurant The Plot comes in at number nine. Opening in January 2020, the plot utilizes an on-site garden, produces all its meat substitutes in-house, and sources the remainder of its ingredients from regenerative local farms. Dine on plant-based Takoyaki, Spamless Masubi Maki rolls, or a Polenta & Chorizo entree in a modern, airy main dining room. Pair with a local hard kombucha or aperol-ish spritz.
Courtesy of The Plot
Mendocino, CA
Last, but not least, we’ve got Raven’s Restaurant at Stanford Inn by the Sea. Ingredients at Ravens are organic and locally harvested. The spot sources their wines from certified organic, biodynamic vineyards, as well as those utilizing sustainable, traditional farming practices. Ravens composts all food waste, which is then used in garden beds on site. All glass, paper, and cardboard are recycled as well.
Courtesy of Ravens Restaurant