By Katrina Simyab | Photo by Hillary Schave
The Madison restaurant scene cuisines, cultures and dietary preferences — including many fantastic options for vegetarian and vegan diners. From serving “gyro” fries to pasta dishes, these vegetarian eateries serve up sophisticated, flavor-forward fare.
OSTERIA NOVELLA
Savor the flavors of the Amalfi Coast right here in Madison. The recently opened Osteria Novella offers an additional vegan menu, which includes a plant-based (and tasty) take on a burrata starter. For the main course, try the linguine cacio e pepe (made with a vegan ricotta and cashew parmesan), a muffaletta sandwich or a pesto pizza. Finish up with a scoop of sorbetto for dessert.
MAD RABBIT CAFE
When hunger strikes, Mad Rabbit has something to satisfy you with its 100% plant-based menu. For weekend brunch, don’t be surprised if the pineapple coconut crepes call your name. A Car-No Asada Burrito or Rabbit’s Delight flatbread with veggies and cashew “cheez” makes for a filling lunch, and come dinnertime, order the Desert Cottontail burger — a tasty patty made up of smokehouse mushrooms, blistered serrano peppers and chipotle pesto.
ALCHEMY CAFE
Burgers are a popular menu item at this Schenk-Atwood neighborhood staple, but here’s a pro tip: Any meat patty can be substituted for a house-made almond chickpea option for no charge.
Alchemy’s rotating soup flavors are also frequently plant-based, along with salads like the Maize, featuring a spicy combination of marinated garbanzo beans, veggies and greens topped with a roasted corn dressing.
When it comes to sides, its sweet potato fries or roasted garlic mashed potatoes are a must.
SWAGAT
Don’t get overwhelmed by all of Swagat’s tasty options — there’s no wrong menu choice here. Cheesy paneer dishes are a popular starting point for vegetarians, while vegans will find the pureed eggplant in the Baingan Bharta pairs well with soft naan bread.
Thanks to locations in both Sun Prairie and the West Side of Madison, you’re never far from grabbing a takeout order or settling into a table to sample its abundant buffet.
MISHQUI PERUVIAN BISTRO
With a dedicated vegan-only fryer in its kitchen, Mishqui succeeds in its mission to “make Peruvian-style cuisine accessible, flavorful and welcoming to all.” Dishes like the locro de zapallo stand out, which pulls together pumpkin, squash and potatoes in a flavorful stew. Or feast on a bowl of tacu tacu, a combination of stir-fried rice, mayocoba beans and veggies. Whatever you choose, leave room for some empanadas!
TAZA
Dig into incredible Middle Eastern flavors, family style, by sharing plates of hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, stuffed grape leaves and falafel. Many meals are served with a warm pita and your choice of side salad or soup — the split yellow pea and the spinach lentil soups alone are worth the visit. Individual plant-based entrees are generously sized — but no Mediterranean meal here is complete without a slice of flaky baklava.
JUSTVEGGIEZ
There’s no need to give up your favorite meat-focused meals when the odds are that JustVeggiez has a plant-based dupe that tastes just as good, if not better. Find gyro fries, a Korean BBQ chicken sandwich, a deep-dish pepperoni pizza, a chili dog, wraps, loaded burgers, fried “cheese” curds — the mouthwatering list goes on. The restaurant has even launched a monthly meal plan that delivers vegan goodness right to your door- step for anyone looking to save time on meal prep.
VILLA DOLCE
Vegetarians will appreciate Villa Dolce’s pear and gorgonzola pizza with whipped ricotta and truffle honey. The butternut squash tortellacci also deserves a special mention, thanks to its delectable squash and mascarpone filling, sage brown butter and truffle drizzle. (If you’re vegan, be sure to request no dairy, as many of Villa Dolce’s options have cheese.)
