Boston, MA might be famous for its seafood, but the university town is also realizing the demand for plant-based options. Many Boston bars and restaurants offer meat-free options, and some are now going out of their way to cater to plant-lovers with exclusively vegan menus. If you dig a little deeper though, youll find plenty of places that offer delectable vegan foodso you can get your fix of tempeh burgers, jackfruit tinga tacos, and bourbon-maple ice cream without the need to pester your waiter with questions about the menu. Here are six all-vegan restaurants you should visit when in Boston.

1. by CHLOE The creative menu at by CHLOE is long and varied, satisfying both healthier eaters and hardcore junk-food lovers. Head to one of their three Boston locations for breakfast and order the oh-so-filling Early Bird with scrambled tofu, maple sausage, spinach, market greens, and toast. There are Caesar, Greek, and Asian salads for a lighter lunch bite, and clever snacks such as the peanutty kale or pineapple-vanilla chia pudding. For an American diner classic, choose the Classic Burger with its tempeh-lentil-chia-walnut patty and pair it with the Oh So Fancy Fries, which are topped with spicy seitan chorizo, whiskey onions, chipotle aioli, and cashew mozzarella. Drinks options include fruit smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and Health-Ade Kombucha. For dessert, youll be spoiled for choice with Chlostess and red velvet cupcakes, cinnamon-espresso and rainbow sugar cookies, and chocolate doughnuts.

2. Cocobeet A grab-and-go health food concept, Cocobeet provides fresh cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and nourishing raw food to the Boston masses. They also know their stuff when it comes to nutrition. Using only raw, organic, and gluten-free ingredients, their offerings include a selection of invigorating smoothie bowls, grain bowls, pasta, salads, sandwiches, and raw snacks. Start your day with the Warm Quinoa Breakfast Bowl topped with banana, blueberries, nuts, and berry sauce, along with a Cold-Pressed Latte Power Smoothie for your morning kick. Or stop by midday for a Walnut Un-Tuna Salad Sandwich, Baked Cauliflower Poppers, and a Watermelon Quinch juice. Dont leave without grabbing a few Lemon Matcha and Tahini energy truffles to go.

3. Red White The food at fast-casual eatery Red White is based on the 1300-year-old vegan dining style of a sect of Buddhist monks in Japan. The menu is simple and clean with two main optionsa Humble Bowl or Buddha Brothboth of which allow you to choose your own base and flavor. Most visitors go for the energy-boosting Monk Bowl, a combination of broccoli, tofu, corn, yam, green peppers, edamame, kale, arugula, and spinach in a miso-heavy monk curry sauce, served with your choice of sushi rice, udon noodles, or tofu. Impressively, the range of fresh vegetables in their kitchen doesnt stop there. Red White also has a habit of marinating halved avocados in a special miso-based sauce, which you can add as an additional toppingand we suggest you do.

4. True Bistro Located just outside of the main city, True Bistro is worth the quick trip to Somerville. The eatery provides an upscale dining experience, complete with romantic candlelight. The menu is sourced with ingredients local to New Englandwhich means there are seasonal variations throughout the yearand dishes marry unexpected ingredients with excellent results. Start with the robust Winter Squash Ravioli or Roasted Beet Trio with arugula pesto and herbed cashew cheese before moving onto the hearty Peppered Pappardelle with Chanterelle. Go all out with a three-course dinner and order the velvety Raspberry Cheesecake for dessert. Theres also brunch on weekends when you can indulge in delicately flavored crepes and waffles, savory tofu benedict, and big and bold seitan burgers.

5. Taco Party This vegan taco shop is based in Somerville and open daily, and its accompanying Taco Party food truck tours Boston during the week. They offer more meat alternatives than you can shake your favorite Hail Seitan T-shirt at (think jackfruit, tofu, lentils, seitan, and tempeh) and the flavor pairings in their tacos are on point, with cilantro, chipotle, poblano, vegan cheese, and cashew crema among the selection. Dont miss out on the tangy Chimichurri Tempeh and Jackfruit Tinga tacos. If the day ever comes when you get bored of vegan tacos, consider diving into the smokey black beans, crunchy nachos, and grilled chorizo tortas instead.

6. FoMu Caf FoMus signature product is homemade vegan ice cream, made with coconut milk and natural sweeteners, along with a whole lot of fresh flavorings and garnishes. At FoMu cafes, they sell their ice cream by the scoop in flavors such as Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie; Sweet Lavender; Salted Caramel; and Bourbon Maple Walnut. Take it up a notch and treat yourself to an ice cream cookie sandwich or double chocolate chip brownie along with a side of locally made George Howell coffee or high-quality, loose leaf tea. If you cant get enough, consider picking up a copy of their Incredible Vegan Ice Cream cookbook, which includes recipes for 60 vegan ice cream flavors that you can make at home.

Caroline Bunting-Palmer is a freelance ethical and sustainable lifestyle writer based in Reading, UK.

Photo credit: Caroline Bunting-Palmer

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The 6 Best Places to Eat Vegan in Boston - VegNews