Cincinnati Dining: Friend or Foe to Vegetarians?
By Delaney Church
No one feels more uncomfortable than a vegetarian who, while out to dinner with friends, cannot find anything vegetarian-friendly on the menu to save their life. First, there’s the classic awkward silence after someone asks, “What are you getting?” as your eyes scan the limited menu for the fifth time. Then, there’s the inevitable flush of embarrassment as you insist that you can just get a side salad because you don’t want to inconvenience anyone by suggesting a new restaurant. And of course, you can’t forget the rumbling of your stomach that persists even after you finish your dainty salad, because you’re still hungry, gosh dang it!
Though many vegetarians have experienced this unfortunate situation or ones like it at least once in their lifetime, plant-based guys and gals of Cincinnati need not fear: vegetarians are welcome here. As a vegetarian of five years who moved to Cincinnati almost two years ago, I can confidently say that Cincinnati has far exceeded my expectations in terms of accessible vegetarian dishes and restaurants. Rarely do I ever dine at a restaurant that does not offer at least one or two veggie-friendly dishes, even if the restaurant is not known for its plant-based options. Even better, there are dozens of restaurants and dining locations across the city that offer delicious and flavorful tofu, grain, legume and soy-based dishes. From my time in Cincinnati so far, I have narrowed down some of my staple vegetarian restaurants, as well as some honorable mentions that may not serve only vegetarian creations, but also options for a dinner out with your omnivore friends and family.
If you’re looking for an affordable spot for lunch, Melt Revival is the perfect place. Located in Northside for over fifteen years, Melt Revival offers delicious, organic, healthy and vegetarian/vegan dishes, as well as a select few meat-based dishes. The average plate costs anywhere from $8 to $15 and consists of flavorful alternatives to familiar favorites. The vegetarian cheesesteak, vegan bánh mí and the tofu pad thai wrap are only a few of the decadent options that this veggie-friendly restaurant has to offer. Melt Revival prioritizes quality ingredients, so you can bet that everything is made fresh and tasty. The portions are filling, the atmosphere is that of a relaxed café, and the food itself is packed full of nutritious ingredients. Without a doubt, the vegetarian cheesesteak is the star of the show– the grilled vegetables, house-made seitan and crisp bread are the ideal combination for a lunch you will miss once it’s gone.
Fancy a cocktail bar, vegetarian plates and a night out in downtown Cincinnati? Almost V’gan Lounge is the place for you. This 21+ lounge has a chic vibe that is ideal for a date night out on the town. Focused on health-conscious food choices through mainly vegan cuisine, hence the ‘almost’, Almost V’gan Lounge offers mouth-watering dishes that consist of locally sourced ingredients, decadent sauces and cooked-to-order proteins for all. While this restaurant could be considered to be on the pricier side, with entrees ranging from $30 to $50, the quality of the food itself is exceptional. For my most recent date night with my omnivore partner, I enjoyed the grilled tofu slider plate while he swooned over the grilled salmon slider plate. From the spices to the sauces, to the fresh vegetables, our dishes were prepared to perfection. For any vegetarians searching for a nice dinner spot, Almost V’gan Lounge is a must-try.
While not a sit-down restaurant, Harmony Plant Fare at Findlay Market is a staple for me as a vegetarian. Located right inside the market, this vegan deli offers a variety of plant-based options. Whether you’re looking for ingredients to take home to cook with, side dishes, or even a quick veggie-friendly sandwich from their sandwich menu, Harmony Plant Fare is an essential stop on your vegetarian bucket list. Peering into the glass that separates you from your next delicious meal, you will see bowls of vegan macaroni and cheese, hearty chicken salads, grilled buffalo tenders and endless other appetizing dishes. Admittedly, I rarely ever leave Findlay Market without a takeout bag in my hand filled with buffalo tenders. No Taco Tuesday night is complete without them!
The vegetarian options that Cincinnati dining has to offer are endless. Even fast-food and takeout restaurants seldom lack vegetarian dishes, some of my favorites being Krishna Indian Restaurant and Carry Out, Currito, Bibibop, Aladdin’s Eatery, King Wok and so many more. Ethnic foods in Cincinnati are plentiful and are worth looking into as a vegetarian, as Indian, Chinese and Mediterranean cuisines are all but guaranteed to offer plant-based options. When in doubt, many fast-food restaurants nowadays offer veggie burgers, tofu alternatives or plant-based versions of your favorite meals. I know what you’re all thinking, and don’t worry: Skyline Chili does offer vegetarian chili with beans, so vegetarians, too, can enjoy this Cincinnati delicacy.
Since moving to Cincinnati, I have discovered some of my favorite vegetarian restaurants and dishes that I don’t know how I lived without before. Plant-based options are only growing, and I can’t wait to test out new places and plates with friends and family. I can safely say that there are no awkward dinners as a vegetarian in Cincinnati, only dinners where you have more options than you can count. The only problem? You’re going to want to try every dish you can!
