First Watch: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

First Watch works for vegetarians, even though it’s an egg-heavy breakfast and lunch chain, because everything is cooked to order and the produce-forward menu gives you plenty to build around. You’ll lean on vegetable dishes and a few simple substitutions rather than a long list of veggie entrees.

What to order at First Watch

Avocado Toast is the easy vegan order once you skip the eggs and ask for toast without butter. The A.M. Superfoods Bowl works the same way with a swap on the margarine. The Frittata Rustica packs kale, mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes under Mozzarella and Parmesan for a filling vegetarian plate. Steel-Cut Oatmeal goes vegan with a non-dairy milk swap, and seasoned potatoes, fresh seasonal fruit, and fresh-pressed juices round out a full meal. Ask for a build-your-own omelet with vegetables and cheese, or order the Power Breakfast Quinoa Bowl without its Italian sausage.

What to watch out for

The sweeter options mostly aren’t vegan. Multigrain Pancakes, Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, the Belgian Waffle, and French Toast all use egg and dairy in the batter. The Market Hash and Tri-Athlete omelet both rely on eggs and cheese, and the Sunrise Granola Bowl uses Greek yogurt. Since the kitchen cooks everything fresh, ask your server for a modification, and confirm the Power Breakfast Quinoa Bowl actually comes without the sausage.