Old Spaghetti Factory: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Old Spaghetti Factory works well for vegetarians. The marinara is meat-free, the signature browned butter and Mizithra spaghetti is a vegetarian classic, and a few sauces go vegan if you ask the right question.

What to order at Old Spaghetti Factory

Spaghetti with marinara, mushroom sauce, or plain tomato sauce all skip the meat sauce, clam sauce, and meatballs, and the marinara is built simply on tomatoes, onions, carrots, garlic, and olive oil. The Browned Butter and Mizithra Spaghetti, a family recipe since 1969, is the dish most regulars come back for, warm browned butter over noodles topped with shredded Greek Mizithra cheese. If you want something filled, the Spinach and Cheese Ravioli and Roasted Mushroom Ravioli both work, and the Olive Tapenade and Spinach and Artichoke Dip make good starters.

What to watch out for

The standard spaghetti noodles are usually egg-free, which is what makes the marinara plate work for vegans, but confirm that with your server before you count on it. Fettuccine Alfredo, the Browned Butter and Mizithra Spaghetti, and the Sicilian Garlic Cheese Bread are all vegetarian but rely on butter, cream, or cheese, so none of them are vegan. Check the broth in the Minestrone Soup, and skip the Caesar Salad unless you ask for a dressing swap, since the standard dressing carries anchovies.