Planta Queen: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Planta Queen is the kind of restaurant that makes you forget you’re eating plant-based. Tucked into River North at 413 N Clark St, this 100% vegan Asian-fusion spot from the Planta restaurant group serves sushi, dumplings, and wok noodles where not a single dish contains meat, dairy, or eggs. It opened in September 2022 and quickly became one of Chicago’s most talked-about vegan restaurants. The Infatuation rated it 7.7 out of 10 and called it “the rare plant-based restaurant where the food is good and enough of a scene to earn its downtown address.”

What’s vegan and vegetarian at Planta Queen

Everything on the menu is vegan. Planta Queen runs a 100% plant-based kitchen, so there’s no need to quiz your server about hidden dairy or ask whether the broth contains meat. The entire menu, from sushi rolls and nigiri to noodles, dumplings, desserts, and cocktails, is free of animal products. Gluten-free options are plentiful, with most “Chilled and Raw” items and several sushi rolls labeled gluten-free. The kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, so if you have celiac disease, tell your server and ask for the modified celiac menu, which staff can provide.

Signature dishes to order

Start with the Bang Bang Broccoli, which shows up in nearly every review. The Spicy Tuna Roll, made with ahi watermelon and toasted coconut, tends to convert skeptics. The watermelon mimics raw tuna in texture and color well enough to surprise regular sushi eaters. The Volcano Roll, built with heart of palm crab, avocado, cucumber, and gochujang mayo, is another strong order. For noodles, the Truffle Udon in mushroom cream sauce is rich without tipping heavy. Maki Mondays offer unlimited maki or individual rolls at $9, a smart way to sample a few things.

How to order

Reservations through SevenRooms are worth booking ahead, especially on weekends. A bar and lounge area is available for walk-ins. The kitchen opens at 11:30am on weekdays and 11am on weekends, running until 10pm or 11pm depending on the night. Brunch and happy hour menus run separately from the all-day menu, so check the website before you go. Delivery and takeout are both available through third-party platforms, and private dining is an option for groups and events.

What to watch out for

The price point is real. This is an upscale River North restaurant, and the check reflects it, especially if you’re ordering sushi, a noodle dish, and drinks. If you have celiac disease, be explicit with your server and ask for the celiac-safe menu. The kitchen uses shared equipment, and not every gluten-free labeled item is safe for celiac-level sensitivity. Parking is tight in River North; the nearest lot is Greenway Garage at 58 W Kinzie St.

Is Planta Queen worth it?

Yes, and it works for vegetarians and omnivores alike. The kitchen leans on technique and real produce rather than processed substitutes, which is why dishes like the watermelon tuna and truffle udon land as well as they do. This isn’t a “good for a vegan place” compliment. The food is good on its own terms. Planta Queen earned a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice award and Secret Chicago’s recognition as one of the city’s top sushi spots. It’s a solid pick for a date night, birthday dinner, or any occasion where you want upscale plant-based Asian food with no compromise on atmosphere or execution.