Discovering new vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants can be both exciting and challenging. Luckily, there are several websites and apps available to help you find plant-based dining options, whether you’re exploring your local area or traveling to a new destination. This article provides a comprehensive review of popular websites and apps, as well as tips for using them effectively.
Of course, we think What’s Vegetarian is best. But here are some other good resources to know about.
1. HappyCow
HappyCow is a widely popular website and app that helps users find vegan, vegetarian, and veg-friendly restaurants in over 180 countries. The platform offers a user-friendly interface, allowing you to search for nearby establishments or specific locations, filter results by type of cuisine, and view detailed information about each restaurant.
Key Features
- Search for restaurants by location or cuisine type
- Filter results based on dietary preferences (vegan, vegetarian, or veg-friendly)
- Read reviews and view photos from other users
- Save favorite restaurants for easy access
- Access offline maps when traveling without an internet connection (app only)
How to Use HappyCow Effectively
To make the most of HappyCow, be sure to:
- Create a free account to save your favorite restaurants, write reviews, and upload photos
- Use the map feature to visualize nearby dining options, which can be particularly helpful when traveling
- Read user reviews for insights into popular dishes and overall restaurant experiences
- Contribute your own reviews and photos to help other users make informed decisions
2. Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG)
The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) is a nonprofit organization that aims to educate the public about vegetarianism and veganism. While their website covers a range of topics, their online restaurant guide is a valuable resource for finding vegan and vegetarian dining options in the United States and Canada.
Key Features
- Search for restaurants by city, state, or province
- View basic information about each restaurant, including address, phone number, and cuisine type
- Access links to restaurant websites and reviews
How to Use VRG Effectively
Keep these tips in mind when using the VRG restaurant guide:
- Use the search function to narrow down options by city or state, then browse through the results
- Visit restaurant websites and read reviews to learn more about the dining experience and menu options
- Keep in mind that the VRG guide may not be as up-to-date as other resources, so it’s important to double-check information and read recent reviews
3. Yelp
Yelp is a well-known platform for discovering local businesses, including restaurants. While not specifically designed for vegans and vegetarians, Yelp offers helpful filters and features to help you find plant-based dining options.
Key Features
- Search for restaurants by location or cuisine type
- Filter results based on dietary preferences, such as “vegan” or “vegetarian”
- Read reviews and view photos from other users
- Save favorite restaurants for easy access
- Access information about restaurant hours, price range, and contact details
How to Use Yelp Effectively
Follow these tips to find vegan and vegetarian dining options on Yelp:
- Use the search function to find restaurants in your desired area, then apply the “vegan” or “vegetarian” filters to narrow down your options
- Read user reviews to gain insights into the quality of the food, service, and atmosphere, as well as to discover popular plant-based dishes
- Contribute your own reviews and photos to help other users and support vegan and vegetarian-friendly establishments
- Save your favorite restaurants to your Yelp account for easy access in the future
4. Google Maps
Google Maps is a versatile tool for finding local businesses, including restaurants. While not specifically designed for vegans and vegetarians, Google Maps offers search features and filters that can help you discover plant-based dining options.
Key Features
- Search for restaurants by location or cuisine type
- Filter results based on keywords, such as “vegan” or “vegetarian”
- Read reviews and view photos from other users
- Save favorite restaurants for easy access
- Access information about restaurant hours, price range, and contact details
- Get directions and travel time estimates to your chosen restaurant
How to Use Google Maps Effectively
To find vegan and vegetarian dining options using Google Maps, follow these steps:
- Use the search function to find restaurants in your desired area, then include keywords like “vegan” or “vegetarian” to refine your search
- Read user reviews for insights into the quality of the food, service, and atmosphere, as well as to discover popular plant-based dishes
- Contribute your own reviews and photos to help other users and support vegan and vegetarian-friendly establishments
- Save your favorite restaurants to your Google account for easy access in the future
- Use the directions feature to plan your route to the restaurant and estimate travel time
5. TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is a popular travel website that offers user-generated reviews and recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and attractions. While not specifically focused on vegan and vegetarian dining, TripAdvisor includes filters and features to help you find plant-based options in your desired location.
Key Features
- Search for restaurants by location or cuisine type
- Filter results based on dietary preferences, such as “vegan” or “vegetarian”
- Read reviews and view photos from other users
- Save favorite restaurants for easy access
- Access information about restaurant hours, price range, and contact details
- Compare restaurant ratings and rankings within a specific area
How to Use TripAdvisor Effectively
Consider these tips when using TripAdvisor to find vegan and vegetarian dining options:
- Use the search function to find restaurants in your desired area, then apply the “vegan” or “vegetarian” filters to narrow down your options
- Read user reviews to gain insights into the quality of the food, service, and atmosphere, as well as to discover popular plant-based dishes
- Contribute your own reviews and photos to help other users and support vegan and vegetarian-friendly establishments
- Save your favorite restaurants to your TripAdvisor account for easy access in the future
- Compare restaurant ratings and rankings to help you decide on the best dining option for your needs
Conclusion
With the help of these websites and apps, finding vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants is easier than ever before. By taking advantage of their unique features and actively contributing to the community with reviews and photos, you can enjoy diverse and satisfying dining experiences while supporting the growth of plant-based options around the world.
