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Cardwell's
The Top List of Veggie Restaurants - St. Louis, MO
An increasing number of restaurants are now "vegetarian friendly"
by Brooke Foster & Michael Renner
Finding ten true vegetarian restaurants in any city is a daunting task, let alone in a mid-western city like St. Louis, where there are only two. Vegetarians usually had to frequent the many ethnic restaurants to enjoy non-meat dishes. But an increasing number of restaurants are now "vegetarian friendly," offering at least one dish to satisfy non-carnivores. Most are fresh approaches to the non-meat dishes that diners could always order in Italian and Asian restaurants. Even vegans are being catered to by several eateries.
EVEREST CAFÉ (Vegan and Vegetarian available)
1916 Washington Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 621-2021
Hours: (Mon.-Sat.) Lunch 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dinner 5-10 p.m.
When it comes to I-know-a-little-place gems, St. Louis is tough to beat. Everest Café, a delightful Nepalese restaurant that’s a fair hike from the city’s downtown corridor, is hardly a secret anymore – or, if it is, it’s everyone’s secret. And that’s OK, because Nepalese food is meant to be shared among friends. Vegetarians and vegans will find plenty to choose from on the menu, from savory, tender greens to vegetable mo-mos (handmade dumplings brimming with sweet-sour ingredients). Nepalese food takes cues from both China and India – not surprising, given the tiny country’s geographic location – and the result is elegantly spiced dishes with gradual, satisfying heat. Order off of the very reasonably priced dinner menu, or stop by during the weekday lunch buffet to snag a sampling of many different dishes. You’ll want to try the stir-fried spinach (as flavor-packed as soul-food greens), the cauliflower fritters, the lentil soup, the veggie samosas dipped in zesty, relish-like achar…this truly is a paradise for hungry vegetarians who know an incredible dish when they taste it. And keep your eye on Everest; soon, the café is relocating to larger digs in the city’s up-and-coming Grove neighborhood.
Cuisine type: Nepalese
Estimated cost per person: $10-$15
Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving-Closed. Christmas Eve-Closed. Christmas Day-Closed. New Year's Eve-Open. New Year's Day-Closed.
TERRENE (Vegan and Vegetarian available)
33 N. Sarah St.
St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 535-5100
Hours: (Tue.-Thu.) 5-10 p.m., (Fri.-Sat.) 5-11 p.m., (Sun.) 5-8:30 p.m.
In the carnivore-centric Midwest, it’s rare that a restaurant’s vegetarian dishes draw as much praise as its meatier offerings. But that’s exactly the case at Terrene, where executive chef Dave Owens elevates vegetarian dishes to haute cuisine status. Since it opened last year, Terrene has drawn raves from serious foodies. Owens’ menu reads like a love letter to the freshest, finest, locally sourced foods; the offerings change daily, because Owens refuses to cook with anything but the best ingredients. Visit one week, and you might get to try an exquisite vegetarian flatbread topped with dried tomatoes, provolone and veggie sausage. The next time you’re at Terrene, you might find a heavenly roasted-beet salad, brimming with ingredients like aged goat gouda, frisee, and smoked pecans. Semi-permanent menu items include incredibly creamy spiced-lentil dip accompanied by fresh lavosh and pickled vegetables, a miso soup studded with custard tofu and veggies, and flash-fried tofu-on-a-stick that will make even the most ardent meat-eater take back everything bad they’ve ever said about tofu. (Trust us – we’ve seen it happen.) Terrene recently introduced an early-evening happy hour on its gorgeous patio, plus a late-night (after 10 p.m.) happy hour in its chic bar. Thanks to Dave Owens and his outstanding Central West End restaurant, vegetarians have never had it so good.
Cuisine type: New American/Contemporary
Estimated cost per person: $25-$30
Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving-Closed. Christmas Eve-Open. Christmas Day-Closed. New Year's Eve-Open. New Year's Day-Closed.
GOKUL (All Vegan/Vegetarian)
10633 Page Blvd.
Overland, MO 63132
(314) 428-8888
Hours: (Daily) 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
If you’re tired of “vegetarian fast food” meaning fries and a limp salad from McD’s, you owe it to yourself to check out Gokul. This unassuming strip-mall spot in north St. Louis county turns out some of the most delicious, interesting, and affordable Indian food in town. Gokul focuses primarily on the delicately spiced foods of Northern India (rather than the fiery curries more common in the South), and everything on the extensive menu is vegetarian. Delectable finger foods include pakora (small discs of mixed vegetables dipped in garam-flour batter and deep-fried), mirchi bhaija (sizable banana peppers, also dipped in garam¬-flour batter and deep fried), and the inventive Delhi’s Chaat (wheat tortilla shells topped with chutney, raita, chickpeas, onions, and boiled potatoes – referred to somewhat jokingly as “Indian Nachos”). Gokul serves both lunch and dinner (the lunch buffet is $6.99, about a buck cheaper than most other Indian places in town), and each entrée is a delight. Particularly excellent is the aloo gobi, a traditional dish of fresh cauliflower and potatoes, simmered in a sauce of ginger, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs until the veggies are fall-apart tender. And while matter paneer (homemade cheese cubes cooked with peas, garlic, and ginger in a tomato-and-cream “gravy”) is a staple at pretty much any Indian restaurant, Gokul’s version is so rich and nuanced as to be downright revelatory. Want to take a generous sampling back to the office? Order the “tiffin for home” – at $5.99, one of the greatest culinary steals in St. Louis – and get two veggie entrees, a serving of fluffy basmati rice, a dish of creamy daal, several pieces of oven-fresh naan, and a cup of kheer (light, sweet rice pudding). Just try not to sneak bites while you drive. You’ll be tempted.
Cuisine type: Indian
Estimated cost per person: $5-$15
Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving-Closed. Christmas Eve-Open. Christmas Day-Closed. New Year's Eve-Open. New Year's Day-Closed.
THE SHANGRI-LA DINER (All Vegan/Vegetarian, except for two salmon dishes)
2201 Cherokee St.
St. Louis, MO 63318
(314) 772-8308
Hours: (Thu.-Sat.) 10 a.m.-5 p.m., (Sun.) 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
It’s impossible not to love the Shangri-La Diner. Not loving the Shangri-La would be like not loving puppies, or ice cream, or days off, or – well, you get the point. Owner Patrice Mari’s cute-as-a-button Cherokee Street restaurant is one of the happiest places in town, and it’s particularly great for vegans and vegetarians. Begin the day with a strong cup of coffee and one of Mari’s legendary breakfasts (perfected when she ran the also-legendary veggie brunch at south-side coffeeshop MoKaBe’s). There’s crème brûlée French toast, a rich vegetable quiche served with fresh fruit, a yummy tofu scramble – even a super-healthy “Bola Granola” (oats, honey, dried cranberries, walnuts, cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds, maple syrup…). Lunch brings what just might be the absolute best veggie burger in town: a delicious sandwich made with the awesome meat substitute AuraPro, served on an egg bun with fresh toppings and Mari’s own curried ketchup. There’s also an incredible vegan Moroccan stew, a killer grilled-cheese sandwich (served with organic tomato soup, of course!), a black bean burrito wrapped in a tomato tortilla, and more. Shangri-La occupies a sunny storefront on the edge of Cherokee’s lovely antiques district, and Mari is as warm and welcoming as a cherished friend. Stop in for a full meal, or just a glass of fresh strawberry limeade. Either way, your day will be brighter.
Cuisine type: Deli (Soups and Sandwiches)/Breakfast/Brunch
Estimated cost per person: $5-$15
Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving-Closed. Christmas Eve-Open. Christmas Day-Closed. New Year's Eve-Open. New Year's Day-Closed.
THE NATURAL FACT DELI (Vegan and Vegetarian available)
20 Allen Ave.
Webster Groves, MO 63119
(314) 961-2442
Hours: (Mon.-Sat.) 11 a.m.-9 p.m., (Sun.) 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
The Natural Fact Deli moved recently, but two things remain the same: The restaurant is still in Webster Groves’ charming old-town district, and its menu still offers some of the freshest, tastiest dishes around. Natural Fact is fun, laid-back, and, well, friendly. The knowledgeable staff makes everyone feel like a regular, whether they’re from the neighborhood or not. The restaurant’s eco-conscious cooking and cleaning methods are kind to the environment. And the prices? Oh-so-nice to your wallet. Vegetarians have tons of choices here. Wraps, which are easily big enough for two meals, come stuffed with yummy ingredients like spicy black beans, cucumber-and-hummus, and crisp falafel. The Santa Fe sandwich is a nifty take on the typical black-bean burger: The zesty black-bean patty comes nestled in a soft onion bun and is topped with mild green chiles, a smoky ancho-chile sauce, tomatoes, red peppers, onions, and Monterey Jack cheese. Wraps and sandwiches come with a choice of veg-friendly sides, though we’re partial to the awesome sweet-potato chips. Perhaps the best thing about Natural Fact Deli is that it’s not just a deli; it’s a full-service, lunch-and-dinner restaurant, as suitable for a leisurely evening meal as for an on-the-go sandwich. Good dinner choices include an all-veggie stirfry (brown rice with bountiful broccoli, red peppers, water chestnuts, mushrooms, carrots, zucchini, and bamboo shoots) and a variety of delectable salads, such as the Greek salad loaded with feta cheese, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, purple cabbage, and cucumbers. The Natural Fact also offers a nice selection of microbrews and wines – perfect for sipping on the lovely patio while enjoying healthy, delicious food.
Cuisine type: Deli (Soups and Sandwiches)/Health Food
Estimated cost per person: $5-$15
Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving-Closed. Christmas Eve-Open. Christmas Day-Closed. New Year's Eve-Open. New Year's Day-Closed.
MESKEREM
3210 S. Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63118
(314) 772-4442
Hours: (Daily) 11 a.m.-midnight
South Grand Boulevard has long been a haven for vegetarians. From the lemongrass-infused noodle dishes of the many Vietnamese restaurants to the spinach cannelloni at Mangia Italiano, South Grand chefs offer plenty of delectable meat-free options. But there hasn’t been an Ethiopian spot along this drag – until now. Meskerem opened a few months ago, and it’s already a favorite of herbivores and carnivores alike. The restaurant’s appetizers are deliciously cooling on a hot St. Louis day; try timatim salad, a light-as-springtime salad of chopped tomatoes, onions, and green peppers (a version with avocado is also available). And Meskerem’s vegetarian entrees are some of the most exquisite in town. The miser alech – lentils cooked with ginger, garlic, onions, olive oil, and curry – is a treat for even the most jaded tastebuds, and it’s made all the better when scooped up with Meskerem’s addictive injera (spongy, thin bread). You also can’t go wrong with the shor wat (ground chickpeas in traditional, spicy berbere sauce), and the sautéed fresh string beans (called Vegetable #1 on the menu) are outrageously tender. Can’t decide? Get the Vegetarian Combo and sample all of these amazing offerings. Ethiopian food is meant to be shared, and Meskerem’s dishes do not fail to delight.
Cuisine type: Ethiopian
Estimated cost per person: $10-$15
Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving-Closed. Christmas Eve-Open. Christmas Day-Closed. New Year's Eve-Open. New Year's Day-Closed.
CARDWELL'S AT THE PLAZA (Vegetarian and some Vegan available)
94 Plaza Frontenac
St. Louis, MO 63131
(314) 997-8885
Hours: (Mon.-Thu.) 11:15 a.m - 10 p.m. (Fri-Sat) 11:15 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. (Sun) 11:15 a.m. - 9 p.m.
This upscale eatery in the equally upscale Plaza Frontenac shopping center takes a risk by offering vegetarian and vegan dishes along side roasted chops, steak and fish. It's hard to imagine dinner customers paying $15.75 for tempeh, but it's a regular on the menu (granted, it's topped with a crispy onion-shallot jam glaze and served with braised mushrooms, French beans, roasted red peppers and garlic mashed potatoes, but it's still tempeh). The setting is beautiful, even if a bit noisy. The menu is an eclectic and imaginative blend of Californian, Mediterranean, Asian and American comfort food influences. A beautifully tiled wood burning oven sits at the end of the large U-shaped bar. Part of the dining room has regular tables and chairs while one part has covered chairs and tables more like a home dining room. The décor mixes several architectural styles and the colors are muted yellow hues. For lunch I had Dave's Winter Vegetarian Sandwich, a rich tasting mixture of roasted portabella mushrooms and butternut squash, sweet red and yellow peppers, caramelized red onion on toasted multi-grain bread ($9.50). Several vegetarian soups are available like the Early Winter Vegetable Chowder, Wheat Berries and Fresh Chives ($5.75). The wine list offers an astounding array by the bottle and glass. Off the mall entrance is more seating and a small market section selling wines and prepared dishes to take home.
Estimated cost per person = Lunch: $15, Dinner: $35
Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving-Closed. Christmas Eve - Open, but close early, Christmas Day-Closed. New Years Eve-open, but close early, New Years Day-Closed
CRAZY BOWL AND WRAPS (Vegan available)
12704 Olive St. (Creve Coeur), (314) 469-3323
7353 Forsyth (Clayon-University City), (314) 725-5030
9800 Manchester (Gendale-Rock Hill), (636) 918-1411
39 N. Central (Central Clayton), (314) 727-9727
1627 Clarkson Rd. (Chesterfield), (636) 517-9727
3852 Lindell (Mid-Town St. Louis), (314) 533-9727
13831 Manchester (West County), (636) 9727
Hours: (Mon-Fri.) 10:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. (Sat.) 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. (Sun) 11:00 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Think of CBW as healthy fast food and on their way to having as many locations as McDonalds. The veggie bowls are big servings of half rice (brown or white) and half steamed veggies (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and carrots) with your choice of tasty sauces (medium $3.45, large $4.65) The only vegetarian wrap is with a combo of veggies with feta cheese, jasmine rice, yogurt and salsa rolled in a wheat tortilla ($5.25). All three of the soups satisfy vegan requirements and are $2.75: Barley-lentil-vegetable, white bean chipotle chili and a zesty bean soup. The atmosphere is efficient, made for quick in and out service. With a full menu of tasty smoothies (around $3.00) and rice krispie treats the size of your hand ($1.50), this a great lunch or quick dinner alternative to burger joints.
Estimated cost per person = $5 - $15
Holiday Schedule: Christmas Eve-Close at 4:00 p.m. Christmas Day-Closed. New Years Eve-Close at 4:00 p.m. New Years Day-11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
INDIA PALACE (Vegetarian available)
4534 N. Lindbergh
St. Louis, MO 63044
(314) 731-3333
Hours: (Mon-Sun.) Lunch buffet, 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Dinner, 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m
Situated on the 11th floor of the Howard Johnson Hotel and overlooking Lambert Air Field, India Palace is a favorite for food and view. The elevator doors open into a rich world of pungent aromas, a trickling waterfall and volcanic stone walls leftover from the previous Polynesian tenants. The lunch buffet ($7.95) is a popular destination. There's a large variety of vegetable dishes including a nicely spiced mushroom mater ($9.95) with peas. All the basic Indian dishes are available: Potatoes (Aloo) in a variety of cream and veggie sauces, spinach (Sag) with homemade farmer's cheese and mater (green peas) served in an assortment of sauces. Two dishes stand out, Navratan Korma (mixed veggies with homemade cheese in a mild cream sauce with cashews, almonds and raisins, $$10.95) and Malai Kofta (cheese and vegetable balls in a aromatic sauce, $10.95).
Estimated cost per person: Lunch Buffet, $7.95. Dinner, $15-$20
Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving, open for lunch only. All other Holidays-Open.
MODESTO (Vegetarian friendly)
5257 Shaw Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 772-8272
Hours: Lunch (Mon.-Fri.) 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Limited Menu (Mon.-Fri.) 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Dinner (Mon.-Thu.) 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (Fri.-Sat) 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.)
Smack in the heart of the Italian Hill district of St. Louis sits this new Spanish restaurant. Many have tried to provide St. Louisans with tapas (creative Spanish appetizer plates that are fun to share), but few have succeeded in the long run. The room combines inviting washed-out earth tones with a modern feel. Several cold and hot tapas dishes can fit the vegetarian diet: Tomatoes with goat cheese, basil and olive oil ($4.95), marinated olives with paprika and thyme ($3.25), red potato salad with onion, mustard and garlic aioli ($3.75), chickpea puree with olive oil, lemon and croutons ($4.25), roasted bell peppers stuffed with olives and goat cheese ($5.95), and eggplant, red pepper, onion and olives roasted in Spanish olive oil with pine nuts and raisins ($5.95). Gazpacho is also available. Everything from the wine to the olive oil is Spanish.
Estimated cost per person: $7 - $10
Holiday Schedule: Thanksgiving, closed. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, closed. New Years Eve, open. New Years Day, closed.
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