One thing I love about Waterloo is that it is so easy to live a plant-based lifestyle here. Ever since starting university more than three years ago, I have made it my mission to explore as many dining destinations as possible. There are so many vegan and vegetarian restaurants, cafes and bakeries, as well as omnivore-friendly destinations with plenty of plant-based options. Your accessibility to options definitely plays an important role in living a more plant-based lifestyle, especially if you eat out a lot.
Now that most businesses in Waterloo have opened in some capacity, what better way to welcome my favourite places back than to honour them in a blog post? Today I will be sharing my top five plant-based (or plant-based friendly) establishments in Waterloo Region. As I make my way through the Region, there are a few locations I loyally return to time and time again, which I will be sharing with you. These are in no particular order, but I will highlight the unique characteristics of each.
When choosing my top five, I took into account menu diversity, ability to accommodate, affordability, customer service, and my overall dining experience. I also made note of spots that incorporate sustainability into their menu or practices. I have included whether the restaurant offers gluten free options, as well. Lastly, I included notes about the type of services they are offering during the pandemic.
Let’s get on to my top five plant-baed restaurants in Waterloo Region.
Aroma Cafe
Completely plant-based: (Y/N)
Gluten Free options: (Y/N)
Affordability: $$$
service: ★★★
Sustainability: ⚘⚘
perfect for: quick lunch, coffee and studying
Aroma Cafe has been my go-to destination for food and coffee since day one. It was the first place I went to way back in 2016 when I was touring the university for the first time (still in high school at that point) and ever since I go to Aroma on a weekly (sometimes closer to daily) basis.
This quant little shop settled right in the heart of Uptown Waterloo is home to some of the best customer service I have experienced, period. The current owners, Monica and Jeff, go the extra mile to remember the names and orders of their regulars. They are incredibly accommodating and are willing to customize just about any of their menu items. They offer a range of breakfast and lunch foods, from sandwiches to (AMAZING and always vegan) soups, to cookies and sourdough bread all baked in-store. All of their sandwiches are served on their own bread, which you can purchase as well. They can make sandwiches gluten free and also have plenty of gluten free baked goods. They roast all of their own coffee, which you can order in-house or purchase beans for home. In addition, you can bring your own mug, food container or jar for beans to get a discount and reduce your packaging waste! They source many of their ingredients from local producers too, making them one of my top choices for sustainability initiatives.
This is one of my favourite spots to study or have lunch dates with my parents when they visit. Indoor seating is limited, but there are also tables in the atrium of the little shopping mall. All in all, if you are looking for somewhere warm, welcoming and always smelling like fresh baked goods, you MUST check out Aroma!
Are they open during the pandemic? Yes, with bean delivery, takeout AND you can bring your own mug now!
My favourite item on the menu: Sunrise sammie on toast with avocado, coconut bacon and a side of soup.
the bauer kitchen
Completely plant-based: (Y/N)
Gluten Free options: (Y/N)
Affordability: $$$
service: ★★★
Sustainability: ⚘⚘
perfect for: date night and drinks
TBK serves up plant-based meals with elegance. If you are looking for an intimate spot for date night, brunch, family celebration or a unique cocktail, you have to check out TBK. They are a part of the Charcoal Group, a collaboration of restaurants that have been creating excellence in the local food scene since 1955. Upon arrival at TBK you can request the plant-based menu. There are vegan takes on many of their main meat-focused dishes, along with unique plates that meat and veg-heads alike will love. They have a separate gluten free menu, as well.
I have been to TBK on multiple occasion for brunch, dinner and drinks + snacks. For brunch, plant-based options include veg benedict, vancheros bowl, french toast and more. They offer items from their regular menu during brunch as well, from plant-based veggie burgers to wood-fired pizza. They are happy to make accommodations based on your preferences. For instance, I wanted a mix between the rancheros and the “vancheros” bowl (vegan eggs, chick’n, vegan cheeze) so that I had a real fried egg like the original bowl, just no chicken or cheese – they were happy to make this adjustment. You can also customize other dishes like any of the pizzas to have vegan cheeze or plant-based pepperoni/sausage. The main attractions for me are their unique drinks, served up by a bartender that clearly knows their stuff. I may or may not have gone out and purchased the ingredients they used to recreate their masterpieces…
Are they open during the pandemic? Yes, without takeout and patio seating.
My favourite item on the menu: The Vancheros Bowl or Wise guy pizza.
cafe pyrus
Completely plant-based: (Y/N)
Gluten Free options: (Y/N)
Affordability: $$$
service: ★☆☆
Sustainability: ⚘
perfect for: lunch with friends and the wary
I heard about Cafe Pyrus in my first year of undergrad but didn’t make the trek to downtown Kitchener to try it out until the summer of my second year. Let me tell you, I was missing out! Cafe Pyrus is known for their delicious vegan meals, community-forward atmosphere and carnivore-converting capabilities. While I am a fan of the taste of dairy-free cheese, tofu, tempeh and other plant-based protein options, I know that they may sound unappealing to a new plant-based foodie (and if prepared poorly, can be quite unappetizing). Cafe Pyrus knocks it out of the park in terms of flavour and texture with their sandwiches, many of which use dairy-free cheese and tempeh as their stars.
I love that Cafe Pyrus takes a plant-based spin on classic dishes like reuben, BLTs, club sandwiches and more, using some awesome locally-made panini bread to do so. Their food reminds me think of a perfect rainy-day meal: warm and sticks to your ribs. Not a fan of sandwiches, or are gluten free? They also make taco salads, hearty soups, quesadillas and amazing baked goods. You also have the option to use real cheese in your meals or dairy in your espresso-based drinks, but those are the only animal-based products in the cafe. Their espresso drinks are strong, which I love, and they also make fresh smoothies and iced drinks.
There are only two things I wish would improve: the wait times and packaging. I usually wait a long time for my order, even when they aren’t busy. The meal is always worth it, though. To follow a diner-esque theme, each dish is served on non-recyclable checkered wax paper as well. I appreciate the effort to stick to the theme but the environmentalist in me cringes after every meal. Despite this, make sure to check out Cafe Pyrus next time you are at the Kitchener Market, Victoria Park or just exploring the city!
Are they open during the pandemic? Yes, for takeout and delivery.
My favourite item on the menu: The $5 Breakfast Griller and The Angry Vegan.
beertown public house
Completely plant-based: (Y/N)
Gluten Free options: (Y/N)
Affordability: $$$
service: ★★☆
Sustainability: ⚘⚘
perfect for: something for everyone + patio!
Funny enough, the day I am writing this post I went to Beertown for a patio lunch with Emily. What I love about Beertown is that no matter what your tastebuds like, there is something for everyone. Like TBK, Beertown is part of the Charcoal Group. They have their own separate plant-based menu that reimagine meat-centric dishes while offering up a few unique ones, as well. All of their gluten free options are clearly marked. As the name suggests, they have an extensive beer selection with many local options. Their mixed drinks are also quite impressive and inexpensive. There are a variety of seating styles to suit any occasion: private tables for intimate dinners, a bar area with TVs for sports games, large tables for group gatherings and (my favourite) an elevated patio overlooking Waterloo Square.
I have tried many of the dishes on Beertown’s plant-based menu and have not been disappointed. If you are looking for something filling, try one of their plant-based burgers made with their own special patty, or a bowl (they are HUGE). For a lighter meal they have salads with proteins like tofu and chick’n, beer battered “fish” tacos, loaded nachos and more. Some locations also offer vegan brunch (but not Waterloo, sadly). With locations around the Region, Beertown is the place I go for consistent, delicious food, helpful service and a good time with friends.
Are they open during the pandemic? Yes, for take-out, curbside pickup and patio dining.
My favourite item on the menu: Faux Tacos and the Asian bowl.
Queen street commons
Completely plant-based: (Y/N)
Gluten Free options: (Y/N)
Affordability: $$$
service: ★★★
Sustainability: ⚘
perfect for: best deal and promoting a good cause
Operated by The Working Group, Queen Street Commons is a volunteer-based cafe in downtown Kitchener serving up hearty, wholesome and vegetarian meals for under $10 (oftentimes even less than $5). The cafe strives to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all, acting as an important resource for low-income and homeless individuals in the neighbourhood. They also serve Fair Trade coffee and espresso drinks with plenty of non-dairy options. While your meal is being prepared, you can wander around and marvel at the arts and crafts for sale on bookshelves, all made by local artists. The cafe offers community events like film screenings and language lessons. The volunteers are all kind-hearted and genuine people who truly want to improve the wellbeing of everyone in their community.
There are a variety of dishes available, with soups and specials changing regularly. Along with baked goods, burgers and sandwiches offered regularly, you can get pizza, hot dishes like curry, salads and more. It may not be an ideal study spot because it can get loud when there are a lot of people, but it’s a great spot to make new friends, have a family lunch, and support a great initiative.
Are they open during the pandemic? I sadly could not find any information on the cafe online; next time I am in Kitchener I will swing by and update this post!
My favourite item on the menu: Their homemade chickpea veggie burger with soup (around $5 total).
final thoughts
If there is one thing I can say about Waterloo Region, it’s that there is no shortage of plant-based options and accommodating restaurants. From casual to classy eateries, budget meals to extravagant celebrations, you do not have to stress about living a sustainable lifestyle when eating out.
If you enjoyed this guide on eating plant-based in Waterloo Region, make sure to check out these posts as well:
- The 10 best plant-based restaurants in Toronto
- Creating change through plant-based living with Jackie Bastianon
- My story: why I went plant-based
- My story: why I went plant-based
- What is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)?
- 5 easy, healthy and sustainable ways to eat well on a student budget
Have you been to any of these spots? If so, what are your favourite dishes? Let me know in the comments. I would love to hear your favourite spots that I did not mention on this list, as well!
Until next time.