If you’re craving Italian food but want plant-based options, I’ve got you some restaurants with lots of vegan and vegetarian options. Whether you’re a fan of creamy pasta or wood-fired pizza, these restaurants deliver on both flavor and creativity. After exploring many spots, I’ve narrowed down my top 3 favorite Italian restaurants in Toronto with lots of plant-based options.
Bellona
[Plant-Based Italian Restaurant]
📍 Location: 276 Jane Street, Toronto
Bellona is a gem for those seeking fully plant-based Italian fare. Specializing in vegan pasta, Bellona is a cozy, stylish spot perfect for casual dinners or a special night out. The menu offers a variety of classic Italian dishes, all made with high-quality, plant-based ingredients.
Must-Try Dish:
Creamy Pistacchio Ravioli – Creamy, rich, and full of flavor. You won’t notice it’s dairy-free!
Bellona knows how to recreate authentic Italian flavors with 100% plant-based ingredients. Their pasta is always fresh, perfectly cooked, and seasoned just right. The vibe of this restaurant is perfect for a date or small dinner with friends.
To consider:
The Jane location is small, so I wouldn’t recommend it for big groups, but they recently opened a College location that can accommodate more customers, making it a better option if you’re dining with a larger party.
Il Fornello
[Italian Restaurant with Vegan Menu]
📍Location: 576 Danforth Ave, Toronto
Although Il Fornello is not fully plant-based, their large vegan menu makes it a fantastic option for vegans and non-vegans alike. This restaurant combines traditional Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, offering a wide selection of vegan pizzas, pastas, and even desserts.
Must-Try Dish:
🍕 Plant Based Sausage Pizza – Classic and delicious, yummy tomato sauce, topped with plant-based mozzarella, fennel sausage, roasted red peppers and basil. It’s simple, yet bursting with flavor. I ordered it with a Caesar Salad that you can make vegan, just by changing the cheese by their tasteful cashew cheese.
Why I Love It:
Il Fornello’s commitment to offering an extensive vegan menu makes it a standout for plant-based diners. Whether you’re in the mood for pasta or pizza, you’ll find plenty of vegan options that don’t sacrifice taste.
To Consider:
Il Fornello’s downtown location can get busy, especially on weekends, so be prepared for potential wait times or book a table ahead. However, the spacious interior makes it comfortable for dining in with larger groups.
Pizzeria Libretto
[Italian Restaurant with Vegan Options]
📍Location: Multiple locations across Toronto
Pizzeria Libretto is a beloved Italian pizzeria in Toronto that offers a variety of vegan pizza options. Their Neapolitan-style pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven, giving the crust the perfect balance of crisp and chewy.
While not entirely plant-based, their vegan menu is impressive, featuring house-made vegan cheeses and plant-based toppings. You can make many of their pizzas become a vegan pizza just by changing the cheese for their house-made vegan fior di latte. Additionally, you can opt for their gluten-free crust, if you prefer a gluten-free option.
Must-Try Dish:
🍕 Impossible Vegan – A wood-fired made with house-made vegan fior di latte mozzarella, shredded vegan cheese, impossible meat, cremini mushroom, garlic, pickled red onion, basil, rosemary, thyme, dried oregano and green goddess.
To Consider:
Pizzeria Libretto offers multiple locations around the city, but seating can be limited, especially in their smaller spots. It’s worth checking availability or making a reservation, especially during busy hours.
Why I Love It:
Pizzeria Libretto’s vegan pizzas are some of the best in the city. The combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional pizza-making techniques makes each slice a delight. Their focus on authenticity, while offering plant-based options, sets them apart.