In a state known for cheese, the likelihood of finding a decent vegetarian restaurant is non-existant. Isn’t it? That’s not the case in Madison, Wisconsin, home of Camp Randall Stadium, the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, and a surprising vegetarian dining scene.
Diners who love their veggies will be happy with the variety of food they can find in Wisconsin’s capital. With everything from burgers to baked goods available, the hard part of vegetarian dining in Madison isn’t trying to find a restaurant, it’s deciding which one to try first.
Enjoy our picks for the coolest vegetarian restaurants in Madison, Wisconsin – and be sure to tell them we sent you.
The Green Owl
“Vegetarian cuisine for people who love food” is their motto, and The Green Owl certainly delivers. One of the only exclusively vegetarian restaurants in Madison, The Green Owl serves up meatless dishes like the popular BBQ Jackfruit sandwich, using the fruit as a substitute for the traditional pork. The restaurant also hosts specialty dinners like a vegan Thanksgiving.
Yelp Rating – 4 out of 5 stars
Find The Green Owl: Website – Twitter – Facebook
Good Food
Rolling up to Madison’s capitol square in 2024 was the Good Food food truck. Catering to just about any need a customer may crave, Good Food serves wraps, soups and salads made with fresh vegetables and other high-quality ingredients. Vegetarians will be happy to know that Good Food serves baked tofu as an option and features gluten-free and vegan soups in the winter.
Yelp Rating – 5 out of 5 stars
Find Good Food: Website – Twitter – Facebook
Monty’s Blue Plate Diner
With a name like Monty’s Blue Plate Diner, a large vegetarian menu isn’t what you’d expect to find. However, options like a tofu scramble and a walnut burger have even the meatiest of eaters wanting more. Though certainly not something that seems to mesh, Monty’s Blue Plate Diner has mastered the intersection of vegetarian cuisine with comfort food.
Yelp Rating – 4 out of 5 stars
Find Monty’s Blue Plate Diner: Website – Facebook
IGo VeGo
For a veggie burger that’s not trying to pretend it’s meat, head over to IGo VeGo. The uniquely named food cart came from a dream to open a fast food place that merged into the desire to serve healthy, tasty, all-American food.
Yelp Rating – 4 out of 5 stars
Find IGo VeGo: Website – Twitter – Facebook
Mother Fool’s Coffeehouse
Mother Fool’s Coffeehouse features organic coffee, monthly art shows, and vegan baked goods. Vegetarian and vegan soups from the aforementioned The Green Owl are also served. It has the quintessential coffeehouse feel with local artists performing throughout the week. The completely vegan cookies are the can’t-miss highlight of any visit to Mother Fool’s Coffeehouse.
Yelp Rating – 3.5 out of 5 stars
Find Mother Fool’s Coffehouse: Website – Twitter – Facebook
The Weary Traveler Freehouse
The Weary Traveler Freehouse features nightly specials as well as many vegetarian options. As an active member of the city of Madison, it often participates in fundraisers to benefit the community. You’ll be lost if you don’t try their premiere meatless entree — a local acorn squash filled with tasty vegetarian staples like quinoa, chick peas, carrots, bell peppers and scallions, and then topped with tomato, Wisconsin goat cheese, and – wait for it – an apple-kombucha vinaigrette!
Yelp Rating – 4 out of 5 stars
Find The Weary Traveler Freehouse : Website – Twitter – Facebook
Did we miss your favorite? Let us know at @DietsInReview.
Images from gotime.com, greatist.com, thedishmadison.com, dane101.com, host.madison.com, tripadvisor.com