By Caroline Coffey By Caroline Coffey | August 19, 2021 | Feature, food,
Are you looking to go plant-based for your next meal? You’re in for a treat with these Boston favorites.
True Bistro
Co-owners Linda and Michael Harrison opened True Bistro in 2010 to serve vegan and non-vegan friends alike in the greater Boston area. With meals prepared by chef Stuart Reiter, the high end, veg-friendly establishment offers fine food and service while respecting the environment. When dining, start off with a selection of breads and spreads before moving onto an array of salads, such as a little leaf mix with pan seared almond cheese. For dinner, the wild mushroom risotto is a top contender for your meal. True Bistro is open for dinner six nights a week with a seasonal menu changing throughout the year. 1153 Broadway, Somerville, 617.627.9000, truebistroboston.com
Tasting Counter
With intentions of being a multi-sensory experience, take a seat at the Tasting Counter’s U-shaped table top framing their kitchen and get ready for a 9-course tasting menu dinner. Each course is carefully cooked, precisely plated then served immediately. Vegetarian and vegan diners can be accommodated and all guests are encouraged to eat, sip and ask questions about their meals. Nothing you eat is revealed in advance— the element of surprise is exciting to guests! Dinner is served every Thursday through Sunday with two seatings each evening. If you can’t get in for dinner, try their 3-course tasting lunch. 14 Tyler St., Somerville, 617.299.6362, tastingcounter.com
Zhu Vegan Kitchen
Head to Zhu Vegan Kitchen for fully vegan Japanese, Asain and American-Asain cuisine. Lunch and dinner are served at two different Boston locations. Try all of their classics including udon noodle soup, pad-thai and vegetable fried rice. Main courses consist of general tso’s soy protein, sweet and sour soy protein, eggplant string beans and sesame tofu. Zhu Vegan Kitchen is also known for their homemade iced drinks. Fresh mango green tea sounds like a perfect pair for your veggie-based meal. 166 Massachusetts Ave., 781.646.7600, zhuvegankitchen.com
Forage
This neighborhood bistro near Harvard’s campus partners with local farmers, fisherman and foragers to offer seasonal and ingredient-driven dishes. An appetizing starter includes roasted tomatoes with sweet corn, cashew nage, herby crumbs and fennel rounds. For your main course, try their grilled eggplant paired with fresh tomato, yellow eyed peas, dolgo vinaigrette and sunflower seeds. Don’t stop there! Desserts at Forage are to die for— who wouldn’t love a lemon cake topped with pear puree and fresh berries on a hot summer day? If you’re overwhelmed with the array of wonderful choices, Forage also offers a vegetarian or vegan tasting menu to make the most of your meal. 5 Craigie Circle, 617.576.5444, foragecambridge.com
Fomu
Since 2012, Fomu has been serving the greater Boston community with tasty vegan ice cream and sweet treats. Their popularity has driven them into opening four locations and they also serve pints in numerous New England shops and restaurants. Try classic ice cream flavors including vanilla bean, chocolate pudding or cookies and cream. For something more funky, order their grasshopper pie flavor. It’s made with minty green icecream and packed with chocolate cookies and dark chocolate. Fomu also serves ice cream cookie sandwiches and ice cream cakes. A fan favorite is their magic bar stuffed with toasted pecans, dark chocolate, coconut and oat crust. 140 Brookline Ave., 857.284.7229, fomuicecream.com
Photography by: Jo Sonn/Unsplash