Denver has a plant-based food scene that blends comfort food with refined, vegetable-focused dining. The city’s meat-free options reflect its active, outdoor culture and a strong community of local restaurant owners who use ingredients that are in season. Each venue highlighted is either completely vegan or mostly plant-based. [Prompted by TVD and fully generated by Google’s Gemini as of March 31, 2026. These purported venues are entirely identified by Gemini and have not been linked herein or verified by TVD, and so, should you decide to visit any of these venues, please review their website, online presence, and their Google Maps profile.]
Upscale Dining in Denver
Watercourse Foods is located in the Uptown neighborhood and is considered a key part of Denver’s plant-based scene. The restaurant offers a refined take on comfort food, with a menu that includes charcuterie boards and seasonal entrees. It has been a meat-free restaurant since 1998 and became fully vegan in April 2014.
Somebody People is a vegan restaurant on South Broadway with a Mediterranean influence. The kitchen focuses on zero-waste practices and serves a changing menu of house-made pastas, small vegetable plates, and natural wines. It is known for its lively atmosphere and its popular Sunday night “family dinner.” It was founded in 2019.
Casual Dining in Denver
City O’ City is a busy vegetarian restaurant and bar in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. The menu is almost entirely vegan-optional, with items like savory waffles and artisanal pizzas. The venue also features a rotating art gallery and has been open since 2006.
Wellness Sushi is a plant-based sushi and ramen shop located on East Colfax Avenue. It specializes in creative rolls utilizing konjac-based “tuna” and “salmon,” as well as hearty ramen bowls. The restaurant provides a modern, fast-casual environment and was founded in 2021.
Gladys is a vegetable-forward, full-service restaurant. The menu offers plant-based sandwiches and small plates that highlight seasonal produce. The current operations began in July 2025.
Next Level Burger is a popular destination for vegan comfort food located in the University Hills area. Following its merger with Next Level Burger, it continues to offer a broad selection of plant-based sandwiches, bowls, desserts, beverages, and more. The original Next Level Burger brand began Denver operations in 2022.
Cafes & Sweets in Denver
The Cake Bar is a woman-led and LGBTQ+ friendly vegan bakery in Capitol Hill that opened in 2023. It specializes in creative “cake bowls,” custom cakes, and inclusive treats that are certified vegan and offer many gluten-free options.
