Tips for Eating Out as a Vegetarian

A Vegetarian diet is one which excludes all animal products.  However, there are several variations of vegetarian diets.  For example, some vegetarians include dairy products, others include eggs and some include both.  With dietary restrictions like this, it can make eating out challenging.  Below are some tips for choosing vegetarian meals in a restaurant.

  • Choose restaurants that offer more vegetarian Choices
  • Talk to the staff at a restaurant
    • Ask what vegetarian meals they offer
    • Ask how things are prepared and what ingredients are used
    • Don’t be afraid to special order
    • Chef’s may be able to create a meal for you
  • Create your own meal
    • They may have several vegetarian side dishes or appetizers that you can use to create a meal. Some examples:
      • Minestrone soup, salad and breadsticks
      • Baked potato with peppers, onions and steamed broccoli
      • You can ask for larger portions of side dishes to help create a meal (i.e. instead of a fruit cup, ask for a fruit platter with an English muffin)

The following can give you some ideas for vegetarian meals for specific cuisines:

  • Italian Restaurants
    • Pasta Dishes with Marinara Sauce
    • Pizza (plain or with veggie topping)
      • If you do not include cheese, try a tomato pie
    • Vegetable Lasagna
    • Grilled Vegetable Hoagie
    • Minestrone Soup, Salads and Vegetable Sides
    • Breadsticks with Marinara Dipping Sauce
  • Mexican Restaurants
    • Bean Burritos or Bean Soft Shell Taco
    • Vegetable Fajitas
    • Rice and Beans
    • Refried Beans
    • Guacamole and Salsa are Vegetarian Sides
  • Fast Food Restaurants/ American Restaurants
    • Veggie Burgers
    • Portabella Mushroom Sandwiches
    • Fruit Platters or Side Dishes
    • Baked Potato with Steamed Veggies or Salsa
    • Salads
    • Fruit Smoothie
    • Bagel, English Muffin or Toast with Peanut Butter and/or jelly
    • PB&J Sandwich
    • Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich
    • Vegetable Soups / Bean Soups/ Lentil Soup
    • Vegetarian Chili
  • Asian Restaurants (These restaurants usually offer many vegetarian choices)
    • Vegetable Stir-fries or those made with Tofu
    • Many noodle dishes do not include meat
    • Curry dishes made with Tofu
    • Miso Soup, Seaweed Salad, Salad