The best plant-based restaurants in the Columbus area, according to Yelp

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A list outlined by Yelp reveals what the company considers to be the best plant-based restaurants in the Columbus area. 

A “plant-based” restaurant has a menu that largely consists of foods derived from plants rather than animal products. All the restaurants on Yelp’s list are either completely vegetarian or vegan, or have a variety of plant-based options. 

Yelp develops its rankings based on a variety of factors, including the average star rating, number of reviews and how recent reviews are.

Taking the No. 1 spot as the best plant-based restaurant in the Columbus area is Can’t Believe It’s Vegan, located at 584 W. Schrock Road in Westerville. Vegan BLTs, chicken nuggets, salad, pasta and crab cakes are among the restaurant’s offerings. 

“The food is excellent, the vibe is amazing, even the music they chose to play was a plus,” one Yelp user wrote. “It's a must-try, whatever your food preferences are. The service was also very good; everyone seemed genuinely happy to be there and happy to be engaging with the customers. Above all else, the food was delicious, fresh, and energizing.”

Coming in second place is Comune, located at 677 Parsons Ave in the Schumacher Place neighborhood. The restaurant has a rotating fully vegetarian menu with vegan options, which currently features lasagna, breaded lion’s mane mushroom, smoky grilled eggplant and cocktails. Reviews praise the “upscale” restaurant’s “cozy” ambience and “delicious” food.

Ranked in third place is 4th & State, located at 152 E. State St. in the Uptown District. The vegan eatery has an expansive menu featuring pancakes, omelets, pizza, salad, nachos and sandwiches. Yelp-users compliment the restaurant’s “attentive” service and “flavorful” food. 

In fourth place is Willowbeez SoulVeg. The vegan eatery previously stood in the North Market, located at 59 Spruce St. in the Short North, but has transitioned to doing pop-up events. The business serves food such as corn bread, lasagna, fried banana blossom, Cajun pasta, soup and salad. Reviews praise the business’ “fresh” and “delicious” meals. 

The fifth highest-rated eatery is Portia’s Cafe, located at 4428 Indianola Ave. in the Beechwold neighborhood. Serving breakfast and lunch, the eatery offers meals such as “egg” salad wraps, burrito bowls, gyros and pad thai. 

“Portia's is a charming, delicious vegan restaurant,” one review reads. “Everyone who works in this location always seems to be happy and friendly, and the overall environment is warm and comfortable. The food is delicious. Everything tastes fresh and the menu has a lot of variety.”

Taking sixth place is The Nile Vegan, located at 1223 Goodale Blvd. in Grandview Heights. The eatery serves a variety of hot stews with injera – a spongey, thin bread – and other Ethiopian dishes. Yelp-users praise The Nile Vegan’s “friendly” service and “authentic” cuisine. 

Coming in seventh place is SŌW Plated, located at 1625 W. Lane Ave. in Upper Arlington. The restaurant serves a variety of vegetarian and vegan meals, along with some meat dishes. Plant-based options include a veggie burger, pad thai and pesto pasta. Reviews highlight the eatery’s large menu and portions. 

The eighth highest-rated restaurant is Northstar Café, located at 951 N. High St. in the Victorian Village. The eatery’s menu, which includes both meat and plant-based options, offers soup, salad, pizza, enchiladas, a veggie burger and cocktails. Reviews highlight the restaurant’s “delicious” food and “friendly” staff. 

In ninth place is True Food Kitchen, located at 4052 Worth Ave. at Easton. The restaurant has a seasonal rotating menu featuring both meat and plant-based meals. A teriyaki quinoa bowl, plant-based double cheeseburger and mediterranean wrap are a few items on the menu. 

“Beautiful restaurant, helpful and friendly workers and so many healthy, organic options!” One Yelp-user said. “Everything was so fresh tasting and flavorful.”

Coming in 10th place is Seitan’s Realm, located at 3496 N. High St. in Clintonville. The vegan deli offers dishes such as chicken wings, barbacoa tacos, chili cheese fries and cold cut sandwiches. Reviews praise the restaurant’s “extensive” offerings and food that’s “full of flavor.”