Introduction

Indianapolis, often overlooked in conversations about plant-based dining, has quietly emerged as a vibrant hub for vegan cuisine. Over the past five years, the city has seen a remarkable surge in dedicated vegan eateries, plant-forward cafes, and vegan-friendly establishments that prioritize flavor, sustainability, and authenticity. But with so many options claiming to be “the best,” how do you know which ones truly deliver? This guide is not a list of trending spots or paid promotions—it’s a curated, trustworthy selection of the top 10 vegan restaurants in Indianapolis that have earned their reputation through consistent quality, community support, and genuine commitment to vegan ethics.

Whether you’re a lifelong vegan, a curious flexitarian, or a visitor seeking meaningful plant-based meals, this guide helps you navigate Indianapolis’s evolving food scene with confidence. Each restaurant listed here has been evaluated based on ingredient transparency, menu innovation, customer consistency, and cultural impact—not just popularity. We’ve spent months collecting firsthand reviews, analyzing online ratings across platforms, and visiting each location to verify claims. What follows is the result: a trusted, no-fluff list of the 10 vegan restaurants in Indianapolis you can count on.

Why Trust Matters

In today’s food landscape, the term “vegan” is used more freely than ever. Restaurants may label a dish as vegan because it lacks meat or dairy—but still contain refined sugars processed with bone char, non-organic oils, or hidden animal-derived additives like gelatin, casein, or lactic acid. True veganism extends beyond the absence of animal products; it encompasses ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, and transparency in preparation.

Many establishments in Indianapolis proudly label themselves as “vegan-friendly,” yet offer only one or two token salads or wraps while continuing to serve animal products elsewhere on the menu. Others may use vegan labels for marketing without adhering to strict cross-contamination protocols, making them unsafe for those with allergies or deep ethical commitments.

Trust in vegan dining means knowing your food is prepared with integrity. It means the kitchen understands the difference between “plant-based” and “vegan.” It means the staff can answer questions about ingredients without hesitation. It means the restaurant invests in local, organic produce and avoids corporate-owned suppliers with questionable ethics.

This guide prioritizes restaurants that have demonstrated long-term commitment to these values. We excluded places that rely on gimmicks, have inconsistent reviews, or lack clear sourcing policies. Each restaurant on this list has earned trust through time, transparency, and taste.

Top 10 Vegan Restaurants in Indianapolis

1. The Vegan Plate

Founded in 2017 by a former chef who left the fine-dining world to pursue ethical cuisine, The Vegan Plate is widely regarded as the gold standard for upscale vegan dining in Indianapolis. Located in the heart of the Mass Ave Arts District, the restaurant offers a seasonal, farm-to-table menu that changes weekly based on local harvests. Dishes like jackfruit carnitas tacos with smoked cashew crema, mushroom-walnut pâté with sourdough, and lavender-infused chocolate mousse have become iconic.

What sets The Vegan Plate apart is its zero-waste kitchen. All food scraps are composted, packaging is 100% compostable, and even the napkins are made from recycled cotton. The staff is trained in vegan nutrition and can explain the sourcing of every ingredient. Regulars praise the consistency and creativity, and the restaurant has maintained a 4.9-star rating across Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor for over five years.

Must-try: Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos, Beetroot Carpaccio, Maple-Bourbon Pecan Pie

2. Green Bean Cafe

Green Bean Cafe has been a neighborhood staple since 2015, serving hearty, comforting vegan meals in a cozy, rustic setting. Originally started as a small counter in a converted bookstore, it now occupies a spacious storefront with indoor plants, reclaimed wood tables, and a mural of local flora. The menu leans into Southern and Midwestern vegan comfort food: seitan fried “chicken,” black-eyed pea gumbo, vegan mac and cheese made with cashew cheese, and breakfast scrambles with turmeric tofu.

Green Bean Cafe is notable for its commitment to affordability without sacrificing quality. All ingredients are sourced from Indiana farms within 100 miles, and the owner personally visits suppliers each week. The restaurant also hosts monthly “Vegan 101” workshops for newcomers, covering topics like plant-based nutrition and label reading.

Must-try: Seitan Fried “Chicken” & Waffles, Vegan Mac & Cheese, Sweet Potato Pancakes

3. Bloom Vegan Kitchen

Bloom Vegan Kitchen brings a global perspective to Indianapolis’s vegan scene. The menu is inspired by the cuisines of Thailand, Ethiopia, Mexico, and the Mediterranean, offering bold, aromatic dishes that challenge the notion that vegan food is bland. Their Thai green curry with coconut milk and bamboo shoots, Ethiopian lentil stew served with injera bread, and jackfruit al pastor tacos have drawn food critics from across the Midwest.

Bloom prides itself on authenticity. The head chef, originally from Bangkok, trained under street food vendors in Chiang Mai and insists on using traditional spices and techniques. The restaurant also sources organic coconut milk from fair-trade cooperatives in Thailand and uses stone-ground corn for its tortillas. Bloom has no fryer, ensuring all dishes are either steamed, roasted, or sautéed in cold-pressed oils.

Must-try: Thai Green Curry, Ethiopian Lentil Stew, Mango-Lime Tacos

4. Plant Power

Plant Power is Indianapolis’s first all-vegan food truck turned brick-and-mortar restaurant. Opened in 2019, it quickly became a favorite among young professionals and fitness enthusiasts for its nutrient-dense, whole-food meals. The menu is built around bowls, wraps, and smoothies, all designed to be high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants.

Every dish is labeled with macronutrient breakdowns, and the kitchen uses no refined sugars, oils, or processed flours. Their signature “Power Bowl” features quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, kale, avocado, and a tahini-lemon dressing. Smoothies are made with frozen fruit, plant-based protein powder, and chia seeds—no added sweeteners.

Plant Power also runs a “Pay What You Can” program every Wednesday, allowing community members facing food insecurity to access healthy meals. The restaurant’s commitment to accessibility and nutrition has earned it recognition from the Indiana Public Health Association.

Must-try: Power Bowl, Turmeric Golden Smoothie, Lentil & Walnut Burger

5. The Beet Box

The Beet Box is a vegan bakery and café that redefines what plant-based desserts can be. Known for its decadent, gluten-free pastries and artisanal vegan cheeses, it’s the go-to spot for those seeking indulgence without compromise. Their chocolate lava cake, made with aquafaba and dark cacao, melts like its dairy counterpart. The sourdough bread is fermented for 48 hours and baked in a wood-fired oven.

Founded by a certified pastry chef who transitioned to veganism after a health diagnosis, The Beet Box uses only organic, non-GMO ingredients. All nut-based cheeses are made in-house from cashews and almonds, aged for flavor development. The café also offers a rotating selection of seasonal tarts, including rhubarb-cardamom and fig-balsamic.

Despite its sweet reputation, The Beet Box also serves savory items: vegan quiches, mushroom risotto, and lentil-stuffed peppers. It’s a rare space where dessert lovers and health-conscious diners coexist seamlessly.

Must-try: Chocolate Lava Cake, Sourdough Boule, Cashew Brie with Fig Jam

6. Earth & Grain

Earth & Grain is a vegan deli and grocery hybrid that doubles as a community center for plant-based living. Opened in 2020, it offers a full-service sandwich counter, bulk food station, and curated selection of vegan pantry staples—from nutritional yeast to heirloom bean blends. The deli menu features house-made tempeh, vegan salami, and smoked tofu, all crafted without preservatives or soy isolates.

What makes Earth & Grain unique is its educational mission. Shelves are labeled with information about sourcing, carbon footprint, and ethical certifications. Staff are trained to help customers navigate labels and make informed choices. The deli also hosts weekly cooking classes and film screenings on food justice.

Popular items include the “Indiana Harvest” wrap with pickled beets, sprouted grain bread, and cashew cheddar, and the “Smokehouse” sandwich with house-smoked tempeh and applewood BBQ sauce. Everything is packaged in reusable or compostable materials.

Must-try: Indiana Harvest Wrap, Smokehouse Sandwich, Vegan Pimento Cheese Platter

7. Lotus Vegan Bistro

Lotus Vegan Bistro offers a serene, meditative dining experience centered around Ayurvedic principles and whole-food plant cuisine. The menu is designed to balance the body’s doshas through color, texture, and spice. Meals are prepared without onion or garlic for those following Jain-inspired diets, and all dishes are labeled accordingly.

Lotus sources turmeric, cumin, and coriander directly from organic farms in India, and its kitchen uses clay pots for slow-cooking to preserve nutrients. Signature dishes include moong dal khichdi, jackfruit korma, and spiced lentil pancakes with coconut chutney. The tea selection features herbal infusions like tulsi, ashwagandha, and ginger.

Unlike many vegan restaurants that prioritize speed and volume, Lotus emphasizes mindfulness. Diners are encouraged to eat slowly, and the space is designed with soft lighting, incense, and calming music. It’s a sanctuary for those seeking nourishment beyond the plate.

Must-try: Moong Dal Khichdi, Jackfruit Korma, Turmeric Latte

8. Vego’s Kitchen

Vego’s Kitchen is a family-run vegan restaurant that brings the flavors of Eastern Europe to Indianapolis. The owners, originally from Poland and Ukraine, opened the restaurant to share their grandmother’s recipes—adapted to be fully plant-based. Their pierogi are stuffed with sauerkraut, mushrooms, and potato, served with vegan sour cream. The borscht is made with beets, cabbage, and dill, simmered for hours.

The restaurant’s charm lies in its authenticity and warmth. The walls are adorned with family photos and Ukrainian embroidery. The staff speaks both English and Polish, and many regulars come for the Sunday family-style dinners, where dishes are served in large communal bowls.

Vego’s Kitchen is one of the few vegan restaurants in the city that makes its own vegan cheese from fermented cashews and uses traditional fermentation methods for pickles and condiments. The pierogi dough is made with potato starch and water—no eggs, no oil.

Must-try: Mushroom & Sauerkraut Pierogi, Beet Borscht, Vegan Piroshki

9. Solstice Vegan

Solstice Vegan is a modern, minimalist restaurant focused on clean eating and culinary innovation. The menu is small but meticulously crafted, featuring only 12 dishes at a time, all rotating seasonally. Dishes are plated with artistic precision, drawing inspiration from Japanese kaiseki and French nouvelle cuisine.

What sets Solstice apart is its hyper-local sourcing. The chef forages wild greens from Indiana woodlands and partners with a single hydroponic farm that supplies all leafy greens. The restaurant’s signature dish, “Forest Floor,” is a deconstructed mushroom risotto with foraged chanterelles, black garlic, and edible flowers.

Solstice does not use any processed ingredients. Even the soy sauce is homemade from fermented organic soybeans. The dining room is candlelit, with no screens or loud music—intentionally designed to foster presence and appreciation for each bite.

Must-try: Forest Floor, Seaweed & Tofu Tartare, Maple-Infused Poached Pear

10. The Green Fork

The Green Fork is a community-driven vegan restaurant that began as a pop-up series in local parks and farmers’ markets. Its success led to a permanent location in the Near Eastside neighborhood, where it serves affordable, globally inspired vegan food with a focus on accessibility.

The menu is intentionally diverse: vegan jollof rice, lentil sloppy joes, chickpea curry, and vegan tamales with corn husks sourced from a local Latino farm. The restaurant operates on a sliding-scale pricing model, allowing customers to pay what they can afford. It also donates 10% of profits to urban gardening initiatives in underserved neighborhoods.

The Green Fork is staffed entirely by volunteers and part-time workers, many of whom are former food-insecure individuals trained in plant-based cooking. It’s a rare example of a restaurant that treats food as a human right, not a commodity.

Must-try: Vegan Jollof Rice, Chickpea Curry, Tamales with Red Chile Sauce

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are all these restaurants 100% vegan?

Yes. Each restaurant on this list is entirely vegan, meaning no animal products are used in any dish, and no animal-derived ingredients (including honey, gelatin, or dairy derivatives) appear on the menu. Cross-contamination is minimized through dedicated kitchen equipment or strict protocols.

Do these restaurants offer gluten-free options?

Most do. The Vegan Plate, Bloom Vegan Kitchen, Plant Power, The Beet Box, Earth & Grain, Lotus Vegan Bistro, Solstice Vegan, and The Green Fork all offer gluten-free dishes. Always confirm with staff if you have celiac disease, as some kitchens use shared prep areas.

Are these restaurants affordable?

Prices vary. Green Bean Cafe, Plant Power, Earth & Grain, Vego’s Kitchen, and The Green Fork offer meals under $15. The Vegan Plate, Solstice Vegan, and The Beet Box are higher-end, with entrees ranging from $18–$28. The Green Fork operates on a sliding scale, making it accessible to all income levels.

Do any of these restaurants offer catering or meal prep?

Yes. The Vegan Plate, Bloom Vegan Kitchen, Plant Power, Earth & Grain, and The Beet Box all offer catering for events. Plant Power and Earth & Grain also sell pre-made meals for pickup or delivery.

Is parking available near these restaurants?

All locations are in walkable neighborhoods with street parking or nearby public lots. The Vegan Plate, Bloom Vegan Kitchen, and Solstice Vegan are in the Mass Ave district, which has paid parking garages. Green Bean Cafe and The Beet Box are near bike lanes and public transit.

Do these restaurants use organic ingredients?

Every restaurant on this list prioritizes organic ingredients where possible. The Vegan Plate, Plant Power, The Beet Box, Solstice Vegan, and Lotus Vegan Bistro use 100% organic produce. Others source from certified organic farms or local growers who follow organic practices, even if not formally certified.

Can I find vegan desserts at these places?

Absolutely. The Beet Box specializes in vegan desserts. The Vegan Plate, Bloom Vegan Kitchen, and Solstice Vegan also offer exquisite plant-based sweets. Green Bean Cafe and Earth & Grain have daily dessert specials.

Are these restaurants open on weekends?

All are open seven days a week. Most have extended hours on weekends, especially The Vegan Plate, The Beet Box, and Bloom Vegan Kitchen, which often host special events or live music.

Do any of these restaurants accept reservations?

Yes. The Vegan Plate, Solstice Vegan, and Bloom Vegan Kitchen recommend reservations, especially for dinner. Others operate on a first-come, first-served basis, with wait times typically under 20 minutes.

What makes these restaurants different from “vegan-friendly” places?

Vegan-friendly restaurants may offer a few vegan items but still serve meat, dairy, and eggs. These 10 are fully vegan—no exceptions. They also prioritize ethical sourcing, transparency, and community values, not just menu items. They’ve built trust through consistency, not marketing.

Conclusion

Indianapolis may not be New York or Portland, but its vegan scene is thriving with authenticity, heart, and innovation. The 10 restaurants featured here are not chosen because they’re the loudest or the most Instagrammed—they’re chosen because they’ve earned trust. They’ve stayed true to their mission through economic shifts, changing trends, and growing demand. They’ve shown that vegan dining can be delicious, nourishing, ethical, and deeply rooted in community.

Whether you’re drawn to the global spices of Bloom Vegan Kitchen, the comforting warmth of Green Bean Cafe, the artistic precision of Solstice Vegan, or the radical generosity of The Green Fork, there’s a place here that aligns with your values—and your palate.

As you explore these restaurants, remember: every meal is a vote. When you choose a vegan restaurant that sources ethically, treats its staff fairly, and gives back to the community, you’re not just eating—you’re participating in a movement. Indianapolis’s vegan future is being written one plate at a time. Be part of it.