Recommendations for vegetarian food in downtown Chicago

Question

Could you please recommend any good veg options in restaurants in Chicago downtown. Not looking for vegan restaurants but any veg food items that you would have tried in regular restaurants and recommend it.

Giordano's is at the top of my list. So any recommendations other than that :-)

Answer

If you're looking for great vegetarian options in downtown Chicago, you're in luck! The city has a vibrant food scene with plenty of restaurants offering delicious vegetarian dishes that aren't necessarily vegan. While Giordano's is a classic for deep dish pizza, there are plenty of other places with fantastic vegetarian options. Here's a list of some recommendations that you might enjoy:

The Purple Pig – Known for their Mediterranean-inspired menu, The Purple Pig offers a variety of vegetable-based dishes, including their famous roasted beets, fried olives, and the delicious grilled vegetables. Try their “Pig’s Ear” for something a bit more adventurous!
Green Zebra – A contemporary vegetarian restaurant, Green Zebra offers a menu full of creative, seasonal dishes. They have a delicious veggie burger, roasted root vegetables, and fantastic risotto options.
Francesca's on Chestnut – This Italian spot has a wide variety of pasta and other Italian vegetarian dishes. Their eggplant parmesan and the vegetable risotto are crowd favorites. It's a great choice if you're looking for Italian comfort food.
Le Colonial – This French-Vietnamese restaurant offers vegetarian-friendly options like their vegetarian spring rolls, tofu pho, and the vegetable curry. It's perfect if you're craving something light but full of flavor.
Shaw's Crab House – While known for seafood, Shaw's also offers a nice range of vegetarian dishes. Their vegetable stir-fry and roasted Brussels sprouts are well-loved. They have a great ambiance too if you're looking for a more upscale dining experience.

For those who love brunch, there are a couple of great places to check out:

Yolk – A local brunch favorite, Yolk serves up some fantastic vegetarian-friendly options like their veggie omelets, avocado toast, and stuffed French toast. The portion sizes are generous and the flavors are fantastic.
Beatrix – A modern spot known for its healthy and tasty options. They have a great quinoa bowl, veggie burgers, and a variety of freshly made salads.

Lastly, if you're in the mood for something casual and quick, try:

Big Star – While it’s a taco joint, Big Star offers amazing veggie tacos with ingredients like roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and avocado. They also have a great guacamole and salsa bar!
Portillo’s – Famous for Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef, but they also offer a satisfying vegetarian option in their Veggie Sandwich, featuring mushrooms, onions, and peppers.

Chicago has no shortage of delicious vegetarian-friendly dishes, whether you're in the mood for comfort food, something more refined, or a casual bite. You won't be disappointed with the variety and creativity in the options available!

Recommendations for vegetarian food in downtown Chicago

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