The diversity across the dining landscape in Las Vegas is unequaled. From type of cuisine to style of restaurant experience, there’s something for everyone who happens to live in the valley or to travel to Las Vegas, and that includes those who have chosen to adhere to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. It’s easy to assume that a city known for indulgence and opulence wouldn’t thrive in this category, but it’s just another thing Vegas does well.
Many of the most popular plant-based eateries can be found sprinkled around the different neighborhoods of Las Vegas. Near Summerlin in the west, Flower Child (702.507.2545) has quickly become a favorite for locals who eat vegan, vegetarian or paleo. The casual, friendly space is perfect for a relaxing lunch or an early dinner, also offering an expansive patio. Takeout is a big deal at Flower Child, too, and seasonal dishes recently introduced on the menu include a butternut squash and organic pear salad with Brussels sprouts and ricotta salata, barbecued heirloom carrots with avocado ranch, and a spicy sweet potato noodle bowl with bok choy, coconut milk and jalapeño. Flower Child does offer some meat and seafood dishes for omnivore friends in your group.
Simplicity is usually a trademark of meat-free restaurants, which focus on the natural flavors of vegetarian ingredients to let each bite shine. But you’ll discover all-new flavor and ingredient combinations at the acclaimed Chikyu Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya (725.777.3787) in the Henderson neighborhood of Silverado Ranch. There isn’t another restaurant like this one anywhere in the Las Vegas area, and most cities don’t have a similar concept, where traditional Japanese techniques are expertly applied to a plant-based menu that includes ramen, robata, sushi rolls and nigiri, tempura and more. The hearty mushroom rice claypot is one of the most popular dishes, and might change the way you think about vegan dining.
Another completely unique restaurant and overall hidden gem is the centrally located POTs (702.754.6200), serving Egyptian delicacies with a slight Mediterranean influence. Charred baba ghanoush elevates the robust flavors of eggplant and red peppers to new heights while the seemingly simple arugula salad, laced with feta cheese, walnuts and pomegranate dressing, is a refreshing midcourse. Definitely experiment with the section of Egyptian street foods, including the lentil, pasta, and chickpea dish known as koshari, topped with crispy onions and a spicy tomato sauce.
If you’re looking for plant-based meals on the Las Vegas Strip, remember that casino restaurants are really built to welcome all different types of diners, so while there are fewer veggie-only eateries inside the resorts, most of the top-quality restaurants will have a plethora of meat-free options on the menu. One of the better-known destinations for vegans and vegetarians is Caesars Palace, where The Forum Shops plays host to True Food Kitchen (702.340.2600) and its wide selection of healthier dishes, most without meat. Inside the casino, the legendary Nobu (702.785.6674) offers an entirely plant-based omakase menu.
The Venetian resort is proud to be the home of the first all-vegan restaurant on the Strip, Truth & Tonic Wellness Café (702.414.3633). Serving breakfast and lunch favorites, this inspired eatery is changing the game with artisan house-baked breads, flavorful frittatas made with Just Egg, portobello mushroom or soyrizo tacos, and a house-made veggie burger topped with avocado, heirloom tomato and black bean hummus. And any visit to Truth & Tonic almost certainly must include a blended smoothie, unless you’re in the mood for a mimosa or mojito. Vegans need cocktails, too.
Click here for your free subscription to the weekly digital edition of Las Vegas Magazine, your guide to everything to do, hear, see and experience in Southern Nevada. In addition to the latest edition emailed to every week, you’ll find plenty of great, money-saving offers from some of the most exciting attractions, restaurants, properties and more! And Las Vegas Magazine is full of informative content such as restaurants to visit, cocktails to sip and attractions to enjoy.