Boston's Best: Vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants

100% vegan

Grasshopper
If you’re looking for a wide variety of Asian-inspired meals in heaping portions, you’ve got to check this place out. A long-time Boston favorite, this restaurant seems to be the go-to for newly veg folk or those with veg tendancies. Check out the “No Name” dish, one of their highest rated meals. 1 North Beacon St, Allston (617-254-8883, grasshoppervegan.com)

My Thai
On the second floor of a corner building in Chinatown, My Thai is the only vegan restaurant in downtown Boston. It’s great for large groups or for dinner for two. My Thai offers a delightful array of Thai cuisine, but don’t miss out on their famous bubble tea and enormous slices of cake, in chocolate or carrot varieties. 3 Beach St, Boston (617-451-2395)

Peace O’ Pie
Offering gourmet-style vegan pizza that could satisfy the most finicky pizza connoisseur, Peace O’ Pie has specialty pies, calzones and breadsticks in addition to their whole wheat and gluten free pies. Sweet tooth? Their cookies, cupcakes and sweet rolls will blow your mind. And don’t miss Sunday brunch, which includes traditional favorites like French toast, pancakes, tofu scramble, and meatless sausage. 487 Cambridge St, Allston (617-787-9884, peaceopie.com)

Pulse Café
Conveniently located a few blocks from the Davis Square T-stop, Pulse Café is among the friendliest vegan restaurants in Boston. Customers can always count on prompt service, happy servers and an always tasty, varied menu. 75% of their menu is organic, but the prices are extremely reasonable. They’ve got some unbeatable desserts as well, like glazed donuts and classic, creamy milkshakes 195 Elm St, Davis Square, Somerville (617-625-1730, thepulsecafe.com)

True Bistro
Impressive plating and affordable pricing makes this restaurant first date worthy. Whether you’re looking to brunch it up six days a week (the staff sleeps in on Mondays), have a casual lunch, or a romantic dinner, the mood is always set just right. The food is consistently delicious and the hosts are always pleasant. If you’re there for dinner, do not leave without trying the cornmeal-crusted oyster mushrooms. 1153 Broadway, Teele Square, Somerville (617-627-9000, truebistroboston.com)

100% vegetarian with vegan options

Clover Food Lab
Fast food has never looked so good. With a truck near MIT, a truck near South Station, and a new brick-and-mortar location in Harvard Square, Clover is blanketing Boston with nothing but healthy, local, and mostly organic meals to go. The chickpea fritter, rosemary fries, and mint lemonade are must-haves. 7 Holyoke St, Harvard Square, Cambridge; 20 Carleton St, Kendall Square, Cambridge; Summer St and Atlantic Ave, Downtown, Boston (cloverfoodlab.com)

Life Alive
Packed with nutritious, flavorful, organic meals, Life Alive is a standout among the vegan-friendly restaurants in Boston. The meals are not heavy but always super filling, and the eclectic vibe makes the dining experience even more amazing. Don’t miss their outstanding and healthy juice and smoothie selections. 765 Massachusetts Ave, Central Square, Cambridge (617-354-5433, lifealive.com)

Veggie Planet
Veggie Planet has specialized in,meals on rice, soups, vegan desserts and creative pizza “art” using organic dough since 2001. The basement nook is perfect for a cozy, informal brunch, lunch or dinner. Go crazy with something Peanut Curry on pizza dough or a Caesar salad omelet. In addition to great food there’s often live music and shows in the larger, adjoining Club Passim space. 47 Palmer St, Harvard Square, Cambridge (617-661-1513, veggieplanet.net)