Confession: I’m not vegan, but I eat healthy as often as I can.
When my daughter and I first discovered Chop Shop in McKinney, we were smitten. We love the “Chops” bowls. There’s a reason they call it “feel-good food”. So when I was meeting a friend who has food allergies for lunch, I suggested we meet there because of their excellent gluten-free options. She tried the acai bowl with gluten free granola and loved it.
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Normally restaurants have so few gluten-free options; this place is amazing!
I loved seeing the joy on her face as she was struggling to decide which of the plentiful options on the menu to choose from. I was inspired to explore other restaurants in the area that offer these types of dining options for when I meet up with other friends who have allergies or plant-based diets.
Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants I Visited in Collin County
A huge fan of diverse eating, and having previously explored local Korean restaurants in Collin County, I was confident that the area would also be home to a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly restaurants that serve nutritious food made from quality ingredients that tastes good, too. And boy, was I right.
Vitality Bowls Superfood Cafe :: Multiple Locations
First stop: I met my brother and his family for dinner at Vitality Bowls in Frisco. This was my first time eating there, but my nieces had been before and raved about it. We tried the Vitality Bowl, a Grain Bowl, and a wrap. Delicious!
Vitality Bowls is strongly committed to bringing health and wellness to the community through fresh, high-quality superfoods. The fast, casual superfood café concept started after the owners discovered their daughter’s severe food allergies. They wanted to find healthy, safe food alternatives. They specialize in making delicious açaí bowls, topped with organic granola and a selection of superfood ingredients. Additional antioxidant-rich menu items include smoothies, fresh juices, soups, salads, and panini. No ingredient fillers or artificial preservatives are used and all items on the menu are made fresh to order and in allergy-safe kitchens designed to avoid cross contamination of common food allergens.
Indian Kitchen :: McKinney
This was my first time eating at an Indian restaurant, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. At this local gem, even the décor is charming and welcoming. The owner was extremely helpful, explaining both the menu items and the history of Mumbai street food. Born in India and inspired by the ancient art of cooking, Chef Chancahi’s menu includes recipes from the mystic land of spices. She has a gift for cooking with a passion and vision for sharing her native cuisine. When checking out their website, I read rave reviews about all their food, especially the Bombay Pav Bhaji. Everything was delicious, but my favorite was the Gajjar Halwa dessert: a flavorful Indian version of carrot cake.
Lahla’s Plant Kitchen :: Richardson
What better place to treat my foodie friend to a birthday dinner than a local, family-owned restaurant that bravely opened during a pandemic? As soon as we were seated in this charming restaurant tucked next to Half-Priced Books in Richardson Heights Village, the owner warmly greeted us and proudly informed us that everything on the menu is 100% vegan and 90% organic. The diverse and creative menu options incorporate Mexican, Asian, Southern, and Mediterranean influences. We tried the flautas appetizers made with jackfruit and topped with cabbage and avocado salad. For our main course, we shared BBQ Braised Hibiscus and Country Fried Mushrooms. The Churros con Chocolate dessert was the perfect end to an enjoyable meal.
Wulf Burger :: Frisco
This was my first time to try a vegan burger—the Vegan Wulf Classic—and it did not disappoint. The super cool green bun is colored with avocado extract. How clever! Not only does Wulf Burger offer two vegan burger options, they’re also halal compliant. They offer carnivore-friendly options, too, so it’s a great place to #feedyourpack.
Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Restaurants next up on my list
Jeff’s Vegan :: Frisco
One of my Collin County Moms contributor friends highly recommended that I try this Asian vegan restaurant, so I had high expectations when I headed there for lunch. Then was immediately disappointed to learn that they’re closed on Mondays. Oops. (Note to self: Be sure to check restaurant hours first.) Jeff’s Vegan serves healthy meals and salads, as well as lemonades and smoothies. Customers praise the spring rolls, Texas fries, and salt-and- pepper tofu.
Harvest Seasonal Kitchen :: McKinney
Harvest is a farm-to-table restaurant that connects diners with the vibrant North Texas food community. They serve great, healthy food and make a long-term impact on the community by supporting the businesses of local farmers, ranchers, and artisans. They offer an entire gluten-free lunch and dinner menu. “Seasonal kitchen” means their menu changes four times a year based on what is seasonally available.
Thai Noodle Wave Kitchen :: Multiple Locations
Noodle Wave was born from Chef Rosie’s passion for cooking fostered from her experiences helping her grandmother and parents in the kitchen. This eventually influenced her creativity into making a variety of unique dishes. You’ll find soups, noodles, and stir-fried rice dishes, Thai curries, and an array of salads and appetizers on the extensive menu which includes both traditional Thai and Thai fusion dishes. (Editor’s note: I’ve been here MANY times; it’s my favorite Thai restaurant in DFW!)
Nature’s Plate :: Multiple Locations
Nature’s Plate offers plant-based meals to-go; the core of their weekly rotating menu includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack options made from whole grains, legumes, lots of veggies, and no added oil. You’ll find family-friendly homestyle meals that are big on flavor and perfect for those transitioning to a plant-based diet. They also feature Texas’ only whole food, plant-based bakery: whole grains, low glycemic sweeteners, gluten-free, and no added oil options. Cookies and brownies are so yummy that you won’t miss the bad stuff.
Jai Meals :: Plano
Located near the Shops at Willow Bend, Jai Meals’ mission is to make eating plant-based food easier so others can achieve their health goals. The owners have a passion for eating plant-based food due to the health benefits they gained from adopting a vegan lifestyle. Each week they offer flavorful, nutrient-dense grab-and-go meals prepared by chefs who share the belief that food is medicine. Their mission is to meet the needs of the modern, health-conscious person or family whose busy lifestyle may not always be conducive to preparing whole-food, plant-based meals.
So, as you can see, whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or a carnivore like me who wants to incorporate more plant-based meals into my diet, there are a variety of local restaurants to choose from in the area offering healthy, allergy-safe food options for the whole family.
