PLANT-BASED RESTAURANTS
Eating a plant-forward diet is one of the biggest ways for individuals to reduce their environmental impact. Animal agriculture puts a lot of stress on the environment, requiring many of the Earth’s natural resources and producing large quantities of methane as a by-product—a harmful greenhouse gas.
Here are some of our Staff Favorite Plant Based Restaurants...
LIVE ALIVE
Our writer Renee raves, “LIVE ALIVE is truly my favorite restaurant on the planet!” And she means it! Here she is, savoring her couscous and salad at Life Alive in Harvard Square—one of the best spots for anyone who loves healthy eating and cares about animals and the planet.
Life Alive is committed to using organic ingredients whenever possible, and their menu is proof that eating well doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. In fact, they serve up some of the best smoothies on earth—so good that they’ve expanded far beyond Cambridge. You can now find them in Dedham (Legacy Place), Salem, Lowell, and more. Lucky for you, there’s probably a Life Alive not too far away!
Sensational Supreme Smoothies
If you stop by, don’t miss their powerhouse smoothies:
🌿 Blue Breeze – Blue spirulina, mango, pineapple, banana, dates, chia & hemp seeds, coconut yogurt.
🥬 Super Greens – Mango, pineapple, orange juice, kale, avocado, banana, ginger, spirulina, coconut milk.
The Power of Plant-Based Eating
Life Alive isn’t just about great food—it’s a lifestyle. Their website even shares insights on the benefits of a plant-forward diet:
✅ Boosts Energy – Their nutrient-packed meals help fuel your day.
❤️ Supports Heart Health – A plant-based diet may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 16% by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
💪 Lowers Blood Pressure – Studies show that eating more plant-based foods can significantly reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and even type 2 diabetes.
So, if you’re looking for a fresh, nourishing meal, Life Alive is a must-try. And if you want more plant-based dining options, check out these other favorites below!
Red Lentil
Located in Watertown, Red Lentil is a beloved vegetarian and vegan restaurant known for its globally inspired dishes and commitment to fresh, organic ingredients. Chef Pankaj Pradhan, the mastermind behind the menu, brings bold flavors to life with creative plant-based dishes such as their signature Butternut Squash Polenta, Gobi Manchurian, and Seitan Marsala. The restaurant also caters to gluten-free and macrobiotic diets, making it a go-to for those seeking healthy yet indulgent meals. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and dedication to sustainability, Red Lentil is a staple in the Boston-area plant-based dining scene. Our writer Renee says, Red Lentil is awesome. High quality food all across the board. They even have a fantastic Sunday Brunch😋 And Devon used to take Henry there when they lived in Watertown.
Clover Food Lab
A pioneer in the plant-based fast-casual movement, Clover Food Lab has grown from a single food truck to multiple locations across Boston and beyond. Founded by MIT graduate Ayr Muir, Clover focuses on using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to create simple yet flavorful vegetarian dishes. Their rotating menu features favorites like the Chickpea Fritter Sandwich, BBQ Seitan Platter, and their famous Rosemary Fries. Clover’s mission goes beyond just food—it aims to revolutionize the food industry by reducing waste and carbon footprints while making plant-based eating accessible and delicious for everyone. ✨Locations: 2 locations in Cambridge, and one in Newton
More Healthy Eating @ Inna’s Kitchen
Inna's Kitchen Culinaria, located in Newton, Massachusetts, is a family-owned establishment specializing in Jewish cuisine with a modern twist. Founded by mother and son duo Inna and Alex Khitrik, the Culinaria offers a variety of prepared foods, including frozen soups and entrées, deli salads, baked goods, and Jewish specialties. The kitchen is dedicated to being gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and Kosher Pareve (pescatarian), ensuring inclusivity for those with dietary restrictions.
The Culinaria emphasizes scratch-made dishes using quality ingredients, often locally sourced and seasonal. Their commitment to accommodating customers with allergies and dietary restrictions is evident in their dedicated gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free kitchen. They are certified Kosher Pareve under Lighthouse Kosher supervision. Address: 547 Commonwealth Ave, Newton, MA 02459
The Khitrik family emigrated from the USSR in 1990, bringing with them a rich culinary heritage. Inna's Kitchen initially opened in Newton Centre in 2011, operating successfully for six years before closing in 2017 to focus on larger production and catering. They also maintained a presence at the Boston Public Market during this period. In December 2018, they returned to Newton, establishing the Culinaria as a dedicated production kitchen with a retail storefront.