Lots of Vegan Food in Rochester, NY {Part 9}
April 16, 2023
More vegan food reporting from Rochester! Though there are some oldies but goodies included, there are some notable new recommendations as I eat my way through the Flour City. Unlike many eateries in New York City, most eateries in Rochester have thoughtful vegan options on their omni-menus. Sure, they’ve got plenty with the typical packaged burger as the option, but so many do it right. These posts are a mission in documenting their quality
Melo Coffee & Kitchen
Melo Coffee & Kitchen has one of the best avocado toasts I’ve ever had! With cherry tomatoes, radish, charred lemon tahini, and herbs on a thick sourdough. Each bite was heavenly.
They also have a pretty spectacular Banh Mi… local tofu, pickled carrots, daikon, cucumber, spicy mayo, and cilantro on a hoagie
Mmm, the spicy mayo was all over me. Nothing beats a sandwich that hits all the notes–texture, flavors, crusty bread… I’m drooling typing this
Glad to know this spot is there for my sandwich cravings!
Flavors of Asia
Flavors of Asia is a spot I usually hit once per trip for its expansive vegan options and ease of ordering. This time it was their vegan Pad Thai and the taro patties. Lunch t the skate shop means I have a deck for a table.
Swillburger
Back at Swillburger for a beet burger. This is another place we hit up every time I visit. They have the best veggie burger in Rochester as far as I’ve tasted. But I’m still working my way through the city… with my mouth.
Mad Hatter
Sometimes you just want a homey tofu scramble… and when you do, Mad Hatter is your place! Before we check out their breakfast options, a glance at the sweets display upon arrival. Lots of housemade vegan options.
I appreciate their making dishes from whole food plant based foods… and not packages. Next time I may try the quiche.
Here’s my old school tofu scramble… It really hit the spot in a familiar way. Add the top notch service and you understand why there’s a wait for a table.
Tree Town Cafe
Against better judgment, I decided to order delivery from Tree Town Cafe in Penfield. They’re a bit farther away and I had had a not so great experience with their eats at a previous visit. This most recent time I received totally unripe (hard) avocado nowhere near being smashed onto the bread.
It was hard to eat… and it bummed me out.
Then days pass and I see this amazing St. Patrick’s Day-inspired Shamrock shake with homemade vegan marshmallows from So Belly Happy on their Instagram, I knew I had to find my way back to Tree Town Cafe, in spite of the horrible avocado toast. And I admit this was a little bit of redemption here…
Magical
Cheers!
The marshmallows getting melty. They of course remind me of the cereal marshmallows I made in 2015.
Thanks, Tree Town Cafe, for the nostalgic and whimsical vegan option. Now make sure them avocados are ripe!
Wegmans
Wegmans … They have Nelly’s Organic chocolate bars. These bars are “hands down” the best vegan chocolate bars on the market. No one else comes close to their quality and taste.
Amazing caramel. They remind me a little Kudos, which I loved in my youth.
Another shot of their deliciousness….
A salad I threw together after a Weggies visit because I was eating way too many grains.
Thanks Wegmans, for always having what I need.
Pittsford Mrkt
Pittsford Mrkt is a delightful little pop-up space. So Belly Happy, which made the delicious vegan marshmallows in the Shamrock Shake, often sells goodies here. And though not exclusively vegan, the sweet baker always has vegan options.
I was in the market for sweets for the kids’ Easter baskets, so even though not vegan I picked up some goodies. The lady boss of So Belly Happy let me know the vegan macarons had sold out a short time before I arrived. Darn! I’ll just have to go back.
But did you notice the chocolates? Those are Vegan!! Laughing Gull Chocolates had some sweet satisfaction for me by way of chocolate eggs will with berry and cream. I also got their chocolate-dipped banana chips. And I am happy to see more vegan sweets available! The chocolates were delicious…
Zemeta Ethiopian Restaurant
In case you forgot, Zemeta Ethiopian Restaurant is an amazing and very filling lunch option in Rochester. I have been meaning to check out some of the other Ethiopian spots, but the fact that Zemeta offers a vegetarian tasting plate is so easy and convenient.
That’s another wrap! Check out previous ROC food compilations below!