Veggie Delights
Vegetarians rejoice – the days of settling for a side salad are over. Here are five standout restaurants that prioritize vegetarian (and often vegan) dining.
Vegetarians rejoice — the days of settling for a side salad are over. With more than 80 cafes and restaurants in Middleton, finding a few meatless options on a menu isn’t hard. But some places go above and beyond. Here are five standout restaurants that prioritize vegetarian (and often vegan) dining.
Since opening in 2024, Mishqui Peru has become a haven for diners with dietary restrictions, whether vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free. The restaurant quickly earned recognition for its exceptional meatless cuisine, taking second place in Madison’s Vegan Chef Challenge and winning “best value” for its affordable, plant-based menu. Of the 16 vegetarian options, nine are vegan, with a dedicated menu section highlighting dishes like plant-based chorizo empanadas, stir-frys, stews and pastas. A vegan-only fryer keeps many entrees gluten-free and Mishqui recently hinted that a vegan ceviche is in the works.
Dessert is worth saving room for, and the house-made tres leches is a standout. Vegans won’t miss out either, with vegan choices like sweet raspberry or guava empanadas, black forest cake or carrot cake. The menu also clearly labels dishes that are gluten, lactose or soy-free, along with vegan and vegetarian indicators.
Photo Credit: Mishqui Peru
Hubbard Avenue Diner in Downtown Middleton serves breakfast all day with plenty of options for vegetarians. Sweet breakfast classics like pancakes and French toast sit alongside savory choices such as huevos rancheros and the Popeye omelet. For lunch or dinner, the daily house-made soup often includes a vegetarian option and pasta dishes like mac and cheese or Mediterranean penne (skip the feta to make it vegan) are always comforting picks. Salads and sandwiches round out the menu, including a vegetarian-friendly take on a Reuben. Called “The Sheldon,” this sandwich features grilled strips of marinated tofu, tomato, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese (remove swiss for vegan).
Diners can also skip right to dessert; Hubbard is known for pie. While all the pies are vegetarian, several fruit pies, including apple, strawberry-rhubarb and cherry, are vegan. The diner also features three monthly pie specials, one of which is almost always vegan.
Photo Credit: Hubbard Avenue Diner & Food Fight Restaurant Group
Voted the best Chinese restaurant in the Madison area since 1984, Imperial Garden has spent over 40 years perfecting its dishes, including 11 vegetarian options. For those who like a little heat, five of these come with a kick, including garlic eggplant and several tofu dishes. The restaurant’s family-style dining makes it a great spot to bring friends and share a variety of flavors, while the elegantly decorated space offers a casual yet refined dining experience.
New to the Middleton food scene, Thavalia’s Restaurant has quickly earned rave reviews. With an expansive menu of more than 140 options of both South Indian and Chinese favorites, the restaurant offers a wide variety of vegetarian choices. Featured on their own dedicated page, there are 13 vegetarian curries alone! Kick off your meal with one of nine veggie appetizers or a crispy, made-to-order dosa. A popular pick is the malai kofta, a curried vegetarian dish with fried potato balls and paneer. Those seeking vegan options can contact the restaurant directly for recommendations.
Taza makes it easy for vegetarians to eat well and eat plenty. More than half the menu at this authentic Mediterranean spot is vegetarian, with 10 entrees to choose from. Even better, seven of them can be made vegan. Want to sample a little of everything? Order the vegetarian classic combination, a flavorful plate of hummus, baba ghanouj, tabbouleh and falafel, served with a choice of side.
Photo Credit: Susanna Widicus Weaver