Vegan Restaurants in Southeast Portland, OR

Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Southeast Portland
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Are you hungry & looking for vegan restaurants in Southeast Portland?

Insider’s Guide to Vegan Restaurants in Southeast Portland

Southeast Portland, Oregan has some great vegan restaurants. As someone with a plant-based, gluten-free diet, I know all too well how difficult eating out can be. My goal here is to provide guidance and the essential information you need to find a great place to eat in Portland.

There are quite a few vegan-friendly restaurants in Southeast Portland. I’ve included several in this guide, and they are listed alphabetically. I will continually add more.

Whenever possible, I also mention if other dietary needs are accommodated, especially when gluten-free options are available.

Posts about each of the other quadrants are coming soon!

You can also check out my original guide of 100% vegan restaurants throughout Portland.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

Fun Fact: We have five quadrants here in Portland giving legitimacy to our motto, “Keep Portland Weird.”

5 Quadrants of Portland
Source: Sean Kelly, Creative Commons BY-SA 3.0

Southeast Portland

If you are not familiar with the areas of Portland, it can be a little confusing. Actually, it took a few years of living here for me to understand the quadrants. Even then, I still get befuddled sometimes!

One thing that helps is paying attention to street signs and addresses because usually there’s an indicator of the area → SE, for example.

Basically, this area is located on the southeast side of the Willamette River across from downtown. Here are some landmarks of Southeast Portland:

  •  Sellwood Riverfront Park, Laurelhurst Park, Mt. Tabor Park
  • Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
  • Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI), Oregon Rail Heritage Center
  • USS Blueback (submarine)
  • Shopping: Hawthorne Blvd., Division St.
  • Reed College

Transportation

By Car

In this area, parking can be tough. Most places don’t have a dedicated parking lot, so give yourself enough time to find a spot on the street if you’re driving. Pay close attention to posted parking regulations as well.

Small cars are a plus! Whenever possible, we like to use our SmartCar when visiting this part of town.

By Public Transport

Portland has a great public transportation system, so take advantage of it if you can. You can plan your trips on the TriMet website.

Dumb Stuff I Gotta Say

This is not a sponsored post; all opinions are my own.

I strive to provide up-to-date information, but it’s always a good idea to call the restaurant or check out their website to verify it.

My food allergies include corn, wheat, soybeans, & peanuts, I but don’t have any serious, life-threatening reactions to these foods. I just have to avoid them whenever possible for my general health and well-being. If you suffer from adverse reactions or have Celiac Disease, please follow your normal protocol for vetting places to eat.

Vegan Restaurants in Southeast, Portland

Aviv

UPDATE: Sadly, this restaurant is now closed!

Aviv is a 100% plant-based, Israeli-inspired restaurant. On the menu you’ll find Middle Eastern favorites like hummus and falafel, as well as lesser know dishes like bourekas and labneh. Truffle Mac + Cheese, Tal’s Chilequiles, and Mushroom Calamari are in the mix as well.

Address & Phone

1125 SE Division St
 
503.206.6280
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The Feel

It’s small, but there’s ample elbow room. The space is an eclectic mix of woods, mismatched dishware, and modern touches. It feels like going to grandma’s for dinner, but a very hip, very Portland kinda grandma.

My Experience at Dinner

We had a family dinner at this vegan restaurant. The food was great, and the drinks were sublime. I ordered the Shawarma Fries, which was ok, so next time I will order something else. They had a nice selection of tea–I enjoyed the Lavender Rose.

Oh! And they had gluten-free pita (bonus points for that).

The desserts were incredible. We shared a scoop of pistachio ice cream and a coconut malabi. They make their own ice cream in a variety of interesting flavors. After tasting it, we took home a pint to enjoy later.

Vegan Shawarma Fries Aviv Restaurant Southeast Portland
Shawarma Fries
Vegan Desserts Aviv Restaurant Southeast Portland
Pistachio Ice Cream & Coconut Malabi
harlow vegan friendly restaurant in portland
Vegan friendly restaurants in Portland Harlow

Harlow Café + Juice Bar

Harlow is a restaurant that focuses on organic, plant-based, 100% gluten-free food. They do offer locally sourced, organic, free-range chicken eggs as an add-on, though.

Address & Phone

 3632 SE Hawthorne Blvd

 
971.255.0138
Harlow interior vegan restaurant

Hours

Monday:
8 am – 9 pm
8 am – 2:30 pm: Breakfast
Tuesday:
8 am – 9 pm
8 am – 2:30 pm: Breakfast
Wednesday:
8 am – 9 pm
8 am – 2:30 pm: Breakfast
Thursday:
8 am – 9 pm
8 am – 2:30 pm: Breakfast
Friday:
8 am – 9 pm
8 am – 2:30 pm: Breakfast
Saturday:
8 am – 9 pm
8 am – 2:30 pm: Breakfast
Sunday:
8 am – 3 pm

The Feel

This restaurant has a nice feel to it — comfortable with a touch of elegance. The sparkling chandeliers and beautiful pale pink peonies by the counter are a nice touch. It’s not a large café, but it is open and airy.

My Experience at Lunch

I ate here with two colleagues for a project meeting.

Two of us ordered the Blueberry Pancake with Cashew Cream & Hazelnuts off the daily specials board. My friend is not used to gluten-free food, so I think it was a little weird for her. For me, the pancake was really good, but it needed some maple syrup. Gluten-free pancakes can be a little dense, so the syrup would help offset it a little. The flavors were great, though.

I definitely want to go back and try some of their regular menu items. I have eaten at one of their sister restaurants, Prasad, and it was very good.

You can visit the Harlow website for up-to-date information on hours and menu.

blueberry pancake cashew cream hazelnuts
Blueberry Pancake with Cashew Cream & Hazelnuts

Off the Griddle

This restaurant isn’t *technically* 100% vegan, but everything is vegan EXCEPT that they offer eggs as an ad-on, and in a couple of dishes there is dairy cheese. Really, I would call this a vegan restaurant with vegetarian options.

The menu is clearly labeled with allergen information, and they  also offer gluten-free and soy-free options, which is great. Happy dance! It is a shared kitchen, though.

Address & Phone

6526 SE Foster Rd
 
503.764.9160
Interior Off the Griddle vegan-friendly restaurant in portland

Hours

Monday:
4 pm – 10 pm: Dinner 
4 pm – 6 pm: Happy Hour
8 pm: Meatless Meatloaf & A Movie
Tuesday:
Closed
Wednesday:
4 pm – 10 pm: Dinner
4 pm – 6 pm: Happy Hour
Thursday:
4 pm – 10 pm: Dinner
4 pm – 6 pm: Happy Hour
Friday:
9 am – 2 pm: Brunch
4 pm – 11 pm: Dinner
Saturday:
9 am – 2 pm: Brunch
4 pm – 11 pm: Dinner
Sunday: 
4 pm – 10 pm: Dinner

The Feel

With orange and turquoise blue accents, Off the Griddle is a retro-licious, come-as-you-are diner. If you’re lucky, you can sit in the giant hand chair and be transported back to the 80s or 90s.

My Experience at Brunch

My daughter and I made it for the last hour of the brunch menu on a Friday. When we got there, the place was nearly full. Clearly, it’s a popular place.

We had the Full Mess, which is a scramble, and the Hashtastic, which is, naturally, a hash.

The Full Mess comes with a biscuit or toast, and I was pleasantly surprised that I could get a gluten-free biscuit. Score! It was really good, too. To top it off, there was no additional charge for the gluten-free option. Score again!

We traded bites, and we agreed that both dishes were good. I wasn’t fond of the hollandaise sauce on the Full Mess, but that’s a very minor nit-picky thing and really just a reflection of my own personal taste. I would certainly go back.

Vegan-friendly restaurant portland off the griddle
Hashtastic (top) & Full Mess (bottom)

Dinner

Their dinner menu at Off the Griddle looks like a lot of fun and yumminess with loads of comfort foods. I definitely want to give that a go sometime.

For up-to-date information on hours and menu, go to the Off the Griddle website.

Buddha niche vegan-friendly restaurant Portland

The Tao of Tea: Belmont Teahouse

The Tao of Tea is a vegan-friendly vegetarian  teahouse that offers a huge variety of teas that can be accompanied by some international small plates. All of their food is vegetarian, and the menu is clearly labeled with items that are vegan and/or gluten-free. However, it is a shared kitchen.

As a bonus, you can go next door to the tea shop to buy loose-leaf tea and tea-related items.

Address & Phone

3430 SE Belmont St
 
503.736.0119

Hours

Monday:
11 am – 10 pm
Tuesday:
11 am – 10 pm
Wednesday:
11 am – 10 pm
Thursday:
11 am – 10 pm
Friday:
11 am – 10 pm
Saturday:
11 am – 10 pm
Sunday: 
11 am – 10 pm

The Feel

Decorated with reclaimed wood and bamboo, it reminds me of an old teahouse I visited in Beijing, China but on a smaller scale. There’s a Buddha niche on one wall, a waterfall in the corner, and loads of tea paraphernalia all around. I’ll be honest, it’s my happy place, and I always feel as though I am in another, distant land there.

My Experience

I have been to Belmont Teahouse many times. Because it is a tiny place, I usually go mid-afternoon to avoid a line of people waiting for tables.

It’s a great place to relax, sip some amazing tea, and nosh. My favorite dishes are the Dal, Chana, and Gluten-Free Mini Mooncake (all are vegan & gluten-free).

vegan gluten free moon cake tao of tea
Vegan Gluten-Free Mini Mooncake

Virtuous Pie

This little gem was recommended to me by my friend, Susan.

I know I had heard the name of this restaurant prior to visiting, but didn’t realize it’s 100% vegan, AND they have lots of gluten-free options, too.

Address & Phone

1126 SE Division St
 
503.334.2073

Hours

Monday:
11 am – 10 pm
2:30 pm – 5:30 pm: Happy Hour 
Tuesday:
11 am – 10 pm: Happy Hour ALL DAY
Wednesday:
11 am – 10 pm
2:30 pm – 5:30 pm: Happy Hour 
Thursday:
11 am – 10 pm
2:30 pm – 5:30 pm: Happy Hour 
Friday:
11 am – 11 pm
2:30 pm – 5:30 pm: Happy Hour 
Saturday:
11 am – 11 pm
10 pm – 11 pm: Happy Hour 
Sunday:
11 am – 10 pm
10 pm – 11 pm: Happy Hour
Superfunghi Pizza vegan gluten-free
Superfunghi Pizza with Gluten-Free Crust

The Feel

This restaurant has a stark, modern aesthetic with black picnic tables in the middle and a couple of small tables by the window. At the back, up a few stairs, is a cozier nook with tables overlooking the main floor.

My Experience at Lunch

First, they have superb gourmet pizza. My daughter and I both ordered the Superfunghi Pizza with gluten-free crust.

I’ve had a few vegan, gluten-free pizzas before, but this was by far the best. My daughter totally agreed.

Gluten-free anything is usually subpar, but I liked Virtuous Pie’s GF crust. I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything.

The pizza itself was delicious, and the truffle almond ricotta really made this dish stand out.

We can’t wait to go back and try some of the other pizzas on offer.

vegan Hazelnut Latte & Bourbon Vanilla ice cream
Hazelnut Latte & Bourbon Vanilla Vegan Ice Cream

Dessert

After we finished off our pizzas, we just couldn’t leave without trying their plant-based, gluten-free ice cream. We shared two scoops: Hazelnut Latte and Bourbon Vanilla.

It was really yummy and the perfect way to finish our meal.

We will definitely go back!

For more info, go to the Virtuous Pie website.

Frequent Updates

This guide (and the guides for the other Portland areas) will be updated as often as I can get out and try vegan-friendly restaurants. There are so many, and a girl can only eat out so much!

So check back often and don’t forget to pin it for later!

Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Southeast Portland

Until next time…

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3 thoughts on “Vegan Restaurants in Southeast Portland, OR

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