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Best Vegan Restaurants in River North Best Vegetarian Restaurants in River North

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Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

PLANTA Queen Chicago 8.6
River North
PLANTA Queen brings an all-vegan, Asian-inspired menu of sushi, noodles, and share plates to a polished, high-energy River North dining room. Since opening in 2022, it’s become the go-to for plant-based date nights and group dinners where cocktails and presentation matter as much as the food.
Must-Try Dishes: Bang Bang Broccoli, Torched & Pressed Nigiri, Truffle Udon
Scores:
Value: 7 Service: 8.3 Consistency: 8.4 Food Quality: 9.2 Atmosphere: 9 Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Upscale plant-based Asian cooking with full sushi and dim sum in a dramatic room.
Who should go: Vegan and veg-curious diners planning a night out.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners or brunch for full buzz and energy.
What to order: Bang Bang Broccoli, truffle udon, torched and pressed nigiri.
Insider tip: Reserve bar or counter-adjacent seats if you want the best view of the sushi action.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site lot; limited metered street parking and nearby River North garages — rideshare is most reliable on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — sleek tops, jeans ok but most guests dress up for night-out vibes.
Noise level: Lively and energetic — conversation is possible at tables, louder near the bar and peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may open sooner for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, though brunch and peak evenings fill quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the entire menu is plant-based and vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Yes — 100% vegan concept across food and desserts.
Gluten-free options: Many dishes can be made gluten-free or are marked as such, but there is not a fully separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s stylish, buzzy, and presentation-forward, which makes the experience feel special; choose a table away from the bar if you prefer easier conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — small parties may find seats at the bar or during early/late dining windows, but prime weekend hours usually require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — older kids and teens do fine, but the space skews adult, trendy, and loud with no kid-specific menu or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Stylish vegan date nights, plant-based sushi and share plates, and presentation-driven dining in a lively, modern room.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet, low-key meal, traditional non-vegan proteins, or a budget casual setting.