Vegan Restaurant Spotlight: PLANTA

Ever discover a restaurant so good that it became the only recommendation you had?

That's me and vegan restaurant PLANTA.

In the name itself, PLANTA is a restaurant chain that focuses on accessible and acceptable plant-based dining. On their website, they state that "PLANTA reimagines, reinvents, and revitalizes, providing flavorful proof that the power of plants can change the world." Like me, PLANTA has no interest in picking at sad salads or getting an order of fries because it's the only thing on the menu you're able to eat. Vegan restaurants where plants are the focus produce better quality food than restaurants where they feel obligated to have a vegan option on the menu, which nine out of 10 times ends up being a dry black bean burger or a basic Beyond burger. If I wanted that, I could have grilled it at home and added my own vegan cheese, mayo, and other toppings.

Not at PLANTA, where they've put plants in the spotlight. Their menus that change as the seasons do, their goal to hire and source locally, "operating in a paperless and reduced-waste environment", and their use of reusable containers and to-go packaging made from 100% compostable materials (and so much more!) have all resonated with their customers and local communities. It's no wonder that they continue to expand. With 13 locations nationwide, two in Toronto, and two more on their way, there is no sign of the chain's growth slowing down.

I am one of those (now) loyal customers.

I had my first PLANTA experience back in February this year at their Entertainment District (Toronto) location. While my friend and I were waiting for our room to be ready, we decided to get lunch. PLANTA Queen on Queen Street West was a short walk from the hotel and happened to be on the same street. It had just opened up and we were seated immediately. It was cozy and welcoming, and every tiny detail had been taken care of, down to the glasses that may have been bought from Anthropologie. But it was the food that blew my mind. We had the ahi watermelon nigiri, xo tofu, kung pao eggplant, and of course, dessert, every dish more delicious than the last. I finally learned how to use chopsticks so I could finish everything on the plate.

We went back again a few days later; the food was that good.

I didn't feel gross after eating. I didn't leave the restaurant still hungry. I savored every single bite, each different from the one previous. Every dish was packed with so much flavor and combinations of flavors that worked well together. I was now reaching for vegetables that I hated growing up (eggplant, mushrooms, etc.) and I was asking for more. What kind of person had I become? I couldn't help it.

I couldn't stop there. Last weekend, I visited PLANTA Queen NoMad in Midtown (Manhattan) with a friend prior to seeing The Rose at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. We ordered four dishes to share: the rainbow roll, bao sliders, crispy gyoza, and dan dan noodles. I already know the food was phenomenal and I was still blown away. Those plates were nearly spotless and my friend raved about each one. On both occasions, I went with friends: one who is a meat-eater and one who is a pescetarian. Both praised the quality of the food.

This is how plants should be eaten.

And if you see me at the other PLANTA locations, no you didn't.