2849 Dundas W,
(416) 762-1204

Nov 2005 Update: The Vegetarian Restaurant, the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Toronto, closed a few years ago. The last time I visited was in Dec 2001.

My first impression : “Juice for Life” but take out the artsy-fartsy student feel.

Elegant ambiance, comfortable seating, classy, healthy, natural vegetarian cuisine, and non-political. This wonderful restaurant is similar to Fressen without the pretentiousness. Claimed to be the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Toronto, The Vegetarian Restaurant is a small treasure in the middle of a charming (but dicey) neighbourhood, Junction Gardens. The restaurant only offers a vast selection of vegetarian meals, slightly pricy, but not as expensive as Fressen. They also sell a variety of both fresh and frozen prepared foods by the cash.

The ambiance is very comforting, with a waterfall flowing in one room, dimly lit lighting, and quiet background music. The staff are soft spoken and very friendly. Service is slow but worth the wait. The menu is more diverse than other vegetarian restaurants and they make and sell their own food (there are many frozen meals available in the front of the restaurant).

Their supplier, Soy City Foods is next door and supplies meals for them as well as other supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes in the city. There are no diet drinks served and only natural soda is served. It’s about a 20 minute walk North of Keele subway, and located at the corner of Dundas West and Keele.

Reviewed by Mark