Champaign-Urbana’s plant-based dining scene is blossoming with delicious vegan options that satisfy every craving. From hearty cafe fare to creative culinary experiences, local spots like Strawberry Fields Natural Foods Cafe are redefining how Midwest diners enjoy meat-free meals.
Whether you’re a committed vegan or just exploring plant-based cuisine, the local restaurants offer diverse menus that showcase fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Spots like Neil St. Blues and Pekara prove that vegan dining can be both nutritious and incredibly flavorful.
Discover the best vegan eats in C-U now!
Featured Vegan Restaurants in Champaign
Cafe Sababa
What to Expect
Kosher lunch service at University of Illinois Hillel Center
Description
Kosher cafe located at the Illini Hillel offering diverse lunch options including vegetarian and vegan dishes. Serves hot lunches with a mix of dairy, fish, and plant-based menu items during university session times. Campus dining spot with rotating menu catering to multiple dietary preferences.
Where: Champaign | More Info: Cafe Sababa
Kohinoor
What to Expect
Family-run restaurant with 35+ years professional cooking experience
Description
Kohinoor serves authentic North Indian cuisine with a family-owned touch, featuring carefully prepared dishes that showcase Chef Ghimire's 35 years of culinary expertise. Signature dishes highlight traditional spice blends and fresh ingredients, offering a genuine taste of Northern Indian cooking in a welcoming environment.
Where: Champaign | More Info: Kohinoor
Maize
What to Expect
Handmade organic corn masa tortillas prepared in-house
Description
Authentic Mexican restaurant crafting fresh, made-from-scratch dishes with handmade organic corn tortillas. Specializes in street-style Mexican fare like tacos, sopes, and huaraches with diverse fillings including vegetarian options like nopales and zucchini blossoms. Offers gluten-free selections and multiple downtown Champaign locations.
Where: Champaign | More Info: Maize
Neil St. Blues
What to Expect
Southern soul food restaurant in downtown Champaign
Description
Neil St. Blues serves classic soul food with Southern-inspired comfort dishes that showcase traditional recipes. The restaurant offers hearty plates like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collard greens that capture the rich culinary heritage of Southern cooking. Their menu celebrates authentic flavors and home-style preparation techniques.
Where: Champaign | More Info: Neil St. Blues
Pekara
What to Expect
European-style artisan bakery with scratch-made breads
Description
Pekara Bistro serves freshly baked breakfast and lunch items with European-inspired bakery techniques. Their menu features artisan breads, pastries, and bistro-style sandwiches prepared with local ingredients. The bakery emphasizes scratch-made quality and traditional baking methods.
Where: Champaign | More Info: Pekara
Strawberry Fields Natural Foods Cafe (Urbana)
What to Expect
Organic deli counter with made-from-scratch vegetarian meals
Description
A natural foods cafe offering plant-based and vegetarian options in a casual setting. Their deli counter serves made-from-scratch salads, sandwiches, and hot prepared meals featuring organic and locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include hearty grain bowls and fresh vegetable-forward dishes that showcase seasonal produce.
Where: Urbana | More Info: Strawberry Fields Natural Foods Cafe