Second only to California in agricultural diversity, Michigan offers an incredible array of fruits and vegetables to savor throughout the year. Located in Michigan’s “Fruit Belt” region, the Art Coast is an ideal place to indulge in a vibrant vegetarian lifestyle. Whether you’re a long-time herbivore or simply looking to explore the world of plant-based goodness, Saugatuck/Douglas offers an abundance of opportunities to savor delicious meat-free cuisine.

Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants

Sure, you could get a delicious salad of some sort at almost any restaurant in our area. But Saugatuck/Douglas has a variety of establishments that cater to vegetarian preferences, offering creative entrees that will ensure your dining experience is both flavorful and satisfying. Here are just a few of our favorites:

Embracing the essence of farm-to-table dining, Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions celebrates the bountiful flavors of seasonal, local produce with outstanding breakfast dishes such as their renowned Blueberry Pancakes and their delicious Farmers Scramble featuring eggs scrambled with potato, zucchini, summer squash, onion, and tomato. For dinner, try their Tomato Tart with heirloom tomatoes and goat cheese in puff pastry or their Carrot Cavatelli entrée, which features ricotta, broccoli, broccoli pesto, and pine nuts. Menu selections change each season to take advantage of what’s being harvested locally.

Borrowed Time in Douglas has an innovative menu that caters to all palates, with delightful vegetarian options to tantalize your taste buds, including Cauliflower Al Pastor, Gnocchi with Jamaican Curried Vegetables, and a delicious Quinoa Salad that features black quinoa mixed with cucumbers, cherry and grape tomatoes, basil pesto, feta, and red onions. Menus are seasonally driven, so selections are subject to change, but unique vegetarian fare is always available.

Also elevating vegetarian cuisine to new heights is Root Café which combines local farm-fresh ingredients with innovative recipes. Try their Earth Bowl Salad featuring wild rice, beet hummus, fresh greens, eggplant kalamata caponata, raw almonds, veggies, and a boiled egg, or go for their Bibimbap Bowl with tempeh, kimchi, rice, gochujang sauce, carrot, cabbage, edamame succotash, soy ginger greens, and egg.

Salt of the Earth in Fennville is a charming, rustic restaurant that takes great pride in sourcing ingredients from local farmers, resulting in a menu that changes with the seasons. Indulge in their delectable Fried Green Tomatoes and their Crispy Vegan Chickpea Croquette, featuring quinoa, snap peas, cucumber, tomato, and a verdant basil dressing. Or relish the vibrant flavors of their Pulled Trumpet Mushroom Sandwich with rhubarb BBQ sauce. At Salt of the Earth, you'll discover an authentic farm-to-table experience that will leave you with a profound appreciation for vegetarian cuisine.

Another must-visit spot for herbivores and omnivores alike is Everyday People Café in Douglas. Offering a vegetarian version of their popular Chilean Sea Bass entrée, their Shiro Miso-Sake Braised Tofu is served with sweet and sour Japanese eggplant, steamed rice, a lemon-ginger Beurre Blanc sauce, and chili crisp. Their creative menu also features a vegan Curried Red Lentils entrée with chickpeas, sun-dried tomato, and green peas served over steamed basmati rice. You’ll also have the option of adding some baked tofu for more protein.

Looking for a quick, scrumptious vegetarian bite? Look no further than The Farmhouse Deli. This charming deli offers a wide selection of vegetarian salads, sandwiches, and wraps that will leave you wanting more. Sink your teeth into their signature Vegan Banh Mi sandwich, loaded with oven-roasted Hawaiian tofu, a pickled salad made with carrots, radish, cucumber, and jalapeño, Sriracha veganaise, cilantro, and lettuce all on a toasted ciabatta roll. Or savor all the delicious goodness of their homemade Hummus Veggie Wrap with house-made hummus, sprouts, shredded carrots, red onion, cucumber, radish, and lettuce surrounded by a spinach wrap. 

Breakfast lovers will appreciate all the vegetarian choices available at Respite Cappuccino Court. From vibrant granola bowls packed with seasonal fruit to their dreamy baked oatmeal bursting with flavor, Respite understands the art of crafting memorable plant-based meals that nourish both body and soul. Try out their Lavender Honey Toast, Avocado Toast, or Feeling Fruity Toast. Can’t make up your mind? Order their Toast Flight and sample all three.

New for 2023 is Pizza Quest in Fennville. While you can certainly make your own thin crust pizza to your exact specifications with a wide array of vegetarian toppings, their #2 Ewok Village pizza is a scrumptious option that starts with a shallot and bay leaf cream sauce that showcases sautéed gourmet mushrooms, roasted red peppers, Vidalia onion, and a sprinkling of capers. 

And finally, your vegetarian journey through the Art Coast would not be complete without a refreshing stop at Tree of Life Juice. This vibrant juice bar and café offers a plethora of nourishing, nutrient-dense options to invigorate your body and mind. Sip on their energizing cold-pressed juices or indulge in a creamy, dairy-free smoothie. Take your pick from an array of acai bowls or avocado toast that will fuel your adventures throughout the day. 

While you’re visiting with us, don't hesitate to explore the menus of other local eateries, as many places are happy to accommodate dietary requests and provide vegetarian or even vegan alternatives.

Farmers' Markets and Local Stores

The Art Coast is surrounded by fertile farmland, making it an excellent destination for accessing fresh, local produce. The weekly Outdoor Summer Market hosted by the Saugatuck Center for the Arts is a must-visit, where you can find local freshly-picked produce, artisan baked goods, all-natural honey, maple syrup, small-batch coffees, and more. Farm stands, like Lyon’s Fruit Market or Barden’s Farm Market, feature fresh local produce for purchase, while our many U-Pick Farms allow you to pick your own fruit at the peak of freshness. Additionally, explore the shelves of local stores like American Spoon and Spice and Tea Merchants, which offer an array of vegetarian-friendly spices, condiments, and pantry staples to enhance your cooking adventures.