Fremont: Seattle's Quirky And Colorful Vegan Paradise
Written by Darby Bundy and Lindsey Oosterhoff
Fremont is a must-visit neighborhood when you’re in Seattle.
From vintage clothing shops to eclectic music venues, award-winning breweries and restaurants and a waterfront bike trail, it’s got something for just about everyone. And luckily for us, Fremont is a vegan food paradise.
Fremont’s year-round Sunday Market features many vegan-friendly vendors, plus tons of vintage clothing, home decor and other great finds.
Before we get into the main reason you’re likely here - finding the top vegan food in Fremont - let me share a few fun things to do and see in Fremont if it’s your first time, or if it’s been a while!
Parking can be difficult, as hardly any businesses have their own parking lot and you’re limited to street or residential parking. But, there are plenty of other ways to get here! We suggest these alternatives:
Bus Route 40 from Downtown, Ballard, or Northgate. N 36th St & Dayton Ave N is the perfect stop to get off in Fremont.
Uber or Lyft
Bike via the Burke-Gilman trail! Rent a Jump bike (through Uber) or another pay-as-you-go bike share, or rent bikes for the whole day or weekend from Recycled Cycles which includes helmets. Downtown Fremont is pretty flat, as is the Burke-Gilman trail, so it’s a pretty easy ride, especially if you’re riding electric or hybrid. The trail runs through Fremont and is located just 2 blocks South of the main drag, N 36th Street - so you’re super close to all the action.
Here are some fun things to do the next time you’re in Fremont, otherwise known as the “center of the universe”.
PRO-TIP: Follow my Google Maps list, Vegan Fun in Fremont, to access this entire list of food and attractions right from your phone, anytime!
Explore the Fremont Vintage Mall
Visit the amazing plant shops
Rock out at the music venues
Get your sweet fix at Theo Chocolate
Pay a visit to the Troll
Walk, jog, or pedal along the Canal via the Burke-Gilman trail
Picnic and scenery at Gasworks Park (the Burke-Gilman goes here!)
Browse the Fremont Sunday Market
Cruise Lake Union in a hot tub boat
Once you’ve said hi to the troll, browsed the local shops, and bought a new house plant, you’ve undoubtedly worked up an appetite.
So let’s get to the food!
Vegan-Friendly Restaurants In Fremont
Ian’s Pizza is a mini-chain with pizzerias in Madison, Milwaukee, Denver, and Seattle. After major success with their Capitol Hill location, Ian’s opened up shop in Fremont in early 2022. Ian’s is the go-to spot, whether you want a quick vegan slice or if you’re in it for the whole pie. Order a classic like the veggie pizza or pepperoni, or branch out with a mac n’ cheese pizza or vegan penne Alfredo pizza.
If you like a little spicy kick, try the vegan buffalo chicken pizza - it does not disappoint. We recommend adding a side of ranch on to amplify the flavors (or order it with any pizza because let’s be honest, ranch makes everything better).
Another crowd favorite is the Vegan Smokey the Bandit which features bbq chicken, bacon bits, ranch and cheddar. Side options include vegan breadsticks with marinara or vegan cookies.
Kamakura has the vegan sushi rolls of your dreams - from saucy, fried, and fully loaded creations to more healthful classics. The quiet and relaxed atmosphere makes it a great spot for a date night or lunch with a friend.
Try the popular Avocuddle Roll, which features Tofu crab meat, cucumber, fried asparagus with avocado on top with vegan unagi sauce and sweet mayo sauce.
Another stand-out vegan roll is called Google It - vegan tuna, cucumber, kanpyo, pickled radish, avocado with grilled onion on top, finished with furikake, onion flake and sweet mayo sauce. This roll packs in an explosion of flavors that puts a standard sushi roll to shame!
For a side dish, the seaweed salad is slightly sweet and has a satisfying bite to it. Other vegan options include yakisoba noodles, fried rice, Japanese tofu steak, nigiri and potstickers.
Ester’s Enoteca is well-loved for its amazing food, artsy ambiance and friendly service. It is also known in the community for its rave-worthy happy hour, which runs daily from 3-7 pm. During happy hour, all alcoholic beverages are $2 off, and on Thursdays a vegan paella plate is included with any drink purchase.
The food menus rotate each season with new offerings and the vegan options are always clearly marked. The winter 2021 menu highlights include a jerked jackfruit panini, tofu and roasted yam panini and squash ravioli. The fried cauliflower is chickpea batter-fried with saba and fennel pollen making for a unique dish worthy of experiencing.
Ester’s Enoteca also has a robust wine selection, making it a must-stop shop for any wine connoisseur. Bottles are half-off when purchased to-go.
Lazy Cow Bakery is Fremont’s new all-vegan bakery that aims to be ethical to animals and workers alike, with its business model allowing employees to have part ownership in the company. After a successful crowdfunding campaign, owner Lara and her team were able to open up a brick-and-mortar so they can serve the community in a variety of ways, and become a hub for Latinx-focused cultural arts and events.
Specialty cake orders may be placed online through their website, or swing by for a single slice (flavors vary). Along with cakes, other sweet offerings include fruit tarts, croissants, and rotating specials.
For a savory craving, try their chive cheddar scone or nopal cheese quiche, either of which will hit the spot. And don’t miss their brand new brunch on weekends, Friday to Sunday.
Made in House is a casual Korean dine-in and deli spot that creates every menu item from scratch as its name implies. Inspired by the seasons and cultural heritage, the imaginative menu provides incredibly fresh and tasty vegan options.
Try the Made Daily Plate for a variety combo featuring the current deli offerings. This plate includes wholesome dishes such as fresh spring rolls with marinated tofu, seasoned veggie japchae, kale and butternut squash tempura and herby lentil and quinoa salad. Don’t miss my Instagram Reel featuring Made In House for a peek inside the cafe and their colorful vegan options!
Hungry for more?
Kin Len Thai Night Bites - Colorful and funky Thai restaurant with a few solid vegan menu options.
Nuna Ramen - Offers a flavorful tofu veggie ramen.
The Masonry - Wood fired pizza restaurant with a vegan mozzarella and craft beer.
Lucky’s Pho: A few locals vote Lucky’s as the best spot for vegan pho in town, and it’s claimed to be very celiac-friendly as well.
Pel Meni Dumpling Tzar - Vegan dumpling option: Frida - House-made tamale dumplings fried and tossed in chili seasoning, black bean sauce, house-made slaw, avocado cream, cilantro & lime.
Sinbad Express - Mediterranean vegan dishes such as falafel pita sandwiches, fries and grape leaves.
Mod Pizza - Fast-casual pizza chain offering vegan cheese and lentil-based faux sausage.
Evergreen - Fast-casual spot for build-your-own salads and grain bowls with plenty of options for a hearty and healthy vegan meal.
Jai Thai - Thai restaurant with veganizable dishes and knowledgeable staff.
Red Star Taco Bar - A few vegan-friendly options with margarita slushies and other fun cocktails.
Save this list on Google Maps! to access tons of restaurants, shops, and activities easily from your phone the next time you’re in Fremont.
I hope you enjoyed this mini guide to Fremont and it helps you plan your next visit. Which place are you most excited to visit?
Comment below if this helped you, or if I missed anything noteworthy.