Chicago is filled to the brim with incredible restaurant choices, from decadent brunch spots to show-stopping Omakase experiences , and top tier sushi options.
For the vegan-friendly diners out there, allow me to introduce you to one of your new favorite picks!
You’ve got to try out this upscale 100% plant-based restaurant! PLANTA Queen serves everything from sushi made from dehydrated watermelon, avocado lime tartare, cauliflower tots and so much more. Whether you go for the Singapore noodles or try out the truffle mushroom udon, there’s something for everyone on the expansive, vegan-friendly menu.
The fusion menu, founded on plant-based ingredients, really defines PLANTA Queen. The River North restaurant isn’t looking to replace the steak and seafood restaurants but wants to introduce people to the delicious nature of plant-inspired options.
With already successful PLANTA Queen locations in Toronto and New York, Chicago residents can experience a similar menu with dishes that blend plant-based items with traditional servings like a ‘tuna roll’ made from watermelon. As for the decor, the space shows off floor-to-ceiling windows along with rick oak accents and velvet-covered seating areas.
This PLANTA Queen location is catered toward the ‘sophisticated diner’, similar to their Manhattan location, bringing versatile upscale vegan options to customers. They also focus on the environmental impact by incorporating leftover ingredients from food prep, like the excess watermelon juice being used for a juice bar, or extra jalapeños used in a sauce also making their way into tequila.
As for the cocktail options, drinks follow a similar theme as the menu, blending ingredients like chili-infused tequila with pineapple or ginger mezcal with passion fruit.
While Chicago’s PLANTA Queen just opened last year, it does fall under the umbrella of the larger PLANTA restaurants founded by Salm and executive chef David Lee. This isn’t their first foray into the food industry, as they are currently operating over 10 restaurants in New York, Toronto, and Bethesda, Maryland, and plan for more on the way.
There’s also an innovative and decadent brunch menu with incredible selections like chai cinnamon buns and kimchi fried rice. Don’t miss out on the bottomless pear or apple sangria either! PLANTA Queen brings all the options and presents them in a delicious package that’ll have you coming back for more!
They also have local cold-press partners for a juicing program, which they consider central to the restaurant, along with a community garden, as many of their locations across the country feature a rooftop oasis, which is unfortunately not available at this towering city location.
The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 am-10 pm, Friday from 11:30 am-11 pm, Saturday from 11 am -11 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm. Make a reservation here.
Looking to grab a drink after an incredible meal? Check out these fantastic cocktail bars in Chicago or head to aluxe River North wine bar!
Address: 413 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654