Though, officially, our readers declared Fressen the city’s best vegan restaurant, we think the category should have been called “best place to take your vegan date if you want them to fall in love with you” instead. Established in 2000 by chef Stephen Gardner, who also runs Urban Herbivore (64 Oxford), Fressen is, without a doubt, the swankiest vegetarian joint in town. Defying the crunchy-granola stereotypes associated with meat-free dining, Fressen offers playfully plated gourmet meals in a dining room with exposed brick walls, romantic lighting and comfy banquette seating. The tapas dinner menu is designed for sharing, with each item priced at $9, and includes a healthy assortment of salads, stews, starches and other veggie-based creations. From the spinach blinis in pepper purée to the chocolate-avocado terrine, the food is so rich and indulgent, you won’t believe it’s vegan. And heck, if the date goes well, you can come back for brunch on the weekend, when Gardner serves up egg- and dairy-free French toast, fresh waffles with seasonal fruit, corn fritters and more. Ethical eating has never tasted (or looked) this good.

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