A few ideas of where to stop for a meal lunch or dinner for your vegan Valentine. I've written about these places before with the exception of Namaste Cafe and I am not sure why I haven't written about them because they are great.
Let's start with Pizza Nea. I've recently written about my love for Pizza Nea and of course, there is always a good chance that your Valentine, crush, or buddy likes pizza too. This place is fancy enough for a date but not so fancy to weird anyone out. Wine, artisan pizza, community minded...you can't go wrong because they also have an extensive vegan menu complete with cheeses and meats from neighbor Herbivorous Butcher.
In the same neighborhood (because let's just say NE Minneapolis has some great food and drinks) is Gorkha Palace.
A delicious sojourn into Nepali, Indian, Tibetan food. Which is well known to be vegan friendly throughout the world and some of my favorites. I love their momos and the extremely spicy Saag Dish. Melt your face off spice when you want it. How hot do you like it? And you can never go wrong with Chana!
Head over to St. Paul to a long time favorite and "off the beaten path" as it were to Everest On Grand.
Tofu pakoras made with chickpea flour (a far superior flour IMHO) this place is best described as AROMATIC-yes in all caps. The staff is always friendly and they have a clearly labeled menu. I love, love eating here. I've never had a dish I didn't like and they also have momos(very important).
For a touch of fancy dress up for Valentine's Day you can head over to wonderful and faithful Jasmine 26.
You cannot go wrong with Basil Noodles, Curry Noodles, Salt and Pepper Tofu, Fried Vegan Egg Roll and their drinks. Yeah, like all of them. It's a nicer place too. I love vegan food and casual, comfy which is Minnesota's dress code just fine, but I definitely prefer to dress up and it's nice to not feel totally out of place once in a while (though mostly you just always are if you are me).
New place alert! A great little spot just starting out with something that no one has: VEGAN CREPES! I ate my fair share of vegan crepes in NO in October(more on that later) and was sad to leave them behind only to come home to a tiny, new shop with vegan crepes and vegan ice cream! Hooray! I don't have a great picture of the crepes but what you need to know is that they are savory and delicious and you should take your favorite humans here for a treat. Crepe and Spoon would be happy to supply your daily salty and sweet needs for the afternoon.
If you need a nice lunch because who doesn't and you'd like to share your Valentine's Day spirit with a pink cocktail you should look no further than Namaste Cafe. They have GOOD FOOD. And fulfill your need for a fried potato once in a while with their amazing 5 Spice Potatoes. But don't stop there: Chili Tofu, Golguppa, Chana Chat Plaat are all delightful. Charming atmosphere as it's in an old Victorian house in Uptown.
Go forth and spread the love!