Nice Vegetarian-friendly Asian Spot

[shawnziii]

Hello!

I've been scouring this board for a nice spot to take the lady out. She's vegetarian (+no eggs) so this limits our options. Asian cuisines are usually fair bets but we're tired of Thai. I'm having a lot of trouble finding a nice vegetarian-friendly Asian restaurant that offers a romantic atmosphere. My heart jumped when I saw the Juni decor but, reading the menu, soon realized that there's not a whole lot for vegetarians there. Not much of a surprise but I was disappointed.

Why are Asian restaurants either cheap hole in the wall dives that offer fantastic food at great value, or large unattractive dining halls? Can you think of any vegetarian-friendly Asian spot that has an attractive decor and pleasant atmosphere? I'm still looking but for now I'm coming up empty. Any and all help would be appreciated. Merci!

[catroast]

Try L'Orchidee de Chine on Peel. They have vegetarian dishes but I would call in advance to determine the extent to which they can accomodate you. I suspect that they are flexible and understanding given their location and my past experience.

http://www.orchideedechine.ca

While not as romantic as Orchidee de Chine, Soy on St-Laurent is a trendier, but not dive-y option that is probably suited to vegetarians http://restaurantsoy.com/

Then there is that Chinese restaurant at Bernard and Bloomfield that used to be called Delices D'Orient. They recently made the place over.

[j_do]

there's really no market for high end asian in this city. even the so-called "best sushi" spots in Montreal are pathetic when compared to average ones in other metropolitan cities. you definitely won't find Vietnamese, let alone "vegetarian-friendly" Vietnamese (an oxymoron), in a yuppified setting in this city.

and as a Carnivorous Vietnamese I must say I find your "Vegetarian-friendly Asian spot that doesn't look like crap?" title to in pretty bad taste.

[shawnziii]

Thank you all for your suggestions, I will look into them right away. J_do, I apologize for the unfortunate title. You're right. I've modified it.

[Plateaumaman]

You might enjoy Nonya, upscale Indonesian food in Mile End. Or Su Shian Yuan, Taiwanese vegetarian on Rachel near St-Denis (less romantic though, but no worries about the menu at all). Their hotpot dishes could be romantic. Miga, a good Korean place, a few doors down also will make any of the dishes as vegetarian and they are apporter votre vin. And Chu Chai is nice, although I usually go to Chuch and ask for the Chu Chai menu because I like the decor there.

[chefjeannine]

Right near Nonya is Omma, a great Korean place. I've been a few times and really enjoy it.

[lagatta]

Thanks, I was thinking the same thing. There are lots of holes-in-the-wall of all ethnic and national origins.

[j_do]

yes, and to be honest I find these so called hole-in-the-walls much more romantic than cold, generic and pseudo-upscale rooms.

an asian restaurant where you can go for a fancy romantic white table cloth dinner wearing a suit/dress just doesn't exist in this city, unfortunately!

[unlaced]

Though I have never eaten there, the pictures of Le Piment Rouge's dining room are lovely and they definitely have vegetarian options on their menu.

[Plateaumaman]

Le Cristal Chinois has a lot of table cloths, actually, even on their chairs and good food with lots of vegetable dishes. I've only been for dim sum but it might be a thought for a romantic dinner - nice view of the city from the 6th floor.

[SourberryLily]

Actually, this might be a good option if the goal is to impress your date and have nice setting.

There will be a hefty price tag though. You have been warned!

[Peaches to Poutine]

Seconding Chu Chai. My spouse and I have gone there plenty of times for romantic evenings out (I'm vegan and he's omni).

[unlaced]

I went to the renovated Chu Chai just before Christmas and whilst the decor is nice, I didn't find that it was a very romantic setting. The tables along the wall are extremely close together and the noise levels are high. Our group of four was next to a table of two who appeared to be on a first date, and we could hear everything they were saying and vice versa. The food was good, if not a little overpriced.

[lagatta]

Hello Shawn,

There is an attractive Vietnamese restaurant on St-Laurent at the corner of St-Zotique, Restaurant Lan. I haven't eaten there but someone whose judgement I value has and says it is good; it is also a byow (and there is a SAQ very close by at the corner of Mozart). It has a view on Petite-Italie park.

Lan
6700, boul St Laurent
[phone]
Montréal, H2S 3C7 Métro De Castelneau
Vietnamienne, Sushi

Not Asian, but fusion and more vegetarian than omnivore, the new resto Santa Barbara nearby on St-Zotique:

436, rue St-Zotique E (coin St-Vallier)
Montréal, QC, H2S 1L9 métro Beaubien
[phone]

It is more "cute" than upscale in décor, but is warm and welcoming and could be romantic for some; depends on your definition. There are positive write-ups in the Gazette and Voir; easy to look up.

[SourberryLily]

Have you looked up Chu Chai?

How about Aziatik? I have been there and the decor is really nice, in the quiet part of Old Montreal. It's more Asian fusion but the food is good.