Steakhouse dining might evoke images of sizzling cuts of meat, but a delightful array of vegetarian dishes is waiting to be discovered. Whether dining out with omnivorous friends or simply craving something hearty and delicious, steakhouse restaurants have a variety of vegetarian offerings that can satisfy any palate. In Calgary, you’ll find these vegetarian-friendly options across various steakhouse restaurants, proving that you don’t need to be a meat-eater to enjoy a luxurious meal.
Bruschetta
Discover the vibrant flavours of Bruschetta, an excellent vegetarian starter choice. This classic Italian appetizer is reinvented with a contemporary flair, showcasing crispy toasted bread and a lively combination of ripe tomatoes, onions, aromatic basil, and garlic, all finished with a drizzle of top-quality olive oil. Enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and flavours, from the crispy bread to the succulent tomatoes, fragrant basil, and zesty garlic, complemented by the richness of the olive oil. Bruschetta is a delicious and fulfilling beginning, perfect for vegetarians seeking a flavorful option.
Panko-Crusted Cauliflower
Panko-crusted cauliflower is a fantastic vegetarian appetizer for those dining at a steak house. This dish typically features tender cauliflower florets coated in a crispy panko breadcrumb crust, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, the cauliflower is baked to golden perfection, ensuring a delightful combination of textures and flavours. Served with a tangy dipping sauce, this appetizer offers your meal a refreshing and light start. It’s a delicious and fulfilling choice, perfect for vegetarians looking to enjoy a flavorful and hearty option.
Soups & Salads
Steakhouses are known for their generous and indulgent salads. Here are a few vegetarian-friendly options:
House Greens
House Greens is a delightful salad featuring fresh baby greens, crisp cucumber, juicy baby tomatoes, and a tangy white balsamic vinaigrette. This light and refreshing dish perfectly balances flavours and textures, combining crunchy vegetables with a zesty dressing for a satisfying dining experience. Enjoy a vibrant mix of garden-fresh ingredients in every bite of a House Greens salad.
Caprese Salad
This classic salad features a colourful array of heirloom tomatoes, creamy fior di latte mozzarella, and fresh herbs. Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a balsamic reduction, it is simple yet elegant and showcases the essence of fresh ingredients and harmonious flavours. Enjoy a refreshing combination of ripe tomatoes, delicate mozzarella, and aromatic herbs in every delightful bite.
Forest Mushroom Soup
Experience the comforting allure of Forest Mushroom Soup, a velvety blend of roasted mushrooms, truffle crema, and chopped chives. This creamy concoction boasts a depth of flavours and a luscious texture that elevates it beyond its traditional soup status. It offers a hearty and satisfying starter or light meal option. Immerse yourself in the wholesome goodness of each spoonful, savouring the earthy aroma and rich taste of this delectable dish.
Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Chowder
This creamy chowder uses blended cashews to achieve its rich texture, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans. The roasted garlic adds depth to the flavour, while the cauliflower keeps it light and nutritious. It’s a perfect starter or a comforting main dish on a cool evening.
Market Vegetable Linguini
For pasta lovers, Market Vegetable Linguini is an excellent choice for vegetarians dining at a steakhouse. This vibrant dish features sautéed mushrooms, baby carrots, yellow squash, zucchini, and asparagus, all perfectly tossed with tender linguini. The vegetables are combined with a house-made tomato-basil sauce, creating a harmonious blend of fresh flavours. The colourful vegetable medley adds visual appeal and a satisfying crunch to each bite. It’s a hearty and delicious main course showcasing the best seasonal produce, making it a standout vegetarian option.
Mushroom Stroganoff
Mushroom Stroganoff is a comforting and hearty option for vegetarians dining at a Calgary steakhouse. This dish features slow-cooked mushrooms in a creamy sauce made with vegetarian gravy, dill pickles, and sour cream, providing a depth of flavour that rivals its traditional beef counterpart. Served over tender egg noodles, it offers a rich and satisfying meal perfect for a cozy night out. Combining earthy mushrooms and the tangy, creamy sauce creates a deliciously balanced flavour profile. This vegetarian main course is satisfying and bursting with flavour, making it an excellent choice on a steakhouse menu.
Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is an excellent option for vegetarians visiting a steakhouse. This hearty meal consists of breaded and fried eggplant slices generously layered with marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s important to use a vegetarian-friendly Parmesan to maintain the integrity of this beloved dish. With its flavorful combination of crispy eggplant, savoury marinara, and gooey cheese, Eggplant Parmesan offers a satisfying dining experience that’s sure to please vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Whether as a main course or a flavorful side dish, this Italian favourite brings comfort and tradition to any steakhouse menu.
Herb-crusted Cauliflower Steaks with Beans and Tomatoes
Embrace the savoury satisfaction of a steakhouse meal with Herb-Crusted Cauliflower Steaks, a vegetarian delight that rivals its meaty counterparts in flavour and presentation. Each cauliflower steak is generously coated in savoury garlic-herb oil and roasted to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful centrepiece. Accompanied by a medley of tender white beans and succulent cherry tomatoes tossed in the same flavorful oil, this dish delivers a harmonious balance of flavours and textures. With its rich depth of flavour and wholesome ingredients, Herb-Crusted Cauliflower Steaks with Beans and Tomatoes stand as a testament to the culinary ingenuity of vegetarian cuisine, making it a must-try option for vegetarians seeking a memorable dining experience at a steakhouse.
Spicy Rigatoni
This flavorful dish features al dente rigatoni pasta tossed in a spicy tomato-based sauce infused with garlic, chilli flakes, and aromatic herbs. Each bite delivers a satisfying kick of heat balanced with the rich sauce flavours. Served piping hot and garnished with fresh parsley, it provides a hearty and fulfilling dining experience. The robust flavours and satisfying textures of Spicy Rigatoni make it a popular choice among vegetarians seeking a flavorful and satisfying meal at the steakhouse.
Sides
From classic favourites like grilled asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes to creative options like truffle fries and grilled vegetable skewers, these dishes will surely enhance your dining experience at your local steakhouse.
- Grilled Asparagus: A classic vegetarian side dish that pairs beautifully with steaks. Tender spears are lightly seasoned and grilled, bringing natural sweetness and smoky flavour.
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Savory and versatile, these tender mushrooms cooked in herbs, garlic, and butter add depth to any meal. They are perfect as a topping or standalone.
- Creamed Spinach: Decadent and indulgent, this dish pleases vegetarians and meat-eaters. Wilted spinach combined with a creamy sauce of butter, cream, and cheese pairs perfectly with several mains.
- Roasted Vegetables: Hearty and satisfying, these seasonal vegetables are tossed in olive oil and roasted until caramelized and tender. They add colour and flavour.
- Baked Potato is a comforting and filling staple. A russet potato is baked until tender and topped with butter, sour cream, chives, and cheese.
- Steamed Broccoli: This simple and nutritious dish pairs well with many main course dishes. Fresh broccoli is cooked until tender-crisp and seasoned to highlight its natural flavour.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Flavorful and indulgent. Creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic and butter, rich and creamy.
- Grilled Vegetable Skewers: These are colourful and vibrant, adding elegance to any main course. A variety of vegetables are grilled on skewers and served with balsamic glaze.
- Truffle Fries: Decadent and savoury, truffle fries elevate any meal. Crispy fries are tossed with truffle oil, parmesan cheese, and herbs.
- Onion Rings: Thick onion slices are battered and fried until golden and crispy, a perfect accompaniment.
Desserts
For vegetarians looking to conclude their steakhouse dining experience on a sweet note, the dessert menu offers an array of delectable options that satisfy any palate.
Crème Brulée
This indulgent treat is delicately flavoured with vanilla. It is a classic French dessert cherished for its velvety custard base and crisp caramelized sugar. It offers a satisfying contrast between the smooth, creamy custard and the brittle, caramelized crust. Each spoonful is a harmonious blend of richness and sweetness, making it a timeless favourite among dessert enthusiasts.
Flourless Chocolate Torte
This decadent dessert is a chocolate lover’s dream, featuring layers of rich Amaretto mousse, silky chocolate ganache, and smooth vanilla anglaise. The flourless torte boasts a dense and fudgy texture, with each bite delivering an intense burst of chocolate flavour. The subtle hint of Amaretto adds a delightful nutty undertone, while the vanilla anglaise provides a creamy and velvety finish, making this dessert an irresistible indulgence for any occasion.
Cheesecake with Choice of Topping
Indulge in creamy perfection with a classic cheesecake, topped with your choice of salted caramel, luscious strawberry, or a vibrant mixed berry topping. The cheesecake is a masterpiece of smooth and creamy consistency, with a buttery graham cracker crust providing the perfect contrast in texture. Whether you prefer the sweet and salty combination of salted caramel, the fruity freshness of strawberry, or the tartness of mixed berries, each topping option adds a delightful twist to this timeless dessert, ensuring a memorable and satisfying end to your meal.
Savour the Unexpected: Vegetarian Delights at Your Local Steakhouse
Steakhouses are no longer just for meat lovers. With creativity and willingness to explore the menu, vegetarians can find many delicious and satisfying options. So, next time you’re heading out to a steakhouse in Calgary, rest assured that plenty of vegetarian delights await you. From rich and creamy mushroom stroganoff to hearty herb-crusted cauliflower steaks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
