Vegan chicken is the new beef—is seafood the next frontier? The budding industry grew 23 percent in US sales in 2020 according to the Good Food Institute, now hovering at a $12 million market value. While this number pales in comparison to other more established plant-based sectors such as milk and meat ($2.5 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively), both the quantity and quality of vegan fish options have seen a prevalent uptick in recent years. Restaurants are also stepping their toes into the vegan fish category—typically in the form of a vegan fish sandwich. Could these flaky, fried handholds rise to the popularity of the vegan chicken sandwich? Here are 10 vegan fish sandwiches that make a strong case. Bring on the tartar sauce!
1 Honeybee Burger
First and foremost, this Los Angeles micro chain is a burger joint. In October 2021, it introduced a fishier handhold that would rival any animal-based Filet-o-Fish. The creation is made with a breaded and fried Good Catch plant-based fish fillet that’s given a proper schmear of tartar sauce and crowned with pickles. The fillet sits on a melty bed of two Violife cheddar slices, all held together between two soft potato buns. We know fish and cheese is a bit unorthodox but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
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2 Nice Guys
If you’re looking for a burger dive, Nice Guys is it. This no-frills joint serves up the basics with a grill that’s always hot and a deep fryer that’s always bubbling. The burger options are certainly worthy of consideration, but the fish sandwich option hits the spot if you’re not in the mood for vegan beef. The simple sesame seed bun handhold consists of two golden fish steaks on a patch of lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce. Be sure to pair it with a Nice Guys’ dairy-free Mooshake in strawberry, malt, chocolate, or vanilla.
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3 Champ’s Diner
A vegan New York City institution, Champ’s Diner holds true to the essence of diner food. The menu is comprehensive and eclectic, serving up everything from classic Reubens to French toast. Among the plethora of plant-based offerings is a solid fish fillet sandwich. Served with vegan cheese, fried pickles, and tzatziki sauce, it’s a bit of a detour from the traditional fish sandwich, but it’s delightful all the same.
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4 Veggie Grill
The Good Catch boom has infiltrated into several vegan-friendly restaurant menus—including Veggie Grill. In the fall of 2021, the national plant-based chain launched its Cajun Fish Sandwich featuring the Good Catch crispy fish fillet. The kitchen zhushes this humble sandwich up by adding lettuce, tomato, pickled celery, and a fiery Cajun Devil sauce slathered on two buttery brioche buns. Order while you can—not all new Veggie Grill items land on the permanent menu (though this fish sandwich certainly deserves it!).
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5 Detroit Vegan Soul
This isn’t just a fish sandwich, it’s a catfish sandwich. This woman- and Black-owned vegan eatery adds a taste of the South to its plant-based fish fillet by dredging tofu in a cornmeal batter and frying it until crispy. The homemade catfish is topped with lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce—all served on a fluffy, chewy pretzel bun. One bite, and you’ll agree that more sandwiches should be pretzeled.
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6 Plant Power Fast Food
While currently confined to California, this rapidly growing vegan fast-food chain may be coming to a state near you. Amongst the burgers, wraps, shakes, and tots, the ‘Fish’ Filet Sandwich is a star. It marries vegan cheese with a fried fish patty, tartar sauce, and the usual lettuce and tomato. The best thing? Many of these locations have drive-thrus.
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7 Slutty Vegan
You won’t find a Filet-o-Fish or something as commonly labeled as “fish sandwich” at Slutty Vegan. Instead, scan the menu for the item called the Heaux Boy. Unorthodox in name and composition, this vegan fish sandwich is made with fried vegan shrimp in lieu of a flaky steak. The New Orleans-seasoned crescents of shrimp are piled high along with shredded lettuce, tomato, pickles, and the chain’s signature Slut sauce barely contained on a sweet Hawaiian bun.
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8 The Seasoned Vegan
For a taste outside of the standard fillet, lettuce, and tomato, check out this family-owned spot in Harlem. It’s BBQ “Crawfish” Sandwich is one of the most popular items on the menu—no doubt thanks to the homemade ingredients that comprise this tasty sammie. The kitchen pairs fermented soy “crawfish” with grilled burdock root and smothers it all with Bayou BBQ sauce. This handhold is one of the most original vegan fish sandwiches we’ve ever had the pleasure to devour.
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9 Next Level Burger
You may walk up to the Next Level Burger counter with the intention of ordering a burger, but then you’ll spy someone taking a bite into the Fried Fish(less) Burger, and suddenly, a vegan fish sandwich will sound pretty good right about now. Paired with dairy-free American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce, this sandwich is basic yet satisfying. Order it with crinkle-cut fries for a terrific vegan fast-food experience.
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10 The Modern Vegan
Distinctly unique from a split-top lobster roll, The Modern Vegan’s Lobster Melt can only be found in Vegas. The triple-stacked sourdough sammie is loaded with heart of palm vegan lobster meat, melty plant-based cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and a swipe of pesto. If the standard fish sandwich doesn’t appeal, this lobster version will peak your curiosity at the very least.
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For more vegan fish finds, read:
10 Vegan Fish Products That Are Swimming in FlavorHealthy Vegan Pink Rice Sushi Roll with Creamy Ginger SauceCrispy Vegan Beer-Battered Tofu Fish & Chips