Vegan
American
International
Juice bar
Beer/Wine
Take-out
Bakery
Catering
European
Vegan restaurant, est. since 1987 previously at 386 Main St (moved here in 2013). Offers lunch and dinner menu, plus juices, smoothies, whole vegan cakes to take home, and fresh bread. Weekly specials and Sunday brunch. Displays local CT art. Open Tue-Thu 11:00am-8:00pm, Fri-Sat 11:00am-9:00pm, Sun 11:00am-3:00pm.
136 Reviews
First Review by A3TIMECUSTOMER
Dimpals
Points +16
satisfied customer - Edit
So glad I found this vegan spot.Will deffinetly go with my best friend when I visit Connecticut again .Staff very friendly and food delish!!!
Read morePros: best vegan restaurant in ct so far :)
Renana
Thank You!
Read moreGuest
Cspencer30
Points +22
Saturday Night Dinner - Edit
I went for dinner on Valentine’s Day. The food was delicious. The servings are very big. I had to take most of it home.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2026-02-15
Pros: Friendly Service, Good Food, Calm ambiance
Guest
ForTheAnimals23
Points +891
Loved the seitan steak! - Edit
Friendly staff and yummy food
Read moreGuest
caracaraorange
Points +1567
Non-vegans loved it - Edit
Literally everything was so good. Best fried tofu I’ve had in ma life. I dream about this place.
Read moreMust tries: Fried cauliflower, Southern bowl, fried tofu
Updated from previous review on 2026-01-19
Pros: The dream, Same tastes carnivores grew up with, Best tofu in the world
Guest
LukeAndreotta
Points +22
Amazing - Edit
Incredible food and staff. One of my favorite spots I've found in 10 years of being vegan.
Read moreGuest
cristafaro
Points +22
Great Fully Vegan Restaurant - Edit
I’ve been to ION at least a half dozen times. I’ve received delicious, unique, and beautifully prepared meals. Make sure you check them out for Sunday Brunch!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-12-19
Pros: Vegan Brunch! , Mac Attack, All vegan!
Guest
AwesomeVegan729
Points +125
Beautiful atmosphere - Edit
And great food. The portions are large. We had the seitan steak and southern plate plus deserts. Everything was amazing. The staff was kind. They have coloring pages for kids (and adults). Overall a great meal.
Read morePros: Everything is delicious , Comfortable environment , Good amount of food
Guest
TaylorMason
Points +610
Gorgeous vegan spot in CT! - Edit
I travel to Hartford for work frequently but rarely have free time to explore on my own. I’m so glad this trip I got to go to ION. The inside was gorgeous, the staff was really nice, and the food was delicious. I’ll definitely come back!
Read moreGuest
PatrickMcKenna
Points +24
Great food - Edit
Plenty of options , Great atmosphere
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-08-31
Guest
Amyladedada1
Points +906
Long time ION customer - Edit
I have been going to ION for a very very long time. There is a lot of care put into the food made here. Some dishes I love and some dishes I fine are not for me, but that’s more of a personal preference. I love their bunch menu with a Bloody Mary that has the rice paper bacon on the side, YES PLEASE. The service can be slower so it is an experience like you’re in a restaurant in Europe. It isn’t for folks that want to get a quick bite in a hurry- order take out. With that being said, the staff are so kind. Happy to have a spot like this near my home.
Read moreMy cons is that the last few times I’ve come and there is a wait- they will seat groups out of order. If a group were waiting near the door they will seat them first if you were waiting outside (same sized group) It has happened a few times. Once during the winter they sat me near the door when a different group who came after picked their table. It probably just isn’t a concern by the staff.
July 2025 update: be careful folks! The owner remembers my review and name 🙄. No constructive dialogue other than asking my name and then saying “you can buy this place then”. Which was the only time she’s ever addressed my review from three years ago. Very strange vibes and they are totally taking the feedback personal. 🙁
Not changing my review. Won’t be intimidated! ❤️
Updated from previous review on 2022-08-28
Pros: All vegan and cruelty free focus
Cons: Slow service (to get food mostly) , Staff seem unhappy- sketchy management?
Renana
Strange review all around, can't say I agree, but we have certainly addressed all constructive criticism. Be well!
Read moreGuest
Norwottuck
Points +179
A bit greasy but still enjoyable. - Edit
I am happy to support vegan restaurants because I know how hard it can be. I’ve eaten here twice and enjoyed the food but each meal ordered was just too greasy. Specifically the cauliflower was just dripping. I will visit again and actively order the least fried and greasy plate available and revisit my review! The price is also a bit high overall. Love the decor, and furniture!
Read moreGuest
ec0009
Points +100
Good vibes - Edit
Good place to go with homemade vegan food - has large portions
Read morePros: Good food, Good service, Fast delivery
Guest
Kstarb
Points +247
Ion - Edit
Now all vegan. Went for Sunday brunch and it was delicious. The cornbread is my favorite, and whatever they use for their vegan bacon is very unique and really good. The coconut cake was also amazing . Highly recommended
Read morePros: All vegan , Creative menu , Good protein options
Cons: Closes early on Sundays after brunch
Guest
kwasdick
Points +74
Best of the best! - Edit
I have to stop here every time I’m traveling through CT! I’ll never leave without a maple latte. Their Mac and cheese is so rich and savory! My favorite item on the menu for sure. Buffalo tempura cauliflower was one of the best I’ve had! I’ll always recommend Ion!
Read moreGuest
H54LF
Points +238
Nice - Edit
Nice little spot with a good selection. Went for a Sunday brunch in the afternoon and it was packed! We got a table in the middle of the floor but the sun was in my eyes the whole time. Not their fault they were busy 🫠.
Read moreOrdered the tofu scramble, special pancakes (blueberry triple stack) and garlic parmesan cauliflower. A lemonade and guava kombucha for drinks. The pancakes were the best. Super fluffy and filling- really so tasty! The tofu scramble plate was alright. The rice paper bacon was really salty and the home fries could’ve been cooked to make the potatoes a little crispier. I would ask them to cook them longer if you’re after a crunch. The cauliflower and sauce was good but a bit strong for my palate. We took a bunch of leftovers home.
Overall good flavors although a bit pricey, they were good sized portions. I would eat here again if I was passing through the area but I don’t know if I’d go out of my way to visit.
Updated from previous review on 2024-12-18
Pros: All plant based, Environment, Portions
Cons: Pricey
Guest
Lis91
Points +130
Yum-mazing! - Edit
The food here is so good, unfortunately did not get any pics. My husband and I got a few different things to share because we could not decide! We got the mac’n cheese, kale salad, and grilled seitan entree (the bacon butter brussel sprouts that it came with were the highlight for both of us). The vibe of the restaurant is cool, the staff friendly, and love that the drinks came with metal straws 😊
Read moreGuest
GuillermoIrizarry
Points +42
Magical place - Edit
First time visiting and was mesmerized by the decor and the friendly service. What a magical space, plants, art, and natural wood tables. The menu is broad: delicious appetizers (ie, cauliflower chicken wings and breaded tofu), exquisite southwestern salad, and decadent cookies. What a discovery. It is worth the 30 minute drive.
Read moreGuest
HDenny
Points +228
Vegan - Edit
Read moreION had a lovely environment. The waiter was attentive and very helpful in the menu. Enjoyed the food.
Pros: 100% Vegan, Great appetizer , Relaxing space
Guest
AnnHarrisonWehr
Points +141
Cool atmosphere and good food - Edit
My husband and I had a great first visit to ION. I had the southern plate and he had the mac attack. We also took home 2 slices of carrot cake. Everything was fantastic! Service was good too. We will be back if we are in the area.
Read moreGuest
jennscully
Points +216
OMG So goooooooooood! - Edit
This place is amazing! I would give it 10 stars. The cheeseburger is out of this world! Even meat-eaters in our group loved it. Cauliflower is perfection. So glad we stopped in. It’s so cutely decorated as well. Love, love, love!
Read moreGuest
Suzieq45
Points +22
Allwaysvegan5 - Edit
Excellent service and the food was great!! I had the pulled mushroom sandwich 👍
Read morePros: Service, Food , Atmosphere
Guest
RavishingRavenous
Points +3547
Best Vegan Restaurant in Connecticut! - Edit
Its often you see vegan restaurants come and go. Ion, established in 1987 has been around longer than I have been alive. It's 37 years speaks to the great food, staff, restaurant vibes, and the Middletown community.
Read moreI ordered the daily special, Tae's Mac Attack which included creamy mac cheese, topped with corn breading, BBQ Tofu and scallions. It was delicious! Mac was so creamy and nut free (many places use cashew and I am allergic). Tofu was so juicy and tender, sweet with a hint of spiciness. Really well-balanced. I hope this becomes a regular dish!
My mom is non-vegan but she has been enjoying trying vegan places with me😄She ordered the Caesar Salad. This is my mom's favorite salad that she orders anywhere we go, so she has pretty high expectations. I think her only criticism was that it was a littler light on dressing. But she like it, the corn bread croutons, and ate it all.
I can't believe I have never been here before and will be my go to when I am in the area.
Main street in Middletown is a cute area that seems vegan friendly with another Vegan restaurant that is Thai. Also, many vegan products at Its Only Natural Market (Not affiliated with the restaurant and is not vegan, but packed with vegan products), and I walked by Melted Madness which has a vegan menu. Plenty of metered street parking.
Guest
TrilliumTerrific
Points +65
Amazing!! - Edit
Best vegan meal I have had in a restaurant! Food was absolutely amazing! The flavors, presentation, and ingenuity were above and beyond. Service was also exceptional! And the whole place has a lovely atmosphere. I can't wait to go back!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-06-01
Pros: Delicious, creative vegan dishes, Exceptional service , Lovely atmosphere
Guest
audreyc
Points +1105
Delicious food, friendly place - Edit
I had a wonderful experience here. The menu is extensive, everything I ate was delicious, and the folks who work here were beyond kind, helpful, and friendly. I got to try the grilled seitan, the chickpea parmesan sandwich, the garlic parmesan tempura cauliflower, the sweet potato fries, the carrot cake, and the chocolate peanut butter cheesecake. The portion sizes are generous.
Read moreThe venue is nice and spacious. There appears to be a fair amount of (possibly paid?) street parking available on the street where the restaurant is located. I went on a Saturday night and there weren’t any spots available right by the restaurant. I parked a couple blocks away (on a side street, and I didn’t have to pay for parking).
A heads up for anyone who may be going there with kids—there is a prominent piece of art in at least one of the two all-gender restrooms that contains nudity.
Updated from previous review on 2023-08-13
Pros: Friendly, inclusive atmosphere, Two all-gender restrooms
Cons: Restroom art may not be kid-appropriate (nudity)
Guest
Monkeyboy112771
Points +156
Yummy - Edit
The food is delicious. The staff is friendly. Food came out quickly. Locations has its pros and cons .  pro is that it downtown Middletown.. con is there is some less fortunate people wandering the streets. You have to pay for parking. 
Read moreGuest
troylake67
Points +36
Great Experience - Edit
We stopped in and had "crab" cakes and grilled seitan, mashed potatoes and brussel sprouts. Everything was delicious and the presentation was lovely. Will make it a more regular stop!
Read moreGuest
TiaStreeterHutchins
Points +3213
Fantastic vegan reataurant in Hartford, CT - Edit
This is an amazing vegan restaurany with so many delicious options and a great place to hang at a good location in the heart of Hartford.
Read moremark m braunstein
Correct restaurant, wrong city.
Read moreGuest
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