Vegan
American
Take-out
Bakery
Catering
Gluten-free
Canadian
Restaurant and bakery providing vegan comfort food and baked goods, with gluten-free options. Serves lunch until, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Open Tue-Sat 11:00am-10:00pm, Sun 11:00am-3:00pm.
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120 St. Paul St, St Catharines, Ontario, Canada, L2R 3M2
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Last update on 30 Aug 2023 by geometric-noise
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Added by veganstastebetter on 04 Apr 2011
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113 Reviews
First Review by veganstastebetter
HannahP96
Points +497
Yum, yum and more yum - Edit
We tried the seitan nuggets (HUGE portion, my god), stuffed mushrooms, kale caesar, scallop mushroom pasta, spring pie, grilled cheese sandwich, and cheddar mac, and every dish was outstanding. The chocolate ice cream was outrageously good too. We almost had to be rolled out of there on a gurney (but we only get there like once every five years, so we just had to try a bunch of stuff!). Bathrooms are nice too.
Read morePros: Outstanding cuisine, Big portions, Nice bathrooms
Guest
Kriscatch
Points +681
Best place to eat in Niagara region - Edit
Every time I’m in the Niagara region, I need to have a meal at Rise Above. The atmosphere is nice and people are super friendly. But most importantly, the food is really delicious!
Read moreGuest
nataliabrcoelho
Points +81
Amazing! - Edit
I came here after visiting the Niagara Falls. The place looked simple and I thought the reviews were exaggerating. But when I tried the food I that it is really amazing! I would eat here everyday!!! Loved it!!
Read moreGuest
soon50two
Points +101
Wonderful experience - Edit
We stopped in for a late lunch and it was fantastic. We didn't make a reservation as we were from out of town but after a short wait we were seated. From the moment we were greeted to the moment we said goodbye, the service was great.
Read moreEach dish that walked by looked delicious. We both went for a tempeh salad. I also had a mint chocolate smoothy. A very flavourful salad! We'll be returning if we r back in the area. Thanks.
Pros: Ambiance great (brick walks, music in background), Good beer choices, Friendly staff
Guest
ChelseaLynn427
Points +321
So lovely, delicious food! - Edit
I love the atmosphere. The salt and pepper shakers are so cute. So many options, and great service. Everything about this place is perfect.
Read morePros: Delicious, Cozy interior, Super friendly and happy staff
Cons: A little pricey but it’s worth it
Guest
Reese
Points +58
My favorite restaurant within 100 miles! - Edit
I have been a vegan for 20 years, I lived in DC for 18 years and have been to the best vegan restaurants around the country. Rise Above is the best vegan food in this area. I live across the border in Western New York, but it's a short drive (assuming no bridge traffic), and I don't think the prices are high at all after the exchange. I was pleasantly surprised the 2 times I've been there when I get my credit card bill. The exchange rate is in our favor right now. I've loved almost everything I've eaten, with the possible exception of a cheesecake one time... But I prefer the savory food anyway to desserts. The portions are great, so we always have leftovers. The service is stellar. We've always found free parking after business hours on the street. I just renewed my passport and am looking forward to coming back as much as possible in 2019!
Read morePros: All vegan, Excellent taste, Nice atmosphere
Cons: Desserts need work
StephenCaldwell
Thanks for the great tip. We'll be in the area in mid-October and will definitely eat there.
Read moreGuest
Wattsup
Points +397
A fun surprise - Edit
We drove out of our way from the falls to St. Catharines. I felt dumb for doing it but was super happy when we got to the restaurant. I liked the music, the lighting, all the vegan cheese options! We would go again.
Read morePros: A Spicey mule drink, Great sausage pizza rolls, Fun environment
Cons: Little parking available, Pricey
Guest
FannyLanoix
Points +38
Favourite vegan restaurant!! - Edit
You must go there! It's delicious, the place is super cute and the staff is really nice.
Read moreGuest
martint
Points +8705
Best restaurant in the area - Edit
This place is a MUST when visiting Niagara Falls. There are not many options in the area, but this restaurant is a real gem. The food is just excellent.
Read morePros: very tasty food
Cons: none
Guest
EmilyForshaw
Points +24
Delicious! - Edit
The food was amazing! I had the grilled cheese and Mac n cheese, tried a bite of the killer crunch wrap and wedges, all we so yummy! MAKE SURE TO MAKE A RESERVATION! It was super busy when we went and didn’t make a reservation so ended up having to get take-out.
Read moreGuest
jstrosnider
Points +22
Best Vegan Grilled Cheese and Cheesecake I’ve ever tasted! - Edit
We were visiting Niagara-On-The-Lake and Niagara Falls and searching for a lunch or dinner option and found Rise Above. Note in September 2018 there is facade construction going on but the restaurant is open and very worth looking for. My boyfriend and I split a Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burger w/ jalapeño aioli and a Grilled (cashew mozzarella) Cheese & Pesto sandwich. Both came with sides and we both opted for a curried chickpea soup that was also delicious- flavorful without being just a heavy dose of curry. The breads on the sandwich & burger were both tasty but the Grilled Cheese was to die for! Everything on the menu sounded delicious. Though I’m personally not a fan of any mushrooms, other folks were raving about the stuffed mushrooms. Lastly we had to try the strawberry cheesecake cake and I can honestly report that non-vegans would have no idea it was vegan - it was light & creamy - so yummy; apparently made with magic!
Read moreGuest
cadecairos
Points +28
Worth the drive! - Edit
Drove out of Niagara Falls to eat here as it's the only vegan place in the region. It was very much worth it. Will definitely return the next time we're in the area.
Read moreGuest
Garbanzito
Points +52
Love - Edit
Every dish I’ve tasted I have at least enjoyed. Most dishes I LOVE! Everything is vegan and their menu changes with the seasons- which I love! We mostly order takeout, but we do occasionally dine in for lunch, dinner, or brunch on Sundays! We always get bummed out when we want to go for dinner and then realize they’re closed on Mondays! Haha. But we get it, it’s a small restaurant and you need a day of rest. Bring back the pizza rolls!!!!!
Read morePros: All vegan, Desserts and baked goods, Delicious, changing menu
Guest
Cherylmay
Points +245
Great place, always happy - Edit
I’ve been here many times and I’m always pleased. The food is great, quick service, good serving sizes. Couldn’t ask for more.
Read morePros: All vegan
Cons: Often busy
Guest
lauraismynametoo
Points +243
Amazing! - Edit
Had delicious brunch here on a Sunday. Grateful we could get a table despite not having a reservation. My omni dad loved the avocado benedict and I had nostalgic French toast. Everything was delicious and the staff was (mostly) friendly.
Read morePros: food, decor, friendly servers
Cons: hostess could be nicer
Guest
blissful_brittany
Points +130
Sunday morning ritual - Edit
We eat brunch here almost every sunday, have gone through almost every thing on the brunch menu. Food is outstanding, always delicious, service is nice and friendly, we take friends and family here to let them experience something new and they always rave about it.
Read moreI spend more money here then i should but its just so damn good!
Pros: vegan gluten free pancakes, absolutely delicious, favourite brunch spot
Guest
MattRamage
Points +23
Great food, great service! Definitely recommend. - Edit
Took the family here on a Niagara trip and loved it!
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options
Guest
linkin
Points +591
Worth the trip! - Edit
This place is fantastic. Great portion sizes, and both comfort food and nice healthy options. Went with a non-vegan friend who exclaimed on numerous occasions how good his food was. Was sadly too full for dessert, but would go back here in a heartbeat.
Read morePros: Friendly staff, Great variety, Amazing food
Guest
funkypeach
Points +31
Yummy & Fresh! - Edit
This place is good! My boyfriend and I had lunch here and we are not vegan or vegetarian. Regardless, we both loved our food choices. I had the roasted miso bowl and he had the highrise burger with supreme potato wedges. The portions were good. Not too huge (ie. wasteful) and not too small. We also both had dessert -- a brownie and the PB blondie bar. Everything was delish! Service was good, the environment was cozy and clean. We would recommend this place for sure. The prices were decent. On par with other vegan places we've eaten at in Ontario. This place is downtown so there is no parking lot right at the restaurant.
Read morePros: Excellent food, Decent prices, Good service
Cons: No parking at the restaurant
Guest
MichaelBrindamour
Points +18
Fantastic! - Edit
Great all around restaurant! Everything is vegan, but the non vegans were happy too!
Read morePros: Great menu of varying options!, Kid friendly
Cons: none
Guest
renovatingsuz
Points +103
Can't wait to return - Edit
Amazing. We drove 200km to try this place and it was well worth it. We decided to split a couple of appetizers and were considering a third in order to try as many different items as possible. So glad we only tried the crispy seitan and the wedges supreme. The portions are big and the two of us couldn't finish it all. The flavours are wonderful and the staff are welcoming and helpful. Save room for a chocolate milkshake.
Read morePros: All vegan , Wonderful staff
Guest
gwild
Points +1596
outstanding vegan gem - Edit
We have now dined at this place dozens of times and they are consistently amazing. I love that the menu is constantly changing with the seasons.
Read moreThey are located in downtown St. Catharines which is about a 20 minute drive from Niagara Falls. The place is very inviting with high ceilings with a cool brick wall. A reservation is recommended as they are usually full. The servers have always been friendly and informative.
The prices are amazing considering the quality and the location. When I go out I like something special that would be very difficult to make at home and this place delivers.
Last night I had the Crispy Squash Tacos:
Coconut crusted butternut squash, shredded kale and brussels sprouts, smoky onions and chili aioli, in soft corn tortillas, with pico de gallo, refried beans and rice.
They were $15 and delicious.
My daughter had the $13 dumpling noodle bowl: Seitan and shittake dumplings, sauteed carrots, broccoli, cabbage and bean sprouts tossed with rice noodles in a warm umami broth. The dumplings were outstanding and the serving size was huge.
My husband loved his comfort bowl that consisted of mashed potatoes with corn, garlic sautéed kale, and crispy seitan, covered with mushroom gravy.
My son enjoyed his penne noodles tossed with peppers and onions in a fresh spinach basil pesto, served on a bed of cashew cream, and topped with housemade italian sausage. He said the sausage was one of the best things he’s even eaten and he loved the texture.
Last night we were too full for dessert but when we have tried them they were incredible.
My family and I highly recommend this restaurant.
Pros: desserts wow, delicious , vegan
Cons: none
Guest
JonJon
Points +20759
Super vegan restaurant! - Edit
Rise above offers a wide range of dishes such as burgers, seitan with various sauces, breakfasts (English of French), ice creams, pies, pasta, tacos... Their food is very tasty (I went their twice and I took a burger, a mac & cheese, the seitan with BBQ sauce, a chocolate ice cream, a mushroom soup and the French breakfast) and I didn't regret my choices. The place is pleasant, the staff is friendly and you are served relatively quickly. The size of the dishes is usually quite big. A must-go if you are visiting Niagara Falls (even if it is not near the Falls, you will need a car). Very convenient, you can eat until late in the afternoon.
Read morePros: many choices, tasty food, friendly staff, wide opening hours
Guest
iheartvegan
Points +28
good food, long wait times - Edit
The food at Rise Above is good most of the time, however you will have to wait a very long time to get a table and then there will be another long wait before the food arrives. Even for takeout it takes a very long time. And unfortunately because they are currently the only fully vegan restaurant in town, they don’t seem too concerned about this because they think people will come back anyways. Unfortunately, we won’t. We used to go fairly often but are now at the point where we are unlikely to return. There are lots of other great restaurants in town with vegan options and better service. Beechwood Doughnuts recently made changes to their store to better serve their customers, for Rise Above similar changes are way overdue. If you plan on going, bring your patience.
Read morePros: fully vegan, food is usually pretty good, prices are fairly affordable
Cons: long wait times, bakery items were better with previous bakers, made mistakes with our food before with no apology
Guest
Raze
Points +21
great food - Edit
We stopped in for an early dinner, it was great food. It was such a pleasure to have an entire menu of delicious sounding vegan dishes to choose from. We will definitely go back next time we are in the area.
Read moreGuest
fruitiJulie
Points +3409
Absolutely Delicious! - Edit
The dishes at Rise Above are beautifully presented. The Saucy Seitan appetizer is probably the best version of Seitan I have ever had (worth the trip to Canada if you live near the border), it came with a side Lemon garlic dipping sauce. I also had the coconut avocado tacos and falafel bowl. Both these dishes were remarkable. I also recommend tacos since they have a gentle sweet touch of mango in them. The staff were all super friendly and approachable. I can't wait to come back here again!
Read moreGuest
Bobarrin
Points +15
Great food and excellent service! - Edit
100% vegan restaurant! Need to reserve beforehand as it's a small location and fills up quickly. Staff was super friendly and the food was delicious. Would definitely recommend!
Read moreGuest
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