This use to be one of our favorite vegetarian restaurants in Connecticut. In fact they catered our vegan wedding 20 years ago. We moved from the area 8 years ago and have not been to ION for quite sometime. Yesterday was our 20th wedding anniversary, we were in the area and thought it would be great to hit ION for dinner. What a huge disappointment. I am not sure if they changed hands or we were there on a really off night, but it was one of the worst restaurant dinners I have had in a long time. The good: The crab cakes were really good, no complaints. The nachos were great too. The bad: The main courses were unfortunately nearly non-edible. I was really looking forward to the General Tso's Cauliflower, but the quinoa and cauliflower were excessively salty, I could only eat a small amount. The Mac and cheese was not creamy as described in the menu, but instead it was super dry, with a strong nutritional yeast flavor. It was so dry that it was nearly non-edible. The corn potato chowder was unappetizingly gelatinous, and flavorless. The servers were friendly but service was really slow. That is a 20th anniversary that we will never get back. I will have to figure out away to make this bad experience up. read more

Probably bite for bite the best vegan food I've ever eaten. The buffalo cauliflower and the chickpea burger are sensational. I'm still in awe of how much flavor there is in every bite. I used to think of healthy as bland but I'm pleasantly surprised as to how much I'm beginning to love vegan cuisine. The friendly staff was the cherry on the sundae! read more

Great restaurant serving only plant-based food. Has many gluten free options for both meals and desserts. Has nice outdoor seating.

a beautiful location i'm glad to have stumbled upon. it is extremely aesthetic. the food came super fast. the bloody mary's are fantastic, one of the best i've ever had! but quite salty if that is a concern for you. i prefer very salty things so it's a plus for me. i ordered the brunch "scramble" and it was really good, a lot of food. the tofu was seasoned really well and the "bacon" was an interesting and delicious surprise. the english muffin was also really good. my husband ordered the seitan steak benedict and it was excellent! also, the staff were incredibly friendly and so cute! we will definitely be coming back. read more

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Amazing food! Can't believe there were no reviews about this place. Great service, we had the Orange Seitan...so good, and don't forget to try the chocolaty chocolate cake! read more

ION Restaurant - Menu lots of options - Vegan Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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I love salty food but the cecina burrito from here was way too salty, especially for the price. Service was great and the cococnut cake is to die for. read more

My wife and went today she had the burrito bowl and I had the southern platter. She loved her burrito. My platter was great . It had breaded fried tofu, beans , garlicky kale greens and a huge pice of fantastic cornbread. Lemon aioli on the side. Our waiter was very good. Friendly, informative and attentive. We'll be back read more

Foods good or whatever but come on if I'm already willing to wait on a 90 min to go order, can we not make it 2 hours? Just unorganized. Also bring back the wraps read more

I made the 45 minute trip there to get crab cakes only to find out they were sold out, how can that be I arrived shortly after they opened? other than that I found it difficult to read the menu on the window at the entrance with customers trying to enter, so maybe placing it under a pane of glass on a table would be better or offer take out menu's again? The food is always awesome and worth the wait if your favorite menu item is available. read more

Been there a few times this year. Went there today for brunch. Love the new location and decor. I've heard that in the past few years they haven't been on point with the quality the experience. Well, today everything was fantastic. Good show! read more

The food was really good I just think that a food business should always be about food and not engage in political things and such. It would be nice to walk in and not know what they believe is a correct way of living. It was a little over powering when it came to feminist and the LGQBT community. Food is food and just that. read more

If you are a party of 4 or 5, forget this place. No reservations or call ahead and no waiting area. Waited 1 hour, frustrated and just left. I loved this place but never again. read more

The atmosphere was really cool. The decor was really cute! There's food options for everyone. Lots of things that would satisfy even those who don't typically eat vegan. Food was good, and the service was great as well. read more

ION continues to be amazing! The service is excellent-I went twice during a recent visit to Middletown and both times the servers were very friendly and provided exceptional service, particularly Kayli! The food was phenomenal, as always. I've been coming to ION for over twenty years and it never disappoints. I loved the reuben and the oyster mushroom calamari. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about ION! read more

Fantastic food!! Huge portions as well. The sweet potato fries are unreal. Service was great, and the atmosphere was super cute.

Food is really good service could be better. My first time here our server did not write anything down as we were ordering. We modified the seitan cheeseburger by adding avocado and swapping out the cheese for chao cheese.My best friend ordered a drink which didn't come until way after our food arrived. When we finally got our food there was no avocado like we asked and the cheese hadn't been replaced. After we ate it took forever for the server to come with our bill. Although it was a negative experience I think it was that particular server. I decided to give it another try this time going with my husband and baby. Our server was EXCELLENT he brought out my husbands drink within minutes, our food was out in a reasonable time, and he even brought out paper and colored pencils for my son read more

Great place to get big meals and delicious food! Bring your non vegan friends and family! They will love it too!

Pretty good for a vegetarian only restaurant - but the service is just awful, and SLOW! I'd come back because I like supporting local restaurants but will make sure I have ample time on both ends since the service isn't that great. read more

Ok... so I do not eat meat, and I have frequented a few places that specialize in vegan/vegetarian plates. The food here is decent, however there aren't many options that those who are carnivores could relate to and enjoy. That and the server was not very knowledgeable about the menu or pretty much anything else in the restaurant. Here we go, I took my 12 year old son and 6 year old daughter here. They are not vegetarians and they have had little exposure to the cuisine. Some might say this was my mistake, and I get that and would take full responsibility. However, upon walking in I was greeted by a server who was wearing a skin tight black tank top had a pretty straggly beard and a man bun. I have absolutely nothing against the look, I strongly feel to each his own, but when eating out I also don't want to worry about an armpit or beard hair falling into my food. It's concerning. We sat down to dinner, I am with two small children it took a while for someone to come to the table, and the place was not very busy. I explained to the server that this was our first time, and essentially their first experience with vegetarian alternatives, what would they suggest. There was little enthusiasm in trying to help out. I had to press the server until I finally said what tastes like chicken nuggets. She gave me some options, the southern fried tofu and the fried Seitan. The tofu was decent the seitan was too garlicky. As I write this about 15 hours later I can still taste them in my mouth. When I flipped over the menu I saw they had a kids menu. Kind of wondered why that was pointed out to me immediately. They simply had a cheese quesadilla. Now when I think of a cheese quesadilla for a child I am thinking something simple. Perhaps two tortilla shells with cheese in the middle. That's all. I was not expecting a quesadilla filled with beans onion sweet potatoes and pretty much everything else a small child would usually pick out of a salad. My son liked the tofu, but didn't enjoy anything else, and if there was stuff on the menu he would have liked I wouldn't know, because it almost seemed as if they were annoyed that kids were there. Oh. They don't carry Coke or any sort of cola at all. Maybe they are just fighting the sugar battle and taking a stand against the corporate elite? No they had root beer and all the top shelf alcohol you can think of. Annnd, if you have two kids with a tablet and you want to jump on wifi to give them a little something to do why they sit there and watch you eat because they don't like anything this isn't the place to go. When I asked what the wifi password was the answer was we don't give it out. Again, completely understand, but I also understand trying to accommodate people in extenuating circumstances. Well within their rights, but doesn't give off a friendly vibe. Here is what I will say. This isn't a family friendly place and maybe it was my bad going there. There are a lot of young families that are choosing to go vegetarian for many reasons, commonly the fact that the meat you eat is often coming from a cow that is in a pen with three inches on either side to eat and shot up with various drugs to keep it alive. As those people have children I would think a vegan/vegetarian place would have a little fun anytime a child walked in: "Oh, try this you will love it." "This is different, but it will be great try it." "Tell me what you like and I will tell you what tastes even better" That was not the case here. Again, food was decent if you need a place to go and you are in the area I wouldn't say, don't go here. But if you are looking for an experience or a fun night out of trying new things with the family go to Claire's in New Haven. I had to stop after to get a burger for the kids. We made the best out of it and it was a good time nonetheless. read more

Great food, terrible service. The first night I went there the restaurant was empty and I asked if I could wait in the entry way( behind the curtain) as I was still waiting on a friend to meet me for dinner there. I explained to the waiter that I didn't feel comfortable waiting in my car by myself as drug dealers kept circling my car and really made me nervous . He told me only if I throw away my Starbucks coffee which I just purchased.... thanks so much for your concern sir. I went back a second time this past Sunday and the service ( a different male server this time) absolutely hated his job and was miserable. It took 45 minutes for our califlower appetizer to come out, and then three minutes later our meals came. The food is fresh and very satisfying but with the service it's just not worth it. read more

Unbelievable. I am not vegan but enjoy the meal style a couple times a month. I went with the wife and 2yr old twins. They couldn't get enough! I had the southern plate and I can't believe that was tofu. Wife went with Shepard pie and we shared the crab cakes. Really can't say a bad thing about the food or the inside of the place. However, one complaint is the surrounding area. As mentioned I went with two girls 2 yr old. There were about 50 seedy characters hanging around the streets, arguing about money and cigarettes. I felt uncomfortable walking from where we parked to the restaurant. Once inside completely enjoyable. I will hesitate going again with kids only because of the area. read more

ION Restaurant - Southern plate. - Vegan Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Such a great place! Great food, great service. Every time I go, I like it more. The menu is diverse and delicious.

What a surprise to find this beautiful hidden gem within a storefront on Main Street. The snaps to follow will tell the tale. As for the amenities. Staffers were kind, helping guide me through current dietary restrictions, The menu reveals many 'standard 'plates, but also uniique offerings, all done vegan. What a trip! Do not expect to order a pepsi here, however; no can do. I ordered a cobb salad minus a few elements. The presentation was perfectly deconstructed. I gobbled it all down. ION is the type of restaurant where one can dine and linger for hours. The menu features a yummy-sounding assortment of cocktails for those who wish something other than a wide variety of healthful beverages. And there are desserts for the continually peckish. I've included a snap of the loo fixture. Why? Because it is terribly whimsical, great fun and non-regulation, and made me giggle. This restaurant was designed to please the moon-rising-over-gemini crowd, in a way not found elsewhere in town. as well as the palate. But anyone might enjoy an exploration here. A solid recommendation for parents visiting Wesleyan or for diners wanting to escape the uniformity of a typical construct. T'is the spot. As for sweets? Ahhh, maybe next time. Good luck to all. read more

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The food was actually really good but it just takes sooo long to come. The sweet potato fries were huge and delicious but the main course too over an hour to come out. read more

I was looking for a good vegan restuarant, and ION came through. the service (Haley was awesome.. very knowledgable) was great, the food was very good. The noise from the kitchen was VERY loud; I might suggest some music to soften the nose, but over all I would reccomend ION... Great Food! read more

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First off, when I lived in CT I loved ION - like seriously loved. So, when visiting friends in CT this weekend it made sense to go to ION and score some yumminess. I was so psyched to hit ION earlier today for brunch! I hadn't been to the new space yet (yes, it's been a long time!) and I have to say I fell in love with the space and the decor!! Very comfortable and striking. Service was great, very attentive and gracious, especially considering the waiter appeared to be the only person on the floor. Everything started out great. My wife's bloody mary was so tasty my friends and I wanted one, but sadly there was no more mix! One of my friends ordered the pumpkin cocktail and said it was great though, so all was not lost! Food was good, wifey and I had the southern plate, one friend had a burger, other friend had the southern fried tofu app. All was yummy and well till we started finding hair in our food. Like sticking out of the fried tofu and in the greens. We tried not to gross out, it was head hair after all, but it was a bummer. Especially a bummer was the used dental floss pick thingy on the floor by the side of our table. Ick. Glad I didn't see that sooner! Our server was very apologetic and professional. The hairy dishes were removed from our bill, and we were on our way. All in all I'd give my old favorite another try - overall I feel this is still a great place with a great vibe and wonderful food. And those bloodys........ read more

ONE OF MY FAVORITE RESTAURANTS!!! What's there not to love about this place... the food is mouthwatering, the servers are really friendly and the owner rocks! This place has amazing vibes all around : ) My favs on the menu would have to be the sweet potato fries & kale salad with tofu... oh and their cashew ranch & lemon tahini dressing is so tasty..they should seriously bottle it! I wish they had buffalo cauliflower to go with their cashew ranch though instead of the tofu. read more

This was my first time here and I was blown away! Food was incredible and atmosphere was gorgeous. Great music (TLC, Chaka Khan). I believe our server's name was Jerry... what a gem!!! So helpful and sweet. Can't wait to go again! read more

I would have gave this place a higher rating if it wasn't for the wait for food to table. We waited almost an hour to be served after putting in our order for just the main course. 60 minutes in they apologized for such a long wait stating they "had new cooks" on a Friday night during peak hours. But if something does go wrong like in our experience we should of had something complimentary or at least been accommodated as guests instead of left hanging wondering. The food was good except it was under dressed but in the end the service did not fit the bill. (We had salad and fried food, not the most artisanal thing to create)Three hours for an app, main, and desert...Go here if you have good company, want good vegan food, like seeing others get served before you that put orders in after you and have lots of time. read more

I love ION! The decor is beautiful, the service has always been exceptional, and I've never had a bad meal here. I find the prices to be very reasonable as well. I think it's by far the best vegan restaurant in the area. My only critique would be the parm fries would be better with a lot less oil. Other than that I look forward to ION every time I make plans to go, and am very grateful to have it close by. read more

Great restaurant. Almost nothing negative to say. Saving a star because I'd love a better beer/wine/cider selection and more diversity on the menu. Some almond cheeses and the like maybe. More wraps? But I understand that the more you make the quality suffers. Love love love the southern fried tofu. My god it's good. So damn good. Buffalo tofu wrap too. Staff is friendly and can recommend something good for a newbie. read more

Great service and amazing food. The whole restaurant is vegan and most options are gluten free. It was a wonderful experience for my first time dining there. read more

ION Restaurant - Vegan Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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Fantastic place Safe haven for vegetarians to go adventurous Sweet potato fries, southern platter excellent Definitely worth multiple visits Organic, natural, local and vegan Good service and generous helpings Location easy to hit smack in the middle of Main Street Not to be confused with the same name market on the opposite side of the road read more

I love the vegan food here omg! The staff is so nice, the atmosphere is wonderful, and the food is amazing. As a vegan in Connecticut there's not always a ton of restaurant options like there would be in nyc or California, but ION takes the cake for the best vegan food ive ever had. I highly recommend going for brunch, or getting the pierogis for dinner- also the chocolate mousse is to die for. Everything takes a while to prepare, but just hanging out here is a treat! Love you guys. read more

ION Restaurant - Vegan Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

This restaurant is fantastic! I'm not vegan but thoroughly appreciate the amazing taste and quality that this restaurant offers for vegans and non vegans. Try it out! A bit pricey but worth it!! read more

Amazed at the food and selection ION has. Tried their chocolate mousse and mac & cheese, it is so delicious! The staff are so friendly and environment is great. If you are vegan and haven't checked this place out, put it on your list! You will love it! read more

Okay their food is amazing every time. Like seriously, never had a problem, if you want good vegan food you WILL find it here. But... The service is not consistently good (have had to wait a while for food on quiet evenings twice for reasons I'll never know because nervous staff avoided the tables). Moral of this review is: if you're wondering if you should try this place the answer is a resounding yes, but be flexible in dealing with some of the less experienced wait staff that sometimes seem to be working. read more

Had heard the hype around this place and figured I'd try it out because it was close by. The place looks nice, very chic. Staff is super friendly, although they're a little short staffed. However, my girlfriend tried to order 3 different things that they came back and said they were out of: tea, pierogies, and mashed potatoes, before settling on something else. This was kind of odd considering it was only noon. The food is also kind of pricey, but not unreasonably so. Besides, the portions are not small. The food (a cajun tempeh wrap with sweet potato fries, my girlfriend had a walnut-based "meatloaf") was arguably the best vegetarian food I've had, and was presented well. Will most likely return for the good food and vibes, but only when I've got some money to spend and some free time. 3 stars. Would have been a solid 4 if either the service was quicker or the food was less expensive. read more

Vegans delight! They always have delicious, creative specials, and the coolest cocktails. I would eat there 3 times a week if I could. And the staff is awesome, and it's super LGBTQ+ friendly :) amazing atmosphere, the decor is on point. read more

Love this place but clearly tonight was not the night to go. Waited a long time. When food came it was cold. Server was apologetic but didn't check on us while we waited over an hour for food we had to call him when he walked by to ask him for another drink. Bad bad experience. Spent over $90 for a bad experience . drove an hour down to eat and wasn't worth it. Bummed read more