Vegan Bites: Rise Above Restaurant
Rise Above Restaurant
Address | 120 St Paul St, St. Catharines, ON L2R 3M2, Canada
We enjoyed a long, leisurely morning at the Fairmont Royal York before taking to the road to begin our drive back to New York from Toronto. Setting off around noon, we timed it perfectly to stop in the Niagara Region for lunch ahead of the border crossing. After a bit of research, we landed on Rise Above Restaurant, conveniently located across the street from Beechwood Doughnuts—a promising sign for a great vegan stop.
From the moment we arrived, the warm, attentive service set the tone. The space felt welcoming and relaxed, with a casual charm that made it easy to settle in after a morning on the move. With a fully vegan menu, ordering was effortless and exciting—every option felt like the right choice. It was exactly the kind of thoughtful, satisfying stop you hope to find on a road trip.
Coffee
We began with hot coffees, a simple pleasure elevated by thoughtful presentation. Alongside, oat milk was served in a charming creamer adorned with retro yellow and white flowers, adding a touch of nostalgia to the table. It felt both cozy and whimsical, setting the tone for a relaxed meal. The coffee was rich and warming, perfectly complemented by the creamy oat milk, making those first sips feel inviting and quietly special.
Seitan Buffalo Wings
We kicked things off with a half-pound order of seitan wings—Rise Above’s signature plant-based take on a classic favorite. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender within, they were generously tossed in tangy Buffalo sauce for just the right amount of heat. Served alongside a creamy vegan dip with crisp carrot and celery sticks, it’s a satisfying, flavor-packed starter that sets the tone for a seriously indulgent meal.
Soup and Sandwich
The cup of carrot ginger soup was silky and warming, with a perfect balance of natural sweetness and gentle spice. Paired with the half pesto grilled cheese, it made for an ideal cozy combination. The sandwich featured creamy cashew mozzarella, vibrant pesto, and sweet roasted red peppers, all melted together between buttery, toasted sourdough. Each bite was rich yet balanced, complementing the bright, comforting flavors of the soup beautifully for a satisfying, plant-based lunch.
Soup & Salad
The cup of soup and salad combo felt like the perfect light yet satisfying choice, especially alongside the kale Caesar salad. Tender kale was generously coated in a creamy lemon garlic dressing that struck a beautiful balance between bright and savory. Crunchy croutons and nutty sunflower seeds added texture and depth to every bite. Paired with the warm, comforting soup, it created a well-rounded meal—fresh, flavorful, and nourishing without sacrificing the indulgence you crave in a classic Caesar experience.
