Ask any local vegan for a restaurant recommendation, and you'll get an enthusiastic laundry list of plant-based must-trys. That's in large part due to a recent surge in meat-and-dairy-free eateries popping up throughout the city's dining landscape.

A word to the wise: These are not nuts-and-berries or salad bar kind of spots. They're inventive, flavor-packed restaurants with endless options, ranging from indulgent comfort foods and desserts to plant-based substitutes capable of winning over even the biggest skeptics.

So, whether you're casually curious, new to a plant-based lifestyle or a fiercely committed OG vegan, here's our guide to the best vegan places to dine in Greater Phoenix. 

 

Editor's Note: Because you will find outstanding vegan options at countless Greater Phoenix restaurants, we have classified the establishments below as kitchens that are 100% vegan (do not offer meat, dairy or eggs on their menus). 

 

Phoenix

 

The Coronado PHX

Since 2015, The Coronado has been serving up Southwest-inspired, plant-based cuisine, including a selection of tacos and burritos, along with locally sourced beer, wine and cocktails. Whatever you decide on, be sure to start with the deep-fried guacamole (you're welcome). If you're looking for a pet-friendly patio for weekend brunch or happy hour, look no further! 

Bonus: Also, check out their vegan coffee shop, Dark Hall Coffee, for even more espresso creations and baked goods. 

2245 N. 12th St., Phoenix
602-252-1322 

 

Early Bird Vegan

As somewhat of the new plant-based kid on the block, opened in 2021, Early Bird is bringing vegan menu items as well as grab-and-go offerings to its South Phoenix storefront. Pair one of the sammies with a coffee, smoothie or cold-pressed juice and you're set.

Pro Tip: This café is brought to you by the same culinary talents as Trash Panda Food Truck. You'll want to check this mobile goodness out, too.

1712 E. Broadway Road, #3, Phoenix
602-612-3578 

 

Earth Plant-Based Cuisine

Open since 2019, Earth is the culmination of the Aguiler family's journey to a plant-based lifestyle. By finding creative alternatives, sharing these eats (and recipes) with family and friends, which — lucky for us — led to the eventual opening of this gem in the historic Grand Avenue Arts District. The restaurant's minimalist-modern palette allows the food to take center stage, and your palate is invited to savor the recreated Mexican fare, ranging from chicken flautas and chorizo tacos, and such classics as burgers, hotdogs, barbecue sandos and buffalo wings. 

Pro Tip: Bring your sweet tooth to this spot. If the churro and churro ice cream sandwich don’t temp you, and the monster milkshakes most certainly will (consider your IG feed warned). 

1325 Grand Ave., Unit 7, Phoenix
480-465-2110 

 

Giving Tree Café

A visit to the Giving Tree feeds the mind, body and soul. Their posted manifesto emphasizes sustainability and balance, which is showcased throughout the inventive menu. All-day breakfast, pizzas, salads and sandwiches anchor the offerings here, and our best advice is to try as many of the starters and sides as possible, preferably with a hand-crafted cocktail. 

Editor’s Pick: Order the crunch wrap supreme and you'll quickly find out why it's the best-selling item here. Pair it with a rose-tini, because prickly pear!

2024 N. Seventh St., Suite 111, Phoenix 
480-630-0200 

 

Green New American Vegetarian

Don't let the name fool you: Green has been combining 100% plant-based ingredients, vegan cheeses and mock meats into award-winning comfort food for years now. Fresh, bright and flavor-packed offerings round out this menu, but there's a delicious audacity to the "Big Wac" and "Wendy's Pickle." See what they did there?  

Pro Tip: Save room for dessert! Nami, part of the Green empire, is home to tSoynamis. These decadent, vegan treats start with tSoft tServe ice cream, followed by your choice of goodies — cakes, cookies, chocolate, peanut butter and/or fruits — all mixed together.

2022 N. Seventh St., Phoenix 
602-258-1870 

2240 N. Scottsdale Road, #113, Tempe
480-941-9003 

 

Loving Hut

Family-owned and operated since 1994, the Loving Hut serves up creative plant-based dishes that defy any single style of cuisine. From noodles and curries to burgers and "steaks," these award-winning combinations of protein alternatives and vegetables have maintained such popularity with diners over the years, that there are now five locations throughout Greater Phoenix.

FYI: With locations in 15 states, this brand was the fastest growing chain vegan restaurant in the world at one point. So, look for them when you hit other cities, too.

3239 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix
602-264-3480 

3515 W. Union Hills Drive, Suite #123, Glendale 
602-978-0393 

5115 N. Dysart Road, Suite 220, Litchfield Park 
623-536-5008 

405 W. University Drive, Tempe 
480-968-4096 

1804 E. Southern Ave., #1, Tempe 
480-897-9034 

 

Verdura

If ever you were looking for a spot that celebrates plants and music, you have now found it. No, seriously. OG vegans can surely recall the era where the only "flavor" plant-based eateries delivered was in the dishes. Not the case at Verdura. This bright and airy joint is decked out in musician art, including a wall of vinyl, which pairs perfectly with such menu items as "I'm Just A Po'Boy," "The Salad Formerly Known As Taco" and the "Hotel Cauli-fornia" wrap. And the fun continues on the drink menus.

Editor’s Pick: No one will judge your music taste if you order the Goth Waffle: a Japanese-style bubble waffle with activated charcoal, topped with rasssssspberry sorbet. (You just sang those words, didn't you?)

5555 N. Seventh St., Suite 108, Phoenix
602-283-5168 

 

Vegan House

Vegan House has been serving Asian-inspired plant-based dishes in downtown Phoenix since 2016. With an emphasis on contributing to a healthy lifestyle, the cuisine here ranges from curries and noodles to soups and salads — all packed with authentic Asian spices. 

Must-Try: Taro is a rare menu item in Phoenix. So, if you're into celebrating hard-to-find veggies, try this battered and fried version here. 

20 W. Adams St., Phoenix 
602-258-3426 

 

Tempe 

 

Desert Roots Kitchen

For most plant-based eaters, Desert Roots Kitchen is a welcome supplement to the usual restaurant experience. Whether you need a quick bite for one or you're looking to stock your hotel fridge or picnic basket, this spot will do the trick. With more of a low-fuss, deli-style approach to vegan options, the menu changes daily (check their Instagram account for updates), with most items on display. Think: scratch-made wraps, soups and salads, but with the essence of good ol’ home cooking. 

Pro Tip: Should you fall madly in love with a menu item here, there’s a good chance you can find the key ingredient in one of the seven (or so) “Take & Create” premade sauces, available for online order and pickup.

414 S. Mill Ave., #111, Tempe
480-382-0228