Vegan in the Valley: 10 restaurants to try out during World Vegan Month

Celebrate World Vegan Month by checking out these 10 well-loved vegan restaurants in the Valley.

Peaches, avocados, melons, broccoli, quinoa, lentils, tofu, carrots, tempeh, strawberries, almonds, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, squash, beets, cauliflower, sunflower seeds, seitan, eggplant, kohlrabi, apples, plums, berries, and more. Oh my!

Many omnivores don’t realize how much variety a vegan diet can really have; it includes everything except for animal products. While vegetarians may still eat cheese, eggs, and dairy, vegans consume absolutely no meat, eggs, dairy, and, for most, honey (it is not technically vegan, though there has been quite a bit of controversy around this for some time). Whether for health, animal rights, or environmental impact, going vegan can make a positive impact.

November is World Vegan Month, and even if you are not vegan—or even vegetarian—these 10 vegan restaurants in the Valley offer incredible variety and will make you happy to participate, perhaps leading you to make an impact of your own. If you’ve ever been interested in going vegetarian, vegan, or simply decreasing your consumption of meat, finding plant-based alternatives that you enjoy is the first step. 

1. Veggie Village

1255 E. Northern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85020

Veggie Village is a vegetarian delight, offering all dishes with a vegan option. Whether you love veggies or are still carnivorous by nature, this Asian-style restaurant will have you salivating over its sweet and sour shrimp and decadent burgers—all plant-based. This is a perfect place for seasoned vegans or plant-based dabblers alike.

2. Tacos Veganos

1579 N. Dysart Road, Suite H, Avondale, AZ 85392

Mexican food is a staple in Arizona, but with lard and meat often the main attraction, finding a worthy vegetarian—let alone vegan—alternative can be a true feat. Tacos Veganos is fully vegan and here to show that going vegan doesn’t mean foregoing flavor. Using jackfruit and soy bases, the quesabirria tacos and imitation asada and al pastor will have you enjoying the full flavor and joy of Mexican food sans the guilt. 

3. The Coronado PHX

2201 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, AZ 85006

“Giving vegetables a makeover since 2015,” The Coronado PHX offers a fresh menu that highlights the versatility of the vegan lifestyle. Some must-tries include the cashew chevre quesadilla, fried guacamole, and the Buffalo cauliflower sandwich. The Coronado shapes veggies in fun, new, and palatable ways, keeping taste and presentation fresh. 

4. Green New American Vegetarian

2022 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, AZ 85006

2240 N. Scottsdale Road, #113, Tempe, AZ

A vegan community staple for nearly two decades, Green New American Vegetarian now has two locations offering affordable vegan comfort food. Cheezy broccoli cheddar noodles, chicken nuggets, crab puffs, curry, and more are just a few of the dishes that offer the reinvented comfort of familiar favorites. 

5. Nami

2014 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, AZ 85006

Sister restaurant to Green New American Vegetarian, Nami is the stop for vegan sweets. Conveniently located on the same street, you can first get a meal at Green and then go to Nami to try their housemade tSoynami, a vegan soy soft-serve. They even make vegan cookies, brownies, and other treats that can be eaten on their own or stirred into the soft serve. Grab some vegan dough to go, and let the sweetness continue with cookies baked at home. End it with a cup of their organic coffee and what you have is the perfect plant-based culinary day. 

6. The Uprooted Kitchen

3000 E. Ray Road, Building 6, Suite 105, Gilbert, AZ 85296

Located in Agritopia, The Uprooted Kitchen is not only a delicious vegan delight but also a menu item that is crafted from produce grown just outside of the building. Taking it a step further, they also forgo the use of refined sugars, offering an even healthier approach to craft cooking. They boast an array of talented makers and chefs that craft a one-of-a-kind eating experience. A few of their drool-worthy menu items include pumpkin butter breakfast crepes, lentil walnut burgers, and chocolate chip zucchini bread. If none of this sounds like your kind of meal, check back in a couple of months as they have a seasonal menu, as any farm-fresh restaurant should.

Also, if you’re looking for a Thanksgiving meal that suits your needs, check out their to-go Thanksgiving meal, which is priced at $42. 

7. Vegan & Vine

502 E. Thunderbird Road, Phoenix, AZ 85022

Vegan & Vine is more than just a restaurant; it is also a wine bar, a vegan market, and a convenient stop for grab-and-go vegan food. Talk about finding a niche and leaning into it! Joining for brunch, lunch, or dinner can lead to a delicious meal of chicken fried steak, avocado toast, salads, flatbreads, and more. A massive perk here is that the pet-friendly patio means your fur friend can hang out while you enjoy a meal and a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

8. Giving Tree Cafe

2024 N. Seventh St., Phoenix, AZ 85004

The Giving Tree Cafe has “a WHOLE MENU that is dedicated plant-based, soy-free, gluten-free, seed oil-free, and processed sugar-free.” With house-made oat milk, almond milk, juice, scratch-made bread, and desserts (all without processed sugars), you can taste the chef experience of the owner, who has proudly gone 50 years without meat and has spent his working life in kitchens and running restaurants. The Giving Tree Cafe is cozy and clean, from the aesthetics to the eats. 

9. Early Bird Vegan

2152 E. Broadway Road, Tempe, AZ 85282

This restaurant is led by chef Krystal Harris, who can also be found in the kitchen of NBA stars as their personal chef. With a simple dining room aesthetic, attention at Early Bird Vegan is given to the food, landing them 5-star reviews on Google and Happy Cow. Try the steak and egg tacos, one of the many Mac N Cheez bowls, or the lavender drip cake to find out what has everyone coming back for more of this reimagined vegan food. They are even offering their version of a Thanksgiving meal, known as a Gratitude Bowl.

10. UniQ Burger

7730 E. McDowell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

“Best of Phoenix” winner for two years in a row and recipient of “Yelp’s Top 100 Place to Eat in the U.S.,” UniQ Burger offers the familiarity of a burger with the glow-up of being plant-based. Try a southwest burger and parmesan truffle fries, and finish with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream to see why this vegan burger restaurant receives national accolades.

Bonus

Although the website is under construction, Kare Ethiopian is also worth the stop. Ethiopian food is made of amaranth bread, and while some Ethiopian restaurants offer a meat option, the majority of the food is vegan and oh-so-delicious. Kare Ethiopian is located at 4729 E Mcdowell Rd, Phoenix, AZ. 

Closing thoughts 

Going vegan doesn’t have to mean giving up variety. You can still enjoy the best sweet treats, burgers, tacos, crepes, mac and cheese, and so much more while skipping the animal products. Trying out these restaurants during World Vegan Month, or anytime, is a great way for anyone and everyone to enjoy more veggies—and less guilt—in their diet.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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