By Lindsey Dempsey.
Popularity for a meat-free lifestyle is on the rise. Since 2014, the percentage of United States consumers who identify as vegan has risen from 1 percent to 6 percent, according to ReportBuyer.com. This proves that the vegan and vegetarian lifestyle is becoming more of a mainstream way of life and nothing short of a long-term commitment. Arizona joins this shift, and we are seeing more and more new restaurants pop up that aren’t just providing vegan and vegetarian options, but focusing their entire restaurant on meat-free cuisine. Not only do these restaurants showcase options for those choosing a plant-based diet, but some of our state’s best chefs are behind the scenes creating menu items that would tempt just about everyone’s taste buds! Here we share some of Arizona’s best vegan restaurants.
Casa Terra
Casa Terra is the very first fine dining vegan restaurant to grace the Arizona culinary scene. This new concept focuses on plant-forward cuisine with influences from Mexico and the Mediterranean, as well as unique fusion dishes from these areas. Casa Terra’s founder and executive chef, Jason Wyrick, is a New York Times best-selling author and internationally renowned chef. “I have been vegan for 18 years and a vegan chef professionally for 14 years. The increase in demand in just the last year alone has blown me away,” Wyrick says. “Ultimately, I decided to open Casa Terra because I got tired of traveling to other cities that had fine dining vegan restaurants.” Guests can enjoy a variety of options in this intimate 2,800-square-foot atmosphere, including small plates, pizzas and hearty entrees such as Smoked Mushroom Cazuela and Saffron Chorizo Risotto.
Glendale, Arizona
casaterra.com
Tasteful Kitchen
The Tasteful Kitchen creates modern vegetarian cuisine in an atmosphere designed to create the feeling of dining in your own home. The space is very cozy and includes two small dining rooms, each seating approximately 24 people. Decorated with warm colors and art from local artists (Bonus: it’s for sale!), you’ll feel right at home. Providing fresh meat-free choices, Tasteful Kitchen creates a menu featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables and focuses on sourcing organic and locally grown produce. Their menu features everything from Sushi and Spring Rolls to Portobello Wellington and Herb Crusted Cauliflower Steak.
Tucson, Arizona
thetastefulkitchen.com
Red Curry Vegan Kitchen
The Red Curry Vegan Kitchen caters to the meat-free foodies who enjoy authentic Thai food with a plant-based twist! This fully vegan restaurant features a variety of Thai cuisine including several vegan curries, Pad Thai and noodle dishes. Red Curry’s website says “A seasoned Flagstaff restaurateur, Red Curry founder and chef Suchhada Tirakul knows both good food and how to make you feel right at home.” Menu highlights include Samosa Wontons, Grand Tempura, Crispy Tofu, Pineapple Red Curry and Lemongrass Curry.
Flagstaff, Arizona
redcurryflagstaff.com
The Uprooted Kitchen
East Valley residents who choose a meat-free lifestyle are welcomed by culinary delights at The Uprooted Kitchen in Gilbert. This plant-based restaurant is locally owned and uses only certified organic produce and no GMOs, and has a BYOB license after noon. What started as a beloved vegetarian food truck grew into a restaurant embraced by the vegetarian community. The Uprooted Kitchen is in the Agritopia neighborhood, which is built around an organic farm. Guests can enjoy Baked French Toast, Chickpea Cauliflower Scramble and a Buckwheat Crepe!
Gilbert, Arizona
theuprootedkitchen.com
More Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants Around Phoenix
Phoenix
Veggie Village
vegvillage888.com
Vegan House
veganhouseaz.com
Pomegranate Cafe
pomegranatecafe.com
East Valley
Seed Shack,
Gilbert, AZ
seedshacks.com
Desert Roots Kitchen
Tempe, AZ
desertrootskitchen.com
Fresh Mint
Scottsdale, AZ
freshmint.us.com
Ruchi Vegetarian South Indian Cuisine
Chandler, AZ
ruchiaz.com
Flagstaff
Morning Glory Cafe
morningglorycafeflagstaff.com
Tucson
Govindas Natural Foods Buffet
govindasoftucson.com
Lovin’ Spoonfuls Vegan Restaurant
lovinspoonfuls.com
Tumerico Vegetarian Food
tumerico.com
Lindsey Dempsey is the founder of Elite Market Savvy, with over thirteen years of experience in marketing. She is a former U of A Wildcat who now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, with her husband and their two daughters. Lindsey loves to discover great local business and shares her discoveries on her Instagram (@localsavvyazfamily).
