Food Scene
Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Tempe
June 25, 2024
Where to find meatless meals and plant-base favorites
If you’re looking for Tempe restaurants that prioritize plant-based cuisine without sacrificing quality or flavor, you’ve come to the right place.
From juices and smoothies to fast-casual lunches and sit-down dinners, Tempe is home to a versatile lineup of restaurants that celebrate vegan and vegetarian options — and even some gluten-free selections.
While some places are dedicated vegan establishments, others are known for the convenience and consideration put into their menus for the plant lovers in our lives. No matter which suites your appetite best, we invite you to check out some of our favorites.
Vegan Restaurants
Desert Roots Kitchen
414 S. Mill Ave., #111, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-382-0228
For over a decade, Leslie Robin has been serving up house-made, vegan delights from this Downtown Tempe cafe. Tucked inside in a courtyard off of Mill Ave., between 4th and 5th streets, it’s safe to say this spot is still a nearly hidden gem. Because the menu changes daily, expect to find new flavor combinations on every visit, but you can count on finding a vibrant selection of leafy salads, ancient grains, veggies, dips, wraps, baked goods and teas. For a sneak peek at the offerings, check them out Facebook or Instagram.
Drink Me! Tea Room
1730 E. Warner Road, #5, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 602-206-5469
If you you’re looking for an immersive afternoon tea experience that includes plant-based and gluten-free treats, Drink Me! Tea Room is the spot. This Alice in Wonderland-inspired tearoom is home to a wide variety of teas and Special-Tea Cocktails, made with premium spirits and our delicious teas infused into syrups, for pairing with savory sandwiches, scrumptious scones, splendid sweets — all vegan and gluten free. Additionally, the tearoom hosts various themes and events throughout the year, ranging from Harry Potter and Hamilton tea to a Stephen King Book Club and monthly Drag Bingo. Just be sure to make a reservation on the website before visiting.
Bonus: The newly opened Drink Me! Tea & Treats (next door) serves as a grab-and-go extension of this beloved tearoom.
Early Bird Vegan
2152 E. Broadway Road, Tempe, Arizona 85282 | 480-222-9463
Since 2022, head chef and owner Krystal Harris has been providing Tempe with healthier food alternatives by serving unique vegan recipes, including such staples as bowls salads and sandwiches from this location at the Sonoran University of Health Sciences. All of her creations are dairy and egg free and you can pick up a cold-pressed juice while you’re here. “We believe that amazing food can be compassionate, delicious and good for you,” she said. Harris is also the owner and operator of Trash Panda Vegan food truck, a mobile outlet for her plant-based culinary prowess.
Green New American Vegetarian
2240 N. Scottsdale Road, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-941-9003
Green is a 100% vegan restaurant serving delicious comfort foods — both American classics as well as dishes with an international twist. Po-boys, crisp salads and noodle bowls are made with fresh, vegan ingredients, including 100% vegan cheeses and mock meats. You’ll also find a variety of sweet treats to choose from. This fast-casual spot has an approachable, trendy vibe and affordable prices.
Loving Hut
University location: 405 W. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-968-4096
Southern location: 1804 E. Southern Ave., # 1, Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-897-9034
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 two locations in Tempe.
Nekter Juice Bar
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, #1213, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480- 781-0800
116 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-401-3897
Each juice, smoothie, cleanse, açaí bowl and snack are all-natural, raw, and vegan (so long as you skip the whey protein boost) and delicious with optimal health benefits in taste. Those looking to detox might want to take advantage of their juice cleanses, ranging from 1 to 5 days.
Vegetarian Favorites
The Bodhi
615 E. Veterans Way, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-277-7611
The Bodhi is a nutritious fast-casual food spot that aims to deliver the nourishment that your body needs in the most honest and wholesome way. Try one of the decked out bowls or salads, but don’t miss out on the smoothie and fresh pressed juice action. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Just be sure to check hours of operation before you arrive, as The Bodhi closes during some school breaks.
Cafe Lalibela
849 W. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-829-1939
The fragrant cuisine coming out of this kitchen greets diners with a warm welcome. A favorite among locals and the ASU community, everything on the menu is delicious and also free of gluten, sugar, nuts and preservatives. Yet, every bite is rich with authentic Ethiopian flavor. Vegan options are clearly labeled, and you can try a little bit of everything by ordering the vegetable combination platter.
Cornish Pasty Co.
Mill Avenue: 425 S. Mill Ave., #11 ,Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-284-5442
University: 960 W. University Drive, #103, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-894-6261
This purveyor of traditional British pasties is a long-time Tempe favorite. The original location (University) is dark and cozy, with an inviting bar that peers into the mostly open kitchen. The Mill Avenue location is compact and lively, as it’s situated right on the thoroughfare. Traced back to Cornwall (Southwest England) as early as the 1300s, pasties are pastries filled with vegetables and meat combinations. With more than 30 varieties of this international comfort food — including an assortment of vegan and vegetarian options — everyone will eat like royalty.
Hummus Xpress
930 W. Broadway Road, Unit 11, Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-968-2311
For more than a decade, chef and owner Eddie Hantas has been crafting made-to-order Mediterranean bowls, plates and wraps for his enthusiastic fan base. Opt for the build-your-own option and choose from marinated veggies, crisp greens, fresh toppings, hearty grains, bright sauces, warm pitas and an assortment of flavorful hummus selections — with Lebanese falafel as the vegan/vegetarian option for protein.
MAD Greens
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, #1215, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 602-283-3901
This casual spot celebrates eating fresh with a commitment to using locally-sourced ingredients straight from farms and quick-service meal options that are flavorful and perfect for anyone on the go. Enjoy a variety of specialty and seasonal salads, wraps, paninis, soups and build-your-own options.
Original Chop Shop
222 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-307-9336
8738 S. Emerald Drive, #104, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-386-0320
“Just feel good food” is what you will find at the ChopShop. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick protein shake, fresh juice, or a yummy sandwich or salad, ChopShop has what you need to fuel up and keep it fresh. The veggie + hummus wrap and the green curry tofu protein bowl are our must-trys, and the açaí bowls are super delish.
Perfect Pear Bistro
603 W. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-966-7327
9845 S. Priest Drive, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-247-3410
Perfect Pear Bistro is known for its inviting atmosphere and modern take on American comfort food, including delicious panini sandwiches, fresh salads, flatbreads and pasta dishes. The servings here are plentiful and most selections allow you to choose your preferred protein — whatever that may be, you can be sure it will come served with a savory combination of veggies and dressings/sauces.
Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen
440 W. Warner Road, Tempe, AZ 85284 | 480-785-0522
Picazzo’s serves up modern-Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and meat dishes – which means there are plenty of options to suit everyone. With over 40 vegan and vegetarian options — including bowls, pizzas and pasta — this restaurant is a standout. Additionally, they use organic ingredients whenever they can and the entire restaurant is 100% gluten free.
Pita Jungle
4 E. University Drive, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-804-0234
Pita Jungle is a delicious Mediterranean-style eatery offering a large assortment of healthy options. Ask for the vegan or the gluten-free menu (if you please), and browse the impressive variety of appetizers, salads, sides, wraps, pitas, bowls and entrees. The baked falafel pita and the spicy tofu wrap are legendary. This trendy-casual, sit-down restaurant does serve meat dishes, burgers and pizzas, so it’s win if you’re trying to find a place to accommodate a group of tastebuds.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
615 S. College Ave., #103-#104, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-355-1934
If you’re looking for a breakfast spot, the trendy atmosphere and robust menu at Snooze are sure to please everyone at your table. This meal can be tricky to navigate for plant-based palates, but we’re giving credit where it’s due. The menu here features a “plant power section,” which includes a Buddha bowl, a sweet potato veggie mash up, and a tofu scramble. Pro tip: Order Juan’s breakfast tacos or the crispy garlic & avocado miso rice bowl and swap the egg out for that tofu scramble we just mentioned — you’re welcome.
