Whether you’re a longtime vegan, new to the plant-based lifestyle or just trying to eat healthier in the new year, there are plenty of vegan and plant-based restaurants in the Phoenix area worth checking out. We’ve assembled a list of five of our favorite spots, which incorporate a variety of influences from near and far into flavorful, fully vegan cuisine.

Pachamama

Influenced by her decision to eat plant based in 2018, chef Maria Lebron convinced her husband Kevin to start a new kind of vegan restaurant in the Valley, one incorporating global influences into flavorful latin food that just happens to be vegan. From killer tacos to plant-based burritos or a ceviche made with hearts of palm, there’s plenty to love on the Pachamama menu. They’ve recently pivoted from a brick-and-mortar storefront to a pop-up concept, with regular appearances at Roses By The Stairs brewery and farmers markets around town. Keep an eye on their social media to find out where they’ll show up next!

Various locations; pachamamaphx.com // @pachamamaphx

Early Bird Vegan

A pair of tiny sandwich spots in South Phoenix and Tempe are must-tries for plant based eaters and carnivorous foodies alike, offering a variety of vegan treats from local purveyors like Quinoa Esta, Stout Nutrition, and Trash Panda Vegan (a well-loved food truck which shares an owner with Early Bird Vegan, Chef Krystal Harris). They serve delicious breakfast sandwiches on toasted English muffins, wraps, plant-based deli sandwiches and subs, and also juices and superfood infused smoothies. There’s plenty to love at Early Bird.

Tuesday through Friday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; 1712 E Broadway Rd. Unit 3, Phoenix, AZ; earlybirdvegan.com // @earlybirdvegan

Earth Plant Based Cuisine

Inspired to open a restaurant after developing their own vegan recipes at home to the delight (and surprise) of friends and family, this family spot is focused on serving flavorful food while maintaining a sustainable, green business focused on getting the most out of their resources and giving back to the community. The menu is a mix of vegan Mexican food, like tacos, flats and burritos, and American classics like BBQ sandwiches, burgers and buffalo wings, all totally meatless and totally delicious.

Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday 9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.; 1325 Grand Ave. Unit 7 Phoenix, AZ; earthplantbased.com // @earthphx

Verdura

With a unique focus on “veggies & vinyl,” Verdura is a one-of-a-kind spot that has quickly become one of the most acclaimed vegan spots in Phoenix since opening in 2019. One step inside and you’ll be struck by the retro decor featuring portraits of some of the biggest and coolest musicians of the last hundred years, a perfect complement to their trendy, meatless take on classics like mac and cheese, chicken parmesan and charcuterie boards.

Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 4-9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; 5555 N 7th St. STE 108, Phoenix, AZ; verduraphx.com // @verduraphx

Vegan House

Since 2016, Vegan House has produced extremely flavorful, well-loved Asian-influenced vegan food. You’ll be shocked at what they can make vegan, including a seafood hot pot made with vegan shrimp and fish, decadent vegan curries and even a meatless riff on orange chicken. Tucked away in a cozy spot in the heart of downtown Phoenix, this is a must-try spot for Valley food lovers, vegan or otherwise.

11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; 20 W Adams St. Phoenix, AZ; veganhouseaz.com // @veganhouseaz

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