Vegetarian Journal's Guide to Natural Foods Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada

Symbol Key:

•• Vegan or vegetarian restaurant
§ Reviewer's choice

Arizona

Chandler

Pita Jungle

1949 W. Ray Rd., Chandler, AZ 85224

(480) 855-3232

Mediterranean. It's no surpise that Pita Jungle has a lot of pita dishes on its menu, including hot & cold sandwiches and wraps. They also offer falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, salads, veggie burgers, and wood-fired pizza. There are a lot of options for vegetarians and vegans at this Mediterranean restaurant. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, smoothies, soymilk, beer/wine, non-alcoholic beer, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Flagstaff

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Sedona.)

Café Espress

16 N. San Francisco St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001

(928) 774-0541

Coffeehouse/café. A café, bakery, and gallery all in one, Café Espress' menu is actually a little newspaper with ads and interesting info. You can feed your body and your mind with a variety of vegetarian foods and facts about the area. Options include soups, sandwiches, chili, and hot entrées, plus a salad bar. Café Espress also prepares fresh baked breads, pastries, and desserts. Open daily for breakfast and lunch. Full service, vegan options, take-out, espresso/cappuccino, fresh juices, wine/beer, VISA/MC/AMEX, $.

•• Macy's

14 S. Beaver St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001

(928) 774-2243

Vegetarian bakery/coffeehouse. Macy's European Coffeehouse, Bakery & Vegetarian Restaurant is located in downtown Flagstaff and offers fresh pastas and sauces made from scratch, as well as soups, salads, and sandwiches. Open daily for three meals. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, VISA/MC, $.

Mountain Oasis

11 E. Aspen, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

(928) 214-9270

International. Flagstaff is a major stop on the way to the southern rim of the Grand Canyon. Mountain Oasis is located in its historic downtown and specializes in international cuisine. Natural foods are used to prepare items such as garden scrambler with tofu and seasoned veggies, grilled portobello mushroom sandwiches, organic tempeh burgers, falafel sandwiches, and Japanese-style nori rolls. A juice bar is also available. Open daily for three meals. Full service, vegan options, take out, reservations recommended for dinner, macrobiotic options, espresso/capuccino, smoothies, soymilk, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DC, $$-$$$.

Pita Jungle

320 S. Regent St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001

(928) 774-0086

Mediterranean. This location is next to New Frontiers. See description under Chandler, AZ.

Gilbert

Pita Jungle

1431 E. Williams Field Rd., Ste. 101, Gilbert, AZ 85295

(480) 814-2535

Mediterranean. See description under Chandler, AZ.

Glendale

Pita Jungle

7530 W. Bell Rd., Ste. 106, Glendale, AZ 85308

(623) 486-2615

Mediterranean. See description under Chandler, AZ.

Mesa

Pita Jungle

1850 W. Southern, Mesa, AZ 85202

(480) 615-7482

Mediterranean. See description under Chandler, AZ.

Phoenix

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Tempe.)

India Palace

16842 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85022

(602) 942-4224

Indian. India Palace offers a variety of vegetarian options. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

Indian Delhi Palace

5050 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85008

(602) 244-8181

Indian. Indian Delhi Palace offers many vegetarian dishes, including Roasted Eggplant, Garbanzo Beans with Ginger, Fresh Okra with Onions, Cauliflower and Potatoes, Samosas, and fresh breads. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, wine/beer/alcohol, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

•• International Vegetarian House

3239 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018

(602) 264-3480

Vegetarian/Chinese. Enjoy a wide range of vegan Chinese dishes, including Hot and Spicy Beancurd (Matpo Tofu), Heaven Rice Rolls, Sizzling Rice Soup, and Broccoli with Chinese Mushrooms. Lunch specials are available. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday and Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC, $-$$.

•• Loving Hut

3515A W. Union Hills Dr., Glendale, AZ 85308

(602) 978-0393

Vegan/Asian/American. Loving Hut is an international vegan restaurant chain with the slogan, "Be Veg. Go Green. Save the Planet." They offer gourmet vegan cuisine "for those making the noble transition to a plant-based diet." Although the menu varies by location, it typically includes appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, desserts, and special beverages. Both Asian and American meals are served including mock meat and vegetable dishes. Loving Hut was created with a vision that all beings could live in peace, love, and harmony with each other and the planet. The Phoenix location is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Limited service, take-out, fresh juices, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, non-alcoholic beer, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$.

Persian Garden Café

1335 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85013

(602) 263-1915

Persian. Though not vegetarian, this restaurant serves a wide range of vegetable-based soups, vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, eggplant dishes, hummus, and Middle Eastern specialties. You may want to try the Spinach Herb or Spud Burger for lunch and the Vegetable Stew Eggplant for dinner. Be sure to leave room for some homemade vegan desserts, like carrot cake, cheesecake, and Persian Saffron Rice Pudding. Near Veterans Convention Center and the State Fair Grounds. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday for dinner only. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, macrobiotic options, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, beer/wine, reservations recommended, take-out, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$$.

Pita Jungle

4340 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018

(602) 955-7482

20910 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste. 140, Phoenix, AZ 85050

(480) 473-2321

Mediterranean. See description under Chandler, AZ.

Taste of India

1609 E. Bell Rd., B4, Phoenix, AZ 85022

(602) 788-3190

Indian. Taste of India offers a wide selection of vegetarian entrées. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

That's A Wrap

2022 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85004

(602) 252-5051

Sandwich and salad shop. This restaurant offers soups, salads, wraps, and rice bowls. One of the owners is a vegetarian, and the menu clearly indicates which items are vegetarian or vegan. Also, they will substitue tofu for meat in any of there dishes, making for a lot of variety. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Counter service, vegan options, smoothies, take-out, $$.

Yusef's

15236 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85032

(602) 867-2957

Middle Eastern. This combination grocery, restaurant, and deli serves vegetarian dishes, including falafel, vegetarian grape leaves, and tabbouleh salad. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DC, $.

Scottsdale

•• Fresh Mint

13802 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85254

(480) 443-2556

Vegan/Asian. The food at Fresh Mint might not taste minty, but it is sure to be fresh and delicious. This all-vegan Thai-style restaurant offers meals that will please herbivores and carnivores alike. To start, try the Fried Imperial Rolls (Julienne taro root, carrots, bean thread, shiitake mushrooms, tofu, onion and yellow bean all rolled in a crispy shell and served with vegetarian dipping sauce). Yum! Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, take-out, VISA/MC/DISC, $$-$$$.

Pita Jungle

7366 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85260

(480) 922-7482

Mediterranean. See description under Chandler, AZ.

Sedona

•• D'Lish

3190 W. Hwy. 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336

(928) 203-9393

Vegan/natural foods/organic. If you want a delicious meal in a gorgeous setting, look no further. D'Lish is located in the beautiful red rocks of Sedona and is completely vegan. They offer soups, salads, raw foods, sandwiches, desserts, and a juice bar. D'Lish foods are organic and have no refined sugars, flours, or preservatives. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$.

Oaxaca Restaurante and Cantina

231 N. Hwy. 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336

(928) 282-4179

Mexican. Oaxaca offers regional and Sourthwestern entrées, featuring blue-corn and whole-wheat tortillas. Heart-healthy dishes and vegetarian meals are planned by a registered dietitian. All food is prepared fresh daily without additives or animal fat. Open daily. Full service, take-out, espresso/cappuccino, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

Thai Spices

2986 W. Hwy. 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336

(928) 282-0599

Thai. Vegetarians can dine on Pad Thai (a rice noodle, vegetable, and tofu dish), Thai Fried Rice, vegetable curry, organic brown rice, and other dishes at Thai Spices. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for dinner only. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC, $$.

Sierra Vista

Golden Dragon Chinese Restaurant

2151 S. Hwy. 92, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635

(520) 458-7575

Chinese. This friendly traditional Chinese restaurant offers vegans a lot to choose from, with vegetable and bean curd dishes getting their own menu section. Also available are the standard vegetable lo mein, chow mein, and ho fan. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, beer, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Snowflake

Amelia's Garden Café

305 S. Main St., Snowflake, AZ 85937

(928) 536-2046

Natural foods store/café. At this all-organic café, menu items includes sandwiches, daily soups and salads, and some Mexican fare. Everything can be made vegan with vegan rice and almond cheese substituted for dairy cheese and vegenaise for mayonnaise. Gardenburger, Tempeh Reuben with rice cheese and the Tofu Pita Pocket are some of the regular vegan menu items offered at Amelia's. Open Saturday for lunch. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, soymilk, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Tempe

Byblos Restaurant

3332 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282

(480) 894-1945

Middle Eastern. Dine on delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, including hummus, tabbouleh, falafel, stuffed grape leaves, and more. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for dinner. Closed holidays. Full service, non-alcoholic wine/beer, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DC, $$.

•• Chill

1250 E. Apache Blvd., Ste. 104, Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 966-0043

Vegetarian/ice cream parlor. Chill offers great frozen treats at unbelievable prices in a friendly atmosphere. Enjoy frozen yogurt, gelato, ice cream, fruit sorbet, or the very popular Chill-Beri, which is frozen soy that is vegan! They also serve a variety of coffee beverages, and Wi Fi is available along with outdoor seating. Chill is a great place to stop after dinner for dessert or to get a pint to-go. Open daily. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

Delhi Palace

933 E. University Dr., Ste. 103, Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 921-2200

Indian. Delhi Palace offers many vegetarian options. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

•• Green

2240 N. Scottsdale Rd., #8, Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 941-9003

Vegan/American. Starters include vegan buffalo wings, roast poblano hummus, and creamy artichoke gratine. Main courses are a wide variety of vegan "comfort foods" including flatbread pizzas, Asian bowls, sandwiches, and po-boys. Don't forget to save room for vegan soft-serve ice cream, cookies, and peanut butter bars. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Limited service, take-out, catering, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Pita Jungle

1250 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 804-0234

Mediterranean. See description under Chandler, AZ.

Sahara Middle Eastern Restaurant

808 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 966-1971

Middle Eastern. The family-run restaurant offers several vegetarian dishes, including hummus, baba ghanouj, tabbouleh, salads, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, and more. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for dinner except in the summer. Full service, vegan options, catering, take-out, $-$$.

Saigon Healthy Cuisine

820 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 967-4199

Vietnamese. Vegetarian Spring Rolls, Papaya Vegetable Soup, Vegetable Pineapple Stew, and Spicy Lemongrass Vegetarian Delight are a few of the many vegetarian options found on this restaurant's menu. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, $.

•• Udupi Café

1636 N. Scottsdale Rd., Tempe, AZ 85281

(480) 994-8787

Vegetarian/Indian. Udupi Café is a vegetarian restaurant specializing in South Indian cuisine. They are happy to guide you through the menu which is 80% vegan. Their extensive selections include curries, Pulavs, Dosai, Indian breads, and Uthappam. Popular dishes include Gobi Manchurian and Vegetable Manchurian. Open Wednesday through Monday for lunch buffet and dinner. Closed Tuesday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, special beverages, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

Tucson

•• Casbah Teahouse

628 N. 4th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705

(520) 740-0393

Vegetarian/Middle Eastern. The Casbah Teahouse is a vegetarian restaurant with a Middle Eastern flair. They serve many organic foods in a setting that includes Afghani rugs, pillows, gypsy-style bellydancing, folk music, and poetry. Their dishes include Shepherd's Pie, Tofu Quiche, Gypsy Stew, Reuben Burgers, organic bagels, organic potato salad, cashew gravy, and more. They even offer soy margarine and tofu cream cheese. Prices for entrées are very reasonable. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, outdoor smoking only, take-out, catering, fresh juices, espresso/capuccino, smoothies, soymilk, VISA/MC, $.

China-Thai Cuisine

6502 E. Tanque Verde, Tucson, AZ 85715

(520) 885-6860

Chinese/Thai. China-Thai Cuisine serves about eight vegetable dishes, as well as tofu vegetable soup, in a totally non-smoking environment. Open for lunch and dinner. Full service, take out, delivery, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

Frog and Firkin

874 E. University Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85719

(520) 623-7507

American. English pub atmosphere with a large outdoor patio, located close to the University of Arizona. Menu items include veggie and vegan pizzas. Open daily for lunch through late dinner. Full service, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

•• Govinda's

711 E. Blacklidge Dr., Tucson, AZ 85719

(520) 792-0630

Vegetarian. Govinda's offers a natural foods buffet featuring international dishes, fresh juices, and a salad bar. Most of the dishes are vegan, including items like Veggie Croquettes in Spinach Sauce, Mock Fish Fillet with Almond Tartar Sauce, and Vegetarian Lasagna. They serve only vegan food on Thursdays. Open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Tuesday for dinner only. Closed Sunday and Monday. Cafeteria, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC, $$.

Guilin Restaurant

3250 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85716

(520) 320-7768

Chinese. Has separate vegetarian & vegan menus. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, non-smoking, fresh juices, soymilk, special drinks, wine/beer, non-alcoholic wine/beer, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

La Indita

622 N. 4th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705

(520) 792-0523

Mexican. "La Indita," an affectionate term for a little female Indian in Spanish, features the unique recipes of its own "little Indian woman," Maria Garcia, a Tarascan Indian from Michoacan, Mexico. The restaurant offers a mixture of traditional Mexican food, popular Indian fry breads, and Maria Garcia's own family recipes. No lard is used, and vegetarian items are indicated on the menu. Patio dining available. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, wine/beer, take-out, $.

Lotus Garden Restaurant

5975 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85712

(520) 298-4553

Chinese. Specializes in Cantonese and Szechwan cuisine. Menu items are made to order and can be adjusted to special needs. Contemporary décor with new age music and patio. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, informal atmosphere, suitable for business entertaining, non-smoking, take-out, catering, reservations recommended, wine/beer, non-alcoholic wine/beer, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.

•• Lovin' Spoonfuls

2990 N. Campbell, Suite 120, Tucson, AZ 85719

(520) 325-7766

Vegan. Lovin' Spoonfuls boasts they have 'delicious, healthful dining in a gracious atmosphere.' Although the environment is upscale, you don't need to dress up to visit. Dinner options such as soy burgers, pastas, & salads. This restaurant has something to please every palate. Open Monday through Saturday for three meals. Open Sunday for breakfast & lunch. Full service, take-out, smoothies, soy milk, organic free trade coffee, beer/wine, non-smoking, reservations not taken except for parties of 8 or more, VISA/MC/DISC, $-$$.

Magpies Gourmet Pizza

605 N. 4th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705

(520) 628-1661

7315 N. Oracle, Tucson, AZ 85704

(520) 297-2712

5625 W. Cortaro Farms Rd., Tucson, AZ 85710

(520) 744-0440

4654 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85712

(520) 795-5977

7157 E. Tanque Verde Rd., Tucson, AZ 85715

(520) 546-6526

105 S Houghton Rd., #149, Tucson, AZ 85748

(520) 751-9949

Pizza. This award-winning pizzaria offers a lacto "all vegetarian menu" but will be happy to use soy cheese upon request for no extra charge. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, beer and wine patio, "take & bake," take-out, delivery, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $-$$$.

Maya Quetzal

429 N. 4th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705

(520) 622-8207

Guatemalan. Maya Quetzal's vegetarian options include tamales made with corn and rice, masa stuffed with spinach and red bell pepper sauce, and chiles releéos stuffed with spinach and walnuts. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, catering, take-out, VISA/MC, $-$$.

New Delhi Palace

6751 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85710

(520) 296-8585

Indian. This restaurant offers several Northern Indian-style vegetarian dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, fresh juices, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DC, $$$.

New Life Café

4841 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85712

(520) 795-7862

Natural foods. Try the traditional Southwestern flavors of guacamole tostadas and chili tostadas, or one of the vegetarian tempeh, tofu, or garden burgers at this largely vegetarian café. Open Monday through Satuday for lunch. Limited service, vegan options, fresh juices, smoothies, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

Shish Kebab House of Tucson

5855 E. Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85711

(520) 745-5308

Middle Eastern. Authentic home-cooking from grandma's recipes. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, non-smoking, informal atmosphere, reservations recommended, espresso/cappucino, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Tork's Café and Market

3502 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, AZ 85716

(520) 325-3737

Middle Eastern. Tork's Café offers many vegetarian options. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Counter service, $$.

Yuma

•• Nature's Express

2905 S. 4th Ave., Yuma, AZ 85364

(928) 317-8300

Vegan/natural foods/organic. Nature's Express offers fast food that is vegan! Enjoy burgers, fries, wraps, soups, and salads, along with various dinner specials, all at great prices. They show their commitment to sustainability and their community by sourcing local products, using organic ingredients as much as possible, recycling their cooking oil into bio-fuel, and using biodegradable packaging. Eat inside or use their convenient drive-thru for vegan food to-go! Open daily for three meals. Limited service, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, special beverages, VISA/MC/DISC, $-$$.