Here are some of the most popular vegan restaurants in Tucson, AZ in chronological order, along with their opening dates, brief histories, neighborhoods, and specialty dishes:
- Govinda’s Natural Foods Restaurant – 1992
Located in the Armory Park neighborhood, Govinda’s Natural Foods Restaurant is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant that serves organic, locally sourced food. The restaurant is run by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and offers a daily lunch buffet featuring an assortment of vegetarian and vegan dishes. One of their most popular dishes is the Govinda’s Special, which is a plate of rice, lentil soup, vegetable curry, and a dessert. - Lovin’ Spoonfuls – 2005
Located in the North Fourth Avenue neighborhood, Lovin’ Spoonfuls is a vegan restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They offer a variety of dishes such as tofu scrambles, salads, sandwiches, and pasta. Their specialty dish is the Vegan Meatloaf, which is made from lentils, quinoa, and vegetables and served with mashed potatoes and gravy. - Cafe AVA – Opened 2008,
Cafe AVA is a vegan restaurant whose mission is to provide nutritious, plant-based food without sacrificing flavor. Located in the heart of the Fourth Avenue Shopping District near the University of Arizona, Cafe AVA is well known for their signature vegan mac & cheese. - Green – Opened in 2010, Green was the first all-vegan restaurant in Tucson. Located in the historic Eastside Warehouse District, Green is a family-run business that serves a diverse menu of vegan dishes, ranging from breakfast burritos to seitan tacos. Their signature dish is the vegan kale salad, which is packed with flavor.
- The Loving Cup – Opened in 2011, The Loving Cup is a vegan cafe and bakery located in the downtown Tucson area. The Loving Cup specializes in vegan baked goods, including cupcakes, cookies, and pies. They also have a variety of vegan sandwiches, salads, and hot entrées. Their signature dish is the vegan chocolate mousse cake.
- The Golden Nugget – Opened in 2013, The Golden Nugget is an all vegan restaurant located in the heart of downtown Tucson. The Golden Nugget offers a wide selection of vegan
- Tumerico – 2013
Located in the West University neighborhood, Tumerico is a vegan restaurant that focuses on using organic and locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s menu changes daily and features dishes such as salads, sandwiches, tacos, and bowls. Their specialty dish is the Jackfruit Tacos, which are made with marinated jackfruit, avocado, cabbage, and salsa. - Urban Fresh – 2015
Located in the West University neighborhood, Urban Fresh is a vegan and vegetarian restaurant that offers salads, sandwiches, smoothies, and bowls. Their specialty dish is the Baja Bowl, which is made with brown rice, black beans, avocado, salsa, and a choice of vegan chicken or tofu. - Charro Vida – 2018
Located in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood, Charro Vida is a Mexican-inspired vegan and vegetarian restaurant. They offer dishes such as tacos, burritos, and bowls. Their specialty dish is the Jackfruit Barbacoa Tacos, which are made with slow-cooked jackfruit, guacamole, and pickled onions.
These are just a few of the many vegan restaurants in Tucson, AZ, and each one offers unique and delicious dishes.
