Looking for a vegan or vegetarian friendly restaurant? We have you covered in Tempe.

I have been on a dairy-free diet for almost a year now, and it can sometimes be difficult to dine out. I typically have the best luck at vegetarian and vegan restaurants, or restaurants with vegan options, and lucky for me, Tempe has a great selection! Not only do these Tempe restaurants feature vegetarian and vegan dishes, but several offer organic and locally sourced ingredients as well. My tummy is full and happy at these Tempe vegetarian restaurants:

Green New American Vegetarian
2240 N. Scottsdale Rd., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 941-9003
Green is a 100% vegan restaurant serving delicious comfort foods with an international twist. This walk-up and order restaurant has a casual, trendy vibe with affordable prices. Po-boys, crisp salads and noodle bowls are made with fresh, vegan ingredients, including 100% vegan cheeses and mock meats. My favorites include the balsamic picnic salad and the coconut curry bowl…yum. There are also several sweet treats to choose from (bonus!).

Cafe Lalibela
849 W. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 829-1939
Opened in 1996, Cafe Lalibela was the first Ethiopian restaurant opened in Arizona. 21 years later, it’s still a favorite among locals and ASU students and professors, everything that comes of out this kitchen is not only delicious, but also gluten free, sugar free, nut free and preservative free. And they pride themselves on offering fresh, satisfying flavors (including many vegetarian and gluten-free varieties – yay)! Every bite is rich with intense flavor and spices.

Desert Roots Kitchen
414 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 382-0228
This casual vegan deli cafe is located in Downtown Tempe and has an emphasis on global cuisine using local ingredients. The menu changes frequently so there’s always something new to try. Menu items include a variety of wraps, salads, bean dishes, quinoa, pasta salads, breakfast burritos, smoothies and baked treats. I usually order the wrap of the day and am always happy I did!

Pita Jungle
4 E. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 804-0234
Pita Jungle is a delicious Mediterranean-style eatery offering a large assortment of vegetarian options. Vegan items to choose from include a few appetizers, salads, sides, the falafel pita, veggie wrap and macro plate. This trendy, casual sit-down restaurant also serves meat dishes, so it’s great if you’re trying to find a place to accommodate different tastes. The seasonal daily specials always catch my eye, especially the soup and salad options, and the pitas are a sure bet for a delicious meal too!

Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen
440 W. Warner Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284 | (480) 785-0522
Picazzo’s serves vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and meat dishes, so there’s something for everyone here. In fact, there are over 40 vegan and vegetarian options. The menu has clearly marked vegan dishes including pasta, salads, pizza, veggie plates and desserts, which makes it convenient when ordering. Additionally, they use organic ingredients whenever they can and the entire restaurant is 100% gluten free. This is the kind of place where I feel like I can really indulge, and know that’s it’s also healthy for me.

Udupi Cafe
1636 N. Scottsdale Rd., Tempe, Arizona 85281 | (480) 994-8787
This vegetarian Indian restaurant specializes in South Indian food and offers an extensive menu and a daily lunch buffet. All of the dishes are flavorful and filling with the perfect balance of spices in every bite. Since there are so many options to choose from when ordering, there’s always something new to try each time you visit. The vegetable samosas and the vegetable curry dishes are my favorites here.

Loving Hut
405 W. University Dr., Tempe, AZ 85281 | (480) 968-4096
1804 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 | (480) 897-9034
Loving Hut has a fresh and healthy menu, consisting entirely of vegan options. Choose from a wide variety of choices including a large selection of burgers, curry dishes, noodle bowls, salads and more. You can try something different every time you go, and find a new favorite each time.

Are we missing any of your favorite vegetarian restaurants? Let us know and we’ll add them to our list!

For more information about restaurants in Tempe, visit our website: www.tempetourism.com or call us at 480-894-8158.