Here are the best vegan restaurants around Scottsdale.
Order the chile relleno vegan dish by executive chef Jason Wyrick during Phoenix Vegan Restaurant Week.
Celebrating Veganism
After a successful monthly vegan Saturday Night Market, PHX Vegan is launching the first ever Phoenix Vegan Restaurant Week, featuring twenty local vegan and vegan-friendly staples such as Shameless Burger and Giving Tree Cafe. “Arizona Restaurant Week is great, however, there is slim to none of places offering plant-forward dishes for restaurant goers,” says PHX Vegan’s Owner and Community Curator Jozh Watson, who teamed up with Executive Chef Jason Wyrick of Clever Koi & Earth Plant Based to engage the vegan community of Scottsdale. “Jason and I wanted to show that Phoenix has a strong vegan and plant-based culinary scene and we want those who are vegan or vegan curious to get that experience,” says Watson. Each participating dining establishment, whether that’s a restaurant, food truck, bakery or cart will offer breakfast, lunch, or a three or five course meal unique to that establishment and serve for dine-in and/or take-out, at their location. The event lets patrons try a new approach to plant-based eating, every day of the week. Sept. 12-18, phoenixvegan.com
Here are five hot spots to note if you miss the event:
Clever Koi
With woks blazing and the wood-fired grill ignited, this Asian-inspired spot is not just a savory vegan eatery, but a sensory affair. The best seats in the house are court-side to the kitchen, where Clever Koi is opening up their dining experience so that guests can watch their food being prepared in anticipation, before digging into a choice of steam-buns, noodles, dumplings and more, on the ever-changing plant-based menu. For a craft cocktail or sake, retreat to the bar where the beverages are designed to pair with your meal, elevating the flavors inspired by destinations such as Thailand, Korea, and Indo-China. 4236 N. Central Ave., #100, Phoenix; 60 W. Vaughn Ave., #101, Gilbert; thecleverkoi.com
Earth Plant Based Cuisine
Armed with a menu featuring plant-based, GMO-free, and organic tacos and handhelds, this family-owned cookery is out on a mission to prove that vegan food can be more than "just eating grass." Wednesdays through Sundays, a trip to Earth Plant Based Cuisine would not be complete without staying for one of their decadent dairy-free desserts including churro ice cream sandwiches and over the top monster milkshakes loaded with toppings. Truly by and for animal lovers, some of their proceeds even go to humane animal shelters. 1325 Grand Ave., Unit 7, Phoenix, earthplantbased.com
Giving Tree Cafe
How can a comfort food hotspot serving up all day breakfast and crunch wrap supremes with spicy cheese boast the hashtag #HealthiestRestaurantInAmerica? By making everything not only vegan, but also gluten-free and organic, of course. Open every day of the year from 10:30am to 9pm, head to their Phoenix location for a cozy industrial-chic ambiance complete with an open kitchen and hanging lights, or stop by their Scottsdale shop for guilt-free takeout. 2024 N. 7th St., Ste. 111, Phoenix; 7127 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale; givingtreecafe.com
Shameless Burger
For all animal lovers and meatless Monday enthusiasts who still crave a good burger, here’s your sign to follow @shameless_burger on Instagram (and don’t forget to turn on post notifications) to find out where this meat alternative haven will be next. This 100% vegan stand pops up all over the Phoenix area, offering juicy Impossible patties with vegan cheese and all the fixings. No burger is complete without fries though, and Shameless Burgers’ street fries with a side of tangy pineapple habanero sauce are sure to fill any committed or dabbling vegan’s most severe comfort food craving. shamelessburger.com
True Food Kitchen
If you’re looking for a spot to bring your meat and cheese loving friends and family, True Food Kitchen is calling your name. Its menu changes seasonally, offering the freshest ingredients every day of the week and labeling each dish to reflect if it is vegan, vegetarian, or gluten free. While meat and animal byproducts are still on the menu, there’s no shortage of plant-based options, from edamame guacamole to veggie-packed vegan double decker cheeseburger complemented by a handcrafted cocktail or a glass of red. 15191 N Scottsdale Road, Ste. 100, Scottsdale,; 2502 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; truefoodkitchen.com
Photography by: Photo courtesy of PHOENIX VEGAN RESTAURANT WEEK
