While it may be a little late to save that New Year's resolution to eat better, here's your chance at a second wind. I've listed five prominent vegan/vegetarian restaurants in the Valley. Your heart (and stomach) will thank me.
Green, a vegetarian/vegan staple and Nami, a vegan twist on traditional sweet treats, is located in the heart of Phoenix. (Nikki Bradford/The State Press)Nami is a cute local place that functions mostly as a breakfast and brunch spot. The coffee, as well as the breakfast dishes, are the main draw here. My main experience with this spot is the vegan doughnuts, and they're some of the best I've ever had — I'd even venture that these pastries are better than Bosa. Not into breakfast? This place also serves soy-based soft serve!
Read State Press Magazine's review of this spot here!
Location: 2014 N. 7th St., Phoenix
Phone: 602-258-6264
Hours: Monday - Sunday 7 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., brunch served Sundays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
I began frequenting Udupi a few years ago, and it has been a solid spot since I went on a quest to find more Indian food in the Valley. During the day, there are delicious buffet options for those who can't (or won't) commit to one dish. There are occasional dessert options as well, and the traditional food won't disappoint.
For more coverage of the Tempe Indian food scene, click here!
Location: 1636 N. Scottsdale Rd., Tempe
Phone: 480-944-8787
Hours: Monday – Sunday 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Bragg's Factory Diner in downtown Phoenix, specializing in vegan and vegetarian twists on classic dishes. (Nikki Bradford/The State Press)This spot, for the Downtown-centric, is rife with vegetarian and vegan choices for breakfast, lunch or dinner. If you're into something more sweet than green, try any of the "100 percent vegan" pies. If you need something real to eat, there are a bevy of the classics, including dishes filled with tofu and quinoa.
Read a State Press review of Bragg's here!
Last year, the restaurant started a Go Fund Me campaign to raise money after circumstances conspired and costs mounted. It was apparently successful and the diner is open for business.
Location: 1301 NW Grand Ave., Phoenix
Phone: 602-733-8076
Hours: Monday - Thursday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 7 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sundays 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Green, run by the same chef as Nami, listed above, serves vegan food that will remind you of your happy place. The restaurant claims to serve "comfort food," a high mark that's confirmed with the menu offering salads, sandwiches and bowls. There's enough faux-meat (chicken and beef), as well as tofu, that can please any palate. I've listed only the Tempe restaurant's information, but there is a Green in Downtown Phoenix.
Location: 2240 N. Scottsdale Rd. #8, Tempe.
Phone: 480-941-9003
Hours: Monday — Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., closed Sundays.
Sage Kitchen, a hidden gem specializing in unique vegetarian and vegan dishes in downtown Phoenix. (Nikki Bradford/The State Press)Sage Kitchen, located in Town and Country, near Camelback and SR-51, is a great place to take your mother when she's decided she wants to be a raw/vegan convert. This club has everything: Nori rolls, kale pizza and a selection of teas that will knock your Birks' off. I'm going to stop by the next time I lug my reusable bags to the nearby Trader Joe's in this shopping center.
Location: 4773 N. 20th St., Phoenix
Phone: 602-283-1210
Hours: Monday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Think I left one or two important places off this list? Email me at pnorthfe@asu.edu or tell me on Twitter @peternorthfelt.
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