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The Best Vegan Food in Tucson

The Best Vegan Food in Tucson

by Hannah HernandezJun 28, 2023Updated Jul 14, 20266 min read

This guide is your golden ticket to uncovering Tucson's finest plant-based cuisine. Whether you're a vegan or simply looking for good food, we've curated the top spots to enjoy delectable animal-free dishes. While many of the restaurants we mention also have non-vegan options, we've included them here specifically for their outstanding vegan choices. Get ready to delight in the vibrant flavors of Tucson's vegan offerings!

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28 spots

520 Taco Stop (Photos by Hannah Hernandez)

520 Taco Stop

10290 East Speedway BoulevardEastside

VEGAN RESTAURANT WEEK MENU
(Available Thursday, December 5 – Saturday, December 7)

Get each of the following at 10% off:

  • Papa Burrito – chorizo, chile verdo, and queso
  • Quesabirria Jackfruit Cheesy Tacos
  • Jackfruit Street Tacos

About the restaurant: 

Find Jackfruit burritos, Quesabirria tacos, Sonoran Dogs, and more on this beautifully painted food truck.

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Del Cielos (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Del Cielo Tamal Restaurant

3073 North Campbell AvenueMidtown

Del Cielo Tamal in Tucson presents a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere with colorful decor and traditional Mexican artwork adorning the walls. The casual setting features both indoor and outdoor seating, providing a comfortable space for diners to enjoy their meals. Known for its extensive menu that caters to both traditional and vegan preferences, Del Cielo Tamal has become a popular spot for those seeking tamales and quesabirrias.

Mahi Mahi Tacos at El Torero Restaurant (Photo by Jackie Tran)

El Torero Restaurant

231 East 26th StreetSouth Tucson

This family-owned eatery offers a variety of vegan options, including their famous green corn tamales. Ask for their vegan specials menu to explore more delicious plant-based dishes. Just a heads up, the portions are pretty generous!

Vegan Birria Ramen from Ensenada Street Food (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Ensenada Street Food

1602 South Park AvenueDowntown

Ensenada Street Food charms diners with bright turquoise walls and papel picado banners overhead. Floral‑patterned tablecloths and mismatched chairs lend a festive, homey vibe. A corrugated tin roof covers colorful outdoor picnic benches beside their Baja‑style food truck.

This women‑owned Baja California taco spot serves fish and al pastor tacos. The savory “Rojito” quesabirria tacos with dipping broth also earn praise for their tender beef and flavorful broth..

Meyer Avenue Cafe & Mercantile

353 South Meyer AvenueDowntown

Meyer Avenue Cafe & Mercantile, which is located on the same property as The Coronet,  it’s a smaller counter-service cafe where visitors can grab a bite, sip on coffee from Caffe Luce, wake up with a cup of tea, or drink a beer. Plus, there’s free WiFi to make it easier for those working remotely. Meyer Avenue Cafe will be open from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily and the Mercantile shop is open 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Tuesday – Wednesday and 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Thursday – Monday. When it comes to the mercantile portion of the cafe, they’ll be selling things like bodega water glasses, coffee, beer, wine, and other tabletop items. Also, there will be jarred and canned offerings for sale that come from all three restaurants.

Midtown Vegan Deli & Market (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Midtown Vegan Deli & Market

5071 East 5th StreetMidtown

If you’re headed to Midtown, don’t forget to bring your appetite and your reusable grocery bags. This spot has everything from vegan burgers and salads to sweet treats, plus a fully-stocked selection of vegan groceries to take home with you.

Vegan options at Taqueria La Esquina (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Taqueria La Esquina

4876 South 6th AvenueSouth Side

Taquería La Esquina welcomes guests in a bright space decorated with vivid papel picado and a mural of a Day‑of‑the‑Dead skeleton wearing a sombrero. Dark wood tables fill the open dining room beneath ceiling fans and festive artwork. The counter area includes digital menu screens, giving it a fresh take on traditional taqueria design.

The carne asada taco and pork belly bites are the popular favorites here. Vegan and plant-based diners also praise the mushroom adobada and jackfruit birria tacos.

Toss Fried Chicken & Ramen

1800 East Fort Lowell RoadMidtown

Toss Fried Chicken & Ramen opened a new location in northwest Tucson on July 4 at 3930 W. Ina Rd, #322, in Embassy Plaza near Thornydale Road. The restaurant blends Japanese noodle culture with sauced fried chicken in a compact space. The Ina Road (northwest) location features minimal décor, counter service, and seating that promotes a quick, casual meal. Patrons often order Tonkotsu Ramen topped with chashu and black garlic oil. The Desert Ramen adds fried chicken and citrus-spiced broth for those who want bold heat. For non-ramen eaters, the Toss fried chicken bathed in sauces like garlic Parmesan or honey Sriracha also reign.

Cauliflower Sandwich at Zayna's Mediterranean (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Zayna Mediterranean Restaurant

1138 North Belvedere AvenueMidtown

Regardless of the time of day, Zayna’s crispy Cauliflower, Falafel Sandwiches, Grape Leaves, Salads, and other delectable options hit the spot.

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Locally owned groceries around Tucson carry an assortment of packaged foods, but how many carry fresh produce? As it turns out, not nearly as many as there are restaurants. Farmers markets, such as @heirloomfm, and other programs, such as @pivotproduce and @tucsoncsa provide access to local produce. However, they are only available certain times of the week. If you need something the same day and just want a small, locally owned groceries near you for some essentials, this guide will come in handy.

• Caravan Mideastern Foods
• @wildwestmeatmarket 
• @foodconspiracy 
• G & L Imports
• @gallery.of.food 
• @nicksarisaristore 
• @rancheroscarniceriagrant 
• Rocking K Market Bar & Restaurant
• Sandyi Oriental Market 
• @timemarket 

More on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazLocally owned groceries around Tucson carry an assortment of packaged foods, but how many carry fresh produce? As it turns out, not nearly as many as there are restaurants. Farmers markets, such as @heirloomfm, and other programs, such as @pivotproduce and @tucsoncsa provide access to local produce. However, they are only available certain times of the week. If you need something the same day and just want a small, locally owned groceries near you for some essentials, this guide will come in handy. • Caravan Mideastern Foods • @wildwestmeatmarket • @foodconspiracy • G & L Imports • @gallery.of.food • @nicksarisaristore • @rancheroscarniceriagrant • Rocking K Market Bar & Restaurant • Sandyi Oriental Market • @timemarket More on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonfoodie #tucsonazThree-peat!🏆🏆🏆

@Chef_antbanks of @obonsushi defended his Iron Chef Tucson title against AJ Mortazavi of The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery, with tomatoes from Wholesum Family Farms revealed as this year’s secret ingredient.

Dromgoole’s winning menu included pork with minced olives over a diced tomato salad, a tomato-forward ratatouille with mozzarella, charred corn and whipped ricotta served with tableside tomato soup, and a standout dessert of fried tomato topped with goat cheese ice cream and balsamic glaze.

With the victory, Dromgoole joins Ryan Clark as the only chefs to win @theironcheftucson three years in a row. Here’s hoping OBON brings these dishes back for a special dinner. 🍅

Photos by @jackie_tran_ 

#tucsonnewsThree-peat!🏆🏆🏆 @Chef_antbanks of @obonsushi defended his Iron Chef Tucson title against AJ Mortazavi of The Barnyard Crafthouse & Eatery, with tomatoes from Wholesum Family Farms revealed as this year’s secret ingredient. Dromgoole’s winning menu included pork with minced olives over a diced tomato salad, a tomato-forward ratatouille with mozzarella, charred corn and whipped ricotta served with tableside tomato soup, and a standout dessert of fried tomato topped with goat cheese ice cream and balsamic glaze. With the victory, Dromgoole joins Ryan Clark as the only chefs to win @theironcheftucson three years in a row. Here’s hoping OBON brings these dishes back for a special dinner. 🍅 Photos by @jackie_tran_ #tucsonnewsBreakfast & Brunch Week starts today and runs through July 26 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer! 

🏆🍳☀️❤️🥞THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival 
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards 
• $20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• $25 gift card to @beyondbreadbakerycafe 

ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @lovinspoonfulstucson, @delcielotamal, @hotelcongress, @prepandpastry, @cafealacarttucson, @tooleys_cafe, @localetucson, @teaspoontucson, @theofficialbreadandbutter, @losmilicsvineyards, @cafepassetucson… More suggestions on the website. Link in bio. 

Let’s support local 💝

#tucsonfoodie #tucsonazBreakfast & Brunch Week starts today and runs through July 26 as part of 12 Weeks of Foodie Summer! 🏆🍳☀️❤️🥞THIS WEEK’S PRIZES: • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $20 gift card to @ghinisfrenchcaffe • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • $25 gift card to @beyondbreadbakerycafe ANY LOCAL SPOT COUNTS. Some suggested places to visit this week: @lovinspoonfulstucson, @delcielotamal, @hotelcongress, @prepandpastry, @cafealacarttucson, @tooleys_cafe, @localetucson, @teaspoontucson, @theofficialbreadandbutter, @losmilicsvineyards, @cafepassetucson… More suggestions on the website. Link in bio. Let’s support local 💝 #tucsonfoodie #tucsonaz“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim 

@bellasgelatoshoppetucson 
@bisouburger 
@blueicegelato 
@brooklynpizzaco 
@azbrucha 
@cerestucson 
@chillonsunrise 
@decibelcoffeeworks 
@frostgelato 
@frozendelight520 
@hubdowntown 
@lickscatalina 
@littleanthonysdiner 
@noodiestucson 
@okashi_ice_cream_confections 
@thescreamery 
@treat_byciaodown 
@varietyh2o_icecream 
@zio_peppe_az 

See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie“I scream, you scream...oh, hush! In this warm weather town, there’s no need to scream for ice cream. This year-round favorite treat and its cool cousins, gelato, and sorbet are widely available in a variety of distinctive styles and flavors. You’ll also find more unusual fare such as Indian golas, a version of shaved ice.” — @ediebjarolim @bellasgelatoshoppetucson @bisouburger @blueicegelato @brooklynpizzaco @azbrucha @cerestucson @chillonsunrise @decibelcoffeeworks @frostgelato @frozendelight520 @hubdowntown @lickscatalina @littleanthonysdiner @noodiestucson @okashi_ice_cream_confections @thescreamery @treat_byciaodown @varietyh2o_icecream @zio_peppe_az See @ediebjarolim’s complete guide on Tucsonfoodie.com #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝

THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉
• $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card
• (2) $100 Visa gift cards
• $75 @carusositalian gift card
• $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card
• $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia 
• $50 @miramontetucson gift card
• $50 @localetucson gift card 
• 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum 
• Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival

Let’s support local this summer💞

@anello_pizzeria 
@brooklynpizzaco 
@charredpie 
@ciaodownpizza 
@embersmobilewoodfiredpizza 
@empirepizzatucson 
@falorapizza 
@fentonellispizzeria 
@fiammepizza 
@frescotucson 
@tucsonjaimes 
@localetucson 
@penelope.woodfired 
@reillypizza 
@reneestucson 
@roccoslittlechicago 
@serial_grillers_az 
@timemarket 
@uglybuthonestpizzeria 
@veroamoretucson 
@wholeslvcepizza 
@zio_peppe_az 

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieIT’S ITALIAN WEEK! Now through July 19, explore Tucson’s classic and modern Italian restaurants, then upload your receipt at summer.tucsonfoodie.com for a chance to win weekly prizes and the grand prize at the end of August.🍝 THIS WEEK’S PRIZES👇❤️🏆🎉 • $50 @fentonellispizzeria gift card • (2) $100 Visa gift cards • $75 @carusositalian gift card • $20 @ghinisfrenchcaffe gift card • $50 gift card to @eatnorthitalia • $50 @miramontetucson gift card • $50 @localetucson gift card • 4-pack of passes to Cool Summer Nights at the @desertmuseum • Tickets to America’s Best Mexican Food Festival Let’s support local this summer💞 @anello_pizzeria @brooklynpizzaco @charredpie @ciaodownpizza @embersmobilewoodfiredpizza @empirepizzatucson @falorapizza @fentonellispizzeria @fiammepizza @frescotucson @tucsonjaimes @localetucson @penelope.woodfired @reillypizza @reneestucson @roccoslittlechicago @serial_grillers_az @timemarket @uglybuthonestpizzeria @veroamoretucson @wholeslvcepizza @zio_peppe_az #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodieNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌

Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 

11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ

#tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucsonNow open in downtown Tucson: @gibsonmarkettucson🙌 Coming soon: @pearlloungetucson 11 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ #tucsonaz #tucsonfoodie #downtowntucson

Tag us @TUCSONFOODIE in your food adventures!