🎟️ Desert Magic | Aug 29 — Get Tickets & View Featured Chefs →Get Tickets →
Tucson FoodieCelebrating local food, drink, and community.
The Best Vegan Food in Tucson

Guide

The Best Vegan Food in Tucson

by Hannah HernandezJun 28, 2023Updated Aug 4, 20265 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!

Learn how we create our guides →
26 spots

Advertisement

Del Cielos (Photo credit: Hannah Hernandez)

Del Cielo Tamal Restaurant

3073 North Campbell AvenueMidtown

Mexican
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.
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)Guide to Breakfast in TucsonThe Best Pancakes in Tucson

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

El Torero Restaurant

231 East 26th StreetSouth Tucson

Mexican
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!
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)Best Burritos in TucsonTucson Wing Expert's Top Wings in Tucson

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..

Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inWhere to Eat Tacos in TucsonGuide to Tucson Mexican Restaurants with House-Made TortillasFoodie 15: Best Birria in Tucson

Dining room at Falora (Photo by Jackie Tran)

Falora

3906 N Oracle Rd Suite 110

ItalianPizzaVegan
Located in the Broadway Village shopping center, this stunning pizzeria serves up a variety of vegan pizzas with innovative toppings such as vegan sausage and housemade vegan cheese. Leave room for their signature vegan dessert, the "Sorta Torta."
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)Guide to Caesar Salads in TucsonLove is on the Menu: Tucson’s Most Romantic Restaurants

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.
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inWhere I Eat in Tucson (and What I Order)The Best Burgers in TucsonGuide to Food Along Tucson's Chuck Huckleberry Loop (Foodie 15)

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.

Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inFoodie 15: Best Smoothies in TucsonYour Guide to Sonoran Restaurant Week 2024The Best Fries in Tucson

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.

Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inWhere to Eat Tacos in TucsonFoodie 15: Best Churros in TucsonBest Margaritas in Tucson

Toss Fried Chicken & Ramen

1800 East Fort Lowell RoadMidtown

Ramen
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 dĂŠcor, 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.
Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inNew Restaurants, Bars & Coffee Shops in Tucson 2025Best Chinese Restaurants in TucsonToss Fried Chicken & Ramen Northwest Location Now Open

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.

Website ↗Instagram ↗
Also featured inYelp’s Top 25 Places to Eat in Tucson (2024)The Best Restaurants in Tucson According to r/Tucson (Reddit)Yelp's Top 25 Places to Eat in Tucson (2023)
Follow @TucsonFoodie134.4K followers
🌵✨ 2 TICKETS FOR $120 — THIS WEEKEND ONLY ✨🌵 Planning to come with a friend? We’re dropping a special 2-Pack Flash Sale now through Sunday at 11:59PM! Grab yours before Tier 3 pricing kicks in Monday. An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky. In partnership with @salus.healers, we’re gathering Tucson’s top chefs and wellness practitioners to celebrate the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Join us Sat, Aug 29 at @tohonochul for Desert Magic—a one-night experience to stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and explore chef & wellness stations along the way. 🍽️ FOOD (a-z) @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) 🌿 WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS @alicen.grey | @awakenedwombs | @readingsbybethw | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sonoranrosieherbal | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound | @frank.ramos1 (Offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more!) 🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks. Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ Limited time only. Must buy 2 tickets for promo price (Max 1 pack/order; purchase separately for multiple pairs). Additional session add-ons at practitioner discretion.🌵✨ 2 TICKETS FOR $120 — THIS WEEKEND ONLY ✨🌵 Planning to come with a friend? We’re dropping a special 2-Pack Flash Sale now through Sunday at 11:59PM! Grab yours before Tier 3 pricing kicks in Monday. An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky. In partnership with @salus.healers, we’re gathering Tucson’s top chefs and wellness practitioners to celebrate the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Join us Sat, Aug 29 at @tohonochul for Desert Magic—a one-night experience to stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and explore chef & wellness stations along the way. 🍽️ FOOD (a-z) @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) 🌿 WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS @alicen.grey | @awakenedwombs | @readingsbybethw | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sonoranrosieherbal | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound | @frank.ramos1 (Offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more!) 🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks. Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ Limited time only. Must buy 2 tickets for promo price (Max 1 pack/order; purchase separately for multiple pairs). Additional session add-ons at practitioner discretion.
@Istanbultucson is expanding to MARANA! The family-run Turkish restaurant is opening a second location, Istanbul Mediterranean Express, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd., Suite 100. The fast-casual concept will feature about 75% of the original menu, plus two exclusive offerings: build-your-own Kumpir, a Turkish stuffed baked potato, and fresh in-house ground doner. The restaurant is currently working through permits and remodeling, with a grand opening date expected to be announced soon. Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo courtesy of Istanbul Mediterranean Express #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews@Istanbultucson is expanding to MARANA! The family-run Turkish restaurant is opening a second location, Istanbul Mediterranean Express, at 5660 W. Cortaro Farms Rd., Suite 100. The fast-casual concept will feature about 75% of the original menu, plus two exclusive offerings: build-your-own Kumpir, a Turkish stuffed baked potato, and fresh in-house ground doner. The restaurant is currently working through permits and remodeling, with a grand opening date expected to be announced soon. Read @jackie_tran_’s article on Tucsonfoodie.com Photo courtesy of Istanbul Mediterranean Express #tucsonfoodie #tucsonnews
Downtown Tucson’s culinary landscape is ever-evolving, offering a dynamic mix of traditional eateries and modern culinary hotspots. This guide is designed to provide you with up-to-date recommendations and insights into the best dining experiences Tucson’s Downtown has to offer.🌞 Are your favorites on the list?👀 @5pointstucson @agustinkitchen @bagginsgourmet @barbatatucson @basqueriaaz @batatucson @blockatucson @eatbombole @bosburger__ @brickboxbrewery @cafe54_bistro @cafealacarttucson @barcrisoltucson @cafedesta @caffeluce @casamadretucson @cerestucson @charrosteak.delrey @chef_brian_hill_ @chelaslatincuisine @crudamariscos @hotelcongress @decibelcoffeeworks @elcharro.cafe @elmezquitetucson @elminutocafe @zumitosjuicebar @elliottsoncongress @emerald29tucson @empirepizzatucson @forbes_meat_company @gibsonmarkettucson @heemeebakery …and many more on Tucsonfoodie.com ❤️ #downtowntucson #tucsonfoodieDowntown Tucson’s culinary landscape is ever-evolving, offering a dynamic mix of traditional eateries and modern culinary hotspots. This guide is designed to provide you with up-to-date recommendations and insights into the best dining experiences Tucson’s Downtown has to offer.🌞 Are your favorites on the list?👀 @5pointstucson @agustinkitchen @bagginsgourmet @barbatatucson @basqueriaaz @batatucson @blockatucson @eatbombole @bosburger__ @brickboxbrewery @cafe54_bistro @cafealacarttucson @barcrisoltucson @cafedesta @caffeluce @casamadretucson @cerestucson @charrosteak.delrey @chef_brian_hill_ @chelaslatincuisine @crudamariscos @hotelcongress @decibelcoffeeworks @elcharro.cafe @elmezquitetucson @elminutocafe @zumitosjuicebar @elliottsoncongress @emerald29tucson @empirepizzatucson @forbes_meat_company @gibsonmarkettucson @heemeebakery …and many more on Tucsonfoodie.com ❤️ #downtowntucson #tucsonfoodie
🌵✨ 2 TICKETS FOR $120 — THIS WEEKEND ONLY ✨🌵 Planning to come with a friend? We’re dropping a special 2-Pack Flash Sale now through Sunday at 11:59PM! Grab yours before Tier 3 pricing kicks in Monday. An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky. In partnership with @salus.healers, we’re gathering Tucson’s top chefs and wellness practitioners to celebrate the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Join us Sat, Aug 29 at @tohonochul for Desert Magic—a one-night experience to stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and explore chef & wellness stations along the way. 🍽️ FOOD (a-z) @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) 🌿 WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS @alicen.grey | @awakenedwombs | @readingsbybethw | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sonoranrosieherbal | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound | @frank.ramos1 (Offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more!) 🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks. Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ Limited time only. Must buy 2 tickets for promo price (Max 1 pack/order; purchase separately for multiple pairs). Additional session add-ons at practitioner discretion.🌵✨ 2 TICKETS FOR $120 — THIS WEEKEND ONLY ✨🌵 Planning to come with a friend? We’re dropping a special 2-Pack Flash Sale now through Sunday at 11:59PM! Grab yours before Tier 3 pricing kicks in Monday. An evening of food, plants, and connection returns under the desert sky. In partnership with @salus.healers, we’re gathering Tucson’s top chefs and wellness practitioners to celebrate the edible and medicinal beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Join us Sat, Aug 29 at @tohonochul for Desert Magic—a one-night experience to stroll the gardens, drink in hand, and explore chef & wellness stations along the way. 🍽️ FOOD (a-z) @el_chef_padilla (@copperashculinary) | @landofmilknhoney (@tohonochulgardenbistro) | @chefdevonsanner (@sandpcreative) | Chef Gracie Soto (@anita_st_market) | @chefjosetucson (@ameliastucson) | @kenneth.foy | Obie Hindman & @tuckerhartford (@tucsoncityofgastronomy & @solpuebloprovisions) | @archimagirus_cultro (@scratchingtheplate) 🌿 WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS @alicen.grey | @awakenedwombs | @readingsbybethw | @curavidabodywork | @dharmawellness.center | @drkorigiudici | Ease Bodywork | @itsme.emmav | @healingspiritsoaks | @marie.heartnectar | @innerblissenergetics | @jessi.kyte.bodywork | Medicine Within | @monsoonmystics | @morosomedicalcenter | @intuitive_readings_by_zev | @sonoranrosieherbal | @sugarmelovetucson | @tantricheart_coaching | @gathering_point_ | @thehealinghubaz | The Somatic Sound | @frank.ramos1 (Offering sound healing, massage, somatic therapy, readings, reiki, plant walks, workshops & more!) 🥣 SOUNDS @tucsonmodernjazzquartet | DJ Sets by Rosa Dragona & LaDev Ticket includes wellness stations, herb walks, workshops, sound healing, & botanical drinks. Tap the link in bio to grab yours! 🎟️✨ Limited time only. Must buy 2 tickets for promo price (Max 1 pack/order; purchase separately for multiple pairs). Additional session add-ons at practitioner discretion.