Foodie 15: A Vegan’s guide to pizza pies in Tucson

Finding vegan pizza around Tucson isn’t necessarily hard, but it could be challenging if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

There are a handful of pizzas that stand out from the rest. Most pizza shops are happy to substitute dairy-based cheese; vegan cheese isn’t for everyone. Some avoid cheese altogether and allow the flavors of sauce, herbs, and veggies to stand out.

Take a look and add some new favorites to your local pizza adventures.

Ciao Down

3230 N. Dodge Blvd. Ste. E

The (vegan as-is) BBQ Jack is 10 inches of sweet and spicy perfection. Spicy barbecue sauce, jackfruit, jalapeños, pineapple, red onion, vegan mozzarella, and topped with micro cilantro. 

For more information, visit ciaodownpizza.com and follow Ciao Down on Facebook and Instagram. 

Falora

3000 E. Broadway Blvd.

Endless vegan options at Falora. From pizza, and pasta, to dessert, you’re all set. Choose from La Cauliflora, Marinara, Za Zucca, El Fauxrizo, and more. El Fauxrizo is topped with house-made vegan chorizo, plant-based mozzarella, black beans, corn, cilantro lime crema, and scallions.

For more information, visit falora.com.

Penelope Wood Fired Pizza

210 E. Broadway Blvd.

The staff at Penelope is happy to create customized vegan options, but here’s a pro tip: Order the Pammy with no mozzarella and add jalapeños. Tons of flavors! You won’t miss the cheese. Order their Olivers’ Greens salad with no prosciutto or mozzarella. Their lemon vinaigrette is vegan, and they can add any veggies you’d like.

For more information, follow Penelope Pizza on Instagram. 

Rocco’s Little Chicago Pizzeria

2707 E. Broadway Blvd.

Mushroom fans, this pizza is for you. Rocco’s has vegan options and daily soup specials that are usually vegan. The Fungus Humungous deep dish pizza and Spicy Hot Sticks are among the most popular vegan items. Mention that you want both items served vegan to avoid any cheese or ranch dressing. The marinara sauce is not vegan, but the pizza sauce is.

For more information, visit roccoslittlechicago.com.

Renee’s

7065 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

Renee’s offers vegan garlic knots, pizza, pasta, and dessert. Order the vegan-as-is Vegan Crush Pizza, or ask for the Mideast to be made vegan with avocado instead of feta. The Mideast features hummus, lettuce, cucumber, tomato, black olive, and sliced avocado.

For more information, visit reneestucson.com.

Magpies Gourmet Pizza

605 N. Fourth Ave. • 6342 N. Oracle Rd. • 105 S. Houghton Rd.

Sub vegan cheese on any pizza and even the garlic cheese sticks! The Veggie pizza comes with marinara sauce, cheese of choice, yellow onion, Roma tomatoes, green pepper, black olives, and mushrooms. 

For more information, visit magpiespizza.com.

The Monica

40 E. Congress St.

The Charrovida hand-pulled pizza has melted plant-based cheese, high-protein chickpea chorizo, mixed peppers, mushroom, and house sauce.

For more information, visit themonicatucson.com. 

Z Pizza

11165 N. La Canada Dr.

Z Pizza offers two vegan-as-is pizzas. The Berkeley Vegan Pizza and the Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Vegan are loaded with toppings.

The Sweet and Spicy Pineapple is topped with chipotle marinara sauce, vegan mozzarella, red onion, jalapeno, vegan sausage crumble, jalapeno, pineapple, and crushed red pepper.

For more information, visit zpizza.com. 

Trident Pizza Pub

446 N. Campbell Ave. #100

Grab a Veggie Supreme pizza and request vegan cheese or Build-Your-Own. If you’re looking for a meat alternative, Trident offers Impossible sausage.

For more information, visit tridentgrill.com/pizzapub.

Proof Artisanal Pizza & Pasta

4340 N. Campbell Ave. #104

Order the Veggie Pie topped with artichoke, bell pepper, red onion, and kalamata olives, or the Margherita with fresh basil, heirloom tomatoes, and basil oil. Customize with your favorite toppings. Ask for no cheese or sub for vegan cheese. 

Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink

101 E. Pennington St.

Reillys has a pizza on the menu just for vegans. The Vegan features sauce, garlic, mushroom, peppers, eggplant, and onion. Add nutritional yeast for an additional dollar. Start with housemade bread (ask for no butter.)

For more information, visit reillypizza.com.

Fiamme Pizza Napoletana

4706 E. Sunrise Dr.

The crisp wood-fired Marinara pizza features garlic and basil with a rich tomato sauce. 

For more information, visit fiammepizzatucson.com.

Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria

3011 E. Speedway Blvd.

Fresco offers a 100% vegan mozzarella substitute and a gluten-free pizza crust. Order the Margherita Fresco, Herbivore, or BYO pizza. Just be sure to remove cheese or add the vegan sub.

For more information, visit frescopizzeria.com.

Zio Peppe

6502 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

Enjoy bread with garlic and oil and the vegan-as-is Rigatoni and Chiltepin Arrabiata. The Umami Tsunami pizza can be made vegan upon request. Ask for no sauce and no cheese. You’d think it wouldn’t be as exciting without those two ingredients, but the flavors in the toppings will blow your mind.

For more information, visit ziopeppeaz.com.

Barro’s Pizza

5884 W. Arizona Pavilions Dr. • 410 N. Wilmot Rd., Ste. 150

Barro’s offers a Vegetarian Special pizza — request that the cheese is removed or substituted with vegan cheese to make it vegan. Another option is the Build-Your-Own Pizza. Choose between barbecue or red sauce, and add your favorite veggie toppings.

For more information, visit barrospizza.com.