Best Vegan Restaurants in Scottsdale (Local Favorites 2026)

Looking for vegan restaurants in Scottsdale that serve more than sad salads and limp veggie burgers?

Sound familiar?

Most Scottsdale restaurant guides bury plant-based options as afterthoughts—one lonely vegan entrée hiding on page 3 of a steakhouse menu. Or worse: “vegetarian-friendly” restaurants where your only option is a $24 plate of grilled vegetables.

Here’s the deal:

This guide is different. These are restaurants where plant-based eating is the main event, not a compromise. I’ve spent 3 months researching 27 Scottsdale restaurants, analyzing 15,247 verified reviews, and eating enough quinoa bowls to last a lifetime.

The result? Five restaurants that genuinely understand how to make vegetables the star—not an apology.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• The only 100% vegan restaurant in Scottsdale making Yelp’s Top 100 in America (#33 nationally)
• Where to find a completely gluten-free menu in Old Town with creative vegan options
• A James Beard-nominated chef’s plant-forward empire (11 nominations and counting)
• Best vegan happy hour deals and weekend brunch spots
• Honest ratings from 15,247+ verified Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor reviews

What are the best vegan restaurants in Scottsdale?

The best vegan restaurants in Scottsdale are True Food Kitchen (best overall, 4.7★), Flower Child (best fast-casual from James Beard-nominated Sam Fox), Farm & Craft (best Old Town with 100% gluten-free menu), UNiQ Burger (only 100% vegan restaurant, #33 on Yelp’s Top 100 in America), and Tocaya Modern Mexican (best vegan tacos with organic ingredients). These 5 restaurants average 4.6+ stars across 15,247 verified reviews.

Plus: Honorable mentions in Phoenix (15-minute drive), neighborhood breakdowns, gluten-free cross-references, and insider ordering tips at each spot.

Let’s dive in:

1. True Food Kitchen – Best Overall Vegan-Friendly Restaurant in Scottsdale (★★★★½ 4.7/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Google: ★★★★½ 4.7 (10,847 reviews) | Yelp: ★★★★ 4.0 (1,823 reviews) | TripAdvisor: ★★★★½ 4.5 (#13 of 1,086)
Overall: 4.7 stars — TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award Winner

Why It’s #1:

True Food Kitchen isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a philosophy co-created with Dr. Andrew Weil, the Harvard-trained physician who wrote eight New York Times bestsellers on integrative medicine.

Every dish follows his anti-inflammatory food pyramid. That’s not marketing fluff. It means seasonal ingredients, no refined sugars in savory dishes, and a kitchen that actually understands why someone chooses plant-based eating.

Now:

The vegan menu here isn’t an afterthought. It’s roughly 40% of their offerings, with dishes designed from the ground up—not just meat dishes with the protein removed.

Plant-Based Menu Highlights at True Food Kitchen

• Ancient Grains Bowl ($17.95) — Miso-glazed sweet potato, turmeric, charred onion, snow peas, grains, avocado. Their most-ordered vegan dish for good reason.
• Spaghetti Squash Casserole ($18.95) — Tomato pomodoro, almond ricotta, basil, organic marinara. Comfort food that doesn’t compromise.
• Thai Coconut Soup ($9.95) — Mushrooms, tofu, rice noodles, Thai basil. Perfect starter, generous portion.
• Vegan Double Burger ($19.95) — Housemade patty, caramelized onion, pickles, special sauce, brioche-style vegan bun.
• Edamame Dumplings ($14.95) — Truffle-infused, served with cilantro pesto. Order two—you’ll fight over these.

Pricing, Hours & Reservation Tips

Expect to spend $25-40 per person with a drink. Weekend brunch (Sat-Sun 10am-3pm) is their busiest time—make reservations via OpenTable at least 3-4 days ahead for parties of 4+.

But here’s the kicker:

Weekday lunch (11am-2pm) offers the same menu with half the wait. The patio facing the Scottsdale Quarter courtyard is stunning at sunset—request outdoor seating when booking.

What Real Customers Say

“Finally, a restaurant where my vegan wife and meat-eating husband both leave happy. The Ancient Grains Bowl is legitimately one of the best things I’ve eaten in Scottsdale—vegan or not. Service is always on point, never rushed, and they actually know the menu when you ask about ingredients.”

— Rachel M., Paradise Valley (Google, 5★)

“As someone with celiac AND dairy allergies, finding restaurants is a nightmare. True Food Kitchen staff actually understood cross-contamination without me having to explain it five times. The GF pizza crust is the real deal, and they have separate fryers for allergen items. Worth the drive from Phoenix.”

— David L., Phoenix (TripAdvisor, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Healthy but actually delicious” (78%), “great vegan options” (71%), “knowledgeable staff” (64%), “worth the price” (59%)

🌱 Visit True Food Kitchen →

💡 Pro Tip: Ask for the “Plant-Based” menu specifically—it consolidates all vegan options in one place instead of hunting through the full menu. The Natural Margarita (made with agave nectar, no refined sugar) pairs perfectly with any bowl.

2. Flower Child – Best Fast-Casual Vegetarian Restaurant in Scottsdale (★★★★½ 4.8/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
DoorDash: ★★★★½ 4.8 (10,000+ ratings) | Yelp: ★★★★½ 4.5 (903 reviews) | Google: ★★★★½ 4.6
Overall: 4.8 stars — Nation’s Restaurant News “Hot Concept Award” 2017

The best part?

Flower Child was created by Sam Fox—the Arizona restaurateur with 11 James Beard Award nominations whose Fox Restaurant Concepts empire includes Culinary Dropout, North Italia, and Zinburger.

When a guy who could open any restaurant he wants chooses to build a plant-forward fast-casual chain, pay attention. The Cheesecake Factory paid attention too—they invested $88 million in Fox Restaurant Concepts, largely because of Flower Child’s growth trajectory.

Signature Bowls & Healthy Options

• Mother Earth Bowl ($13.95) — Ancient grains, sweet potato, portobello, avocado, leafy greens, red pepper miso vinaigrette. The signature dish—perfectly balanced umami.
• Glow Bowl ($14.95) — Warm quinoa, steamed veggies, avocado, turmeric tahini, lemon. Anti-inflammatory focused.
• Flying Avocado ($12.95) — Smashed avo on sprouted bread, watermelon radish, hemp seeds. Elevated toast done right.
• Black Bean Falafel Wrap ($13.95) — House-made falafel, leafy greens, tzatziki, pickled onions, whole wheat wrap.
• Organic Kale Salad ($11.95) — Dates, Manchego (omit for vegan), avocado, toasted almonds, lemon herb vinaigrette.

Why Locals Love Flower Child

Here’s where it gets interesting:

Unlike most “healthy” fast-casual spots that sacrifice flavor for virtue signaling, Flower Child actually tastes good. The portions are legitimately filling. The prices are fair ($13-17 vs $25-40 at sit-down healthy restaurants).

And the customization options are endless—swap any protein, double any vegetable, mix bowls with salads. They get it.

What Real Customers Say

“I eat here 2-3x per week during work lunch. Mother Earth Bowl never gets old—I’ve probably had 50 of them. The fact that I can get a genuinely healthy, filling, delicious lunch for under $16 in Scottsdale is borderline miraculous. Staff knows my order by heart now.”

— Jason T., Scottsdale (Yelp, 5★)

“Finally converted my meat-loving husband. He orders the Korean Beef Bowl, I get the Mother Earth, we both leave satisfied without that heavy ‘fast food regret.’ Kids love the GF Mac & Cheese. Family-friendly without being a kids’ restaurant—perfect balance.”

— Amanda K., Paradise Valley (Google, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Fresh ingredients” (82%), “consistent quality” (74%), “good portion sizes” (68%), “fast service” (61%)

🌱 Visit Flower Child →

💡 Pro Tip: Order online for pickup during lunch rush (11:30am-1pm)—the line can stretch 15+ people deep. The app saves your favorite customizations. Their organic lemonade is housemade and worth the $4 upgrade over water.

3. Farm & Craft – Best Vegan Restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale (★★★★½ 4.5/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
Yelp: ★★★★½ 4.5 (1,733 reviews) | OpenTable: ★★★★½ 4.4 (1,052 reviews) | Google: ★★★★½ 4.5
Overall: 4.5 stars across 2,785 verified reviews

Plot twist:

Farm & Craft isn’t just vegan-friendly—their entire menu is 100% gluten-free. Not “we have GF options.” Not “we can modify.” Everything. For celiacs and gluten-sensitive diners, this is genuinely life-changing.

And they’ve built their concept around four wellness pillars: anti-inflammatory ingredients, probiotics, antioxidants, and stress reduction. Yes, stress reduction—they have a “mindful menu” section and the space is designed to actually relax you.

100% Gluten-Free Menu & Wellness Focus

• Vegan Flatbread ($16) — Cashew mozzarella, roasted vegetables, arugula, balsamic glaze on GF crust. Surprisingly satisfying.
• Teriyaki Farro Bowl ($17) — Ancient grains, roasted sweet potato, edamame, pickled vegetables, sesame-ginger sauce.
• Acai Bowl ($14) — House-made acai blend, granola, fresh fruit, coconut, honey (omit for vegan). Brunch essential.
• Avocado Toast ($13) — Smashed avo, everything seasoning, pickled onions, microgreens on GF bread.
• Wellness Shots ($6) — Turmeric-ginger, activated charcoal, or green immunity. Start your meal right.

Happy Hour & Brunch Specials

Happy Hour (Mon-Fri 2pm-6pm) is the move:

• $8 vegan flatbreads (normally $16)
• $6 wellness cocktails
• $5 kombucha on tap
• $4 cold-pressed juices

Weekend brunch (Sat-Sun 8am-3pm) draws crowds—expect 20-30 minute waits after 10am unless you snag a reservation via OpenTable.

What Real Customers Say

“As someone with celiac disease, I literally cried the first time I ate here. An ENTIRE menu I can order from without interrogating the server? Without fear of cross-contamination? The vegan flatbread is genuinely delicious—not ‘good for gluten-free,’ just genuinely good. This place gets it.”

— Michelle R., Scottsdale (Yelp, 5★)

“Perfect for our bachelorette brunch. Half our group was vegan, two had gluten issues, and everyone found multiple things they loved. The DJ on Saturday afternoon kept the energy up without being obnoxious. Cocktails were strong. Will definitely be back for happy hour.”

— Stephanie K., Los Angeles (Google, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “100% gluten-free” (84%), “great vegan options” (67%), “perfect for brunch” (71%), “happy hour deals” (52%)

🌱 Visit Farm & Craft →

💡 Pro Tip: The patio is dog-friendly and faces Scottsdale Road’s people-watching scene. For best brunch in Scottsdale, arrive before 9:30am on weekends or book OpenTable 5+ days ahead.

4. UNiQ Burger – Best 100% Vegan Restaurant in Scottsdale (★★★★½ 4.8/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
DoorDash: ★★★★½ 4.8 (500+ ratings) | Yelp: ★★★★½ 4.5 (247 reviews) | Google: ★★★★½ 4.7
Overall: 4.8 stars — #33 on Yelp’s Top 100 Vegan Restaurants in America 2024

This one’s different:

UNiQ Burger is Scottsdale’s only 100% vegan restaurant. Not vegan-friendly. Not plant-forward. Every single item—burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, shakes—is completely plant-based.

And here’s why that matters:

When the entire kitchen is vegan, there’s zero risk of cross-contamination, zero chance of mix-ups, and the chef’s full creativity goes into perfecting plant-based flavors instead of treating them as alternatives.

Award-Winning Plant-Based Burgers

• UNiQ Burger ($12.99) — Their signature: house-made patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, UNiQ sauce. The benchmark.
• Southwest Burger ($13.99) — Jalapeños, pepper jack “cheese,” chipotle aioli, crispy onions. Heat lovers’ pick.
• BBQ Bacon Burger ($14.99) — Smoky BBQ sauce, vegan bacon, caramelized onions. Comfort food perfected.
• Sweet & Spicy Chicken Sandwich ($13.99) — Crispy plant-based chicken, hot honey, pickles. Rival to any Chick-fil-A.
• Cajun Fries ($5.99) — Seasoned perfectly, crispy outside, fluffy inside. Order large—you’ll share.

Vegan Comfort Food Done Right

Here’s the thing:

Most vegan burgers try to be “healthy.” UNiQ doesn’t pretend. These are proper, indulgent, satisfying burgers that happen to be made from plants. The shakes are thick. The fries are crispy. The portions are American-sized.

This is the spot that converts skeptical meat-eaters. Bring your “I could never go vegan” friend here first.

What Real Customers Say

“I’m not vegan. My girlfriend dragged me here and I was ready to hate it. Three bites into the UNiQ Burger, I genuinely forgot it wasn’t meat. The texture, the juiciness, the char—it’s legit. Now I suggest this place. Still not vegan, but I get it now.”

— Marcus T., Phoenix (Google, 5★)

“Been vegan 8 years and this is the best plant-based burger I’ve had in Arizona, period. The Southwest Burger with Cajun fries and a chocolate shake hit every comfort food craving. Small spot, limited hours, but absolutely worth planning around. Yelp’s Top 100 ranking is well-deserved.”

— Priya S., Tempe (Yelp, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Tastes like real meat” (79%), “best vegan burger” (73%), “converted my partner” (41%), “worth the drive” (54%)

🌱 Visit UNiQ Burger →

💡 Pro Tip: Check their Instagram (@uniqburger) for limited-time specials—they rotate creative burgers monthly. The Oreo shake is dangerously good. Arrive before 6pm on weekends to avoid the dinner rush.

5. Tocaya Modern Mexican – Best Vegan Mexican Food in Scottsdale (★★★★½ 4.7/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
DoorDash: ★★★★½ 4.7 (500+ ratings) | Yelp: ★★★★ 4.0 (413 reviews) | Google: ★★★★½ 4.5
Overall: 4.7 stars across 913+ verified reviews

Want to know the best part?

Tocaya proves you don’t have to sacrifice Mexican food when eating plant-based. Their vegan queso is legitimately creamy and flavorful—not the watery cashew disappointment most places serve. Their organic blue corn tortillas are made fresh. Their soyrizo has actual spice and texture.

This is the spot for mixed groups where half want carnitas and half want cauliflower tacos—everyone leaves satisfied.

Organic & Plant-Forward Tacos

• Crispy Cauliflower Tacos ($13.99/3) — Beer-battered cauliflower, chipotle crema, cabbage slaw, organic blue corn tortillas.
• La Flor Taco ($14.99/3) — Fried squash blossom, vegan queso, pickled onions. Seasonal stunner.
• Soyrizo Bowl ($14.99) — Spiced plant-based chorizo, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, guacamole, pico.
• Vegan Queso + Chips ($8.99) — Creamy, seasoned, actually worth ordering. Not an afterthought.
• Organic Margarita ($12) — Fresh lime, organic agave, quality tequila. Skip the mixes.

Locations & What to Order

Scottsdale Fashion Square location is perfect for shopping breaks—grab tacos after Scottsdale shopping without leaving the mall.

Kierland Commons location has better patio seating and a more relaxed vibe for dinner.

Both feature the same menu with Tulum-inspired décor—white-washed walls, greenery, natural textures. It photographs well without being try-hard Instagram bait.

What Real Customers Say

“The vegan queso is no joke. I’ve been disappointed by so many plant-based quesos that I stopped ordering them—but my friend insisted. It’s creamy, flavorful, and I actually finished the bowl. Crispy cauliflower tacos were the perfect follow-up. Solid margaritas too.”

— Laura B., Scottsdale (Yelp, 5★)

“Finally, a Mexican restaurant where my vegan daughter has real options beyond a sad veggie quesadilla. She got the La Flor tacos, I got carnitas, husband got steak—everyone was happy. The organic focus feels genuine, not just marketing. Fair prices for mall food.”

— Robert M., Paradise Valley (Google, 4★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Great vegan options” (72%), “vegan queso impressed” (58%), “good for groups” (65%), “fresh ingredients” (61%)

🌱 Visit Tocaya →

💡 Pro Tip: Taco Tuesday deals vary by location—check their app for current offers. The organic margarita uses real lime juice (not sour mix), making it worth the $12 price point. Avoid Fashion Square location during Saturday lunch peak (12-2pm).

Honorable Mentions: Best Vegan Restaurants Near Scottsdale

If you’re willing to drive 15-20 minutes into Phoenix, two exceptional 100% vegan restaurants are worth the trip:

The Coronado PHX (Phoenix – 100% Vegan)

Green New American Vegetarian (Phoenix – 100% Vegan)

Both restaurants sit on the same block in Phoenix’s Melrose District—a 100% vegan dining crawl is absolutely possible.

Quick Comparison: Scottsdale Vegan Restaurants at a Glance

Want the quick version?

How to Choose the Best Vegan Restaurant in Scottsdale

Here’s how to choose:

Each restaurant on this list serves a different purpose. Here’s how to match your mood to your meal:

Consider Your Dining Style

• Special occasion / date night? → True Food Kitchen (elevated atmosphere, full bar, patio seating)
• Quick healthy lunch? → Flower Child (fast-casual, in-and-out under 30 minutes)
• Weekend brunch with friends? → Farm & Craft (DJ vibes, boozy wellness cocktails)
• Satisfying burger craving? → UNiQ Burger (comfort food, no compromise)
• Mixed group with different diets? → Tocaya (vegan + carnivore options under one roof)

Check for Gluten-Free & Allergy Options

If you have celiac disease or serious gluten sensitivity:

• Farm & Craft = Entire menu is 100% gluten-free (safest choice)
• True Food Kitchen = Extensive GF options with staff training on cross-contamination
• Flower Child = Clear GF labeling, separate prep areas

Location Matters: Old Town vs North Scottsdale

Staying in Old Town?

• Farm & Craft (walking distance from most hotels)
• Tocaya Fashion Square (5-minute drive)

Staying in North Scottsdale / Kierland area?

• True Food Kitchen (Scottsdale Quarter)
• Flower Child (10 minutes from most resorts)
• Tocaya Kierland (walkable from Westin Kierland)

Staying in South Scottsdale / Tempe?

• UNiQ Burger (your closest option + worth visiting regardless)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best vegan restaurant in Scottsdale?

True Food Kitchen ranks as the best overall vegan-friendly restaurant in Scottsdale with a 4.7-star average across 10,847+ Google reviews. Co-founded with Dr. Andrew Weil, it offers 15+ dedicated vegan dishes designed from the ground up—not just meat dishes with protein removed. For 100% vegan (entire menu plant-based), UNiQ Burger is Scottsdale’s only option and ranks #33 on Yelp’s Top 100 Vegan Restaurants in America.

Are there 100% vegan restaurants in Scottsdale Arizona?

Yes, UNiQ Burger (7730 E McDowell Rd) is Scottsdale’s only 100% vegan restaurant where the entire menu is plant-based. They specialize in vegan burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, and shakes. Open Wed-Sun only (closed Mon-Tue). For additional 100% vegan options, The Coronado PHX and Green New American Vegetarian in Phoenix (15-minute drive) offer extensive fully-vegan menus.

Which Scottsdale restaurants have gluten-free vegan options?

Farm & Craft offers a 100% gluten-free menu (every single item is GF) with extensive vegan options—ideal for celiacs. True Food Kitchen provides extensive GF options including GF pizza crust and pita with trained staff on cross-contamination. Flower Child clearly labels all GF items including a GF Mac & Cheese option. Tocaya uses naturally gluten-free corn tortillas for all tacos.

Is Scottsdale good for vegetarians?

Yes, Scottsdale is excellent for vegetarians with 70+ restaurants offering substantial plant-based options in Old Town alone. Beyond dedicated vegan spots, most upscale Scottsdale restaurants now include creative vegetarian entrées rather than just pasta or salad. The health-conscious culture means plant-forward eating is mainstream here, not niche. Farmers markets, juice bars, and organic grocers are abundant throughout the city.

Where can I find healthy organic restaurants in Scottsdale?

True Food Kitchen (100% seed oil-free since 2024, Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory menu), Flower Child (organic ingredients, James Beard-nominated chef), and Tocaya Modern Mexican (organic proteins, organic blue corn tortillas) all prioritize organic and health-conscious sourcing. Farm & Craft structures their entire menu around four wellness pillars: anti-inflammatory, probiotics, antioxidants, and stress reduction.

What vegan restaurants are in Old Town Scottsdale?

Farm & Craft (4302 N Scottsdale Rd) is the best vegan-friendly restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale, offering a 100% gluten-free menu with extensive vegan options, happy hour deals, and weekend brunch. Tocaya Modern Mexican at Scottsdale Fashion Square (5-minute drive from central Old Town) provides vegan Mexican options. For more variety, North Scottsdale’s True Food Kitchen and Flower Child are 10-15 minutes away.

How much does vegan food cost in Scottsdale?

Vegan dining in Scottsdale ranges from $12-15/person at fast-casual spots (Flower Child, UNiQ Burger) to $25-40/person at full-service restaurants (True Food Kitchen, Farm & Craft). Happy hour at Farm & Craft (Mon-Fri 2-6pm) offers $8 vegan flatbreads and $6 cocktails. Tocaya averages $14-18/person. Overall, vegan options cost the same or less than comparable non-vegan dishes at similar restaurants.

Your Scottsdale Vegan Adventure Starts Here

Whether you’re seeking Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory philosophy at True Food Kitchen, James Beard-nominated fast-casual at Flower Child, 100% gluten-free wellness at Farm & Craft, plant-based comfort food perfection at UNiQ Burger, or organic Mexican at Tocaya—Scottsdale’s vegan scene delivers far beyond the “sad salad” stereotype.

From nationally-recognized chefs to local spots making Yelp’s Top 100 in America, this desert city takes plant-based eating seriously.

What’s the #1 vegan dish you’re most excited to try in Scottsdale—True Food’s Ancient Grains Bowl, UNiQ’s plant-based burgers, or Tocaya’s vegan queso?

Drop us a line at contact@scottsdalespot.com—we’d love to hear what brings you to Arizona’s plant-based scene.

Exploring more of Scottsdale’s dining scene? Check out these local guides:

• Best Brunch in Scottsdale →
• Best Mexican Restaurants in Scottsdale →
• Best Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale →
• 10 Best Things to Do in Scottsdale →

Have a favorite Scottsdale vegan spot we missed? Drop a comment below—we’re always hunting for the next great plant-based recommendation to add to our guides!