Texas may be renowned for its barbecue, but Austin’s culinary scene doesn’t stop there; the city is also brimming with meat-free fare and these restaurants are some of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Austin. Be prepared to be delighted and amazed.
1. Arlo's Jr.
Known far and wide for their house-made vegan burger (and late-night junk food craving quencher), Arlo’s is an Austin institution. Stop by their food truck at Lovebirds for the Bac'n Cheeze Burger with a side of tots and make your mouth happy.
2. Mr. Natural
Mr. Natural is one of the longest-standing vegetarian restaurants in the city, and for good reason. Owned and operated by the Mendoza family, two locations make vegan and vegetarian Mexican food and baked goods accessible to all. When you visit, don’t miss the gluten-free vegan chocolate donuts!
3. Li'l Nonna's
Vegan pizza never tasted so good. House-made sauce and vegan mozzarella make Li'l Nonna's pizza the most sought-after in the city. The Beetaroni is a classic, but consider yourself lucky if you happen to be in town for their Chik-fil-Ain’t special!
4. The Vegan Yacht
A longstanding pillar of the city’s vegan food truck scene, The Vegan Yacht now has a brick-and-mortar to serve up their delicious (and huge) burritos. The freeto burrito is a classic, and try it with an order of chips and chili con queso, made with organic tempeh chili. Plus, you can turn any burrito into a bowl for a lighter option.
5. Rebel Cheese
This swank all-vegan cheese shop and cafe won CultureMap’s Tastemaker Award for Best New Restaurant in Austin and one taste will show you why. Some of the mouthwatering cheeses at Rebel Cheese are made in-house, but the deli case also contains vegan cheeses made and shipped from cheesemakers all over the country. Try the bacon and brie sandwich. You won’t regret it.
6. Vegan Nom
For delicious and original tacos for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this all-vegan trailer is your spot. From Rockin’ Migas to the spicy Birdie Sanders, you can’t go wrong with any of the tacos on Vegan Nom's menu. Owner Chris Rios also owns sister truck Nom Burgers, a vegan burger truck on the same property.
7. Bistro Vonish
The Bistro Vonish food truck located at Possum Park vegan food truck park is elevated vegan cuisine at its finest. Chef Craig Vanis’ kolaches are to die for, as is his vegan gluten-free mac and cheese (bonus if the current special includes Brussels Sprouts). And whatever cheesecake he’s whipped up that day, you can be sure it will not disappoint, either.
8. Picnik
Picnik is a plant-forward, health-conscious, better-for-you fast food restaurant located in Central Austin. Try a selection of sandwiches, tacos, salads, bowls and more all made with the best possible ingredients, as all menu items are gluten-free, refined sugar-free and peanut-free.
9. Bouldin Creek Cafe
Another long-standing Austin vegetarian restaurant, Bouldin Creek Cafe is respected and patronized by more than just the meat-free community. With breakfast served all day, a full bar, and a nice big patio, how could it not be? Just make sure you arrive early on weekends because there’s regularly a line out the door.
10. Fabrik
For a more upscale option, check out Fabrik, a recent addition to the Austin foodie scene. The East Austin restaurant specializes in 100% plant-based small plate tastings. Sustainability plays a prominent role at Fabrik, meaning the menu changes seasonally and all ingredients are locally sourced to reduce waste.
11. Casa de Luz
Casa de Luz is the epitome of old Austin. This spot in the Zilker area is entirely vegan and gluten-free with options from breakfast through dinner. They also just expanded to an East Austin location with a beautiful courtyard and ample indoor and outdoor seating.
12. Zucchini Kill
We'd argue that Zucchini Kill is the coolest bakery in Austin. This woman- and musician-owned bakery crosses punk rock vibes with vegan treats, creating a delicious harmony for those looking for something indulgent that's also gluten- soy- and animal product-free.
13. Community Vegan
Three words: vegan comfort food. Community Vegan has been serving up comfort classics out of their East Austin food trailer since 2020 including menu items like Lemon Pepper Wangz made with oyster mushrooms, Chili Cheeze Fries, CVS Chick'n N Waffles and their Vegan Lickin' Good Bucket complete with fried mushrooms, rolls, fries and dipping sauces.
Contributed by Alisha McDarris.
Alisha McDarris is an Austin-based writer who specializes in writing about the outdoors, vegan food, and sustainable travel. She is the co-founder of sustainable travel and adventure blog Terradrift.com and accompanying YouTube channel (youtube.com/terradrift) and her outdoorsy tips and tricks, plus vibrant photos of wild spaces and places, can be found on Instagram (instagram.com/terradrift).