Arizona isn't just about stunning landscapes and cacti (although those are pretty amazing too!). We recently took a trip to the state and were delighted to discover a thriving vegan food scene.

Straight from the Plane to Vegan House:

We landed in Phoenix and made a beeline straight from the airport to Vegan House. They have been around since 2016. The menu has a lot of different vegan options including salads, wraps, curries and spaghetti. We all ordered the fried rice!

The portions were huge and we probably could have shared 1 portion between two of us.

From Phoenix to Sedona:

After a tasty and satisfying lunch at Vegan House, we hit the road for the scenic drive to Sedona.

For dinner, we decided to try Picazzo's Healthy Italian Kitchen, a popular Arizona chain known for its health-focused approach to classic Italian fare.

Picazzo's: A Healthitarian Twist on Italian:

Picazzo's, founded in Arizona, is a family-owned restaurant with a focus on clean, whole foods. Their menu features a unique fusion of modern Italian cuisine with bold flavours from Asia, the Mediterranean, and even Mexico. They offer a variety of options, including salads, entrees, pastas, and pizzas, all catering to their self-proclaimed "Healthitarian" philosophy.

While Picazzo's may not be strictly vegan, it's a great option for those seeking plant-based or vegetarian choices.

The have a few mocktails on the menu! For dinner, my husband and I ordered the Vegan BBQ Chicken pizza to share. It was more than enough for 2 people.

Sedona Delights: Local Juicery

The next morning in Sedona, we started our day with a visit to Local Juicery, a true haven for health-conscious foodies. Founded in 2014 by Summer Rose and Mike Sanders, Local Juicery has blossomed from humble pop-up shops into a thriving business.

Local Juicery goes beyond just serving delicious food; it embodies a lifestyle choice. Their philosophy centers on the transformative power of plant-based foods and vibrant organic juices. They strive to create a space that promotes holistic well-being for the mind, body, and soul.

I opted for a smoothie bowl and my son got a smoothie.

A Taste of Thailand:

For dinner that night, we went to Fresh & Natural Thai Kitchen. Founded by Pearl Pardee, Fresh & Natural Thai Kitchen offers a unique twist on classic Thai dishes, with menu items like "Thai Street Tacos" and "Khao Soi."

There were a lot of options on the menu but we all decided to go with the “build-your-own Thai bowl” You can choose from a variety of proteins (including vegan options!), grains, vegetables, and flavourful sauces. We all chose tofu and noodles. I got broccoli and carrots for my veggies. Again, the portions were huge and we should have shared!

Breakfast at ChocolaTree:

For breakfast the next day, we went to ChocolaTree Organic Vegetarian Eatery. This eatery boasts a deep connection to the community and a commitment to using vibrant, seasonal produce.

Even the parking lot at ChocolaTree embodied a sense of peace and positivity. Cute signs with messages like "Park here and feel peace in your heart" instantly set the tone for our experience.

It was a beautiful morning so we decided to sit outside in the garden. I had the pancakes and they were delicious!

Dilla Libre, Phoenix

On our final night in Arizona, we craved some Mexican food and headed to Dilla Libre. This popular spot, with locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale, is known for its creative take on quesadillas and street tacos, and it has an extensive vegan menu!

We started with a complimentary basket of chips and salsa. For my main course, I chose the Tempura Cauliflower Tacos. They were delicious!! We ended the meal with vegan churros.

Dilla Libre offered a delectable and fulfilling finale to our vegan exploration in Arizona.

A Vegan Haven in the Desert:

Our Arizona trip was fantastic and we had no problem finding vegan options to eat. From fresh-pressed juices and smoothie bowls to creative Thai dishes and Mexican delights, Arizona's restaurants offered a surprising variety of delicious vegan fare. The focus on fresh, local ingredients made every meal even more enjoyable. We were pleasantly surprised by the ease of finding vegan options, and the wide variety of restaurants that catered to plant-based diets.

Based on our experience, I would definitely recommend Arizona as a vegan travel destination. Whether you're seeking health-conscious cafes or restaurants serving innovative takes on global cuisine, Arizona has something to offer every vegan traveler.

I hope this blog post has given you a taste of the delicious vegan options Arizona has to offer. Have you ever been to Arizona? What are your favourite vegan finds? Share your experiences in the comments below!