Chandler
1. Ruchi Vegetarian South Indian Cuisine
I'll never forget how wide my daughter's eyes got when she realized she could get vegan naan. Ruchi's menu is all vegetarian (mostly vegan), and the owner, Raj, makes us feel like family every time we dine here. In addition to the excellent service and delicious food, the value is great. The lunch buffet offers more food than I've ever seen at an Indian buffet and includes masala dosa—a sort of South Indian crepe made partly from lentils.
Tempe
2. Café Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant
Oh, holy yum. If you've never had Ethiopian food before, you're about to enter a whole new world of delicious and satisfying cuisine. Café Lalibela's menu is divided between meat and vegan dishes, with loads of options for vegans. There's nothing like scooping up fosolia (spiced green beans and carrots) or misir wat (spicy red lentils), which are two of my absolute favorites, with a piece of spongy, fermented injera bread. (You can forget the silverware here.) For gluten-free vegans, order the all-teff injera.
Tempe
3. Pomegranate Cafe
This all-vegan restaurant is a great place to get your daily intake of greens. There are so many healthy options, like super-food smoothies made with organic fruits and veggies or raw tacos.
Phoenix
4. Pizza Heaven Bistro
This is my daughter's favorite pizza place. The décor is casual and the service is top-notch. The vegan section of the menu is extensive and includes pizza, pasta (including gluten-free options), salads and desserts. My daughter's favorite: Angel Bites, fried dough tossed in sugar and cinnamon with chocolate dipping sauces.
Phoenix
5. Casa Terra
I've only been to Casa Terra once because this all-vegan fine-dining spot is so new. I was impressed with the vibe and impeccable service. Executive Chef Jason Wyrick really knows food, and his dishes—tempeh chorizo flautas or truffled arancini with ricotta—are inventive and elegant. I also love that Casa Terra gravitates toward fresh, whole foods as the foundation of most of its dishes.
