Austin's Best 14 Spots To Eat If You're Vegan

Due to the meat-heavy culture of Texas cuisine, it can be tricky to eat vegan in the state. According to The Hill, local lawmakers even approved House Bill 316 in 2021. The legislation stated that food companies operating in Texas were not allowed to label non-meat items as meat. The idea was to ensure items like Beyond Sausage or other meat-imitation items are labeled as accurately as possible, to not confuse consumers. However, despite the meat-centered culture, the overall number of those who follow vegan or vegetarian diets is still rising in the state, per Texas Monthly. 

It can be tough to dine out when following a vegan diet, meaning you avoid all animal products and bi-products, including dairy, eggs, honey, and gelatin. This can be an even bigger frustration in a state famous for its meat dishes. However, as plant-based diners will be delighted to discover, the state capital just happens to be ranked as the eighth top vegan city in the country (via Culture Map Austin). To make things easier, we've rounded up a few of our favorite spots to eat. Each of those spots has an abundance of satisfying vegan options, so you'll never go hungry in The Lone Star State.

Sometimes you just want to feel a little fancy. If you are searching for an elegant night out while in Austin, consider dining at Bistro Vonish. The upscale eatery is entirely vegan and will give you an excuse to dress your best. According to the restaurant, its head chef started his career as a mechanical engineer but later transitioned into the restaurant space after a layoff. He originally ran the bistro as a private dining space, focusing on a reservation-only model. His business has since expanded but still operates on a flavorful and diverse vegan menu.

You can dig into local Texas classics like kolaches, which are a sweet and savory pastry roll inspired by early Czech immigrants to the area. Also try out the Roast Beet and Panelle Sandwich featuring a toasty garbanzo cake, creamy tomato aioli, and fresh veggies on a crispy ciabatta roll. The eatery also whips up some of the creamiest gluten-free mac and cheese around. It's uniquely pan-seared and available plain, with a hint of spice, or with sautéed Brussels sprouts. If you want some sweets, the bistro has gooey cinnamon rolls in single servings or packs of six, a sweet Mousseline Chocolate Pie, and even a Fig-Poppyseed Roll.

Have you ever been to a vegan sushi joint? If you are craving some rolls while in Austin, head on down to Nori which is a plant-based Japanese restaurant. Located near the University of Texas, the restaurant is easy to get to and loved by locals. You can choose from anything on the extensive menu, but it's best to start with an appetizer before diving all the way in. Consider enjoying a classic bowl of warming miso soup, or a bowl of edamame with a zingy sauce while you look over the menu.

For your first visit, you might consider ordering the Nigiri Sampler, which gives you six samples of popular menu dishes like a classic cucumber roll and one with a vegan egg. This way, you can get a better idea of what you enjoy before exploring further. Of course, you'll see vegan versions of other popular sushi rolls on the menu. There are plant-based versions of the California roll, spicy tuna roll, and a volcano roll with a satisfying deep-fried crunch. Those looking for something other than sushi can enjoy authentic Japanese staples like tofu ramen or veggie yakisoba.

Flower Child isn't a vegan restaurant chain, but has an abundance of clearly marked vegan items on the menu. It's a great choice if you are in the mood for something fresh, quick, and delicious. It also works for eating in larger groups, as many different dietary needs can be accommodated by the restaurant. You can dig into classic hummus or a smooth avocado dip, as an appetizer while waiting for your main dish. If you want something a bit more substantial as a pre-dinner option, consider the two vegan salads on the menu. Enjoy the Ginger Miso Crunch a tangy option that's chock-full of crunchy veggies or the Brussel's Sprouts and Organic Kale options with the sweet touch of apples and grapes.  

For mains, you can't go wrong with the Glow Bowl or Mother Earth. Both options have plenty of leafy greens, savory veggies, and a great vegan dressing option to top things off. For more protein, you can also add tofu for a small upcharge. The sides are unique and flavorful with choices like a creamy squash risotto and cauliflower spiced with turmeric. If you are still hungry, Flower Child also has plant-based chocolate pudding for a creamy dessert.

When you are visiting Texas, you absolutely have to try some classic TexMex. Luckily, one of the best plant-based places to do just that is in Austin. The Vegan Yacht was voted the best vegan spot for a burrito in the entire city by The Austin Chronicle in 2013. And it's not hard to see way, as the restaurant has an impressive menu of delicious options to choose from.

You might go for their famous freeto burrito, which comes with a spicy portion of tempeh chili, mixed with avocado, corn chips, and vegan cheese. The bundle is grilled to perfection, making for a crispy bite that's full of flavor. Other options include the buffalo burrito that comes with a tangy buffalo sauce or the smokehouse burrito that rivals any Texas BBQ. If you prefer gluten-free meals, most of the burritos also come as a bowl option served atop greens or corn chips. There are some great kid-friendly options as well, including a veggie dog topped with vegan cheese and rice and beans with creamy avocado.

The more we look at the Vegan Nom's menu, the hungrier we get. The best part is that this vegan taco joint has extended operating hours. It can cater a delicious breakfast, satisfy your late-night cravings, and everything in between. When founder Chris Rios went vegan in 2011, he knew his new lifestyle had one condition. He wouldn't give up eating tacos. After all, as a lifelong resident of Austin, the classic option was a big part of his heritage. However, he couldn't find a good taco place in town with meatless options. So, he began making his own in his kitchen and inviting all his friends over to try them out. And, the consensus among them was clear —  these tacos rock. So Chris took what he learned and decided to fill the hole for a great vegan taco restaurant in the market himself. 

Thus the Vegan Nom was born. Here, you can dive into classics like vegan tacos al pastor featuring the sweet flavors of pineapple. There are also plant-based fish tacos and ones filled with faux Korean BBQ chicken. There are also satisfying burrito choices like a brunch version that's served all day and a tasty seasoned meatless beef option. It's also worth it to get there early to experience their assortment of breakfast tacos — one of Austin's most iconic dishes.

Project Pollo is the vegan answer to fast food. By serving plant-based alternatives to the classic fried chicken fare, the restaurant chain takes responsibility for saving over 1 million birds. CEO and founder Lucas Bradbury has a vision of affordable, sustainable dining options available as readily as you might find a McDonald's. The idea is that even those who don't follow a vegan diet will eat at Project Pollo because it is healthy, convenient, and delicious.

The menu has all the classic southern food fare: fried chicken, hot sauce, and dill pickles. The classic comes in regular and spicy varieties if you are looking for a little bit of kick. You can also dive into a meatless chicken caesar wrap for lighter fare or a satisfying and flavorful protein bowl. For sides, fill up on tater tots or a crispy kale salad. This vegan spot has multiple locations so it's quick, easy to come by, and best of all has a drive-thru. So if you need somewhere tasty and plant-based to pop into on your lunch break, this is it.

You can't leave Austin without digging into some authentic vegan Mexican cuisine at Nissi's. It's a local favorite and for a good reason, too. You can get all the classic Tex-Mex options like burritos, flautas, and even a chalupa plate. There's also a meatless hamburger and veggie ramen on the menu in case someone in your party doesn't want to eat Mexican food.

Nissi is famous for using fresh ingredients, so each bite is tangy, crispy, and unique. The flavors perfectly blend traditional Mexican options, like queso, with vegan flair. Instead of cow's milk, Nissi's uses a potato-based cream and ends up with the same rich flavor the dip is known for. The menu features a variety of plates that are easy to customize to your flavor preferences. You can opt for a meatless version of carne asada to top your nachos or order street tacos with plant-based al pastor. Then, wash it all down with house-made horchata or the spot's signature hibiscus tea.