Austin's Best 10 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.

This locally-praised food truck is 100% vegan and 100% amazing. There are so many delicious options to choose from, so come hungry. When ordering, you can have free range of the menu without needing to worry about any sneaky animal by-products. As any good Texan place should, ATX Food Co. has plenty of tacos for you to order. One of the most unique is the BBQ Brisket taco. It comes with delicious brisket-flavored tempeh along with all the fixin's, topped with spicy ginger dressing — giving it an awesome kick. Combining tacos with Texas BBQ is truly a match made in heaven.

If you're not in the mood for tacos, you can also dig into some of the other delicious entrees like the Goodness Gracious Wild Stir-fry. It's a winning combination of meaty mushrooms, pickled cabbage, and a rainbow of fresh veggies. Toasted quinoa makes it a satisfying choice and it has just enough sesame seeds to give it a delightful crunch. For those with a sweet tooth, try the fluffy pancakes topped with sweet and juicy wild blueberries. You can find the food truck at its permanent location of 517 S. Lamar Blvd. There is plenty of parking for diners to use, but you don't have to eat in your car as the spot offers great places to sit and enjoy.

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.

Capital City Bakery has humble roots. It started off with its founder baking everything in her home kitchen. From there, the business took off and expanded into a food truck business. As demand for the 100% vegan sweet treats continued to grow, the funds generated paid for the storefront to open just outside of downtown Austin in 2012. Since then, the bakery has established itself as a fave place to go for vegan treats in Austin. When ordering from the bakery, the sky is the limit as every single yummy item is vegan and sometimes gluten-free, as well. The menu does change seasonally, but you don't ever have to worry about being surprised by an unwelcome ingredient.

Sweet staples include peanut butter and confetti cupcakes. For a savory breakfast, you can enjoy vegan kolaches filled with choices like meatless ham and cheese or plant-based sausage and cheese. To wash down your freshly-baked treat, there are a variety of coffees, teas, hot chocolates, and even Italian sodas available. You can even order a whole pie in a variety of flavors, perfect for a vegan-friendly gathering. Capital City Bakery is very conscious about the waste it produces, so the bakery boxes are created with 100% recycled materials. If you dine in, when you are finished with your items, you can alert the barista for help with the best in-house recycling practices. If you do take away, please remember to dispose of your items responsibly!

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.

Bouldin Creek Cafe is a popular vegan and vegetarian spot in south Austin. All items on the extensive vegetarian menu are either completely vegan or can easily be made vegan. The cafe recommends speaking to your server if you have any specific questions about a dish or any further dietary requirements such as allergens. The cafe operates on a fair wage model. So, tipping on top of the bill is discretionary, as every check comes with a 20% surcharge which goes directly to your server. 

The menu features a comforting jackfruit curry with brown rice and a lovely coconut milk sauce. There's also an award-winning veggie burger option topped with your choice of smoky chipotle aioli or herby basil pesto. While the menu contains plenty of delicious options like sandwiches, salads, and even Greek-inspired quinoa bowls, the real star of the show here is the dessert menu. All the desserts, including the Stuffed Oatmeal Cookie Sandwich, the Double Chocolate Brownie, and even the Carrot-Pumpkin Cake are 100% vegan — so you can indulge without worry.

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.

Citizen Eatery is the perfect place to head if you're after a fun and satisfying vegan brunch. The spot offers a delicious all-day breakfast menu complete with an assortment of traditional dishes with a plant-based twist. The chorizo omelette provides a savory spice while the tofu scramble contains lots of fresh flavors. For a sweeter choice, opt for the flapjacks topped with fresh fruit. Toast your delicious meal with mimosas with your choice of juice served by the glass or carafe.

It may make an awesome brunch spot but don't count Citizen Eatery out for evening meals either. The dinner menu is also to die for. There is a delicious noodle dish topped with a creamy vegan pesto. Plus, you can opt for gluten-free pasta or zoodles depending on your carb preference. They also offer a signature veggie burger infused with green chilis and topped with a creamy housemade aioli. For dessert, indulge in the rich chocolate mousse or explore the dynamic flavors of the tiramisu tart.

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.