July 11, 2021
Eating sustainably can sometimes feel like a daunting task with so many factors to consider. This can be especially true when eating at a restaurant where you often have no idea where the food on your plate came from. You don’t have to feel this way, though. In the Phoenix metropolitan area, there are more and more restaurants making sustainability a priority. We’ve compiled a diverse list of 8 local restaurants near ASU Tempe campus with delectable, sustainable food sold at a reasonable price. They are not listed in any particular order, and you can click on the names of the restaurants to visit their websites. Do you know of a restaurant sourcing sustainable food that should be included here? Email us! swettecenter@asu.edu
To make it easy for you to locate these restaurants, we created a Google Map with all of them pinned on it. To view the map, click here.
This restaurant is located on the second floor of the Memorial Union on ASU Tempe campus. They source a lot of their ingredients locally to provide seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables. Engrained is a fast-casual, full service restaurant designed to be an educational food experience surrounding sustainability. They offer both vegan and vegetarian options.
Recommended dish: Their menu is always changing, but I guarantee everything on their menu is delicious! Personally, I really love their salads.
Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen
Picazzo’s is an Arizona-based family-owned and operated health-centric restaurant with locations in Tempe, Scottsdale, Sedona, Paradise Valley and Arrowhead. 95% of their produce is sourced organically and they work with many local farmers and suppliers. Their sauces and dressings are made from scratch using organic spices and non-GMO sunflower and imported olive oils. In addition to their main menu, they have a whole separate 100% vegan menu!
Recommended dishes: Vegan Mother Earth Salad or the Vegan Chik’n Parmesan
Located right off Tempe campus on the corner of Forest Ave and 7th St, Tocaya has a versatile menu rooted in traditional Mexican recipes that naturally accommodates a variety of preferences including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. They serve locally sourced produce and offer salads, tacos, burritos, bowls and quesadillas in a sophisticated, fresh-casual setting.
Recommended dish: The Fajita Burrito
This is a 100% vegan restaurant that is a perfect blend of healthy and comfort food, and they use organic ingredients whenever possible. They even offer desserts that are made with organic cane sugar and unbleached organic ingredients. This local restaurant has two locations in Phoenix and Tempe. The one in Tempe is a short bike ride away, located north of ASU Tempe campus on N Scottsdale Road.
Recommended dish: The Secret BBQ Sammie
Desert Roots is a delicious vegan cafe in downtown Tempe tucked away on Mill Ave. They have an ever changing daily menu that emphasizes global cuisine and caters to all allergens such as gluten free, soy free, nut free, dairy free, etc. They have incredibly friendly staff and a very relaxed atmosphere. The perfect place for lunch! As a small locally owned restaurant, they have reduced hours: they are open Monday-Friday from 11am-3pm.
Recommended dish: Their menu is always changing, but everything on it is always exquisite!
This restaurant was founded by a couple in Scottsdale! D’Lite provides a “healthy alternative to fast-food without sacrificing taste or convenience for people on-the-go.” They offer fresh organic ingredients, including locally grown produce when available. They also reduce their environmental impact by recycling and using earth friendly products. They cater to carnivores, vegetarians, vegans, and all allergens. They have locations in Tempe, Phoenix, and Scottsdale.
Recommended dishes: Veggie d’Lite sandwich or the Traditional Burrito
Located in South Tempe on Guadalupe Rd, this is another 100% vegan restaurant with “botanically inspired cuisine.” Their menu showcases unique global flavors with locally sourced food. They serve delicious sandwiches, bowls, salads, soups, smoothies, juices, and even all day breakfast!
Recommended dish: Breakfast Burrito and any of their smoothies
Their slogan has it all: “Organic, vegan & vegetarian, locally sourced, and crafted with love.” Pomegranate Café was envisioned and founded by a mother and daughter duo in Phoenix! They make sustainability a top priority by supporting small, local farmers and artisans who share their commitment to providing exceptional products with ecologically responsible methods. They even sell zero waste products in the restaurant, and have many signs promoting a sustainable lifestyle. Although a little bit farther away from Tempe campus than the other restaurants on the list, it is worth the drive!
Recommended dishes: POM Burger or their Daily Pancakes