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A plate holds four pieces of falafel. The hands of two women reach in to grab one each. — The tempting falafel at Ezov.

The Best Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants in Austin

Where to find the best meat-free dishes, including pizza, tacos, hand rolls, and sandwiches

by Erin Russell Updated Jan 31, 2025, 10:39am CST

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The tempting falafel at Ezov.

| Mars Tello

by Erin Russell Updated Jan 31, 2025, 10:39am CST

No matter how many high rises and Hermès stores pop up around town, Austin still honors its hippie roots with a bounty of vegetarian-friendly fare. Find classic spots that have been here longer than you probably have and fancy new restaurants for meat-free food around the city.

There are OG standbys for vegetarian food like Mr. Natural, which has been operating since 1988. Looking for comfort fare? Try the Soup Peddler’s grilled cheeses and all-day breakfast dishes from Bouldin Creek Cafe, like zucchini and cheese migas. Austin also has nationally recognized meat-free dishes, like the beet tartare taco from James Beard Award-winning Nixta Taqueria.

Also, check out Eater Austin’s map of the best vegan restaurants.

With updates by H. Drew Blackburn and Nadia Chaudhury.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Sangam Chettinad Indian Cuisine

For those seeking out vegetarian-focused Indian food, this Milwood restaurant is the place to be. The mostly South Indian menu (with some northern dishes) offers many vegetarian dishes, like stuffed eggplant, creamy aviyal with vegetables with coconut milk and yogurt, biryani, dosas, and much more. Though it’s in a strip mall and a little drab inside, there’s enough space even for large parties. Place to-go orders online.

6001 W Parmer Ln, Austin, TX 78727

Two silver bowls hold a soup, rice, and a third ceramic bowl holds onions and a lime.

Honest Mary's

The create-your-own bowls at the fast-casual mini-chain restaurant make it easy to eat vegetables with more exciting options than salads. The Farmers Market bowl with forbidden rice, sweet potatoes, kale, avocado, and crispy chickpeas is a filling go-to. There are four locations around Austin, including this one in the Arboretum and others in Cedar Park, Rosedale, and Mueller. All locations have cute dine-in areas, and most have outdoor patios. Order online for delivery or takeout for a quick meal.

9828 Great Hills Trail #300, Austin, TX 78759

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Soupleaf Hot Pot

Interactive meals make dinner more interesting, and that is what this hot pot spot offers. The shiitake broth is vegetarian, and diners may choose from a host of seasonal veggie options to build flavor. The indoor dining room is sparsely decorated with many hanging red lanterns and large, comfy booths, which are usually packed — though there are some solo seats at the bar.

6929 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752

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Nixta Taqueria

Though the James Beard Foundation and Michelin have recognized this Chestnut Mexican restaurant, the vibe is more funky outdoor garden party than fancy schmancy. At the restaurant’s covered dining area, surrounded by their working garden, find high-end but approachable tacos as chef Edgar Rico coaxes incredible flavors out of ingredients like cauliflower and beets. The beet tartare tostada has won over at least one beet hater. There’s also online ordering for takeout and delivery — but you should eat at Nixta for the full hospitality experience.

2512 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702

Nixta’s tostadas

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Comedor

This Michelin-recommended downtown Mexican restaurant from Philip Speer is a great option for a high-end date night. The compact menu has vegetarian options like a quesadilla with collards and smoked Fresno salsa, an avocado tostada, and an enfrijolada with mushrooms. The sleek, modern restaurant has an indoor dining area and an outdoor patio with rollup windows to let the breeze inside on Austin’s many pleasant evenings.

501 Colorado St (W 5th St), Austin, TX 78701

A pair of hands hold a vegan tostada with pickled radishes and fresh cilantro on top.

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Uroko

The James Beard-recognized Japanese restaurant within the modern Springdale General complex includes vegetarian hand rolls like yuzu avocado, umami cucumber, and a pretty edible flowers and vegetables option. There are also sides like edamame, salads (seaweed or tofu), and spring rolls. Grab a table anywhere at the Springdale General building (there are comfy couches or a nice patio), or order takeout online.

1023 Springdale Rd, Austin, TX 78721

A cucumber, herb, and rice roll.

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Nasha

The East Austin restaurant melds Mexican and Indian cuisines into wide-ranging vegetarian dishes. Expect dishes like saag or paneer enchiladas, daals, and biryani. There’s a second location near Southpark Meadows. Dine inside or on the patio at the restaurant that’s as colorful and eclectic as its cuisine. Ordering takeout online or delivery via DoorDash and Favor is also an option.

1614 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702

A plate of shrimp and vegetables with a dipper of salsa verde.

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Veracruz All Natural

Head to any of the several Veracruz All Natural spots around town, such as this one in East Austin, for great breakfast, lunch, and dinner tacos. The migas are a must for breakfast taco fans, and then there are others like the El Diferente with refried pinto beans, potatoes, mushrooms, peppers, corn and avocado or the La Reyna with eggs, mushrooms, carrots, spinach, cheese, and more. Pro tip: skip the wait during peak times and order online. Every location has a place outside to enjoy your food, and some locations have indoor dine-in areas.

2505 Webberville Road, Austin, Texas 78702

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Mr. Natural

For affordable, fast, and healthy food, head to this casual East Austin Tex-Mex and Mexican spot. There are solid vegetable-topped soy burgers, breakfast burritos, and delicious smoothies. Dine in at the cheery cafe and you might spot Mr. Natural fan Ethan Hawke, or order takeout online.

1901 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

A spread of vegetarian dishes includes (clockwise) a burrito, faux chicken tacos, enchiladas with red sauce, a stuffed bell pepper, a cookie with sprinkles, nachos, and fried zucchini.

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Ezov

Feeling a little fancy? Israeli restaurant Ezov in Holly comes from the highly acclaimed Emmer & Rye Group and recently earned Michelin-recommended status. In the light and airy dining room, find a variety of veggie-friendly mezze and mains like smashed cucumber and labneh, falafel, and burrata with roasted carrots, or eat outside on the patio. Don’t miss dessert. For a nice date night in, online to-go ordering is available.

2708 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

A white plate holds eggplant sabich with a slice of bread.

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De Nada Cantina

This Govalle restaurant serves vegetarian-friendly tacos in a fun, plant-adorned space with a great patio for people-watching. There’s the Camote with roasted sweet potatoes, chimichurri, smoked black beans, and a spicy slaw or the Verduras with a mushroom picadillo and grilled zucchini. There are also quesadillas and the option to switch to vegan cheese, too. Order takeout online (though you’ll miss out on the great margaritas).

4715 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

Verduras tacos with mushroom picadillo, grilled zucchini, and refried negros.

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El Mesón Tequileria

This classic South Lamar Mexican restaurant has a few great vegetarian options to enjoy in the colorful dining room under hanging papel picado or on the small patio with a view of the South Lamar scene. One standout is the queso fundido, an appetizer of gooey melted Monterey Jack cheese served on a skillet with optional roasted poblanos and sauteed onions, and flour tortillas. The chile ancho relleno and vegetable fajitas are great options for entrees. Food here is best enjoyed hot, but you can order online.

2038 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

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Thai Fresh

This casual Thai restaurant in Bouldin Creek is generally a good go-to for special diets, including vegetarians. The noodles, curries, and rice dishes are all solid, and the golden tofu with turmeric is a standout. Sneaky non-vegetarian ingredients like fish sauce are noted on the menu. Though it’s a popular spot for online to-go orders, the chill dining room and small outdoor seating area are also great places to work or have a casual meal.

909 W Mary St (at S 5th), Austin, TX 78704

A green plate holds tofu pad Thai.

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Bouldin Creek Cafe

This lively neighborhood cafe with all-day breakfast and a great covered patio has been a destination for vegetarians for decades. The entirely meat-free menu includes sandwiches, breakfast tacos (with the vegan-friendly option for tofu scramble), and heartier dinner dishes like a harvest bowl. The homey atmosphere makes it a great place to linger over coffee or wine and catch up, but you can also order takeout online.

1900 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704

A sandwich is loaded with sprouts and tomatoes.

Also featured in:

Soup Peddler Real Food & Juice Bar

This Austin chain started because, per the name, a literal guy was pedaling around town on a bike, selling soup. The vegetarian soups and sandwiches are a great option to go with one of its many smoothies, but the green apple and muenster grilled cheese sandwich might be the best thing on the entire menu. Everything can be ordered online for pickup or delivery. While this location is to-go only, others have small areas to eat inside or outside.

501 W Mary St (at S. 1st), Austin, TX 78704

A bowl of bean soup with lots of vegetables.

Taste of Ethiopia

There are many wonderful vegetarian options at the St. Edwards neighborhood Ethiopian restaurant and its second location in Pflugerville. There’s not much ambiance in the dining room, but the food is killer — there’s the gomen with spiced steamed collard greens or the fesolia with stewed vegetables, all of which pair wonderfully with injera bread. Delivery is available via third-party services like DoorDash.

3801 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

A hand serves eggplant onto a injira.

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Sangam Chettinad Indian Cuisine

6001 W Parmer Ln, Austin, TX 78727

For those seeking out vegetarian-focused Indian food, this Milwood restaurant is the place to be. The mostly South Indian menu (with some northern dishes) offers many vegetarian dishes, like stuffed eggplant, creamy aviyal with vegetables with coconut milk and yogurt, biryani, dosas, and much more. Though it’s in a strip mall and a little drab inside, there’s enough space even for large parties. Place to-go orders online.

6001 W Parmer Ln, Austin, TX 78727

Visit Website

Two silver bowls hold a soup, rice, and a third ceramic bowl holds onions and a lime.

Honest Mary's

9828 Great Hills Trail #300, Austin, TX 78759

The create-your-own bowls at the fast-casual mini-chain restaurant make it easy to eat vegetables with more exciting options than salads. The Farmers Market bowl with forbidden rice, sweet potatoes, kale, avocado, and crispy chickpeas is a filling go-to. There are four locations around Austin, including this one in the Arboretum and others in Cedar Park, Rosedale, and Mueller. All locations have cute dine-in areas, and most have outdoor patios. Order online for delivery or takeout for a quick meal.

9828 Great Hills Trail #300, Austin, TX 78759

Visit Website

Soupleaf Hot Pot

6929 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752

Interactive meals make dinner more interesting, and that is what this hot pot spot offers. The shiitake broth is vegetarian, and diners may choose from a host of seasonal veggie options to build flavor. The indoor dining room is sparsely decorated with many hanging red lanterns and large, comfy booths, which are usually packed — though there are some solo seats at the bar.

6929 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752

Visit Website

Nixta Taqueria

2512 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702

Though the James Beard Foundation and Michelin have recognized this Chestnut Mexican restaurant, the vibe is more funky outdoor garden party than fancy schmancy. At the restaurant’s covered dining area, surrounded by their working garden, find high-end but approachable tacos as chef Edgar Rico coaxes incredible flavors out of ingredients like cauliflower and beets. The beet tartare tostada has won over at least one beet hater. There’s also online ordering for takeout and delivery — but you should eat at Nixta for the full hospitality experience.

2512 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702

Visit Website

Nixta’s tostadas

Comedor

501 Colorado St (W 5th St), Austin, TX 78701

This Michelin-recommended downtown Mexican restaurant from Philip Speer is a great option for a high-end date night. The compact menu has vegetarian options like a quesadilla with collards and smoked Fresno salsa, an avocado tostada, and an enfrijolada with mushrooms. The sleek, modern restaurant has an indoor dining area and an outdoor patio with rollup windows to let the breeze inside on Austin’s many pleasant evenings.

501 Colorado St (W 5th St), Austin, TX 78701

Visit Website

A pair of hands hold a vegan tostada with pickled radishes and fresh cilantro on top.

Uroko

1023 Springdale Rd, Austin, TX 78721

The James Beard-recognized Japanese restaurant within the modern Springdale General complex includes vegetarian hand rolls like yuzu avocado, umami cucumber, and a pretty edible flowers and vegetables option. There are also sides like edamame, salads (seaweed or tofu), and spring rolls. Grab a table anywhere at the Springdale General building (there are comfy couches or a nice patio), or order takeout online.

1023 Springdale Rd, Austin, TX 78721

Visit Website

A cucumber, herb, and rice roll.

Nasha

1614 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702

The East Austin restaurant melds Mexican and Indian cuisines into wide-ranging vegetarian dishes. Expect dishes like saag or paneer enchiladas, daals, and biryani. There’s a second location near Southpark Meadows. Dine inside or on the patio at the restaurant that’s as colorful and eclectic as its cuisine. Ordering takeout online or delivery via DoorDash and Favor is also an option.

1614 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702

Visit Website

A plate of shrimp and vegetables with a dipper of salsa verde.

Veracruz All Natural

2505 Webberville Road, Austin, Texas 78702

Head to any of the several Veracruz All Natural spots around town, such as this one in East Austin, for great breakfast, lunch, and dinner tacos. The migas are a must for breakfast taco fans, and then there are others like the El Diferente with refried pinto beans, potatoes, mushrooms, peppers, corn and avocado or the La Reyna with eggs, mushrooms, carrots, spinach, cheese, and more. Pro tip: skip the wait during peak times and order online. Every location has a place outside to enjoy your food, and some locations have indoor dine-in areas.

2505 Webberville Road, Austin, Texas 78702

Visit Website

Mr. Natural

1901 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

For affordable, fast, and healthy food, head to this casual East Austin Tex-Mex and Mexican spot. There are solid vegetable-topped soy burgers, breakfast burritos, and delicious smoothies. Dine in at the cheery cafe and you might spot Mr. Natural fan Ethan Hawke, or order takeout online.

1901 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

Visit Website

A spread of vegetarian dishes includes (clockwise) a burrito, faux chicken tacos, enchiladas with red sauce, a stuffed bell pepper, a cookie with sprinkles, nachos, and fried zucchini.

Ezov

2708 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

Feeling a little fancy? Israeli restaurant Ezov in Holly comes from the highly acclaimed Emmer & Rye Group and recently earned Michelin-recommended status. In the light and airy dining room, find a variety of veggie-friendly mezze and mains like smashed cucumber and labneh, falafel, and burrata with roasted carrots, or eat outside on the patio. Don’t miss dessert. For a nice date night in, online to-go ordering is available.

2708 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

Visit Website

A white plate holds eggplant sabich with a slice of bread.

De Nada Cantina

4715 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

This Govalle restaurant serves vegetarian-friendly tacos in a fun, plant-adorned space with a great patio for people-watching. There’s the Camote with roasted sweet potatoes, chimichurri, smoked black beans, and a spicy slaw or the Verduras with a mushroom picadillo and grilled zucchini. There are also quesadillas and the option to switch to vegan cheese, too. Order takeout online (though you’ll miss out on the great margaritas).

4715 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702

Visit Website

Verduras tacos with mushroom picadillo, grilled zucchini, and refried negros.

El Mesón Tequileria

2038 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

This classic South Lamar Mexican restaurant has a few great vegetarian options to enjoy in the colorful dining room under hanging papel picado or on the small patio with a view of the South Lamar scene. One standout is the queso fundido, an appetizer of gooey melted Monterey Jack cheese served on a skillet with optional roasted poblanos and sauteed onions, and flour tortillas. The chile ancho relleno and vegetable fajitas are great options for entrees. Food here is best enjoyed hot, but you can order online.

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2038 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704

Visit Website

Thai Fresh

909 W Mary St (at S 5th), Austin, TX 78704

This casual Thai restaurant in Bouldin Creek is generally a good go-to for special diets, including vegetarians. The noodles, curries, and rice dishes are all solid, and the golden tofu with turmeric is a standout. Sneaky non-vegetarian ingredients like fish sauce are noted on the menu. Though it’s a popular spot for online to-go orders, the chill dining room and small outdoor seating area are also great places to work or have a casual meal.

909 W Mary St (at S 5th), Austin, TX 78704

Visit Website

A green plate holds tofu pad Thai.

Bouldin Creek Cafe

1900 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704

This lively neighborhood cafe with all-day breakfast and a great covered patio has been a destination for vegetarians for decades. The entirely meat-free menu includes sandwiches, breakfast tacos (with the vegan-friendly option for tofu scramble), and heartier dinner dishes like a harvest bowl. The homey atmosphere makes it a great place to linger over coffee or wine and catch up, but you can also order takeout online.

1900 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704

Visit Website

A sandwich is loaded with sprouts and tomatoes.

Soup Peddler Real Food & Juice Bar

501 W Mary St (at S. 1st), Austin, TX 78704

This Austin chain started because, per the name, a literal guy was pedaling around town on a bike, selling soup. The vegetarian soups and sandwiches are a great option to go with one of its many smoothies, but the green apple and muenster grilled cheese sandwich might be the best thing on the entire menu. Everything can be ordered online for pickup or delivery. While this location is to-go only, others have small areas to eat inside or outside.

501 W Mary St (at S. 1st), Austin, TX 78704

Visit Website

A bowl of bean soup with lots of vegetables.

Related Maps

Taste of Ethiopia

3801 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

There are many wonderful vegetarian options at the St. Edwards neighborhood Ethiopian restaurant and its second location in Pflugerville. There’s not much ambiance in the dining room, but the food is killer — there’s the gomen with spiced steamed collard greens or the fesolia with stewed vegetables, all of which pair wonderfully with injera bread. Delivery is available via third-party services like DoorDash.

3801 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704

Visit Website

A hand serves eggplant onto a injira.

Related Maps