When people think of Texan cities, the first ones that often come to mind are Houston and San Antonio. But in reality, Dallas is one of the most interesting cities in Texas that you could visit.
Being a major IT, transportation, and telecommunications hub, Dallas is home to several businesses and companies that attract a large group of your professionals. These professionals have changed the way the city works, making it more competitive and fast-paced.
With a population of over a million, there’s no denying that this city is one of the biggest and most populous in the Southern United States. This population is composed of a diverse demographic coming from different ethnicities and religions. It’s also home to one of the largest LGBT communities in the country, which reflects how open the society is to embrace the changing times.
When diverse cultures settle in an area, you can also expect a diverse range of cuisines from it. While Dallas is known for its barbecues and Tex-Mex restaurants, it’s also becoming a haven for vegans. With multiple vegan restaurants opening around the city, there’s no denying that even the locals have embraced vegan-friendly policies.
So if you happen to be visiting Dallas anytime soon, know that you’ll have numerous options on where to dine and unwind. For your reference, here are the 8 best vegan restaurants in Dallas that you should try before you leave.
Vegan Food House
The aptly named Vegan Food House Dallas is one of the top vegan destinations in the city. With its scrumptious selection of Tex-Mex and fusion food, you can’t go wrong with this restaurant.
Otherwise known as the Vegan House Dallas, this restaurant serves a variety of dishes that surely gives you a taste of Southern cuisine. Located at the heart of the Bishop Arts District, this is the perfect place to take a bit of rest after walking around this colorful area.
Serving vegan soul food Dallas like plant-based alternatives to macaroni and cheese, chicken wings, and shrimp and grits, it’s easy to see why it’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Other popular alternatives include the no-meat steak, the vegan shrimp and sausage tacos, and the fried oyster mushrooms.
The Vegan Food House Dallas also serves cocktails if you’re planning to relax after a long day of exploring the city. We also love that it comes with a kids’ menu that offers nuggets or corn dogs in case your child is a picky eater.
Without a doubt, the Vegan Food House is the perfect stop when you want quality vegan food that gives you a taste of Southern cuisine. Don’t ever leave Dallas without giving this restaurant a try.
Nature’s Plate
Another popular vegan restaurant that you should try while you’re in Dallas is Nature’s Plate. With two locations in the city – one at Lake Highlands and another at Preston Road – it’s guaranteed to be popular among locals and visitors alike.
Nature’s Plate opened its doors in 2015, and the fact that it remains strong throughout the years tells us how good the food is.
This vegan restaurant offers fast-food-style meals and snacks on the go. Popular favorites include chickpea spaghetti, buffalo mac and cheese, and broccoli and cheese potato. It also offers some Tex-Mex favorites like enchiladas, tacos, and taco salad.
If you’re looking to grab breakfast, Nature’s Plate also has great options to kick start your day. If you’re looking for something heavy, you can’t go wrong with the hearty breakfast plate or the blueberry almond oatmeal. We also recommend the breakfast biscuit with vegan sausage and tofu egg for its savory flavors and impressive texture.
This takeaway restaurant also serves as a bakery where you can buy desserts and snacks like brownies and a variety of cookies. That makes it a great one-stop-shop for your vegan sustenance.
D’Vegan
Another top-rated vegan restaurant in Dallas is D’Vegan. If the Hong Kong Market happens to be on your itinerary, you should drop by this vegan restaurant while you’re in the area. For those who are in the mood for some authentic vegan alternatives to Vietnamese food favorites, this restaurant is for you.
While D’Vegan has a small menu, it offers all of our Vietnamese food favorites like pho, chowmein, kung pao rice, sweet and sour chick’n, as well as an assortment of noodle soups and rice meals to choose from.
Pair these meals with Asian beverages like Thai tea, young coconut juice, kombucha, and fresh fruit juices, and you’re sure to leave this restaurant happy and full. This vegan restaurant also has a limited dessert selection for those who have a sweet tooth.
Tiki Loco
If you’re looking for a restaurant with a unique vibe, head on to Tiki Loco for a gastronomic feast. With its interiors decorated like a Mexican eatery, you’ll feel like you’re being transported to another country as soon as you enter its doors.
This vegan restaurant is known for its extensive menu, ranging from snack items like tacos and nachos to heavy meal options like vegan burgers and sandwiches. It also has a variety of vegan-friendly breakfast items like pancakes and breakfast nachos to help get your day started.
Tiki Loco is also popular for shaved ice, making it a refreshing dessert option while exploring this hot Texan city.
But if there’s anything this vegan restaurant is known for, it’s for its extensive list of refreshments. You can choose from its selection of coffee-based drinks, freshly pressed fruit juice, and smoothies, so you know you’re never thirsty.
If you’re looking for a place to unwind, you’d be pleased to know that Tiki Loco also serves beer for you and your friends. That makes it the perfect stop after a long day in the city.
What’s most interesting about Tiki Loco is that it serves gluten-free meals. So even if you’re allergic or intolerant of this ingredient, know that most of Tiki Loco’s food items are safe for you.
El Palote Panaderia
The El Palote Panaderia is another known establishment that serves fully vegan meals. It has been around for years, and has only committed to being all-vegan in 2016 – so you know that everything you order is suitable for our consumption.
This vegan restaurant serves authentic Mexican cuisine using plant-based alternatives. The food is incredibly aromatic, and the texture will surely surprise you. And the flavor? It can’t get more authentic than this.
The El Palota Panaderia is known for its delicious take on tacos and other Mexican dishes. Popular menu items include the bistec encebollado de soya, enchiladas, carne guisada de soya, flautas, tamales, and so much more. So if you happen to be in the mood for authentic Mexican snacks and meal items, you know exactly where to go.
Interestingly, this vegan restaurant also serves as a bakery where you can buy churros and other sweet bread that you can enjoy while on the go.
Shoals Sound & Service
If you’re looking for a place where you can unwind with friends or meet new people, Shoals Sound & Service is the place to be. With its cozy ambiance and impressive menu, you’re bound to enjoy your stay at this restaurant.
Shoals is a popular spot for vegans and non-vegans alike, owing to its impressive range of cocktails and snack options. You can choose from its selection of Mexican favorites like empanadas, or any American classic like sandwiches and burgers.
Interestingly, this vegan restaurant is committed to giving you and your friends a good time while enjoying healthy vegan food. It also offers group meals that you can share with the whole crew. And that’s sure to keep the bond stronger than ever.
Since Shoals Sound & Service is also part music lounge, you get to enjoy relaxing music as you dine and drink your cocktails. We can’t imagine a better way to spend your evenings while in Dallas.
Belse
Belse is a relatively new vegan restaurant in Dallas. It only opened its doors in 2021, yet we already see a lot of potential from its menu.
This vegan restaurant serves an extensive menu ranging from American to International to Fusion cuisines. It features all-time crowd-pleasers like grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese, vegan burgers, and vegan tenders. On the other hand, interesting menu items include the crispy cauliflower, panko-crusted piccata, and the black bean pupusa.
Out of all the dishes we’ve tried, we’re most interested in the refreshing watermelon salad. We recommend that you also give it a try and believe us when we say that it keeps you coming back for more.
We also love how Belse comes with a kids’ menu. This way, even the pickiest of eaters can still enjoy their meal.
Recipe Oak Cliff
Another takeout-only restaurant that you should try is Recipe Oak Cliff. It’s the perfect spot to grab light vegan snacks and refreshments for you to enjoy while touring the city.
This vegan restaurant is especially known for its juice bar, where you can buy an assortment of freshly-squeezed fruit juices and healthy smoothies. But if you’re in the mood for more than a drink, Recipe Oak Cliff also offers snacks like plant-based noodles and salads.
We also love that it hosts brunch specials now and then. Who knows? You might be lucky enough to visit Dallas on a day when Recipe Oak Cliff hosts its rare brunch specials.
The 8 Best Vegan Restaurants in Dallas – Summary
In case you haven’t noticed, vegan restaurants are slowly but surely taking over the Dallas food scene. With more and more people becoming interested in plant-based diets, it’s no wonder that these types of establishments are proliferating.
And if you’re one of those who are looking to try out veganism or are simply curious about what these restaurants have to offer, then this list is for you.
We’ve rounded up eight of the best vegan restaurants in Dallas, each with its own unique offerings. So whether you’re in the mood for Mexican, American, or Fusion cuisine, we’re sure that you’ll find a spot that suits your fancy.
So what are you waiting for? Head on over to one of these restaurants and start exploring the world of veganism today. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
