ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque’s food scene is turning up the heat — and not just with chile. Vegan and plant-based options are on the rise across the city, with more restaurants adding innovative, flavorful, and satisfying dishes for diners who prefer a meat-free lifestyle. Thanks to user reviews and rankings from Yelp, here’s a look at the 10 best vegan-friendly spots in the Duke City — where both longtime vegans and the plant-curious will find something to love.
10. Café Lush
🌱 Vegan-friendly brunch gem
This cozy downtown café makes mornings magical. Café Lush offers a solid mix of vegan and non-vegan eats, but it’s their creative plant-based brunch options that stand out. Try the tofu scramble, vegan breakfast tacos, or a fresh garden salad. They also offer house-made “Lushaladas,” a twist on enchiladas.
📍 Hours: Mon–Fri 7:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; Sat 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; Closed Sundays
9. Sunnyside Up Breakfast & Lunch Café
🌞 Comfort food with vegan options
Located near Louisiana and Menaul, Sunnyside Up lives up to its name with bright flavors and a welcoming atmosphere. Their vegan menu includes Impossible sausage, oatmeal bowls, seasoned potatoes, and several vegan-friendly bread choices. A must-visit for early risers looking to brunch without the bacon.
📍 Hours: Mon–Fri 7:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.; Sat–Sun 7:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
8. Grassburger
🍔 Fast-casual burgers done right
Who said burger joints are just for meat-eaters? Grassburger dishes out hearty black bean burgers and a Southwest vegan bowl packed with flavor. French fries cooked in avocado oil and creamy non-dairy shakes round out the plant-based experience.
📍 Hours: Daily 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
7. Itality
🌿 Organic, local, and totally plant-based
This downtown favorite goes beyond basic vegan fare. With blue corn waffles, avocado toast on Pueblo oven bread, and protein-packed breakfast burritos, Itality blends nutrition and bold New Mexico flavor. It’s 100% plant-based, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
📍 Hours: Tue–Sat 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Sun 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Closed Mondays
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6. Sixty-Six Acres
🍽 Modern eats, vegan-style
Located near the heart of the city, this contemporary restaurant doesn’t specialize in vegan cuisine — but it sure knows how to deliver it. Crispy tofu, harissa mushrooms, hummus platters, and super-fresh salads are all on the menu. It’s a great lunch or dinner option with something for everyone.
📍 Hours: Mon–Sat 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Sun 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
5. Vegan Vato
🌮 Tex-Mex with a twist
This food truck turned local staple makes bold, spicy vegan food its mission. Their Vato Burger and NM Crunchwrap use Impossible meat and plant-based cheese with all the fixings — think guacamole, Tajín-seasoned tostadas, and more. Flavor lovers, rejoice.
📍 Hours: Tue 4:00–8:30 p.m.; Wed–Thu 12:30–8:30 p.m.; Fri–Sat 12:30–9:00 p.m.; Closed Sun & Mon
4. Thai Vegan
🍜 Asian-inspired vegan goodness
No list would be complete without this longtime favorite. Thai Vegan has earned its reputation with satisfying plant-based versions of classic dishes: soy pepper steak, tofu curries, noodle plates, and even soybean “fish.” The menu is huge and reliably delicious.
📍 Hours: Mon–Sat 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Sun 5:00–8:00 p.m.
3. Mata G Vegetarian Kitchen
🥗 Plant-powered and made from scratch
Mata G isn’t just vegetarian — it’s a sanctuary for thoughtful, handmade food. Their Moroccan plate, with saffron couscous, chickpea stew, and grilled tofu skewers, is a fan favorite. They focus on clean ingredients and balanced meals that leave you feeling nourished.
📍 Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; Closed Sundays
2. Lucky Goose
🌭 Comfort food with a vegan heart
From loaded chick’n wraps to meatless “dawgs,” Lucky Goose is where comfort food and plant-based cuisine intersect. Try their crispy chick’n sandwiches or creative hot dogs — it’s the kind of food that makes you forget it’s vegan.
📍 Hours: Mon–Thu 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.; Sat–Sun 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
1. Vegos
🔥 Top-rated, top flavor
Taking the number one spot, Vegos offers elevated vegan dishes that even meat-eaters adore. Favorites include their chickpea coconut curry, the seitan-based “Wurst” sandwich, and a Cajun-spiced po’boy stuffed with crispy soy curls. Whether you’re a vegan or just hungry, Vegos delivers.
📍 Hours: Daily 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Albuquerque’s Vegan Food Scene: What Makes It Special?
What sets Albuquerque apart is its seamless blend of Southwestern flavor and modern plant-based cuisine. Many of these restaurants incorporate local ingredients, New Mexico chiles, and Indigenous-inspired cooking methods — making the vegan dining scene here uniquely regional and authentically flavorful.
Whether you’re looking for a quick vegan burger, a nourishing Buddha bowl, or spicy tofu tacos, Albuquerque has it covered.
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Vegan Dining FAQs for Albuquerque Foodies
Q: Do all these restaurants serve 100% vegan food?
No, several restaurants on the list are vegan-friendly, meaning they offer vegan menu items alongside traditional dishes. Fully plant-based options are clearly labeled in most places.
Q: Is Albuquerque good for vegans overall?
Absolutely. The city is growing more vegan-conscious, with new menu additions, food trucks, and even grocery stores carrying more plant-based products than ever before.
Q: Are these spots family-friendly?
Yes! Most of these restaurants are casual and family-friendly, with kid-friendly options available in many.
Q: Can I find gluten-free vegan options?
Many places on this list — like Itality and Mata G — offer gluten-free dishes or can adjust items to be gluten-free upon request.
Q: What’s the best spot for vegan brunch in ABQ?
Café Lush and Lucky Goose are two excellent picks for a hearty plant-based brunch.
Ready to explore Albuquerque’s thriving vegan food scene? These top-rated local gems prove that you don’t need meat or dairy to enjoy bold, satisfying flavors. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just exploring — your taste buds are in for a treat.
Would you like a downloadable guide or map to these locations? I can create one next!
