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This California Bánh Mì Shop Just Beat Every Vegan Restaurant in America, According to Yelp

Aina's Vegan Banh Mi

This California Bánh Mì Shop Just Beat Every Vegan Restaurant in America, According to Yelp

From Tampa to Honolulu to San Jose, Yelp reviews are helping to uncover the highest-rated independent vegan restaurants in America.


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The economy might be squeezing people’s wallets right now, but many still love eating out. According to new research from Ondeck, nearly two out of five Americans still dine out at least once a month, while one-third dine out every week. 

As part of its latest research, Ondeck also wanted to answer another question: Where exactly is everyone eating? To find out, it analyzed 240 Yelp-recommended restaurants across 450 US cities to identify some of the country’s most beloved independent eateries. 

The study examined several categories, including the highest-rated independent restaurants in major US cities, the top 10 highest-rated independent pizzerias, the top 10 highest-rated independent burger spots, and—the reason we’re all here—the top 10 highest-rated independent vegan restaurants.

And what do you know? Not a single restaurant on the vegan list is located in major plant-based hubs like New York City or Los Angeles. Instead, these beloved independent spots are found in places like Tampa, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; and Honolulu, Hawaii. 

Curious whether your favorite made the cut—or looking for a new destination to add to your must-try list? Check out Ondeck’s top 10 highest-rated independent vegan restaurants below.

RELATED: ‘This Is Our Last Hail Mary’: Beloved Arizona Vegan Restaurant Fights to Stay Open

Houlden's Rise AboveHoulden’s Rise Above

10 Houlden’s Rise Above

Tucson, AZ

This vegan bakery is Tucson’s go-to spot for everything from flaky, buttery croissants to indulgent homemade Pop-Tarts and inventive creations like the croissant dog. Yes, that’s exactly what it sounds like: a croissant wrapped around a vegan hot dog and served with plenty of spicy mustard. Unsurprisingly, it’s a bestseller.

Urban FreshUrban Fresh

9 Urban Fresh

Tucson, AZ

Also in Tucson is Urban Fresh, a popular family-owned, plant-based restaurant specializing in nourishing fare made with whole-food ingredients. Think fresh juices, hearty breakfast sandwiches stacked with chickpea, lentil, and quinoa patties, and satisfying wraps filled with ingredients like almond pâté, avocado, and cashew pesto.

ToastyToasty

8 Toasty

Bend, OR

If you’re local to Bend, chances are you’re already familiar with this food truck favorite. Usually parked on NW Arizona Ave, it serves up Tex-Mex delights like cheeseburger crunchwraps, breakfast burritos, and loaded nachos.

eighty7sweets veganEighty7sweets

7 Eighty7sweets Vegan Ice Cream Company

Atlanta, GA

Atlanta, we’re seriously envious. The Eighty7sweets Vegan Ice Cream Company serves up a mouthwatering menu of indulgent treats, from plant-based ice cream in creative flavors like Buckhead Mocha and Sweet Auburn Butter Pecan to Chocolate Chip Cookie Super Bowls (yes, that’s ice cream served in a cookie bowl) and heavenly ice cream pies. Okay, that settles it—we’re moving to Atlanta.

 Thuong An Lac Thuong An Lac

6 Thuong An Lac

Honolulu, HI

Honolulu is home to plenty of vegan-friendly eateries, but according to Yelp reviewers, Thuong An Lac is among the very best. From its hole-in-the-wall location, the city’s only Vietnamese vegan restaurant serves up a vibrant, flavor-packed menu of plant-based takes on classic dishes, including Fish Maw Soup with soy fish and Vermicelli Crab Tomato Soup with tofu crab.

Organically TwistedOrganically Twisted

5 Organically Twisted

Naples, FL

For nourishing, wholesome, whole food-based dishes in Naples, Organically Twisted is the place to be. Menu standouts include Tacos Gone Nutz, made with walnuts, and the Crispy Vegan Mac, served with mixed greens. One thing to note: despite earning a spot on Ondeck’s list, Organically Twisted doesn’t appear to be fully vegan and does serve meat in some dishes.

Pure Kitchen Organic VeganPure Kitchen Organic Vegan

4 Pure Kitchen Organic Vegan

Tampa, FL

The first of two Tampa restaurants to make the list is Pure Kitchen Organic Vegan. Expect a rainbow of whole foods when you sit down at this popular Florida eatery—and good luck choosing between mouthwatering favorites like vegan crab cakes, jerk tofu, and burger salad.

Botanical Plant-Based FareBotanical Plant-Based Fare

3 Botanical Plant-Based Fare

Charlottesville, VA

Whether you’re in the mood for a nourishing breakfast or a cheeky cocktail, Botanical Plant-Based Fare in Charlottesville has you covered. One thing you can always count on: the menu is plant-based, sustainability-focused, and consistently delicious.

The Mediterranean ChickpeaThe Mediterranean Chickpea

2 The Mediterranean Chickpea

Tampa, FL

Claiming the enviable second-place spot is Tampa’s second entry on the list: The Mediterranean Chickpea. As the name suggests, this is the go-to destination for nourishing vegan Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Think creamy hummus, flaky spinach pie, vibrant salads, and plenty more.

 Aina's Vegan Banh Mi


Aina’s Vegan Banh Mi

1 Aina’s Vegan Banh Mi

San Jose, CA

Topping Ondeck’s list is Aina’s Vegan Banh Mi in San Jose. Sure, the menu features plenty of delicious vegan bánh mì options with just about every filling you could imagine, but this California favorite also serves everything from konjac shrimp rolls to BBQ bao and golden rice. Excuse us while we go make a reservation.

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