“The best cheese is made from plants” — now that’s a bold statement. However, Mueller's Rebel Cheese makes a strong case for it. The vegan deli, cheese and wine shop offers a finely curated, yet still robust menu of dishes including sandwiches, salads, soups and charcuterie boards. With rotating specials and two dozen varieties of housemade, artisanal vegan cheeses at your fingertips, there’s always something new to discover. Once you’re hooked, join the monthly cheese club!

If you’re searching for an Austin original, this is the place. Opened by Leslie Martin in 2000, step inside the cozy vegan cafe on South 1st Street to find scratch-made plates, fresh coffee and lots of character. You won’t get bored with an array of options from all-day breakfast to delightful desserts topped with Luv Fats Ice Cream. Thanks to a continued focus on supporting local businesses, supplying fair wages and fostering community, you’ll leave feeling good in more ways than one.

This fully vegan gastropub (the first in Austin) was actually inspired by the love of craft beer. Tucked away in Tarrytown, visitors can sample from a lineup of sudsy brews on tap — plus cocktails and wine — and an approachable menu that will even surprise your non-vegan friends. Stop by for dinner weeknights from 5 to 10 p.m., with brunch available on weekends. The kitchen is always experimenting with new flavors, but must-trys include the Cauliflower Wings and Nashville Hot & Crispy sandwich.

Pizza is back on the menu thanks to this fantastic stop in North Austin. Also mentioned in our guide to the Best Pizzas in Austin, these New York-style vegan pies are made from scratch and have no shortage of creativity. Beeteroni? Check. Pineapple jalapeño lovers? You’re covered there too. The pizzeria also offers soft serve ice cream (and you guessed it, it’s vegan) to satisfy your sweet tooth. PSA: South Austinites can still get their fix at the original Li'l Nonna's trailer on St. Elmo Road.

You may have spotted this restaurant at a festival or two. What started as a family-owned food truck has evolved into a vibrant, octopus-clad brick-and-mortar known for its friendly atmosphere and dynamite burritos. It’s worth trying them all, but don’t miss the Freeto Burrito, packed with organic tempeh chili, corn chips, avocado and vegan cheese. You’ll also find an assortment of Zucchini Kill baked goods here, but more on that later.

Austin’s got a stylish new date spot. Nori serves delicious plant-based Japanese dishes, from Gyoza with Impossible Meat and Ginger Miso Ramen to a variety of nigiri and maki bursting with color and, most importantly, flavor. The distinct destination opened last August just north of the Drag. Indulge in a late night or pop in for happy hour, available every Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Either way, you’re in for an adventure.

Casa de Luz makes for a charming and unique communal dining experience. Served cafeteria-style, the set daily breakfast, lunch and dinner menus are rooted in macrobiotic, whole plant nutrition, free from chemicals, animal products, gluten or refined sugars. Diners can usually expect a salad, soup and main dish in hearty portions. The grounds are expansive and gorgeous, with ample outdoor seating underneath lush greenery. Also, keep an eye out for regular events and yoga classes!

While not everything here is 100% plant-based or vegan, there are plenty of thoughtfully-prepared plates to be had at The Well. The chic interiors are light and airy, with a menu that places importance on sustainable, healthy and flavor-forward dining. The concept was thought up by Nova Hospitality’s Jon Oh and health coach Liv Langdon. Everything is free from gluten, soy and refined sugar, and the majority of options are vegan or vegetarian — a refreshing twist.

East Austinite and chef Chris Rios spent years fine-tuning his recipes in search for the ultimate vegan taco before establishing this bold eatery. With a mission to save the planet, the menu features the usual Tex-Mex staples — but that’s not all. The Vegan Nom park has become a compound for Rios’ culinary creations, with sister restaurant Nom Burgers and a newly-opened tiny donuts and coffee trailer, Percolator, as next door neighbors. It’s a one-stop destination for seriously tasty food.

Nearly a year after moving into its first brick-and-mortar location, Nissi has garnered a loyal following. Run by Sergio Tamez, who missed the traditional Mexican dishes of his youth after embarking on a vegan lifestyle, the goal was to get as close as possible to the real deal, minus the negative ecological impacts. The majority of menu items are gluten-free and organic, with six varieties of protein to choose from. We recommend the Cheek'n Flautas and Birria Tacos!