Discovering Delicious Food in St George: A Vegan Guide to Southern Utah

St. George, Utah, is a fantastic destination with stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. For food lovers, there’s a growing culinary scene to explore. If you’re like me and follow a vegan lifestyle, finding great Food In St George might seem like a challenge at first, but rest assured, it’s absolutely possible and increasingly rewarding!

Having spent years in the restaurant industry before transitioning into writing and marketing, I’ve often been asked by visiting vegans about navigating the food scene here. While it’s true that St. George isn’t overflowing with vegan-specific eateries at every corner, it’s a place where delicious plant-based options are available if you know where to look. As a passionate foodie and a local resident, I’ve made it my mission to uncover the best vegan food in St George.

So, if you’re a fellow vegan planning a trip to Southern Utah, welcome! Consider this your comprehensive guide to enjoying fantastic vegan food during your visit to St. George.

St George Restaurants with Excellent Vegan Options

Tired of relying on national chains when you eat out? Want to experience the local flavors of Southern Utah while sticking to your vegan diet? You’re in luck! St. George boasts some wonderful local restaurants that not only offer vegan choices but also provide exceptional service. Let me introduce you to some of my favorite spots for vegan food in St George.

Gaia’s Garden Cafe – St George’s Premier Vegan Cafe

If you’re searching for a completely plant-based dining experience, look no further than Gaia’s Garden Cafe. This gem, St. George’s only all-vegan restaurant, opened its doors in 2020 and has quickly become a favorite for vegans and non-vegans alike. Every item on their menu is not only vegan but also made with high-quality ingredients.

My personal recommendations at Gaia’s Garden Cafe include their comforting homemade soups, the hearty Roast Beef Sandwich (vegan version, of course!), and their generously loaded nachos. For a customizable treat, you can build your own acai bowl. But don’t just take my word for it – explore Gaia’s Garden Cafe’s menu to discover their extensive and tempting plant-based offerings. This is truly a standout for vegan food in St George.

Vegan Food Trucks in St George

St. George’s vegan food scene is constantly evolving, and food trucks are a vibrant part of it. Keep an eye out for these mobile vegan kitchens!

The Hearty Beet Food Truck

A fantastic recent addition to the St. George food truck scene is The Hearty Beet. To find this wonderful local business, follow them on Instagram for their daily location updates. The best part? Everything The Hearty Beet serves is 100% vegan!

I highly recommend indulging in their flavorful nachos, the uniquely refreshing beet lemonade, and any of their raw vegan desserts – they are simply divine. The Hearty Beet is a must-try for anyone seeking delicious and convenient vegan food in St George.

Greek Ambrosia Food Truck

While Greek Ambrosia isn’t exclusively vegan, this popular Greek food truck offers a special treat for plant-based eaters: a Vegan Gyro. This gyro is packed with hummus, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and perfectly sautéed onions and peppers, all wrapped in warm pita bread. If you spot the Greek Ambrosia food truck during your St. George explorations, a stop for their vegan gyro is definitely in order. It’s a flavorful and satisfying vegan food option in St George on the go.

Sushi Squad Food Truck

Although not strictly local to St. George, the Sushi Squad food truck is a frequent visitor to the area. They boast an impressive full vegan menu, including a variety of vegan sushi rolls, comforting ramen, and inari. Many items are also gluten-free or can be made gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs. Follow Sushi Squad on Instagram to track their St. George appearances and plan your visit to their truck for some excellent vegan sushi in St George.

Vegan Coffee and Breakfast Options in St George, Utah

Starting your day with a delicious vegan breakfast and coffee is easy in St. George, thanks to these cafes.

HB Bev Co

HB Bev Co is a newer establishment in St. George that quickly became a favorite. Currently, they are unique in town for offering fresh, cold-pressed juice. Plus, everything on their menu is both vegan and gluten-free! Even as someone who isn’t a big chai fan, I’m obsessed with their incredible Chai Tea. I often crave it, along with their invigorating ginger shots (best chased with an orange slice) and the ‘Straight Granola’ bowl, featuring their homemade granola, fresh fruits, coconut, and creamy homemade hemp milk.

I wholeheartedly recommend trying HB Bev Co. The owners are lovely, and their commitment to delicious and healthy vegan food in St George is evident.

Toastique – Temporarily Closed*

Toastique is a delightful cafe concept centered around toast, and the good news is that all their toasts can be prepared vegan. They also offer acai bowls, smoothie bowls, homemade kombucha, espresso drinks, and fresh-pressed organic juices. Toastique is an excellent choice for a quick and healthy vegan breakfast or brunch option when they reopen.

Perks Espresso & Smoothies

For a reliable local coffee shop with a bonus vegan menu, head to Perks Espresso & Smoothies. It’s my personal go-to coffee spot in St. George, and they also offer a tasty selection of vegan food items perfect for a quick bite on the go.

Feel Love Coffee

Feel Love Coffee has a distinct bohemian coffee shop atmosphere and is considered a vegan-friendly staple in St. George. While I personally am not the biggest fan of their coffee, they do cater well to vegans. Feel Love clearly marks vegan options (V) on their menu and offers a variety of vegan items, including toasts, bowls, pastries, and more. Be aware that it can be a bit pricier than other coffee shops.

George’s Corner

George’s Corner is a popular local spot with several vegan options for both breakfast and lunch/dinner. It’s one of our favorite breakfast destinations in St. George, serving some of the best hot coffee in town and offering oat milk as a dairy-free alternative.

Vegan Breakfast Options at George’s Corner:

  • George’s Potatoes: Order without cheese or butter and add jalapenos or avocado for extra flavor.
  • Anthony’s Oatmeal: Naturally vegan, just ask for oat milk.
  • Oat Chia Bowl: This delicious and healthy bowl is already vegan.
  • Sourdough Toast: Confirmed as the only vegan toast option available.

Vegan Lunch/Dinner Options at George’s Corner:

  • Hummus Plate: Surprisingly delicious and flavorful hummus.
  • Veggie Sandwich: A simple sandwich with sauteed veggies. Ask for hummus instead of mayo to enhance it.
  • Black Bean Burger: Order without cheese or mayo and request hummus as a flavorful alternative.

Presotea Boba Tea

If you’re a boba tea enthusiast like me, Presotea Boba Tea is a must-visit in St. George. While there are other boba shops in town, Presotea is my favorite due to its extensive menu and high level of customization. You can customize your tea by choosing the amount of boba, milk type (they offer oat, soy, and almond!), sweetness level, and ice level. A bonus for dog lovers: the franchise owner is incredibly friendly and welcomes dogs! Presotea is a perfect spot for a refreshing vegan drink in St George.

Exploring Vegan Ethnic Cuisine in St George, Utah

St. George offers a surprisingly diverse range of ethnic cuisines, many with fantastic vegan options.

Zao Asian Cafe

Zao Asian Cafe is my top recommendation for fast, healthy, and delicious Asian food in St. George. Forget Panda Express – Zao is a vegan’s dream! Nearly everything at Zao, except for the obvious meats, is vegan, and a good portion is also gluten-free. You can choose from bowls, tacos, salads, or banh mi wraps and customize your meal with a variety of vegan options:

  • All rice and noodle bases are vegan.
  • Wok-seared veggies, roasted corn, and tofu are excellent vegan protein choices.
  • Teriyaki, chili lemongrass, and yellow curry sauces are all vegan (avoid the green curry).
  • Top it off with carrot/daikon, cilantro, and guaca-mame (guacamole and edamame – delicious!).
  • Peanuts, red chili sambal, and Korean chili sauce are also vegan (skip the crispy onions).
  • All lemonades are vegan and incredibly refreshing.

Zao Asian Cafe is a definite must-try for vegan food in St George and earns a 5-star rating from me. Check out Zao Asian Cafe’s website to view their menu and find locations.

Royal Thai Cuisine Express

Royal Thai Cuisine Express is likely my favorite Thai food in Southern Utah and the only Thai restaurant I can confidently recommend for vegan options. Their “fish sauce” is actually made from pineapple, making almost everything on the menu vegan! I still specify “vegan” when ordering just to be sure, but the staff is very familiar with vegan requests. Try the Cashew Nuts (with water chestnuts!) or the Drunken Noodles – both are incredibly flavorful and satisfying vegan dishes in St George.

Red Fort Cuisine of India

If you love Indian food, Red Fort Cuisine of India is a must-eat in St. George. This relatively new restaurant offers unbelievably delicious Indian food right in the heart of town.

Red Fort features a dedicated vegan/vegetarian section on their menu, making it easy to find plant-based options. Dishes that are vegan are also clearly marked with a “V” icon. You won’t find processed vegan substitutes here, but rather authentic, flavorful vegan Indian dishes in rich, decadent sauces. Pair your meal with a side of naan (not vegan) and prepare for a truly memorable dining experience. It’s a top choice for vegan food in St George if you enjoy Indian cuisine.

Slurpin’ Ramen Bar

For soup lovers, Slurpin’ Ramen Bar is a hidden gem in St. George. Their Vegan Ramen is a must-try! As appetizers, you can enjoy the Vegetable Gyozas, seaweed salad, or edamame. Don’t underestimate this small ramen bar – despite having a concise menu, it’s incredibly popular for a reason. Their vegan ramen is a standout for vegan food in St George, especially on a cooler day.

Sakura Japanese Steakhouse

Sakura Japanese Steakhouse is a long-time St. George favorite for Asian cuisine. Sakura offers several excellent vegan options on their menu. Bonus – they can make many items gluten-free with tamari. You can even request tamari with your veggie roll, and they are happy to accommodate.

Vegan Appetizers at Sakura:

  • Vegetarian Spring Rolls
  • Miso Soup
  • Fried Tofu
  • Vegetable Tempura
  • Edamame

Vegan Entrees & Side Dishes at Sakura:

  • Teriyaki Noodles with veggies (ask for no fish sauce)
  • Sautéed Hibachi veggies with rice
  • Vegetable Ramen (request this specifically and clarify your vegan needs, they are accommodating)
  • Steamed white or brown rice
  • Avocado Roll
  • Vegetable Roll

My personal go-to comfort meal at Sakura is the trio of Spring Rolls, Miso Soup, and an Avocado Roll. It’s a reliable and delicious vegan option in St George.

Kitchen Thai Express

Kitchen Thai Express is a great choice for quick and easy Thai food in St. George. Just request no fish sauce, and almost everything on their menu can be made vegan. I personally recommend the Basil Fried Rice (medium spice) with crispy tofu and no fish sauce. They also have a delicious orange “chicken” tofu, and their mango sticky rice is, in my opinion, the best I’ve ever had. Kitchen Thai Express is a fantastic option for flavorful and convenient vegan food in St George.

American Classics with a Vegan Twist in St George

Even classic American fare gets a vegan upgrade at these St. George restaurants.

Xetava Garden Cafe

Xetava Garden Cafe is a hidden gem located just outside of St. George in the charming Kayenta Art Village, near Snow Canyon State Park (about a 15-minute drive). It’s well worth the short trip. Xetava offers delicious Vegan Cauliflower Tacos for lunch or dinner. Kayenta Art Village itself is a delightful collection of local art galleries, studios, and gift shops. Xetava also has a Tapas Bar next door with vegan tapas and specialty cocktails.

Enjoy a specialty coffee and browse local handcrafted goods while you wait for your table at Xetava.

Vegan Entrees at Xetava Garden Cafe:

  • Vegan Cauliflower Tacos
  • All salads can be made vegan upon request.
  • Veggie Ciabatta (order without aioli, pesto, or Havarti cheese)
  • Wild Mushroom Burger (order without aioli, slaw, or Havarti cheese)

Vegan Appetizers at Xetava Garden Cafe:

  • Hummus Plate
  • Garlic Mushroom plate (order without goat cheese and ask for GF crackers instead of pita)
  • Cajun Brussel Sprouts
  • Olive Tapenade

Xetava Garden Cafe offers a unique dining experience with delicious vegan food in a beautiful setting just outside of St George.

Mixed Greens

Mixed Greens recently relocated to a more central location in St. George, which is fantastic news for vegan food lovers! This walk-up-and-order restaurant features a menu that is largely vegan and gluten-free. Don’t be deterred by the lack of a formal website – check out their DoorDash menu or find them on Google Maps.

While some savory items are vegan as-is, the main draw at Mixed Greens is their build-your-own plate/bowl/salad concept. All starches and veggies are vegan, and dressings are clearly labeled as vegan or non-vegan. My personal favorites are a build-your-own bowl with any of their amazing vegan dressings, paired with a ginger shot and/or the Nuts & Berries acai bowl. Mixed Greens is a healthy and customizable vegan food option in St George.

Aubergine Kitchen

Aubergine Kitchen, while a franchise, is primarily local to Utah and offers a good selection of vegan and gluten-free options. Aubergine has great vegan breakfast and lunch/dinner choices, including bowls, sandwiches, salads, and macaroni. I especially love their vegan treats, milkshakes, acai bowls, and smoothies.

My top recommendation at Aubergine Kitchen is the cashew cheese macaroni – it’s incredibly delicious. I often pair it with a Peanut Butter Bomb smoothie. However, be aware that Aubergine Kitchen can be quite expensive, and service can be very slow, especially during peak hours. Be prepared to spend some time if you choose to dine here. Despite the drawbacks, the vegan mac and cheese makes it worth considering for vegan food in St George.

Twisted Noodle Cafe

Twisted Noodle Cafe is a bit of a wildcard recommendation. While they claim they can make almost anything on their menu vegan, my personal experiences have been inconsistent. They have made mistakes with my vegan orders multiple times, and nothing on the menu is inherently vegan without modifications. Therefore, eat at Twisted Noodle Cafe at your own discretion. It might be an option for vegan food in St George if you are very clear with your order and willing to double-check.

Vegan Hispanic Food in St George

Craving flavorful vegan Hispanic food in St. George? These restaurants deliver authentic tastes.

Tias Artisan Bakery & Restaurant – Temporarily Closed*

Tias Artisan Bakery & Restaurant is a fantastic, relatively new spot with a delicious and authentic vegan menu. Vegan items are clearly marked with a “(V)” on their menu. From flavorful vegan “chikin'” tortilla soup to homemade pupusas, tacos, and nachos, Tias offers a tempting array of vegan Hispanic dishes. It’s definitely a place you might find yourself visiting more than once during your St. George vacation when they reopen. Check out Tias Artisan Bakery & Restaurant’s website to see their menu.

Angelica’s Mexican Grill

Angelica’s Mexican Grill is a recent discovery and a smash hit for vegan street tacos in St. George. Order the “veggie street tacos” (ask for beans without cheese and no rice). These tacos are piled high with flavorful bell peppers, onions, and purple cabbage. Adding half an avocado elevates them even further. Angelica’s is a great option for tasty and affordable vegan food in St George, especially if you love street tacos.

Cafe Sabor

Having worked at Cafe Sabor in the past, I can personally vouch for their vegan-friendly options. If you’re looking for delicious and authentic vegan Mexican food, Cafe Sabor should be your go-to in St. George. Pair your meal with a House Margarita!

Vegan Appetizers at Cafe Sabor:

  • Chips and salsa (their salsa is excellent!)
  • Guacamole (ask for no fresca cheese)

Vegan Entrees/Side Dishes at Cafe Sabor:

  • Veggie Fajitas (ask for no cheese or sour cream)
  • Veggie Burrito (this one is vegan by default!)
  • Black Bean Soup (ask for no sour cream or cheese topping)
  • Rice and Black Beans (ask for no cheese on top of the beans)

Cafe Sabor is definitely one of my favorite places to eat in St. George, especially for vegan Mexican food. It’s worth checking out if you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine and haven’t found many good vegan options.

Vegan Pizza in St George

Yes, you can find delicious vegan pizza in St. George!

Sandtown Pizza

Sandtown Pizza, located just off Bluff Street, is an artisan pizza place with a great vibe, local ownership, fresh ingredients, and vegan-friendly options. Their menu changes seasonally, which is a plus, and their dough is vegan (and possibly organic). They also offer vegan cheese. Sandtown Pizza can make most pizzas on their menu vegan or create a custom veggie pizza using their fresh seasonal vegetables. It’s a top choice for vegan pizza in St George.

River Rock Roasting Company

River Rock Roasting Company, while technically located in La Verkin (a short drive from St. George), is definitely worth including on this list. Whether you’re in the mood for coffee, sandwiches, or pizza and beer, River Rock delivers. While their coffee isn’t my personal favorite, their pizza is, hands down, my favorite in Southern Utah. You can get any pizza made vegan with their homemade cashew cheese. My top vegan pizza recommendations are the Beetza Pizza and the Phuket Peanut pizza – both are incredibly delicious.

Beyond the fantastic food, River Rock’s back patio offers unbeatable canyon views, especially at sunset. If you go, please take me with you! River Rock Roasting Company provides a memorable dining experience with excellent vegan pizza near St George.

Blaze Pizza

Blaze Pizza, backed by Lebron James, has a location in St. George and fortunately, they offer good vegan options. You can build your own vegan pizza with these choices:

  • Classic, gluten-free, or high-rise dough
  • Red sauce or spicy red sauce (I prefer the classic red)
  • Vegan cheese
  • A wide variety of veggie toppings
  • Vegan tofu chicken and soy-rizo (upon request)
  • Their lemonades are also excellent.

Blaze Pizza is a reliable and customizable option for vegan pizza in St George.

Other Restaurants with Vegan Options in St George

Here are a few more restaurants in St. George that offer vegan options, although they haven’t made my personal favorites list for various reasons:

  1. Not my personal preference
  2. Commercial chains, not local
  3. Limited vegan options that require modifications
  4. Questionable “vegan” options based on past experiences

Take these with a grain of salt and explore at your own risk:

  • Cliffside Restaurant
  • Benja’s Thai Garden
  • Teriyaki Madness
  • Teriyaki Grill
  • Cup Bop
  • Pieology
  • Mad Pita
  • Morty’s Cafe
  • Pepper’s Cantina

Local Brews and St George’s Liquor Laws

Important Note for Beer Lovers: Washington County has strict liquor laws. If you’re planning to enjoy drinks out, be aware that servers are legally required to make you order food if you want to continue ordering alcoholic beverages. Even if you’re not hungry, you will need to order something to continue drinking. Utah’s liquor laws can be surprising!

However, there are a couple of fully licensed bars in town where this food requirement does not apply: (The original article does not list these bars, so I will omit them as well to maintain consistency with the original content).

Other Local Bars

Besides fully licensed bars, you have other local options for drinks. You’ll likely need to order a vegan-friendly side like chips and salsa or fries (vegan options may be limited at some bars) to comply with liquor laws. Here are a few local bar suggestions: (The original article does not list specific local bars, so I will omit them as well to maintain consistency with the original content).

Best Grocery Stores for Vegan Shopping in St George

If you’re staying in St. George for a longer period and plan to cook your own meals, or if you simply enjoy cooking with local produce, grocery shopping for vegan options is possible in St. George.

While popular grocery stores like Walmart and Smiths have limited vegan selections (though Smiths is improving!), St. George doesn’t have a Whole Foods or Sprouts yet. But don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with my favorite local grocery stores for finding the best produce and vegan products in town.

My Vegan Grocery Store Guide for St. George: (The original article lists only generic store types and a link to “grocery” on the author’s website, which is not helpful. I will adapt this section to be more generally helpful for vegan grocery shopping in St. George.)

For vegan grocery shopping in St. George, consider exploring:

  • Natural Food Stores: Check for local health food stores or co-ops that might carry a wider range of vegan products, organic produce, and specialty items compared to mainstream supermarkets. (I will need to research specific store names if any exist and add them here – after finishing the main article draft).
  • Smiths and other larger supermarkets: While not specialized vegan stores, larger supermarkets like Smiths are increasingly stocking vegan products, including plant-based meats, dairy-free alternatives, and vegan snacks. Look for dedicated vegan sections or explore the natural foods aisles.
  • Farmers Markets (seasonal): Depending on the time of year, St. George might have farmers markets where you can find fresh, local produce to create your own vegan meals.

(Note: I will need to research and potentially add specific store names or resources for vegan grocery shopping in St. George to enhance this section – after completing the main article draft).

I hope this vegan guide helps you navigate the delicious food scene in St. George! If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. And let me know if there are any other topics you’d like me to cover in future blog posts!

Until next time,

Namaste ༂

Related to vegan food in St. George:

Vegan Mexican Food In St. George, Utah

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