Green pretty much says it all. With an all-vegan (no animal products or byproducts), mostly organic menu that includes vegetarian takes on old favorites like meatball subs and pizza, the food isn't going to taste the same way it would at any restaurant. However, it might taste even better - if you go in with an open mind. "People come in and say we have the best meatball subs," says server Michelle Redman, a part-time environmental biology freshman.The restaurant, decorated with rusted car doors and hexagonal Chinese lanterns, has a homey, friend's-basement feel. The menu boasts more than a dozen entree options, including pizza, sandwiches, bowls and salads, many of which come with the choice of "mock" meats or tofu. Dine on one of the tables with mix-matched chairs, or sit in the corner couches and peruse a magazine while you wait for some food that will leave you, and quite a few cows and chickens, happy.
2240 N. Scottsdale Road, (480) 941-9003, greenvegetarian.com
Runners-up:
1. Pita Jungle
2. The Pita Pit
3. Café Laliabela
