Vegan pizza is one of many foods that has seen vast improvements in the past five years. Once beholden to yet-to-be-perfected vegan cheese, plant-based pies have truly hit their stride these days. While there is always the cheese-less option, we’ve been most enamored with pizzas topped with scratch-made, non-dairy cheese. Combined with a stellar crust and just the right amount of toppings, vegan pizza can compete with any animal-based pie out there.
Between all of us on the VegNews team, we’ve devoured quite a few slices and have become slightly obsessed with the pursuit of the perfect vegan pizza. From comparing cashew mozzarella to almond ricotta and deep dish to tavern-style, we just can’t get enough. Here are 18 of our favorite vegan pizzas from restaurants across the US.
Table of Contents
What makes a great vegan pizza?
There is a lot that goes into one’s determination of the best vegan pizza, and much of that is based on nostalgia. While it’s likely that the ingredients have changed—swapping animal products for their equally delicious vegan counterparts—the style of pizza you grew up on has some weight to it.
New Culture
If your family tradition involved going to a local New York-syle pizzeria on Friday nights, then you probably have an affinity for a thin but pliable crust. If deep dish was your childhood celebration food, you’re likely to swoon for the casserole-style pie. However, if you (like us) were a latchkey kid and survived off pizza delivery, your pizza alliances could be easily swayed. We didn’t discover truly “good” pizza until our brush with Neapolitan pies in college.
“The best vegan pizza should be made with all organic ingredients, by hand, with love. This pizza will feed your body, mind, and your soul,” says Tara Punzone, owner of Italian restaurant and pizzeria Pura Vita.
Beyond the style of crust, the best vegan pizza is determined by its toppings. Yes, a cheese-less pie composed of an excellent dough, fresh tomato sauce, and flavorful vegetables can be great, but we find that garden pies are improved with a few dollops of artisan vegan cheese … and perhaps a drizzle of something—balsamic glaze or vegan hot honey—to enhance the flavors even further. Give us a gooey smattering of nut-based ricotta or melty mozzarella, and we’ll order the pie on the spot.
Brands are also leaning toward our desire for more cheese. While she’s now parted ways with the brand, the popularly proclaimed “Vegan Cheese Queen” herself, Miyoko Schinner, brought pourable vegan mozzarella to the market specifically for pizzas.
“My goal was to create a vegan cheese worthy of pizza,” Schinner told VegNews when this product first launched. “A vegan pizza cheese that is so good that pizza lovers cannot believe it is vegan and inspires people to change their cheese to change the world.”
Where to find vegan pizza in the US
These days, vegan pizza isn’t such an anomaly. Many national quick-service chains offer vegan cheese, and most grocers stock their freezer aisles with at least a few brands of frozen vegan pizza.
We always appreciate the gesture when a non-vegan pizzeria stocks wholesale vegan cheese or plant-based meat, but for this list, we’re looking for something a bit more unique than your average pizza.
This list consists of slices that tempted us to eat the whole pie, pies that made us drive out of the way just for another taste, and truly inventive flavor combinations that were questionable at first, but made all the sense in the world upon that first taste.
18 exceptional vegan-friendly pizza restaurants
From New York to Los Angeles and everywhere in between, these vegan pizzerias (listed in no particular order) have the wow factor.
Love Amaro Pizzeria
1Love Amaro Pizzeria
Venice, CA
Located on the boardwalk of eclectic Venice Beach, Love Amaro Pizzeria has garnered legions of fans across the state. The tiny pizza window boasts nearly 20 pizza pies, each an explosion of flavor. For the more traditional crowd, you can’t go wrong with Margherita, pepperoni, or Amaro Big Cheese. More creative pies include the Pineapple Hot Honey, tikka masala, and The Korean BBQ Italian Kiss. And with single slices priced between $7 and $9, why not try them all? Find your favorite? Grab an entire pie—sharing optional.
Find it here
20th Street Pizza
2 20th Street Pizza
Philadelphia, PA
Named Best Vegan Pizza by a multitude of Philly-based food media from Eater to Philly Weekly, this vegan pizza spot offers both round and square pies with housemade, non-dairy cheese and tastefully inventive toppings. Our eyes were immediately drawn to the Haymaker, a meaty vegan sausage pizza with mozzarella, garlic sauce, tomato sauce, and oregano, as well as the Balboa, made with cashew cheese, cherry tomatoes, pistachio pesto, vegan meatballs, arugula, olive oil, and chili flakes.
FIND IT HERE
Floralia
3 Floralia
Honolulu, HI
When in Honolulu, a stop at pizzeria is a must. Crafted in a wood-fired oven, the specked Neopolitan-style crust is light and airy with just the right amount of chew and a delightfully charred outer rim. Not to be outdone, the simple but well-executed toppings will make you think twice about sharing. Made in-house, the vegan mozzarella, nut goat cheese, ricotta, and parmesan are gooey, rich, and completely satisfying.
FIND IT HERE
@pauliegeeslogansquare | Instagram
4 Paulie Gee’s
Multiple locations
Paulie Gee’s boasts four pizzerias and three quick-service slice shops across five states. The vegan pizza menu varies slightly by location, but no matter which location you visit, you can expect addictively good crust, creative toppings, and housemade vegan sausage and cheese. There are simple pies, like the Vegan Regina (your standard Margherita pizza) but most don’t shy away from the concept of “more.” For something a little different, opt for The Rabbit Pie, which comes topped with Italian tomatoes, baby arugula, garlic, house made vegan fennel sausage, baby spinach, red onions, pickled pineapples, and soy chili glaze.
FIND IT HERE
Crossroads Kitchen
5Crossroads Kitchen
Multiple locations
With locations in Las Vegas, NV and Los Angeles and Calabas, CA, Crossroads Kitchen has made a name for itself. This white tablecloth establishment is a cult-favorite among celebrities and anyone who enjoys plant-based fine dining. Among its impressive menu of artichoke oysters, stuffed zucchini blossoms, pastas, and eggplant short ribs, you’ll find a small but mighty selection of pizzas. Made on a Neapolitan crust, patrons can choose between pepperoni, spicy meatball, and truffle mushroom bianca—all of which deliver a delightful pizza experience in a fine-dining atmosphere.
Find it here
Pura Vita
6 Pura Vita
West Hollywood and Redondo Beach, CA
Pillowy crusts and standout vegan cheeses are what sets this Los Angeles-based restaurant apart. The restaurant features both bianca (white) and rossa (red) pies—the former slathered with a decadent bechamel, the latter topped with a bright and zesty San Marzano tomato sauce. With nine pizzas to choose from, plus the option to add additional toppings, the decision can be paralyzing. We suggest dining with friends and splitting a few pies from both sections. The Capricciosa (tomato sauce, mushrooms, artichokes, shiitake bacon, olives, and cashew mozzarella) and the Derose (cashew ricotta, mozzarella, broccoli rabe, garlic, and chili flakes) are two of our favorites.
FIND IT HERE
Plant Based Pizzeria
7 Plant Based Pizzeria
Atlanta, GA
For some, Hawaiian pizza can be divisive. Whether or not you think pineapple belongs on pizza, this Atlanta-based pizzeria is taking the fruit toppings up a notch. This pizzeria’s Hawaiian pie features a spelt crust topped off with roasted basil sauce, mozzarella, Beyond Meat sausage, onions, pineapples, and a drizzle of barbecue sauce—far more sumptuous than the classic pineapple and ham pizza. But, for a pie unlike any you’ve ever had before, opt for the Georgia Peach. This pie features the same crust, sauce, and cheese topped off with spicy Beyond sausage, red onions, spicy jalapeños, and juicy peaches.
Find it here
Big Nonna’s
8Big Nonna’s
Austin, TX
This all-vegan pizzeria prides itself on utilizing locally sourced, organic ingredients whenever possible. Big Nonna’s takes it a step further and offers not one, but two scratch-made vegan cheese options for its seven, New York-style pies. The Beetroni, which features smoky beet pepperoni; Meat Out, a meat lover’s pie complete with housemade seitan sausage, smoky tempeh, and beetaroni; and the vegetable-forward Veg Out are all solid options, but don’t turn away from Big Nonna’s monthly specials. Previous offerings include The Easy Rizer (topped with mozzarella, tempeh chorizo hash, and pickled red onions), The Yukon (featuring thin-sliced yukon potatoes), and The Big Green (made with an herby Italian sauce, mozzarella, spinach, roasted broccoli, leeks, confit tomatoes and a pesto drizzle).
Find it here
Boxcar Pizza
9Boxcar Pizza
Portland, OR
Sourdough pizza is the name of the game at this beloved Portland, OR institution. The natural fermentation process of sourdough lends this crust that classic sourdough tang—and trust us, it makes an absolutely phenomenal pizza base. With 13, eight-by-ten inch pizzas on offer, it’s easy to get a case of decision fatigue, but don’t fret, you really can’t go wrong. The Ape Dos Mil features mozzarella, red sauce, grated parmesan, and fresh basil—perfect for pizza purists in search of something more traditional. The Four Minute Mile, Bianca, and Head on Collision are also classic creations. For something a little more creative, the Jimmy Pesto or The Steaky Breaky Heart offer an explosion of flavor. The former is made with mozzarella, cheddar, pesto (of course!), pepperoni, jalapeños, and a hot honey drizzle while The Steaky Break Heart features steak, mozzarella, cheddar, pickled red onions, and a divine cilantro lime aioli.
Find it here
Donna Jean
10Donna Jean
Los Angeles and San Diego, CA
After opening its doors in sunny San Diego back in 2017, Donna Jean welcomed Angelenos to its Sherman Oaks location just five years later. This plant-based restaurant’s offerings are wide, and the menu is certainly reflective of chef-owner Roy Elam’s vast culinary expertise, travels, and midwestern upbringing. All of Donna’s Jeans 10 vegan pizzas are made with an exceptional whole wheat dough that undergoes 72 hours of fermentation. Standouts include The Widow (a pie made with black garlic date purée, ricotta, red onions, pickled peppers, and kale) and the Thunderkiss ‘65 (featuring a velvety white wine garlic cream, mozzarella, ricotta, spinach, pistachios, and a bright lemony olive oil). Pro-tip: don’t miss out on the crust dips! For just $3, choose between crushed tomato, garlic butter, truffle cream, or za’atar ranch to finish off your pie.
Find it here
Kitchen 17
11Kitchen 17
Chicago, IL
Kitchen 17 does it all—this all-in-one vegan establishment is a full-service restaurant, bar, bakery, and even offers catering. “Home of the original vegan Chicago deep dish,” plant-based pizza connoisseurs will definitely want to put Kitchen 17 on their must-try list. This eatery boasts 13 pies, each available as a deep dish or pan pizza. Options range from classics such as cheese and pepperoni to Jalapeño Popper, Chili Cheese, and Mac and Cheese.
Find it here
Screamer’s Pizzeria
12Screamer’s Pizzeria
Brooklyn, NY
Whether you’re craving a singular slice of ‘za or could eat an entire pie by yourself, Screamer’s Pizzeria is the place to go when you’re in search of top-notch vegan pizza in Brooklyn. Here, you’re guaranteed to find classics (think pepperoni and Margherita) alongside more imaginative creations such as Buffalo Cauliflower, The Reuben, and the Thanksgiving-inspired The Leftovers featuring mac and cheese, roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, spiced sausage, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Plus, Screamer’s is open until midnight Friday through Sunday so you can satisfy your late night munchies.
Find it here
@pdxvegchallenge
13Secret Pizza Society
Portland, OR
Despite its namesake, this pizzeria’s offerings are so good, you’ll want to scream its praises from the rooftop. Owners John Roscoe and Bryce Hooper, two former breakfast café cooks, teamed up to perfect meatless pizzas. Today, the duo’s pizza joint offers a whopping 17 pies, each a unique creation of its own. There’s the Unruly Child, topped with basil pesto, roasted tomatoes, cream cheese, and po’fredo (a potato-based alfredo sauce). The Chalupa Batman features chipotle pesto, taco-seasoned tofu crumbles, fresh tomatoes, po’fredo sauce, and a garnish of cilantro and chipotle crema drizzle. Whatever you choose, you’re in for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Find it here
Vegan Korner
14Vegan Korner
Grand Terrace, CA
This family-owned vegan restaurant has served the Inland Empire delectable plant-based pizza pies for over 15 years. Here, you can choose between eight-, 10-, 12-, 14-, and 16-inch pies. Options include Loaded Meat, Buffalo Ranch Chicken, veggie, BBQ Chicken, Mexican, chicken alfredo, Korean BBQ, Philly Cheesesteak and more. Come with a large group and order a few pies for the table for a taste of it all.
Find it here
Hot Tongue
15Hot Tongue Pizza
Glendale, CA
Founder Alex Koons is, to say the least, a pizza veteran. His 16 years of experience in the pizza industry started with his stint as a pizza delivery driver and culminated with his owner status. At Hot Tongue Pizza, he keeps the offerings classic and simple, elevating them with organic grains and carefully sourced ingredients. While not entirely vegan, Hot Tongue’s expansive plant-based menu includes 14- and 18-inch round pizzas as well as thick square pizzas. Options include the vegan Margherita and sourdough vegan cheese among seven other animal-free offerings.
Find it here
Kelly Bone
16Tribute Pizza
San Diego, CA
This North Park neighborhood pizza concept isn’t exclusively vegan, but in our humble opinion, it could easily survive off its dedicated plant-based menu. The enormous Silverton Chop Salad (named after the iconic Nancy Silverton salad at her restaurant chain, Mozza) is as enticing as the pizzas here, and it’s large enough for two. Move onto pizzas for your main course and choose from six different options and three unique crust styles (G’ma, New York, and Neo-Neopolitan). First-time guests can’t go wrong with the Super Vegan 7.5 in the Neo-Neopolitan style. The root vegetable marinara sauce on this pie is sublime.
FIND IT HERE
Sizzle Pie
17Sizzle Pie
Multiple locations
This pizza joint got its start in Portland, OR, and has since expanded to seven locations across the state. The vegan-friendly menu specializes in New York-style pies and slices, all with names that don’t provide any indication of what is actually on the pizza. Take one of the most popular vegan options—the Spiral Tap—which is sauced with a caramelized onion spread and marinara and dusted with nutritional yeast. Those looking for heavier toppings should check out the New Maps Out of Hell, a pie made with basil-cashew pesto, meaty soy curls, and a medley of vegetable toppings.
FIND IT HERE
Kelly Bone
18Freesoulcaffe
Tustin, CA
Tucked into a quaint red-bricked patio a block off the main drag in Old Town Tustin, CA, Freesoulcaffe is a true hidden gem. Everything on its eclectic menu shines, the vegan pizzas are some of the best in Southern California. Combinations such as Brussels sprouts, red onion, and white sauce or squash blossoms with cashew burrata and fresh thyme sit atop a Neopolitan-style crust with a wonderfully light and just-chewy-enough crust. Every pizza is worth a try here.
FIND IT HERE
For more vegan pizza, read:
Jocelyn Martinez is an Associate Editor at VegNews living in Los Angeles, CA.
Tanya Flink is a Digital Editor at VegNews as well as a writer and runner living in Orange County, CA.
