Love this place and the fact that the owner puts her heart into both the business and the food. Lunch today was a combo plate for me- cajun lentils (perfectly cooked, not at all mushy like when I make them myself), jalapeno kale salad sweetened with just a bit of coconut (yum!), and cajun tabouli (not like any tabouli I've had before, but so good). I brought my meat-loving husband who really loved the lentil wrap and ginger potato salad. Great iced tea with free refills. And I found out this place does catering- good to know. Hope to be back very soon! read more

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OMG I asked my bf if he wanted to snack and we got here and he told me he ACTUALLY wasn't hungry and so I figured I'd just eat at home at that point since I can't treat the both of us. This was established inside the restaurant/store and I told them the Caaba and they GAVE me free samples of everything. I'm not saying to go there in anticipation of getting free things, I'm blasting their kindness and humanitarianism. So fucking kind and genuine I didn't want to leave but I did because I felt bad since they were SO NICE . I love you guys, thank you and we will be back again and again. read more

Desert Roots Kitchen - Vegan Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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Very friendly service, a beautiful outdoor area to eat and tasty vegan food. I had the GF street tacos with ginger slaw, which I loved. Their menu changes daily. read more

Stopped here for lunch not knowing what to expect except that it was a vegan restaurant. We are not from Phoenix but it was close to the Botanical Garden so this is why we went here. This place is good for takeout or eating outside on their covered patio. There's no indoor seating so fortunately the weather was good and we ate outside. This is a walk up counter ordering place so no waitstaff. They had tofu scrambled burritos and about a half dozen items in a large deli case which you can try before order. There's also a chalk board menu. We had a Thai Peanut burrito, pasta and a pineapple Thai brown rice dish. They also had fresh confetti cookies just out of the oven so we tried those. Overall it was good and healthy food. Owner is very willing to accommodate your wishes! read more

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Delicious! Wanting to do Meatless Mondays, my boyfriend and I decide to try this place. There is a lot of protein in the tomato sauce lentils and coconut spiced chickpeas, and the dressings/sauces that accompany the salads are complex and bright. Everything is made fresh daily! The use of seasoning in the hummus gave it a mesquite flavor - I don't know how she does it! Plus, while the portions are filling, they don't bog you down, only energize and nourish you. We haven't tried the hot food yet (breakfast burritos or soups) but look forward to doing so. read more

Desert Roots Kitchen - Lentils, chickpeas, dolmas, oh my! - Vegan Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

I am surprised by all the 5 star reviews bc I tried this place probably about 2 years ago and wasn't impressed and then decided to give them another shot today since they change up the menu daily. I work in the area so it is hard to find healthy food on mill. For a healthy place the options seemed to be mostly carbs - potatoes, pasta, rice. I am not a vegan but I do want to eat less carbs. The options are limited so I got a half wrap with a side of curry peas for $9 since this seemed like the only available option that wasn't more carbs. The wrap was also heavy on the lettuce. The flavors were bland. Everything is cold which is nice for summer, however it is a little cold outside. I just did not really like the food here. So this place is overall really frustrating for a person trying to eat healthy. read more

They have a fully vegan menu. The menu changes daily I'm told, so lots of variety. The food and tea were outstanding. The people working there were very friendly and helpful. I'd rate it 5 stars if they had indoor seating or if their covered patio had fans or some sort of misting system to cool it. I'm not a fan of sitting in 100 degree temps and eating. Having said that, yes I absolutely would go again! And sit in the heat. It's that good. read more

Desert Roots Kitchen - Lunch! - Vegan Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

I have come in 3 times now. I think I know what I am talking about....and what I am talking about is the most healthy, organic, and delicious veggie dishes I have tasted. Rather than masking their foods with mock this and Seitan that, this place dishes out ridiculously tasty treats. Come veg out with me ~Fud/Drink~ The food here folks...so good. They hand prepare everything in store either the day before or the day of. I mean, literally the kitchen is open you can see them preparing the dishes in front of you. Because of the sheer size of the dishes they are doling out (usually at least 6+ handmade dishes) they are prepping all day long. Luckily I have tried both their breakfast and lunch (lunch twice). For breakfast I got a tofu scramble with potatoes...SO GOOD! I had some vegan dressing (from Whole Foods) that I dipped it in once back in the office, and it was heaven in my mouth. There were no byproducts, just straight up organic firepower. For lunch please see my pics :-) I have gotten a couple wraps along with legume-filled sides. I absolutely adored the Baba Ganouche Salad as well, btw. The best side to date is the Quinoa & Israel Couscous....it is wickedly good. No complaints with my tummy either, which happily enjoyed the deposits of fresh veggies. I want to point out I am not a vegetarian. I am more Pescatarian than anything else, but I eat a ton of veggies. I think I do veggies really well....but Desert Roots knocks it outta the park consistently. They do have random drinks to choose from, more natural and such...I just opt for water with it being so hot out. No liquor here, btw. ~Atmosphere/Service~ Top notch service here. They welcome me each time like family and are more than willing for me to try. I see how hard they are working and always give a bit of a tip because it is such a small operation (maybe 5 people working here about?). I have come during off hours, so the atmosphere is pretty quiet, but they have a great back patio and I can guarantee this is an easy escape from the craziness on Mill. Keep that in mind, this is nothing like anything else on Mill, very quiet and relaxing space for the person who is more to themselves. ~The Downlow/Extra~ Come here and eat some very healthy food...while not overtly realizing it :-D The staff here does an outstanding job and the quality...OH THE QUALITY.... top of the line. 5 stars goes for creativity in dishes, consistency in quality, top notch service, a quiet escape on Mill (who would've thunk it), and for proudly being vegan friendly through and through. Jefe star of approval goes out to Desert Roots! read more

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If I lived near Mill Ave. - I would be eating here regularly! Tasty tasty food. Its vegan - and its wonderful - take this from a guy that often has meat/dairy on his plate. Local in-season & healthy food. The kitchen is open right there in front of you. The owner/head chef is the cutest little happy woman ever! The fellow that explains the sides/entree of the day - very gracious. They have a constantly changing menu where you can do a half main dish (wrap is my experience) and 2 sides - it's been hard to finish my plate really - good portions in my opinion. The sides are prepped on display - so your only wait is the main entree for lunch. They let you sample the sides so you can pick the ones you want - I really appreciate that! A very rare opportunity - the flowers used to decorate your meal - they are edible! Yes they taste like flowers lol. Only downside is seating is outdoors under a canopy (no misters) - if it's a hot day just prepare to order take out. FYI it's off Mill Avenue in a courtyard - walk in and veer right - you just don't expect it to be there . You clear your own plate when finished. They have a key for the nearby bathroom inside. They have books you can thumb through while you eat as well - nice touch. I'm overall extremely pleased with the staff and the quality/flavor of the food! If you're near mill - stop in! Heck, just make the trip - lots to see/checkout afterwards too. read more

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So..the food was VERY good. I really needed to take two stars off for the service. Most of the people there were extremely nice and friendly, but there was one woman who was putting the food together that was so incredibly rude to me. The couple before me sampled a couple of foods and the woman was very polite to them, even cracking jokes. She gave them a ton of food and sent them merrily on their way. When it got to my turn, she took her sweet time putting ~15 signs in front of the food and ignoring me, asking me to wait multiple times when I hadn't said anything and was just staring from her to the menu. Then, when she finally decided she was ready for my order, she was really rude and seemed like she was so much better than me. Honestly, all I wanted to do was eat brunch in between my classes and I got that with a side of rude service. Anyways, on to the food. It is SO good and VERY filling. I got the burrito/wrap thing with cauliflower, quinoa and lettuce. It was delicious and I felt so healthy afterwards. I also got their iced green tea which was also really refreshing. I don't really like tortillas, so next time, I think I'm just going to get the plate where you can get a combination of different things. Everything they make is really good and they seem to be passionate about the food and their restaurant. With the exception of this one woman, I really enjoyed Desert Roots Kitchen. read more

Desert Roots Kitchen - Custom wrap with side of cheest cauliflower. Yum! :) - Vegan Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Very refreshing fresh made cold pasta salad. Private outdoor seating, friendly staffs. read more

Desert Roots Kitchen - Vegan Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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This place is fantastic! It is Vegan, so I don't have to worry about asking about anything on the menu. I was lucky enough to catch them on a day they are not normally open. Generally, they are only open M-F. For special events, they occasionally open on a Saturday. I am so glad they did! I ordered a red lentil buffalo wrap, which is a full plate. That comes with a side, so I chose the spicy hummus with pita. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/desert-roots-kitchen-tempe?userid=_jjbwHWLFA5GjWFWGLj4ZQ#O5GJYyEs8eNvjlbChGQ1yQ I never thought I would be gaga over red lentils, but this dish was delicious! The hummus was also fabulous. The dish is so large, I was able to share it (and not even finish the wrap). That saved us a bit of cash. Their menu varies daily, so I will be sure to pop in here again during the week. It is a shame they aren't open regularly on Saturdays, as it would certainly be in my rotation. read more

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Seriously one of the best meals I've had in awhile, and I'm not a vegan, not even close, my favorite joint is Mastros City Hall. I got a "full plate" which is three sides. I can't even properly describe what I had but here it goes. One was a wheat pasta with red onion and jalapeños I think maybe a little balsamic in it, a lentil dish, and a rice pilaf with coconut and little pineapple and again I think jalapeños. I mostly just pointed and said "I'll take that". I half expected to not like at least one of the dishes but they were all stellar!! So much flavor and spiced perfectly. This place is small like your closet small and seating is outside which could be a little rough in the summer but there is shade. Best part, the people here smile and are so friendly and you can tell there is a lot of LOVE put into this food. Oh they give samples too.. read more

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This place is a breath of fresh air in Tempe, litterally! Their food is not only all vegan, but it's fresh and amazing.... Everything is made from scratch and with love. They allow the ingredients to shine, not covering up the beautiful grains and veggies with "chi'kn" replacements....believe me, vegan food does not have to mimic carnivore food in order to be delicious. Everyday the menu is slightly different (actually, a good indication that their ingredients are indeed fresh and real) so, it's always a surprise to see what you are going to get. I have to say though, pesto day (whateverdays they decide to make it) is my absolute favorite...(maybe they can give me the recipe?? :D ) Each day there is a different wrap made that you can combine with the wonderful variety of side dishes they make. Or, you can just make a full plate out of the side dishes. The people there are also wonderful, you can tell they put a lot of love in their food! Always smiling and happy to serve you, I never get tired of going here! read more

Desert Roots Kitchen - Make your own combo plate, great price too!! - Vegan Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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Friendly establishment- The staff was a hospitable bunch. You walk in to a view of smiling faces, a crew excited and passionate about their cause. The food is vegan, globally inspired. Their menu changes every day and they use ingredients that are local and organic. They encourage taste testing. Lots of variety! I enjoyed a chick pea wrap with hummus, veggies and a zucchini pasta. The food was very flavorful! Reasonably priced for the portions and quality ingredients they serve. I couldn't resist the snicker doodle bar which I think was sprinkled with heaven. The tea was truly refreshing. I sat on their patio, the environment was tranquil with good energy. Simply Devine. P.s - I wish they were open on the weekends! read more

Desert Roots Kitchen - Apple cinnamon tea, chickpea wrap, zucchini pasta w/ cilantro & spicy hummus. - Vegan Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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As a newly found vegan, iv taken it upon myself to seek out the best spots in the valley for tasty (and of course vegan friendly) dishes. Where others lack, Desert Root makes up. They have a range of foods to choose from; multiple flavors of hummus, tasty veg creations, quinoas, and for those with a sweet tooth, pies and cookies as well. The menu is ever changing and all made from scratch. Inside you'll see an open, clean kitchen full of fresh veggies and did I mention, CLEAN. This place got the 5th star for customer service. The staff is all welcoming and helpful. Aren't sure what to order? Don't worry, they offer samples of whatever you'd like to ensure a happy order. Im very much so looking forward to my next dining experience here. *note: only outdoor seating is offered* read more

Desert Roots Kitchen - Curry quinoa, BBQ hummus, zucchini salad, and fresh veg - Vegan Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

New menu everyday for the week and they post it on Instagram to keep you updated. My friend is vegan so I def try to keep up since In N Out isn't an option anymore... I had a Carrot Ginger vegan burrito and it was super bomb when I went. Too bad I discovered DR kitchen the last few weeks because I wouldn't gone all school year. Also, everything is fresh and made the DAY of. We walked in last minute right before closing time and he didn't wanna throw the food away so he let us have the burrito and some fruit for free. I'll be back when school starts in a month read more

A menu that changes every day and they use local fresh organic ingredients! And everything is vegan plant-based. I just think that is so impressive. Their dishes are so creative and flavorful. I usually order a sampler platter of 3 and choosing 3 of their dishes can be hard because everything always looks so delicious. It's all outside seating, but their patio is covered in a nice courtyard setting. The staff is always very friendly and will let you have a little taste before ordering if you'd like. read more

I originally wrote the review below on the DRK Facebook page in early February 2013 soon after eating here for the first time. Fast forward 14 months and I'm more impressed and happier than ever. The "always changing, always delicious" daily selections that Leslie and team produce never fail to please. Fabulous flavors, incredibly fast and friendly service -- and entirely vegan. My week isn't complete without my two regular visits to DRK. That said -- even if you're not vegan or vegetarian -- I challenge you to give them a try. You will not be disappointed (and your body will be very happy with you)! Original review: Thrilled to have found a place like yours so close to ASU. Vegan food that's delicious and local -- with fast and super friendly service. Not to mention the relaxed outdoor patio seating. Perfect for my break between classes. I'll be back! read more

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Awesome hummus and vegan breakfast burrito. We sampled 4 different side salads. Each was delectable. The smoothie was worth trip by itself :) read more

Desert Roots Kitchen - Vegan Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Stumbled upon this hidden gem after giving up on fighting the crowd at a food fair in Tempe. Walked into Desert Roots Kitchen with no expectations and immediately felt at home in their green garden patio. The owner was lighting an incense and the smell of spices and herbs mixed in filled the open kitchen. It was a cozy space that made it all the more earthly. The owner kindly welcomed me, explained the daily changing menu and served me a sample platter of literally everything she had. And literally everything tasted delicious. Vegan or not, this is a magical kitchen to visit! The owner and I talked for a bit and I came to really admire her and the kitchen's philosophy of intuitive cooking in which no menu is set until the day of and no measurements are really made. Everything here is effortless! read more

Leslie is lovely. This place is such a gem. Only found it because I walked by. Revolving daily menu. Healthy delicious options. Couldn't recommend more! read more

Off the beaten path and hidden in a little courtyard. Hard to find, but worth all the trouble. The menu changes daily, yet I'm sure it's always delicious. They have little tubes that driver a mist on the patio to keep you cool in the heat of summer. Only thing I would have wanted was a bit more food on my plate, it was great, and I'll definitely return when I'm back in the Phoenix area!! Give it a try! read more

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This gem hidden in the depths of Mill is lovely. The place is homely feeling and you can see the staff hard at work in their little kitchen. Everyone was so kind. It was good. Anyways, I got the half burrito with one side. I got some bean burrito thing and some macaroni salad. This was my first time eating a bean burrito that was not refried. I loved it so much. It was a great value all things considered. I will come back for lunch a lot. Trust me. read more

Desert Roots Kitchen - Bean burrito (half) - Vegan Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

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This locally-owned spot is a great option for a healthy and quick lunch in the area. I try to eat vegetarian for most meals and it can be tricky finding something that I look forward to, as most options are salads or visiting ChopShop. When you visit, it's a "pastry case" of the food that is made fresh daily that you can choose from. The menu changes daily, so if you want to easily know what's on the menu before visiting you can visit their Instagram. I almost always order a full wrap, which is priced at $11, and comes with a side. Yeah, it's pretty steep for a lunch price, but I typically space it out for two meals by bringing my own side salad. Plus, it's hard finding a healthy lunch for less than that in downtown Tempe! For me, the food is always delicious so it's worth it once a week or every other week. During the summer heat, the food is great because it's served chilled. The owner is always working and if you subscribe to their newsletter they offer deals. I definitely recommend! Support local read more

I came in with my two girlfriends who were really not sold on the whole idea of vegan food (or vegetables themselves). The really loved the food! We got to meet the owner Leslie, and she was really nice, and helped us choose some delicious kale salad and yummy dessert bars. On top of that it is really one of the cutest places in Phoenix. Awesome decor! And fresh ingredients from local vendors. Local = Best! read more

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A delightful oasis with friendly staff, fresh food and a rotating menu with local ingredients.

I'm from Prescott, and sadly we have no place this. I wish we did. 100% vegan. I would eat here everyday. I'm here on Saturday at noon, almost no one is here. I hope this place gets enough local support to stay open a long time. Everything is fresh! I have lentils and carrots. My other half had spinach and pasta. Huge portions. Delicious. read more

In town for work at the Tempe Mission and was looking for an alternative to the tons of American (think burgers, college bars, fast food joints) options in the walking vicinity of the hotel. I had no intentions of walking more than 5 minutes in 105 degrees and came across Desert Roots hidden in a small plaza about a 3 minute walk from the hotel. A humble shopfront with some seating and was warmly greeted by a lady that informed me that the menu changes everyday. I'm not a vegetarian, but wanted a break from the crappy options nearby, so I decided to give it a shot. I'm not very familiar with vegetarian dishes, so it took me a while to figure out what I wanted. She noticed that I was staring blindly at the menu and offered me samples of all 6 dishes she had prepared and made me try them. I walked away with a platter of 3. read more

This is my first ever yelp review! I went here with my mom one lovely morning and we absolutely enjoyed everything that we bought! The menu is different every day, so you'll never run out of new things to try. 10 out of 10 recommend! read more

This is definitely a healthy vegan place. They are serving good fresh vegetables and fruits along with a good selection of vegan proteins. It's not like some places where fake meat and a lot of sauces are used so I feel it should be healthier. The tastes is very natural which I like but it might seem blend to some people. The menu is ever changing so it's fun to just try it out every time you go and they actually allow you to try the samples!!!! The price for the full plate/wrap+1item/half wrap +2items are $10 which is not cheap but it's not too bad. I was getting full even before I finished half of that wrap so it's worthy of the money. For me it wouldn't be my regular every day lunch option due to its price but if I want a good dinning out lunch this would be the place. read more

Desert Roots Kitchen - Thai peanut panda bean wrap+kale salad + BBQ lentil+roared garden salad - Vegan Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Loved the food. Everything was raw. Portion was big and it wasn't expensive. Left very full and glad I had a very healthy meal read more

Wonderful hidden gem right off Mill Ave. local ingredients make everything taste so fresh. Loved the kale potato salad and wrap. Great prices and friendly staff. Beautiful cozy patio with shade and tons of plants. Will return 100%. read more

I LVE DESERTROOTS KITCHEN Delightful Service, menu, beverages, sweets, atmosphere, and more Mahal for your service to the community Like read more

The gang here continues to shine big and bright. I do believe this is my favorite place to head out to a guaranteed healthy and super tasty lunch. I do not know how they don't have to turn people away. I love what Leslie has done here - if anyone would just try it once, they'd be hooked for life. Support your local businesses, especially those that feed your body and soul with as much care as they doe here. read more

I recently moved to Tempe and wow this place is literally my new favorite. I walked in today and was kindly greeted by Leslie, she informed me of the special (peanut ginger wrap) and also told me they give out free samples. I can't explain how amazing the food was. They were kind, efficient, and Leslie even sent me home with welcome goodies. This place is where it's at especially if your vegan. I mean the food is scrumptious regardless of your meal preference and I think anyone would agree with that! But it's nice being vegan and knowing you have a place where everything is made for you. They made a fan and loyal customer out of me today. I cannot wait to go back. read more

Love this place. Love the concept. Love the staff. Love the owner. Love the food. This place is like a chopped kitchen. The staff comes in every morning and puts to use whatever ingredients they have available to conjure up some amazing eats. The teriyaki brown rice pilaf is definitely one of my favorites. In addition, they are always running specials for customers that makes me want to eat there almost every day. Highly recommend this place if you are in the Tempe area and want to eat clean and green. read more

This is an adorable little place with the worlds friendliest people working there. I dropped by for lunch and ordered the salad. Their menu changes daily but this particular salad was packed with a hodgepodge of ingredients - bell peppers, tangelos, green and red olives, jalapenos, carrots, all on a lovely bed of mixed greens. I had the blood orange and ginger dressing which was an absolute delight for the taste buds. I quickly googled a recipe to try and recreate the dressing at home. To drink I had a blueberry tea which was delicious. read more

Desert Roots Kitchen - Getting hooked up with all the salad fixin's - Vegan Near Me - Tempe, Arizona

Amazing vegan food. So flavorful and colorful, it's just everything that vegan food should be. The food is so good that you won't be missing non-vegan food at all. I wish Desert Roots Kitchen was available in every city that I visit. The staff are friendly and helpful. There's a small outside seating area. It's not a good place for a really big group, but more of a good late breakfast and lunch spot either alone or with a couple of friends. read more

Tried checking this place out on a Saturday at 1pm and they were closed! The sign says open on Saturday till 3! No notice on social media and they don't respond to DMs. Plus you have to pay to park at Mill Ave so this was such a waste of money, time, and a big disappointment! I wish I could check this place out but unfortunately I can't trust their posted hours. Not worth the risk and disappointment :( read more