I do love the Tasteful Kitchen, but the last few times I've been there I found myself wishing they had more of a changing menu. On the other hand, everything I have had has been excellent, and the ambiance makes it more romantic than most other vegetarian places. It's GREAT for a date. I think people will inevitably compare it to Food for Ascension, which, in my opinion, is the superior establishment, but the intimacy and presentation (and price) make The Tasteful Kitchen a real niche-restaurant. If I were single, this would be where I took a first or second date; now it's the kind of place my beloved and I go to for special evenings together. I can't really put my finger on why it's so lovely. The sound comes from a little iPod docking station. The decor isn't spectacular. Food for Ascension has a better menu. But there's just something upscale and romantic about it that I really don't find at other vegetarian places, and it has a special something I haven't found anywhere else. Tasteful Kitchen definitely deserves to be supported, and they would have a solid five-star rating if their menu, which is quite innovative as it is, changed just a little more. A couple of times I've asked if the chef could do something special and was totally blown away, but a couple of other times they've just offered a variation on a standard menu item. While certainly good, it wasn't spectacular (like Food for Ascension consistently seems to be). Still, though, that certain "je ne sais quoi" this place has makes it totally worthwhile, and a great addition to Tucson's burgeoning veg cuisine scene. read more

We've heard a lot of good things about this place; the last time we went in, the door was open but we were told the restaurant was closed (it was at least an hour before the time the website said they would close) so we were happy to be seated. The restaurant is small, very intimate. Apparently, the owners have taken some of the Yelp reviews to heart, because our water glasses were refilled constantly, which was nice. I'm not currently a vegetarian, but I was for a long time (20 years) so I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. I didn't have really high hopes because I'm not a huge fan of raw foods and similar cuisines, but i must say, after two months of eating pretty strictly primal, this was a nice and healthy change of pace. We started with a cup of the hot soup, which I think was squash and cauliflower. It was warm and delicious, with a wonderful roasted undertone. For appetizer, we chose the quesadillas, which we found crispy and filling. There was a good balance of cheese to beans. Could have used a bit more avocado and salsa to go with it, but this was our favorite part of the meal. Salads were nice, a good range of greens, perfectly dressed with a light and tangy dressing. I liked the sunflower seeds. I ordered the macrobiotic plate. The adzuki croquettes were pretty good: light and well-cooked (with some tendency to fall apart due to their lightness) and flavorfull. They came on a bed of vegetables--something green like kale and something crunchy like bok choy. I should really bother to read the menu more carefully. There were some roasted sweet potatoes that were perfectly cooked but could have used some (any) seasoning. There was some sunflower-based sauce on the croquette and another squash (I think) based coulis on the plate, both of which added a lot of flavor. While the food was good overall, you really have to be wild about vegetables, I think. My fiance had the special, lasagna. It was filling and cheesy but there was something strangely starchy/mealy about the noodles and overall we found it a bit bland. With the soup, appetizer, and salad, both of us were really full and unable to finish our entrees. The waitress tried to convince us to go for dessert but we didn't want any. This is a good place to eat, if you are a passionate vegetarian. I wouldn't bring someone who wasn't really into vegetarian/vegan/raw food to this place. They put a lot of effort into what they do, but what they do is definitely not for everyone. read more

Although I am and forever will be a meat eater, I enjoyed everything we ordered. My favorite was the Korean BBQ cauliflower. However, the reason for the three stars is because they discourage customers from bringing their children because of the "romantic atmosphere", which is a little bit of a stretch in my opinion. read more

Loved this place! My fiance is vegetarian, so we're always on the lookout for places that have lots of veggie options. When we saw the Living Social coupon for The Tasteful Kitchen, we were very excited to try it out, and we weren't disappointed! We decided to get one Raw Vegan Course and one Vegetarian course. Each came with juices, soup, salad, an entree, and a dessert. We were both super impressed with everything -- great juices, a very yummy salad, good soups, amazing entrees, and delicious desserts. My favorite was probably the veggie entree -- portabello mushrooms with a mushroom gravy, asparagus, and a sweet potato mash! Delicious! Apparently, they change their dish of the day pretty frequently, so we're looking forward to going back and trying something new next time. Highly recommended! read more

Hidden Gem in Tucson. We walked about 15 minutes from downtown to this inconspicuous place without windows. Once inside we found a nice atmosphere with pleasant acoustics. The food is superb. Very clever vegan/vegetarian dishes with a lot of attention to both taste and texture. read more

Amazing, Amazing, Amazing! Went out to dinner with my fiance and a new friend, WE FEEL IN LOVE! We brought our own wine, ordered both per-set vegetarian and raw meals plus another entree. We were so in love with the flavors, the idea's of how the food was made and the creativity, we hardly got around to talking with each other about anything else. The service was great, we ended up staying late and talking with the chef and her sister, our server, who we found out are the owners! After 2 bottles of wine, delicious food, fabulous desserts and service, we left so excited, cheerful and haven't stopped spreading the word. Don't walk, RUN to The Tasteful Kitchen! read more

I thought I was going to be disappointed because I'm not into raw food, and I usually find myself disappointed by vegetarian options in most normal restaurants. But this place was amazing! Everything I ordered was delicious. They had raw options and cooked options: both were wonderful! Especially tasty was the fresh made fruit juice. I ordered the macrobiotic plate and was blown away by the adzuki bean croquette. The deserts, some of which are vegan, were also delicious. The decor was a little incongruous, as it was a collection of at least two different artists' pieces. But it didn't take away from the food... The service was also subtly off, but not a big problem. read more

We passed through Tucson headed east. We picked this restaurant at random and arrived 20 minutes before closing. The service was excellent and the food superb. Thanks for a fantastic dining experience! read more

The best thing about this place is their wall,water ambiance and nice staff. I have to be honest that I was a little disappointment with the flavor profile of those meals. I will compare it to whole-foods buffets = good ingredients,eatable but not a wow effect.I also believe its overpriced for what it is. read more

I love this place! It's consistently delicious food, and quaint atmosphere make it one of my favorite mother & daughter time restaurants. Great service and very nice people! read more

I had the opportunity to have dinner here for the first time and was really impressed with the menu and quality of the preparation. Everything was delicious and the variety of both raw and cooked vegetarian items on the menu was great. I wish I could have sampled everything on the menu but if the appetizers and entrees we picked were any example then I'm sure it is all good. The ambiance of the art gallery interior was also wonderful and complimented the level of service and cuisine on offer. read more

Do not miss this. Both raw and hot starters and entrees are exceptional. Kitchen staff is wait staff for our visit...what great love they have for the food This food feeds the soul as well as the body read more

The Tasteful Kitchen - Keanne and Julia...Keanne knows what cooks - Vegetarian Near Me

Best restaurant in Tucson. Vegan fine dining in an intimate setting. Chef spent time talking to us and entire staff made us feel welcome. We tried an assortment of starters with the anticipation of an entree but filled up and went straight to dessert. No disappointments read more

I have eaten here twice now when I am in town for the gem shows. The atmosphere is warm and casual, and the food is great. The cauliflower steak and the chinese eggplant were delish. The dessert (chocolate cake with tangelo cream) didn't really do anything for me, but the rest was yummy! The food is thoughtfully prepared and really tasty. I hope to be back again! read more

I just had dinner at the tasteful kitchen for the first time. I had driven past this restaurant several times in the past and always meant to try it and finally went for tonight after doing one of those New Year's cleanses. When I looked at the menu I was a little suspicious, wondering whether there was going to be anything that I liked. It turned out that I liked everything. We got the sushi, the miso eggplant, the green chili polenta, and the Portabella mushroom steak. Everything was fantastic. Also, the decor was very pleasant and the music was great... My hipster son and his friend were Shazam and all of the music they were playing and it was just great. To top it all off, the service was impeccable. Everyone who works there is just so incredibly nice. I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough. read more

I'm not vegan or vegetarian but enjoyed it thoroughly. Had the cauliflower steak which was deliciously prepared and satisfying. Being a meat lover, I was skeptical but the food here was good enough to convert me. I won't be converting but just for frame of reference. If you're turned off by the category, but are a food lover- come here for a wake up call. It's worth considering the ecological impact of having a large slice of cauliflower over a piece of beef, with no loss of flavor or satisfaction. All philosophical or political issues aside, tasteful kitchen is a nice local place with fantastic food! read more

This place has pretty good food. I had a mushroom Wellington with veggies on the side. My friend has barbecued cauliflower which pretty darn good. I recommend this place to everyone. Keep in mind, the place doesn't serve alcohol but you can bring your booze. This place is pretty busy, so I would call to make a reservation. read more

Tasteful Kitchen is one word- Delectable! Best sushi roll I've ever had! Warm and Flavorful Soup! Freshest Salad and yummy dressing! Large sized portions of their entrees (practically unheard of in a vegan restaurant) Lovely presentation and exceptional service! Unique and delicious dessert! I did the wonderful 4 course menu- soup, salad, entree and dessert! All for $28! We also had the sushi roll which was chock full of veggies and served with a most flavorful volcano sauce! My Miso Eggplant dish was enormous and just so full of flavor! The hubbs enjoyed his cauliflower steak with potatoes and veggies! Can't wait to visit this gem again! Definitely perfect for the gluten-free, vegan and vegetarians out there!!! read more

This place deserves 5 stars and then some! Our waiter was super sweet and attentive, yet gave us plenty of space to enjoy the wine we brought in and the 3 courses we ordered. The sushi was bomb! Entrees were really good and healthy, but overall we felt the chefs could be a lot more bold with the seasoning. Concept and flavor combinations were definitely on point - a bit more salt, herbs, etc would have added a lot more depth. Definitely go eat here if you haven't already! read more

Just great. Very unusual, homey, but the best food ever. Don't skip the soup! And, don't forget to bring your own liquor.

This is my favorite vegan restaurant in Tucson!! Seriously even if you are not vegan you have to come try the Korean BBQ cauliflower bites they are amazing! The staff is extremely friendly and the food is delicious. read more

It was an amazing experience trying something new. I personally am not strictly Vegetarian or Vegan but my cousin is so this was the perfect place to try. We went for a casual evening dinner to catch up with my as she was visiting from California. Every dish we at was absolutely delicious. We had a Sushi Roll appetizer which was very savory and a great combination of different veggies and sauces. Our side salads were very refreshing before our main meal. Then the main dishes came out and the presentation was absolutely beautiful. It was all really delicious. I ate everything on every plate I had. Just when we thought we were full we decided to share a dessert. It was so tasty. The ambiance of the place was a casual yet still formal. It would be a great place for a date night. There is a lot of beautiful artwork for sale around the dinning area. Our waiter Jesus was very friendly and helpful in answering our questions about the menu. I would definitely recommend this place and be returning again sometime in the near future. read more

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We came here for my daughter's birthday, and we had an epic meal! This restaurant is fresh and delicious! We had sushi and fresh roll appetizers which were both excellent! My daughter was amazed how creamy the mashed potatoes were and totally vegan. This was an excellent dining experience. The meal, service and ambiance were all perfect! We cannot wait to return! read more

I was just passing through town and saw this vegan option close to my hotel. When I called they were so helpful and was available for carry out. The location and building is beautiful. I love the mural! The food was fantastic. I wish there was a restaurant like this back home where I live. I'm going to want to stop here every time I come through Tucson. read more

Discovered this spot on the way out of Tucson, had to return the next time. The Korean BBQ Cauliflower and Sushi Rolls are amazing choices.

Sigret is a very talented and innovative chef! I love the meals she creates. You feel the love and intention put into each dish prepared. The atmosphere at The Tasteful Kitchen is cozy and inviting. read more

This is such a hidden gem!! The food is an exploration of the senses, each plate looks like a painting, and the flavor combinations range from exotic to out of this world!! It is romantic for two, accomodating for larger parties with a reservation, and a delight for a table for one!! Get ready for a unique experience how ever you arrive. read more

My partner and I were each impressed with the food we were served, and we had completely different dishes. He had a macrobiotic plate that left him longing to come back for another meal, or, maybe the exact same meal. I came in wanting something light and cleansing, raw vegan, with no protein. This was customized from a menu item by the chef, who, along with her sister, the woman who served, were the two owners of the restaurant. This accounts the very personal nature of the restaurant - a family business. I deducted one star for the sister who was waiting tables, not very attentively, especially considering our table was one of only three occupied by guests at that moment, although she was friendly enough once we got her attention. The raw carrot juice/avocado soup/smoothie in the martini glass was very agreeable, indeed. The salad had a tasty sweet/sour dressing and a variety of vegetables in it, and a few pieces of fruit thrown in for good measure. It was the perfect main dish for me that evening, and my partner felt the same about his heartier meal of cooked grains and veggies. Kudos to the chef! We're definitely going back to The Tasteful Kitchen the next time we're in Tucson. read more

This is vegan fine dining for true plant-based eaters. So well done, well-seasoned, and delicious. Thank you for a truly nourishing experience! read more

One of the best vegan restaurants I've been to. Seriously. The restaurant is cozy inside and every dish was really unique. I highly recommend the BBQ cauliflower and the banana cake. The owner was there too and she was very friendly. She said ingredients are grown on site or come from local farms. Check this place out. Even non-vegans will like this place. read more

We went there last Saturday evening for dinner. We chose this restaurant thanks to Yelp reviews. We were in Tucson only for the long week-end. We called around 7pm to see if they still have availabilities for tonight (they close at 9pm). They suggested 8.30pm. It was a bit late for us, but we wanted to eat an healthy diner, so we made the reservation. We arrived at the restaurant, right on time. There is not really a reception area. So, you wait with the entrance door in your back and the kitchen doors on your left. We stayed there waiting for someone to welcome us (there was another couple waiting with us who arrived just before us). 2 waitresses exited and entered the kitchen more than once without even looking at us. One of the owners (I guess as I saw her picture on their website) did the same thing twice. The third time, she finally looked at us to say something like "Sorry, it will take a little bit longer". At least, she finally noticed us and spoke to us. The other couple didn't like the way we were "welcomed" either. They also had a reservation. They were seated before us as they arrived before. At 9pm, we were still waiting in front of the entrance door, with waitresses coming in and out the kitchen, not looking at us, not smiling... That is the first time I see that kind of customer experience in the USA ! To be honest, if I would have known the city better, I would have left. But it was late, we were hungry, in a city we didn't know and I didn't want to end up in a fast-food. That is why we stayed. At 9pm, I went to speak with the owner to tell her I didn't like the way they were handling us. She said : "I can't ask people to leave." I said they could at least notice us instead of just passing in front of us without even looking at us. She didn't understand and said : "But, I spoke with you and told you you will have to wait."... Is it, really, the way you handle clients ? We were finally seated just after 9pm. They have 2 rooms and we were in the back. We were seated in cheap folding chairs. You can find better chairs at Ikea. A waitress gave us the menu. We ordered. She came back 5 minutes later to tell us that they didn't have what we ordered anymore. I can totally understand that, at the end of the service, all the menu is not available anymore. BUT it is the job of the waitress to ask that kind of things in the kitchen BEFORE giving the menu to the clients. It can happen, but, with the wait and the welcoming atmosphere, it was something else to add. We finally managed to eat. As far as the food is concerned, it is good, but it is not outstanding. It is good because it is from fresh products. It is done with taste. You can feel that the owners like cooking. But, there is nothing exceptional. When they gave us the check, I was surprised to see that they didn't even offer us the beverages to, at least, ease things up. I think it would have been a good gesture from them. They didn't give us any other explanation. We paid. The waitress went to the kitchen. We were the last ones in the room and we left just like that. During our diner, I heard one waitress explaining to another table that it was the busiest night they had until the opening. She apologized for the wait to them. At another table, it seems there was an issue with what they ordered (maybe they couldn't do it anymore, I am not sure). But, they apologized. Would it have been difficult to explain what was going on to us ? I would have appreciate the honesty. I would have been less angry at them and more understanding. But, they didn't explain anything and never apologize to us. It seems the way they treated us is normal. In my opinion, they love food and they love cooking, but they should learn how to welcome clients. Because, when you open a restaurant, you have to deal with people. And for that, you have to be friendly and know how to handle busy times and situations like that. A restaurant is not only about the food. read more

I want to start off this review by saying that I loved, loved LOVED the food. It was amazing and everything I hoped it would be. I got the vegetarian $25 course menu but swapped the main course with the raw one. It had: -homemade garlic hummus to start with carrot sticks and jicama -hot butternut soup of some sort with two croutons -watermelon mint juice (simply amazing) -a salad with orange slices and pomegranate seeds, among other things, served with apple/carrot blend of juice -main course of raw thinly sliced squash with a pesto blend in between each slice, atop a layer of apples -and for dessert, a banana cake drizzled with chocolate that was probably the best banana cake I've ever had. That being said, I am docking two stars for the service. I know this will be a bit controversial since this place has nothing but 5-star reviews. According to what I see here, our waitresses are also the owners of this restaurant. While I totally respect that it must be hard to run a business and be a server at the same time, the person who served us was - how do I put this? - totally unsociable and disagreeable, albeit knowledgeable. Let me explain. My mom and I went there with two livingsocial vouchers, one that was mine and one that was hers. What we didn't notice at the time was that in the fine print, it said that only one can be used per table. When I told the owner that we had vouchers, she said, "Sorry, did I hear you say voucherS?" and when I said that yes, we had two, she said, "You will ONLY be using one. You will have to come back to use the other one." But she said it in quite possibly the curtest and brusquest manner I've ever encountered, as though the discussion was over, the case was closed, and we were rather stupid to assume that we'd ever be able to use two vouchers at once. It was the tone of voice as if she was talking to a small child, actually. I tried to brush it off, since i figured that it really was our fault for not looking at the fine print, but it was disappointing nonetheless, and I didn't like the attitude she had about it. Throughout the meal, we had decent service...nothing special as we had to wait a few times for water refills, etc. It was okay. But my real complaint, and what prompted the review, was the fact that we got pressured into tipping a lot. And it wasn't just us, the couple sitting behind us used a coupon as well, and I heard her give them the same spiel. I HATE being pressured to tip more. Disclaimer: I always tip on the pre-discounted amount, and I usually give a good tip according to the service received. So anyway. The lady brought over what appeared to be a phone that the total was entered into, and said, "Enter a tip here. Unfortunately, it calculates the tip based on the couponed amount and not the full amount, so make sure to figure out what the pre-discounted amount would be and tip on that." Uh, what? I'm sorry, but we are not required to tip on the pre-discounted amount. Like I said, I normally do, but the fact that she brought it up and basically bossed us into it rubbed me the wrong way, so we actually ended up tipping on the discounted amount. Seeing the amount we entered (which, talk about awkward, I don't like that she's hovering around you as you tip!) she said, with obvious anger, "Oh, well if I had KNOWN you weren't going to tip on the full total, I would have just entered it the other way." Who says that?! I guess it's hard to communicate a tone of voice over a review from the internet, but trust me, it was snotty. It was a bad way to end the meal, to say the least, and kind of confirmed that we did the right thing by tipping a little less. Anyone who has that kind of entitled attitude when it comes to tipping is someone that needs a reality check. :/ I don't owe anyone a fabulous tip, they have to earn it. Maybe I'm alone in this, but that is the reason for my 3-star review. I was uncomfortable with this and probably wouldn't return to The Tasteful Kitchen if it weren't for the fact that I have another voucher. I will enjoy the food, for sure, but I can't say I'm looking forward to encountering the service for a second time. read more

I've been wanting to come here FOREVER. Finally I decided to go with my boyfriend to celebrate my birthday. I had very high expectations because of the reviews and the menu, so I made sure to make reservations. Unfortunately my experience wasn't the greatest. To start, when we got there it was HOT in the dining area. We were told that it should cool down as a large party just left, but it didn't. We sat there a little too warm drinking warm water with no ice. We received our soup and salad before our appetizer because the kitchen was backed up due to another party. My soup was a chickpea bisque and it was good, my boyfriend's salad was fresh but underdressed. We got the TK sushi roll as an appetizer. The flavor was bomb, but it was a little soggy. We waiting an hour to get our entrees, which consisted of the cauliflower steak for myself and the summer vegetable bowl for him. My potatoes were dry and my broccoli was watery. Both were underseasoned. The cauliflower steak left a lot to be desired. It came with the tiniest amount of vegan Blanc sauce and pesto, but there was barely any on the plate. My boyfriend's dish was better, but also not as great as you'd expect for $20. He actually commented that I could probably make this better at home. Overall I was sad at my experience and disappointed. I don't know if we came on the wrong day or what, but it was supposed to be a special day for me and it definitely wasn't the greatest experience. If I could give the owners advice I would say: please ensure your restaurant is properly staffed to accommodate all guests (especially on a Saturday), and inspect your food before it gets sent. I think if our vegetables were cooked better, the seasoning was better, and we actually got more than a teaspoon of sauce (especially for my thick cauliflower steak) I would have left much happier! But due to all of the above, the prices, and the wait time unfortunately I will probably stick to the other veggie restaurants we go to now that are delicious and have better prices. read more

Fantastic high class vegetarian/ vegan restaurant. The atmosphere is beautiful and romantic. The menu is small, but the options vary seasonally. The display of food and the combinations of flavors is fantastic. Cannot wait to go back! read more

This is definitely my favorite restaurant in Tucson! (I am not a vegetarian). What is so awesome about Tasteful Kitchen is how they highlight the vegetables (rather than use meat substitutes like tempeh, veggie/soy patties, Chick'n, etc) and elevate them to a new level with unique flavors and textures. They also have a menu that changes seasonally as well as different specials on a regular basis. The brussels and smashed potatoes (appetizer) is my favorite! Miso eggplant and cauliflower steak are great too. Would recommend making a reservation for Friday and Saturday nights. read more

OK, third time here, so it is no fluke. The Tasteful Kitchen is amazing every time. The first two times I went were in its first month of operation. They were only offering their "Vegetarian Supper Club" menu at that time: a four-course menu for $25 (soup, salad, entrée and dessert, plus two freshly extracted juices), which was amazing and a smokin' deal. I was interested to return now that they'd expanded their menu (they still have a four-course/$25 option available, but also a couple of nightly specials, and a pretty intriguing a la carte menu). In addition, they've added a small raw menu, which I was dying to try. However, the coconut meat tacos, which were a nightly special, caught my eye instead. These were an inspired dish, the fresh coconut meat had been marinated in lime and chile and was served on corn tortillas with shredded cabbage and a tasty sauce and a tasty salsa on the side. Rice and beans were served with it. I also ordered one of the fantastic fresh juices: an apple-carrot-ginger and a salad made with papaya, avocado and walnuts. My partner got some delicious vegetable enchiladas and a vegetable melange soup, as well as a melon-pineapple-mint juice (off-menu, recommended by Keane who makes the juices and does most of the serving). We finished out with dessert, I got the raw strawberry cheesecake, which was exactly right for me, and my partner got the carrot cake, which was exactly what he wanted. It was topped with carrot brittle, which was freaking awesome. I love this place, I have felt satisfied, but not overly full, each time I have gone and have enjoyed every bite thoroughly. This is exactly what dining should be: feeling nourished and pampered at the end of the meal. read more

I can't say enough good things about this place. Had a function for 30+ people and this place set us up with some of the best tasting, healthiest, fresh food we have had to date. The pricing was actually very reasonable. The food was so good I subscribed to their weekly entree pickup. The two sisters that run this place do a phenomenal job. I can't wait to actually eat at the restaurant. BYOB for 7 bucks and enjoy a great meal in a gallery setting. Completely changed my mind about Vegan food! read more

Love! It's a small restaurant run by two sisters, and it always feels like I'm eating at a friend's house. The food was so delicious that my carnivorous boyfriend didn't even notice that everything he ate was vegan. The menu isn't that long, but it feels overwhelming for a vegetarian to actually have so many options. They don't have any booze, but you can BYOB for a fee. This is on my list of places that I take people when they are visiting from out of town. read more

I have very mixed feelings on this restaurant. I have been there 4 times now and have had a completely different experience each time. The service has always been lacking and awkward. Off of the menu the more raw selections while bland have been better than the cooked/baked items. The food across the board is pretty bland and I end up feeling like a jerk asking for citrus to squeeze on it or shaking the teeny tiny salt shaker just to get some flavor. I realize that it costs a little more to have organic ingredients and can appreciate the attempt at gourmet good for you food...but the prices are a little steep for the experience. I like both of the girls on a personal level but the service is in dire need of a lesson in just what service is. Is it worth a shot? I can't say definitively...hasn't been consistent enough to say one way or another. read more

I was in Tucson for a day and found this place on a random yelp search. Staff is very friendly and food is top notch!! read more

The Tasteful Kitchen - Vegetarian Near Me