Zia Taqueria

When you go to Zia, make sure to look for the special vegan/vegetarian menu posted next to the cash register -- all of these items can be made vegan if you specify, which makes eating here a welcoming, no-hassle experience. Their vegan options are simply delicious. I had the portobello taco and the nopales taco -- both very beautiful and yummy. Also enjoyed a side of the vegan Mexican rice. Everything SO GOOD. Great atmosphere also, we like to eat outside when we are here. Definitely recommend, especially for vegans who sometimes eat out with non-vegans.

Zia Taqueria has quickly become one of my family's favorite taco places in Asheville. And, if you know Asheville you know that we have quite a number of taco places.

Before actually going to Zia, it looked as though their vegan options were limited. But, after having gone, I realized that they have an entirely separate vegan/vegetarian menu posted right near the cash register, where you order.

With out a doubt, our favorite thing on the menu -- which is actually NOT listed on their full menu, but on the vegan/vegetarian menu -- is vegan version of the Fried Nopales Tacos. Now, Zia is the only place that I've ever eaten a fried cactus taco, and I truly find these to be so delicious. The first time I ordered them, the staff went so far as to recommend that I add a tomatillo sauce to my order -- as the non-vegan version of this has some sort of cream sauce on top, and the tomatillo sauce makes for a nice vegan substitute. I now add this everytime. We've also have had a vegan version of the portabello mushroom tacos -- which also has re-fried black beans, and fresh avocado in it -- and these were quite good. And, we regularly add a side or two of the Mexican Rice (vegan option), and the Frijoles Negros -- both of which are quite good.

Just looking at their menu, the vegan options at Zia might seem a little underwhelming. But, everything we've had there, has been quite delicious -- including the side orders. I highly recommend Zia.