Verdura Restaurant Review

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(Pictured above Verdura's Sammy Benedict)

WHAT'S ON VERDURA'S BRUNCH MENU? 

On the weekends, we like to venture away from home and checkout Phoenix vegan restaurant for brunch. Since moving here two years ago, a lot of wonderful vegan restaurants have popped up all over the valley. One of my favorite restaurants, by far, is Verdura. 

Brunch is ALWAYS to die for. Each time we go to Verdura, it becomes more and more difficult to choose a dish from the menu. 

My husband and I always try to get at least two items to split, and of course, I can't help but order a cup of their soup of the day which never disappoints. 

Last weekend, we planned a hike at Dreamy Draw near Verdura.  Regardless of the distance, this vegan restaurant is definitely worth the trip.

When we walk into Verdura, someone is always there to greet us with a smile. Even though it was a beautiful day and the patio was tempting, we decided to take our usual spots at the counter.

Of course, I sat right where the food comes out, so I could see all the delicious food as it was placed in the window. And, then I get can see what I might want to get the next time. 

This time, however, my husband and I ordered Sammy Benedict and the Chickpea Tuna Sandwich to split. As always, I also ordered a cup of pumpkin curry vegetable soup with rice. Though I was skeptical about the soup at first, I wished I had ordered a bowl. 

 

Without a doubt, Sammy Benedict is a life-altering experience. From the bottom up, it begins with a piece of Nobel bread. Then, the bread is covered in carrot lox, and topped with tofu "egg," and smothered in a vegan hollandaise sauce. It doesn't end there, though; next, small fried capers, avocado, and microgreens garnish the top. 

And the potatoes? Crunchy on the outside and warm on the inside, which happens only because the food never sits in the window for more than a minute. 

On the other hand, the chickpea tuna sandwich was fabulous. Not only was the portion enormous, but the bun was also crunchy and loaded with tomato, lettuce, onion, and jalapenos. The side of potato wedges, however, served with some kind of ranch dressing dip, made my mouth water. 

THE VERDURA VIBE...

Without a doubt, the Verdura vibe is casual and hip! The walls are decorated with vinyl albums, and the music theme carries throughout the restaurant. When you walk in, you can either order right inside the door, or order at the countertop bar area.

Although the counter is my favorite place to sit, where all the action takes place, there is a beautiful outdoor patio, as well as a restaurant full of unique areas to sit. However, the counter area has a diner/bar vibe all its own. 

And, with a vegan beer and wine menu, Verdura has checked all the boxes! Of course, The Band of Roses Rose is my favorite. Hipster Hour, happy hour, Verdura, style, offers $4.00 tall beers, and $5.00 wines. Appetizers are also $2.00 off Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m. On the weekends, Verdura offers fancy brunch cocktails like mimosas, bloody mary's, and my favorite Kiss From A Rose (prosecco and rose-infused hibiscus).

WHAT'S FOR DINNER AT VERDURA?

During this particular night at Verdura, we took my 77-year-old vegan mother, who was visiting from Michigan. She has been vegan for 28 years, and we knew Verdura was the first place we should take her when she arrived for her visit. 

Another bonus to sitting at the counter is taking your time to mull over the choices. To be honest, it takes a while to decide what to eat, because it all looks delicious. 

Paul, my husband, chose the General Pow Cauliflower with roasted cauliflower in an Asian inspired sauce with nori peanuts, shishito peppers, chimichurri, rice, and Korean Brussel sprouts. Slightly spicy, the combination of flavors and spices is addictive. It's Asian comfort food that is simply indescribable. 

My mom and I both chose the Jackfruit and Garbanzo Bean "Crab" Patty Sandwich. The sandwich was so big, stacked with lettuce, tomato, purple onion, pickled jalapenos, and homemade tartar sauce, on a vegan Nobel Bread Bun. 

And, the side salad is anything but ordinary, loaded with greens, beets, chickpeas and a fabulous lemony vinegarette dressing. 

DON'T FORGET TO ORDER DESSERT!

Did we have room for dessert? Oh yes, we did, and it was to die for!  My mom absolutely loves dessert, so we decided to have Verdura's famous Goth Waffle. This unique Japanese style bubble waffle is made with activated charcoal and served with raspberry sorbet, shaved coconut, strawberries, and hot maple syrup.

If waffles aren't your thing, they also have a daily cookie or the dessert of the day. 

If you haven't tried Verdura, located at 5555 N. 7th Street Suite 108, Phoenix, I would seriously give it a try!