Whether you’re a full-blown vegetarian or vegan who never eats meat or an omnivore that just likes to take a break from meat every once in a while, eating a diet that is high in vegetables is always beneficial to your health. Since vegetarian food tends to be lower in fat and higher in fiber, this type of diet lowers your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. But if you’re overwhelmed by the thought of learning a whole new way to cook, why not visit one of these fabulous vegan and vegetarian restaurants in North Carolina to give it a try without all the prep work!
The Irregardless Cafe, Raleigh
The Irregardless Café in Raleigh has been in the “green and sustainable” space long before it was cool. Not only do they serve up innovative meals with fresh-from-the-farm ingredients, but they do it in a fun, eclectic environment with live jazz music every night. Catering to vegetarians, vegans and omnivores, you’ll find a variety of dishes here featuring local produce, as well as beef, lamb, poultry, seafood and duck.
Bean Vegan Cuisine, Charlotte
Although Bean may not be much to look at from the outside (in fact, you might pass it if you’re not paying attention), the food inside is a whole different story, which locals and die-hard fans of the small vegan restaurant will be happy to tell you about. Using unique “alternative” ingredients like jackfruit, house-made seitan, and Daiya cheese, serves up vegan versions of comfort foods and Southern favorites like Pimento “Cheesish” Dip, Fried Tofu Fingers, Old Fashioned Meatloaf and Pulled BBQ. Don’t forget to try one of the yummy desserts like the Raspberry Zinger Cake or the Kitty Kat Cake, made with wafers, caramel, chocolate and a chocolate/peanut butter mousse. If you’re inspired to eat healthier at home too, make sure to stop by their all-vegan grocery store located on-site.
Green Sage Cafe, Asheville
Known as “Asheville’s Healthy Restaurant,” the Green Sage Café has won numerous awards over the years including #1 in Western NC for Sustainability-Promoting Business, #1 Green/Sustainability-Friendly Restaurant and #1 Smoothies and Juices. In addition to having the first solar thermal powered restaurant, their food waste is 100% commercially composted and all of the food they serve is organic, local, all-natural, non-GMO and humanely raised. Although they do serve up some meat dishes, the menu is full of delicious options for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diners It doesn’t get more Southern than that! You’ll also want to try one of their award-winning smoothies like the Love Shack, made with maca, chocolate sauce, bananas, almond butter and almond milk.
Luna's Living Kitchen, Charlotte
Luna’s Living Kitchen is a 100% plant-based restaurant that serves up “living food” by local, organic ingredients that they buy from local farmers markets and family-owned farms several times a week. Their unique approach to classic dishes will have you wanting to try everything on the menu, but some not-to-miss items are the Manicotti made with zucchini pasta, and the Tomatico Tart – a savory almond meal crust filled with cashew mascarpone crema, cherry tomatoes, shitake mushrooms and arugula tossed in basil-cilantro dressing. They also have an extensive selection of fresh, organic juices, smoothies and coffee drinks, as well as kombucha and beer and wine.
Lovey's Natural Foods and Cafe, Wilmington
Although Lovey’s Natural Foods and Café is not a full-blown restaurant (it’s a small health food market with an attached café), their food is too good to not mention. Located in the Landfall Shopping Center in Wilmington, Lovey’s sells organic produce, healthy groceries, vitamins, supplements and non-toxic personal care products, and serves up a variety of organic and gluten-free options in their café. In fact, their quiche is so good, you won’t believe the crust is gluten-free. Not to mention the delicious vegan and gluten-free desserts including cupcakes, brownies, blondies, and peanut butter truffles. They also have an extensive hot and cold food bar with numerous vegan and vegetarian salads.
