Brian Nagele
Finding vegan restaurants can be difficult, but fortunately, Raleigh has plenty of options. You can sample delicious southern cuisine from loaded baked potatoes to hush puppies to burgers.
If you want to try creative international dishes after a day of sightseeing, Raleigh has something for you.
Whether you like Mexican chorizo, French ratatouille, or Laotian summer rolls, you’ll enjoy these innovative cuisines.
Having thoroughly enjoyed exploring the local culinary scene, I’ve compiled a list of the best vegan restaurants in Raleigh that any fan of flavorful dishes should add to their itinerary.
Neomonde Mediterranean Raleigh
3817 Beryl Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone: 919-828-1628
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Neomonde Mediterranean Raleigh is a relaxed restaurant next to Meredith College in the western part of Raleigh.
It serves Mediterranean coastal cuisine, and you can sit outside on the patio and enjoy a fresh, healthy lunch.
Head to the Raulston Arboretum or tour the nearby campuses before setting down for a bite at this laidback restaurant.
It’s one of the best vegan restaurants in the area, and you won’t want to miss the famous Mediterranean veggie lasagna.
I also like the butternut squash and chickpea salad, a tangy bowl with crunchy red onions. Don’t forget the chocolate baklava for dessert!
Aladdin’s Eatery North Hills
4209 Lassiter Mill Rd #136, Raleigh, NC 27609
Phone: 919-977-9025
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Check out this Lebanese-American fusion restaurant in the North Hills district. Aladdin’s is a traditional eatery with many vegan options, and you’ll love the cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Start with a classic hummus plate, sample tabouli, falafel, and Baba Ghannouj, and pair it with a mint tea. The Loubie Bzeit, a traditional soup with onions and tomatoes, is a great way to begin your meal.
My favorite entree has to be a pita pizza, and the falafel pizza has vegan falafel, tangy tahini dressing, and banana peppers.
I recommend ordering a combo plate if you want to try a bit of everything.
Irregardless
901 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: 919-833-8898
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Irregardless is a casual restaurant with a lively atmosphere, and the menu has global inspirations. It’s great for families and groups, but I’d recommend booking a table in advance if you’re going on a weekend.
The restaurant is in Ellington Place, not far from the Pullen Park carousel. The little eatery has been in business for decades and is popular with locals and tourists, so stop by and order some bean burgers or vegan macaroni and cheese.
I like the housemade vegan chorizo, a spicy Mexican dish with cabbage and mushrooms. Or, go for Thai food and order red curry noodles.
Sassool
9650 Strickland Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615
Phone: 919-847-2700
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Sassool is a casual restaurant with a bakery, gourmet food market, and Mediterranean cuisine. It’s convenient for anyone in the northern part of Raleigh, but it’s worth the short drive if you’re in the city center.
The restaurant has a cafe feel, and the spot is ideal for dessert and coffee with friends. They also serve various dishes you can grab for a fulfilling lunch.
I particularly enjoyed their vegan falafel sandwich with lettuce and pickled turnips or an autumn root salad with julienne carrots, beets, and pomegranate vinaigrette.
In addition, their French-coast-inspired ratatouille is delicious with roasted eggplant and spices, and I highly recommend the baked pita spinach pizzette.
The Fiction Kitchen
428 S Dawson St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919-831-4177
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The Fiction Kitchen is in the heart of downtown Raleigh on Dawson St, right next to the Red Hat Amphitheater.
The internationally inspired menu brings a unique twist to typical Raleigh cuisine, and the chefs use fresh ingredients that are vegan and local.
Try organic chickpeas with black saffron, rainbow smoked potatoes, and coconut peanut noodles. I also enjoyed the Fiction Kitchen’s curry bowl with seasonal vegetables, coconut sauce, and cilantro.
There are plenty of southern-inspired dishes if that’s more up your alley. Try fried pimento cheese, Carolina gold rice risotto, or a loaded southern plate with vegan chicken, coleslaw, and fried hush puppies.
Bida Manda
222 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919-829-9999
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Bida Manda is a trendy restaurant in the Fayetteville business district. It’s next to Moore Square and a short walk away from the state capital, making it a perfect place for a bite to eat after a day of sightseeing.
If you’re a fan of Laotian cuisine or wish to try it for the first time, Bida Manda has various dishes on the menu.
Furthermore, cocktails are one of the main features at this modern restaurant, so try their Spicy Khiaw tequila or an Up in Smoke scotch.
There’s even a vegan Piña Colada with chocolate and rum. I also fell in love with their vegan summer rolls.
The chefs drizzle tasty plum and peanut sauce and wrap up all your favorite veggies and noodles in rice paper.
DICED (D2) Salads, Wraps + Bowls
1028 Oberlin Rd #234, Raleigh, NC 27605
Phone: 919-900-7597
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DICED is a health food restaurant in the Oberlin neighborhood. It’s a counter-serve eatery where visitors create their dishes, and the customization process is fun and interactive for kids and families.
The creative restaurant has a modern, hip vibe, and the menu features fresh, vegan ingredients. The top chefs have won awards from Visit Raleigh, Restaurant Guru, and the Diamond Awards.
The spot is famous for drizzled dressings, and you can take home a bottle of your favorite sauce. I like to order a Hearty Vegan bowl with avocado, black beans, purple cabbage, and sweet chipotle sauce with tortilla chips.
Gaia’s Kitchen and Catering
2161 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27603
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Gaia’s Kitchen and Catering is one of the best places for vegan comfort food in Raleigh. The restaurant is delivery and pickup only, and it’s good to order in advance.
The restaurant specializes in southern American food and baked goods, and you’ll love the hearty portions and all-vegan ingredients.
I recommend ordering a pan of Smack and Cheese to share with your group. It’s gooey, decadent, and completely dairy-free!
Grab some cornbread muffins on the side, or go for a box of buttermilk biscuits. I suggest trying the Vegan Southerner, a loaded baked potato with vegan chicken, cream, and parmesan.
Goji Bistro
100 Maynard Crossing Ct, Cary, NC 27513
Phone: 919-466-8888
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Goji Bistro is an Asian fusion restaurant in western Raleigh. It’s not far from Holiday Acres Lake, and you can hit the local hiking trails before you dig into a warming bowl of vegetable ramen.
The restaurant has a casual and cozy atmosphere, and the menu has plenty of vegan options. Check out the extensive wine list, or ask the staff to make a creative cocktail.
I recommend starting with a papaya salad or a wonton soup. Try a vegan broccoli stir fry, a spicy Masaman curry, or a plate of spring rolls with freshly chopped veggies and dipping sauces.
Gringo A Go Go
100 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919-977-1438
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Head to the Capitol district and check out this alternative Mexican dive with vegan eats. Gringo A Go Go is one of the best vegan restaurants in Raleigh, and I love the funky tacos, grilled tortas, and hearty empanadas.
The restaurant has a funky, modern vibe, and the spot is close to many of Raleigh’s top sights, including the City of Raleigh Museum, Tucker House, and Moore Square.
Ask the staff about the daily specials, or go with an old favorite like the vegan burrito. I like the vegan carnitas with Mexican BBQ spices, and you can add a side of marinated Asada.
Happy + Hale
200 Park at N Hills St #101, Raleigh, NC 27609
Phone: 984-200-3802
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Happy + Hale is north of the Raleigh Beltline, next to Midtown Park. It’s a modern restaurant with a welcoming vibe, and the food is fresh, vegan, and delicious.
This upbeat spot is ideal for a morning meet-up or afternoon quick bite, and there’s something to satisfy everyone in your group.
You can sample gluten-free cookies, creamy açaí bowls, and protein-filled entrees. I recommend building a bowl with rice, beans, lettuce, and your choice of dressing.
You can choose from Korean BBQ meatballs, buffalo cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and many vegetables. Try a smoothie on the side, like the coffee-charged almond smoothie.
Pure Vegan Cafe
8369 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613
Phone: 919-917-7369
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Pure Vegan Cafe is a modern, trendy restaurant with fresh American cuisine. It’s off Creedmoor Rd, near the Wildwood Country Club, and the space has colorful outdoor seating and a hip interior.
This spot is great for solo dining or a quick bite, and I love the creative spin on classic dishes. I recommend a vegan chicken sandwich with French fries, dairy-free macaroni, and Detox Green juice.
Stop by for breakfast and enjoy a slice of avocado toast with garlic and red pepper or a breakfast chicken sandwich with house signature sauce.
I also love the freshly baked banana bread muffins!
Raleigh Raw Juice Bar & Cafe
7 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919-400-0944
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Raleigh Raw Juice Bar & Cafe is a modern joint with relaxed vibes. The menu is veggie-based and raw, and you’ll find plenty of fresh, healthy options, all dairy and gluten-free.
The restaurant is near Nash Square, a pleasant green space great for a city stroll. I like grabbing a fresh drink from Raleigh Raw and touring the downtown area and historic streets.
Try a strawberry patch smoothie with hints of dragonfruit, or go for a creamy cashew butter blend. I love their steel-cut oatmeal with creative toppings, and you can’t go wrong with a purple sweet potato and mango bowl.
Sosta Cafe
130 E Davie St #1806, Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919-833-1006
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Do you love French food? Check out Sosta Cafe, a stylish restaurant with authentic vegan French dishes. This cozy cafe is in the heart of St. Louis’s bustling downtown, right across the street from the iconic Artspace.
It’s near plenty of boutiques so you can get your shopping done before lunch. I love the simple yet creative plates at Sosta, from the basil pesto salad to the winter soup.
Try a soy-based Angus sandwich with faux beef slices, tomatoes, and house signature vegan pesto. A meal at Sosta Cafe wouldn’t be complete without a vegan French coffee.
Pair an Americano or a Minkiaccino with a sandwich or salad.
Eden’s Vegans
11048 Cleveland Rd #101, Garner, NC 27529
Phone: 919-938-3880
Head to the Garner area and check out Eden’s Vegans, a fun spot to enjoy a Sunday buffet. It has gourmet-level food in a casual atmosphere, and the restaurant is a great way to experience elevated vegan food in Raleigh.
The cuisine is global, with Greek, Asian, Italian, and southern American influences. I like the maple-glazed tempeh with roasted potatoes, but you can’t go wrong with a fettuccine alfredo.
Try the organic vegetable noodles for a gluten-free choice, or go for the BBQ faux meatballs. I enjoy their decadent vegan desserts, which range from carrot cake to coconut rice pudding.
