Brian Nagele
Welcome to a world of delectable plant-based cuisine in the heart of Charlotte, NC. In this bustling city, vegan dining has never been more exciting and accessible. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or simply looking to explore a healthier, more sustainable way of eating, Charlotte has a vibrant vegan scene that’s sure to delight your taste buds. From creative dishes bursting with flavor to cozy cafes serving up plant-based comfort food, you’ll find many options to satisfy your cravings. Join us as we take you on a culinary journey through the Best Vegan Restaurants in Charlotte, where innovation meets compassion on every plate.
Sanctuary Bistro
6414 Rea Rd # C2, Charlotte, NC 28277
980-335-0908
Visit Website
Sanctuary Bistro is an upscale restaurant with vegan American cuisine. It’s a cozy spot with a romantic atmosphere, and the eatery is ideal for a small group of friends or couples. The restaurant is in Touchstone Village, right next to Fourmile Creek. Popular with locals and tourists alike, it’s inside a little shopping center called Piper Glen. The restaurant gets quite busy, so I recommend booking a reservation in advance. Start your night with a charcuterie plate, and enjoy tasty cashew cheeses, imitation meats, and spiced sticky nuts. Try a stuffed portabello mushroom with rice, and finish with a chocolate parfait.
Bean Vegan Cuisine
3001 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205
980-939-1234
Visit Website
Head to the Commonwealth Park neighborhood to visit Bean Vegan Cuisine, a casual restaurant with a cozy atmosphere. It’s popular with visitors and tourists, and the restaurant is ideal for big groups and families. Bean Vegan Cuisine is on the east side of Charlotte, right across from Edwards Branch Greenway. It’s also close to the Ovens Auditorium, so you can stop by for a bite after seeing a concert. The cuisine focuses on fresh, hearty lunch options, and you’ll see menu items like barbeque teriyaki tofu and cheesy steak hoagies. Bean Vegan Cuisine is vegan comfort food at its best, and this spot is one you won’t want to miss.
Fern, Flavors from the Garden
1419 East Blvd Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28203
704-377-1825
Visit Website
Fern, Flavors from the Garden, is a casual restaurant with local vegetarian comfort food. It’s in the Dilworth area, not far from Freedom Park, and is convenient for anyone in south Charlotte. The atmosphere is homey and welcoming, and the portions are generous and hearty. Visit Fern, Flavors from the Garden, and enjoy vegetarian food with a southern twist. Charlotte Magazine heralded this eatery as the best vegetarian food in Charlotte, and I have to agree that it’s one of my favorites. When I visit, I like to order a breakfast burrito with scrambled tofu and a country potato salad on the side.
Living Kitchen
2000 South Blvd Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28203
704-333-0008
Visit Website
Living Kitchen has soy-free cuisine, and the chefs bring local, organic ingredients to the menu. It’s in Brookhill, a few streets from Southside Park, and is a cheerful restaurant with modern decor. You can visit the juice bar and enjoy fresh-squeezed drinks or order a takeout bowl, like the spicy black bean bowl with quinoa and chipotle sauce. The avocado sandwich is my personal favorite. It has a creamy cashew spread, fresh tomatoes, sunflower seed hummus, and crunchy sprouts. I recommend checking out the all-day breakfast. Try everything from overnight oats with raisins and almond butter to avocado toast with a tangy vinaigrette.
Oh My Soul
3046 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
704-891-4664
Visit Website
Oh, My Soul is a casual restaurant in the Noda neighborhood. It has a lively atmosphere, and you can enjoy live music while you dine. The restaurant is pet-friendly, and your dog can sample vegan doggie biscuits while you peruse the extensive menu. I like to sit out on the patio and enjoy the North Carolina sun. There’s a beautiful oak tree over a hundred years old, and you can pull up a chair next to it and order South African cuisine, like Crumbed Mushrooms. Try the Filthy Fries, a South African specialty, with Chakalaka, chili beans, and house sauce.
Ma Ma Wok
11914 Elm Ln, Charlotte, NC 28277
704-544-8863
Visit Website
Ma Ma Wok is a laid-back restaurant with Chinese cuisine. It’s south of Charlotte, in the Provincetowne neighborhood, not far from Big Rock Nature Preserve. Everything on the menu is vegetarian, and there is an ample selection of vegan choices. The restaurant is quick, easy, and perfect for busy travelers or families. The vegan faux meat drumsticks are a fan favorite, and I like the meatless sesame chicken. Pineapple curry is a must-try dish, especially when you get it with ham and rice. I recommend a General Tso’s Chicken plate, a vegan take on a Chinese classic if you prefer a traditional dish.
Plant Joy
1801 N Graham St Ste 101, Charlotte, NC 28206
980-237-4855
Visit Website
Plant Joy, an all-vegan restaurant in the Lockwood area, is one of the best vegan restaurants in Charlotte. It serves Mediterranean vegan food with locally-sourced ingredients, and you’ll find plenty of light and healthy lunch foods on the menu. Or, visit earlier in the day and check out their brunch. The restaurant is convenient if you’re staying downtown, and it’s in north Charlotte near the fire department headquarters. Chef Allison Hunt leads the kitchen, and she saw the restaurant win the spot for Best New Restaurant in Charlotte Magazine. I recommend the Yam and Cheese toasted sandwich. Don’t forget a plate of freshly baked croissants and pastries!
Rico’s Acai
Multiple locations
Visit Website
Rico’s Acai has multiple locations, including Elizabeth, Provincetown, and Belmont. It’s a vegetarian health food restaurant with acai bowls and beverages, and the chilled menu items are perfect for a hot day in Charlotte. The atmosphere is casual, and you can eat indoors or get takeout. Rico’s Acai is a fun experience for families and groups, as you can craft a custom acai bowl and create flavor combinations. I like the Rainbow Bowl, a classic fruity dish. It comes with freshly chopped pineapple, bananas, kiwi, and crunchy granola. I also recommend the decadent Panther Bowl with coconut flakes and blackberries.
The Sweet Spoon Bakery
301 S McDowell St, Charlotte, NC 28204
Visit Website
Satisfy your vegan sweet tooth at The Sweet Spoon Bakery, just south of Charlotte’s Second Ward. It’s a dessert restaurant with handcrafted vegan menu items, and the little bakery has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is right between Baxter Street Park and Pearl Street Park. I like to grab a bite to eat and stroll through Charlotte’s beautiful parks or walk downtown. The Sweet Spoon Bakery specializes in dessert bowls, and my favorite is the Cinnamon Craze Jar. It has a honey bun cake, a cinnamon roll, and fluffy vanilla frosting. I also recommend the Summer Peach Jar with fresh peach cake and frosting.
Why Trust Us?
When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 6 credible sites and blogs, including Happycow.net and Charlotte.axios.com.
We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible.
Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 6 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.
https://www.happycow.net/best-vegan-restaurants/charlotte-north-carolina
https://charlotte.axios.com/197899/vegan-and-vegetarian-dining-in-charlotte/
https://www.worldofvegan.com/vegan-restaurants-in-charlotte-nc/
https://clture.org/charlotte-vegan-vegetarian/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g49022-zfz10697-Charlotte_North_Carolina.html
https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/92881/best-vegan-restaurants-in-charlotte
