11 Delicious Vegan and Plant-Based Restaurants in North Carolina

If you’re vegan because of your undying love for animals, pure dietary choices or one of the plethora of reasons for choosing a vegan lifestyle, then you know it can be tricky to find good places to eat on vacation. But North Carolina has you covered with vegan-friendly restaurants – and events! – where fresh dishes made with local ingredients are loved by vegans and non-vegans alike.

1 Green Sage Cafe

Closeup of vegan burrito on a plate next to salsa verde
Instagram: @greensagecafe

1 Green Sage Cafe

AshevilleSee on mapSee on map

Green Sage is one of Asheville’s healthiest and most green-friendly restaurants, and it has the badge to prove it. The cafe is dedicated not only to sourcing organic food but to following the “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” lists, so you know you’re only getting the highest-quality ingredients when you eat there. The menu consists of a range of vegan and gluten-sensitive options across sandwiches, bowls, salads and more – and don’t forget to elevate your meal with a smoothie.

What we’re ordering: Van Gough burrito and a deep purple smoothie

2 Lulu’s On Main

2 Lulu’s On Main

SylvaSee on mapSee on map

Lulu’s has been a vegan-friendly restaurant since it opened in 1989. In 2013, it was purchased by the McCardle family who elevated the menu to include upscale dining service. It’s been a total family affair ever since. The prestigious chef and son of the McCardle duo, Devin McCardle, brings creative and locally sourced cuisine to the NC mountains, and Devin’s wife, Lindsay, shows and sells her artwork inside the restaurant.

What we’re ordering: veggie noodles with tofu

3 Rooted on King

3 Rooted on King

BooneSee on mapSee on map

Located inside Neighborhood Yoga's lobby, Rooted on King's cozy cafe (we're talking exposed brick and bright pillows) is a perfect post-class stop for lunch. Its entire kitchen is based on plants, but non-veg add-ons are available upon request. If you're interested in finding out more about veganism, check out one of the cafe's cooking classes and learn some plant-based basics.

What we're ordering: Buddha belly bowl and a masala chai

4 Fern

Closeup of plated vegan meal
Instagram: @fernflavors

4 Fern

CharlotteSee on mapSee on map

Celebrate health, flavor and togetherness at Fern, where you can eat food in good conscience. This vegan oasis in the Queen City has a wide range of food and an extensive drink menu including mocktails and kombucha. In addition to lunch and dinner, Fern also serves a weekend brunch menu featuring biscuits and gravy, cinnamon rolls, and chicken and waffles. While in Charlotte, stop by NoDa to try another notable vegan restaurant, Oh My Soul; its colorful backyard patio is worth the visit alone.

What we’re ordering: eggplant parmesan

5 Mike’s Vegan Grill

5 Mike’s Vegan Grill

Greensboro & CharlotteSee on mapSee on map

Ever been to a vegan cookout? At Mike’s Vegan Grill, you’re invited seven days a week. With vegan versions of comfort foods that are full of flavor and loved by both vegans and non-vegans, Mike’s can be enjoyed at its bright brick-and-mortar, from its food truck around Greensboro area, or at the new Charlotte location.

What we’re ordering: lo maximo burger and fiesta fries

6 Soul Miner’s Garden

Closeup of plated crunch wrap covered in scallions and hot sauce
Instagram: @soulminersgarden

6 Soul Miner’s Garden

CharlotteSee on mapSee on map

Soul Miner’s Garden originally started out as a food truck, opened its first physical location in Gastonia in 2023, and now lives at Camp North End. It’s a woman- and family-owned business with a passion for providing flavorful and fresh food options. The menu is full of nachos, fries, bowls and good ol’ Southern sides.

What we’re ordering: loaded nachos

7 Banu Vegan

7 Banu Vegan

DurhamSee on mapSee on map

Need some vegan comfort food to go? Banu Vegan is a take-out restaurant with trays full of all the goods. The menu has a mix of Latin-inspired entrees (down for sofrito salsa?) and Southern classics. In addition to its classic menu, there's also a special brunch menu served Sundays.

What we’re ordering: skrimp po'boy with a side of mackin cheeze

8 Sealevel City Vegan Diner

Closeup, overhead shot of plated vegan fries and vegan hot dog
Instagram: @sealevelcitydiner

8 Sealevel City Vegan Diner

Wilmington See on mapSee on map

Sealevel City Vegan Diner has fun and funky diner vibes with an all vegan menu consisting of hot dogs, sandwiches, wraps, tacos and plenty of gluten-free options. Diners rave about the atmosphere and the housemade lentil burger.

What we’re ordering: kimchi tempeh Reuben

9 The Veggie Wagon

9 The Veggie Wagon

Carolina BeachSee on mapSee on map

The Veggie Wagon has been providing gourmet meals with vegan options in the Wilmington area since 2009. You can both eat and shop here as it offers locally made goods such as honey, hand soaps and jams. Not in Carolina Beach? You can find its grab-and-go meals at various locations throughout the NC coast; check its website for exact locations.

What we’re ordering: pumpkin pie milkshake (yes, it’s vegan!)

10 Roots & Leaves

Closeup, overhead shot of three rows of various donuts
Instagram: @rootsandleaves_

10 Roots & Leaves

AvonSee on mapSee on map

Start your OBX morning caffeinated with an oceanside cup of joe. This food truck on Avon Pier whips up the most delicious vegan doughnuts and cinnamon rolls, along with an extensive list of coffees and teas using Oatly oat milk.

What we’re ordering: doughnuts and a chai latte

11 Lotus Land Eatsz

Closeup of to-go dish of vegan ribs, mac n cheese, and collards
Instagram: @lotuslandeatsz

11 Lotus Land Eatsz

GreenvilleSee on mapSee on map

Available for pickup only, the name of Lotus Land Eatsz’s game is flavor. With perfectly seasoned items such as loaded baked potatoes, shrimp and grits, and vegan ribs, even non-vegans will be coming back for more – especially the ranch dressing. Stop by its booth when you're at vegan festivals and events statewide too.

What we’re ordering: vegan Philly cheesesteak

Vegan Events and Festivals

12 Vegan Vibe Music Series

12 Vegan Vibe Music Series

Charlotte area; year-roundSee on mapSee on map

The event itself always varies in terms of music genre, location and date. But one thing always stays the same: vegan food trucks and vendors galore, all while cultivating a sense of community. Check the series’ website for upcoming events. Charlotte VegFest – which includes a vegan mac ‘n’ cheese and barbecue cookoff – also takes place every September.

13 Veg-Out Wilmington

13 Veg-Out Wilmington

Wilmington; OctoberSee on mapSee on map

Not sure where to begin with leaning into a plant-based lifestyle? Veg-Out Wilmington’s main goal is to inspire, support and educate everyone about living an environmentally friendly and compassionate life. Vendors at this free event include some of Wilmington's best health care practitioners, vegan and vegetarian food trucks, plus booths with information on mental wellness, yoga and fitness. If you can’t make this one, Wilmington VegFest takes place every April, and vegan beer is even served.

14 Triad VeganFest

14 Triad VeganFest

Greensboro; OctoberSee on mapSee on map

Find new favorite vegan recipes, let the kids run around in the Fun Zone, and shop at booths offering handmade items such as jewelry made of recycled bike parts.

 

Updated November 1, 2023
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