Vegetarian Journal's Guide to Natural Foods Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada

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• Vegetarian restaurant
•• Vegan restaurant
§ Reviewer's choice

North Carolina

Asheville

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Black Mountain and Hendersonville.)

Café Terra

65 Westgate Pkwy., Asheville, NC 28806

(828) 253-7656

Natural foods deli. Many vegetarian options are available at this natural foods deli. Open daily. Counter service, vegan options, take-out, $.

·Firestorm Café & Books

48 Commerce St., Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 255-8115

Vegetarian/natural foods/organic. Firestorm Café & Books is a worker-owned and self-managed community event space located in downtown Asheville. The café is 99.9% vegan; the only exception is dairy milk as an option for coffee. Try the Tempeh Gyro, TLT (Tempeh, Lettuce & Tomato), Maple BBQ Panini (maple-baked tofu), or the Soup of the Day. Desserts such as their "World-Conquering Cupcakes" are baked on-site. Firestorm strives to maximize their use of local, organic, and fair trade ingredients. Stop by for a bite to eat, a cup of Joe, and browse their unique book selection. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, smoothies, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, special beverages, VISA/MC, $.

·Laughing Seed Café

40 Wall St., Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 252-3445

Vegetarian/international. Enjoy a wide variety of international vegetarian dishes, including a Carribean Quesadilla, Mid-Eastern Pita Sandwich, Greek Salad, Kung Pao Tofu, tempeh fajitas, and more. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Open Monday and Wednesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Open Sunday for brunch and dinner. Closed Tuesday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, macrobiotic options, VISA/MC/DISC, $$.

··Plant

165 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 258-7500

Vegan/natural foods/organic. Plant offers innovative vegan cuisine that is organic, local, and seasonal. Enjoy such dishes as Peppercorn Crusted Seitan, Smoked Portobello Steak, or Grilled Chili Glazed Tofu. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. Plant is closed on weekends between brunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Monday through Friday for dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, beer/wine, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$.

·Rosetta's Kitchen

116 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville, NC 28801

(828) 232-0738

Vegetarian/soul food. Rosetta's Kitchen has a wholesome atmosphere that is the perfect setting for its homestyle cooking. More than just a restaurant, Rosetta's has become a local gathering spot, with friendly staff, local art, downtown bicycle deliveries, and dedicated, environmentally conscious policies. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner through late night. Open Sunday for brunch. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, beer/wine/alcohol, VISA/AMEX, $-$$.

·Vegheads Drive Thru

705 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC 28804

(828) 505-8540

Vegetarian/fast food. Vegheads Drive Thru specializes in fresh, great-tasting fast food with no preservatives. Don't miss the delicious vegan Mountain Burger (a lentil veggie patty) or the Avocado Hummus Wrap. Vegheads has a small patio for customers who want to eat on-site. The drive-thru is next to the Brew 'N View, near the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Open daily for three meals. Drive-thru, vegan options, take-out, catering, soymilk, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

Cary

·Cool Breeze

740 E. Chatham St., Cary, NC 27511

(919) 463-9130

Vegetarian/Indian. For delicious and inexpensive vegetarian Indian food, you can't beat Cool Breeze. They serve various types of paratha (wheat dough filled with spices & potato, carrot, or cauliflower) and plenty of chaat (flat crisps served with potato, onions, chutney, etc). They offer delicious toasted sandwiches made with potato & chutney, as well as brightly-colored falooda (drinks made with syrup and ice cream). Save room for dessert! Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, espresso/cappuccino, smoothies, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

Once in a Blue Moon Bakery & Café

Ashworth Village, 115-G W. Chatham St., Cary, NC 27511

(919) 319-6554

Café/bakery. Once in a Blue Moon features many vegetarian and vegan lunch options. Some to try include a spicy black bean burger, a grilled portabella mushroom sandwich, and even a vegetarian hot dog! Also a bakery, Blue Moon offers delicious cakes and pastries. They can make a vegan wedding cake, too. Open Monday through Saturday for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner. Closed Sunday. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, espresso/cappuccino, VISA/MC/AMEX, $.

·Udupi Café

590 E. Chatham St., Cary, NC 27511

(919) 465-0898

Vegetarian/Indian. Udupi Café serves appetizers, soups, Dosai, curries, breads, and much more on its large lunch buffet and for dinner. Unique dishes include Shredded Coconut Uthappam and Chana Batura. Within walking distance of the Madstone Theatre, Udupi Café serves genuine Indian food at very reasonable prices. While you are dining, enjoy the abstract art on display. They are closed between lunch and dinner so please call ahead for hours. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, delivery, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX, $-$$.

Chapel Hill

Margaret's Cantina

1129 Weaver Dairy Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27514

(919) 942-4745

Southwestern. Margaret's veggie options include Very Vegetarian Nachos, hummus, vegetarian black bean chili, and a tempeh pita sandwich. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, espresso/cappuccino, VISA/MC/AMEX/DC, $-$$.

·Sage Vegetarian Café

1129 Weaver Dairy Rd., Chapel Hill, NC 27514

(919) 968-9266

Vegetarian/Middle Eastern. Sage Vegetarian Café offers a varied menu of soups, salads, sandwiches and wraps, entrées, and side dishes. Entrées include delicious black beans and rice, Persian Eggplant Paradise (made with split peas, saffron basmati rice, and fragrant spices), vegetable kabobs, and Persian pomegranate stew. Daily specials also available. Though there are many vegan options, eggs and cheese are used frequently. However, the friendly staff will happily answer questions about the ingredients. Outdoor seating is available. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, $$.

Charlotte

··Bean Vegan Cuisine

3001 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28205

(980) 939-1234

Vegan/American. Bean Vegan Cuisine is an excellent place to go for vegan comfort food. Don't miss delicious sandwiches like their BBQ Jackfruit, Reuben, and Crabbie Patty. Ask about their daily specials and dessert selection. For classic American favorites made vegan, Bean can't be beat! Open Wednesday through Monday for lunch and dinner. Closed Tuesday. Full service, take-out, catering, beer/wine, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

Berrybrook Farm Natural Foods

1257 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203

(704) 334-6528

Natural foods. Homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches are made fresh daily at this natural food grocery and deli. The menu at Berrybrook changes daily and is primarily vegetarian. Open Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Take-out, vegan options, fresh juices, VISA/MC/DISC, $.

·Fern

1323 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205

(704) 377-1825

Vegetarian/café. Fern features flavors from the garden in their all-vegetarian menu. Try the Arugula Harvest Salad, Laughing Buddha Bowl, or Sweet Potato Gnocchi. The numerous vegan items are noted on the menu. Their Chakra Juice Menu includes such tempting selections as Violet Bliss and Indigo Intuition. Reservations are accepted for dinner. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday and Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

India Palace

4515 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28212

(704) 568-7176

Indian. Authentic Indian cuisine is offered, and great care is taken in the preparation and use of spices. Nine vegetable entrées are featured on this menu. Open daily for dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

·Luna's Living Kitchen

2102 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203

(704) 333-0008

Vegetarian/raw foods/organic. Luna's Living Kitchen offers fresh, organic, local foods that are mostly vegan (only exceptions are honey offered as a sweetener and bee pollen in one smoothie). Enjoy homemade nut milks (almond, coconut, and hemp), locally-roasted fair trade coffee, and multicultural, world music. Luna's is located next to the Atherton Mill Farmer's Market and Evolution Fitness. Open Monday through Thursday for lunch and dinner. Open Friday and Saturday for breakfast and lunch. Closed Sunday. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, special beverages, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Pizza Fusion

1055 Metropolitan Ave., Ste. 130, Charlotte, NC 28204

(704) 370-0777

Pizza/organic. Pizza Fusion is an organic, eco-friendly pizza chain offering vegan and gluten-free options. Try the Very Vegan Pizza which has crimini mushrooms, roasted garlic, organic tomato sauce, and soy cheese (casein-free). Or build your own pizza with topping choices like roasted eggplant, kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, sauteed spinach, and vegan soy cheese. The motto at Pizza Fusion is, "Saving the Earth, One Pizza at a Time" and that's not just a slogan. Examples of how they promote sustainability include: using company-owned hybrid vehicles for food deliveries; giving customers discounts for bringing back their pizza boxes for recycling; using spudware utensils, made from potatoes, which biodegrade in 50 days; and offsetting their energy use by purchasing wind energy certificates. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, beer/wine, VISA/MC, $-$$$.

Thai Taste

324 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203

(704) 332-0001

Thai. You can choose to have many dishes on Thai Taste's menu, such as curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes, made vegetarian, with or without eggs. Try the Pud Met Ma Muang (cashew nut) or the Khing Sod (fresh ginger) stir-fry, the Thai Salad with vegetables and fried tofu, or one of several vegetarian appetizers. Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, VISA/MC, $$.

·Woodlands Pure Vegetarian Indian Cuisine

7128 Albemarle Rd., Ste. A, Charlotte, NC 28227

(704) 569-9193

Vegetarian/Indian. To find out why one VRG member called Woodlands "the best Indian restaurant in Charlotte," make sure to include a stop at this South Indian all-vegetarian restaurant. They offer an extensive menu that includes appetizers, dosas, uthappam (Indian-style pancakes), pullavs (rice specialties), curries, and breads. On weekends, stop in for their popular lunch buffet. Woodlands is closed on weekdays between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, beer/wine, special beverages, VISA/MC, $$.

··Zizi's Vegetarian Restaurant

7945 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28262

(704) 595-9170

Vegan/American. Zizi's Vegetarian Restaurant offers all-vegan comfort foods created from soybeans, grains, nuts, and fresh vegetables. Try the Philly Cheese Steak Sub, BBQ Tofu, Fish & Chips, or Tempeh BLT Wrap. Zizi's is located in the Gold Hill Pavilion and is for take-out only. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Take-out, delivery, smoothies, VISA/MC, $$.

Durham

Saladelia Café

4201 University Dr., Durham, NC 27707

(919) 489-5776

Middle Eastern. The vegetarian and vegan options at Saladelia include the Vegetarian Gyro, Hummus Pocket, Mediterranean Eggplant Melt, stuffed grape leaves, and falafel. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, espresso/cappuccino, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $.

Greensboro

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Winston-Salem.)

·Boba House

332 Tate St, Greensboro, NC 27403

(336) 379-7444

Vegetarian/Asian. An all-vegetarian restaurant and teahouse, Boba House offers a wide variety of fake meat dishes including Hawaiian Chicken, Sauteéd Cuttlefish, Calamari Salad, Chef's Tuna, and Black Pepper Steak. They also offer soups, salads, a children's menu, and vegan desserts. All menu options are clearly marked as "can be made vegan". Open Monday through Saturday for two meals. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, boba tea, hot tea, specialty drinks, $$.

Hendersonville

Blue Mountain Café

715 Old Spartanburg Hwy., Hendersonville, NC 28792

(828) 693-0505

Natural foods café. Located in the Hendersonville Co-op, this café serves sandwiches like the Café Veggie Burger, Tempeh Reuben, Veggie Roll-Up, and Herb Baked Tofu Sandwich. It also offers entrées, such as the Hummus Plate, Happy Buddha Plate, and seasonal platters. The Blue Mountain Café Organic Juice Bar offers a number of organic fruit and vegetable juices, allowing you to create your own blend, as well as tasty smoothies and tonics. Plus, their Grab n' Go case is stocked daily with sandwiches, salads, desserts, soups, and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Deli-style, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, $-$$.

Morrisville

·Café Curryleaves

6105 Grace Park Dr., Morrisville, NC 27560

(919) 467-2600

Vegetarian/Indian. Café Curryleaves has an expansive menu consisting mostly of dosas, other South Indian food, and chaat. They also offer fusion food such as Indian wraps and subs. Enjoy an Indian veggie burger or their popular Chilli Paneer sub. Curryleaves is closed between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Monday and Wednesday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for three meals. Closed Tuesday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, beer/alcohol, special beverages, VISA/MC, $.

Neomonde Bakery & Deli

10235 Chapel Hill Rd., Morrisville, NC 27560

(919) 469-8009

Middle Eastern. Neomonde serves Middle Eastern and American cuisine, including stuffed grape leaves, tabbouleh, spinach pie, chickpea salad, hummus, and baba ghanouj. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, VISA, $.

·Tower Indian Restaurant

144 Morrisville Square Way, Morrisville, NC 27560

(919) 465-2326

Vegetarian/Indian. The menu at Tower Indian Restaurant includes samosas, pakoras, puri, vadai, dosais, utthappams, masala dosas, curries, rice dishes, and more! Lunch is a buffet, while dinner is served   la carte. Tower is located near the Morrisville Fire Station and is on the same road that serves the airport (you can literally be parked in front of check-in in about 5 minutes from leaving the restaurant). Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $.

Raleigh

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, and Morrisville.)

Aladdin's Eatery

6325 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh, NC 27615

(919) 878-7690

Middle Eastern/Lebanese. Aladdin's Eatery is a popular regional restaurant franchise offering Middle Eastern cuisine. Their website boasts that over 70 menu items are vegetarian or vegan. These include Lentil Soup, Vegetarian Chili, Hummus, Tabbouleh, Dawali (stuffed grape leaves), Baba Ghanouj, Falafel, and Vegetarian Rolled Pitas. Enjoy Lebanese cuisine, a relaxing atmosphere, and friendly service at Aladdin's Eatery. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, beer/wine, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Irregardless Café

901 W. Morgan St., Raleigh, NC 27603

(919) 833-8898

Natural foods/American. The Irregardless Café presents a new menu each day to offer what is freshest and in season. They feature an extensive selection of vegan dishes which are noted on the menu. Some include Tofu Stir Fry, Cauliflower Tower of Power, Vegetable Curry, Portabella Polenta, and Acorn Squash Cassolette. Live music is featured nightly. Irregardless is closed between lunch/brunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Reservations are accepted. Open Tuesday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday for brunch and dinner. Open Sunday for brunch. Closed Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, wine/beer/alcohol, non-alcoholic beer, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX, $-$$.

Neomonde Bakery & Deli

3817 Beryl Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607

(919) 828-1628

Middle Eastern. See description under Morrisville, NC.

·The Fiction Kitchen

428 S. Dawson St., Raleigh, NC 27601

(919) 831-4177

Vegetarian/natural foods/eclectic. The Fiction Kitchen is a vegetarian restaurant that is mostly vegan. Their location near the farmers markets allows them to have daily specials with fresh produce and local foods. Vegan menu selections include Sweet Potato Sushi Rolls with Sashimi Tofu, BBQ Pulled 'Pork,' and Crispy Fried 'Chicken' and Waffles. Open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner. Closed Sunday and Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, beer/wine/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $-$$.

The Remedy Diner

137 E. Hargett St., Raleigh, NC 27601

(919) 835-3553

American. The Remedy Diner serves up rustic American fare that is good for what ails you! Vegetarian and vegan dishes and substitutes are clearly stated on the menu. Entrées are divided into "Mainstream Therapies" for omnivores and "Alternative Therapies" for vegetarians and vegans. Some Alternative dishes include Tempeh Tantrum (a marinated tempeh sandwich with avocado, vegan bacon, and lettuce on sourdough), and Country-Fried Seitan Steaks. Attention sweet tooths: vegan desserts can be made to order, and whole pies can be ordered with 48 hours notice! Open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner. Open Saturday and Sunday for brunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, soymilk, beer/wine, VISA/MC/DISC, $-$$.

Shelby

·Hallelujah Acres Café

900 S. Post Rd., Shelby, NC 28152

(704) 406-1130

Vegetarian/living foods. Hallelujah Acres Café offers gourmet raw foods in their mostly vegan eatery. The atmosphere is pleasant and the prices are great so make sure to stop in for lunch. The café is just one component of Hallelujah Acres; they also provide education, products, services, and other resources on the vegetarian raw foods lifestyle. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, $.

Smithfield

·Eden's Vegetarian Dining & Catering Services

709 S. 3rd St., Smithfield, NC 27577

(919) 938-3880

Vegetarian/international. Eden's Vegetarian is a family-run restaurant, located in the Dupree House, that serves a variety of international dishes in vegetarian form. The menu changes often, as they use local and seasonal foods as much as possible. Vegan items are noted on the menu as well as items that can be made vegan upon request. Reservations are required for 3 to 5 course meals or for 4 or more people. Tea parties are available by appointment. The restaurant is closed on weekdays between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Tuesday through Thursday for lunch and dinner. Open Friday for lunch. Open Sunday for brunch and dinner. Closed Saturday and Monday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, non-alcoholic wine, VISA/MC, $$.

Sylva

Lulu's on Main

612 W. Main St., Sylva, NC 28779

(828) 586-8989

American. Lulu's on Main offers an informal atmosphere of fresh, local foods. They feature a variety of ethnic foods including dishes for vegetarians and vegans. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, non-alcoholic beer, beer/wine, VISA/MC, $$.

Wilmington

Lovey's Natural Foods & Café

1319 Military Cutoff Rd., Ste. H, Wilmington, NC 28405

(910) 509-0331

Natural foods store/café. Lovey's Natural Foods & Café is very veg-friendly. Lunch items include Boca Burgers, Sunshine Burgers, Tofu Melts, and Bean Burritos. They have a salad bar with food sold by the pound and a few choices of soup each day. You can also buy vegetarian and vegan items in the store as well. Lovey's is located in the Landfall Shopping Center. Open daily for lunch. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, soymilk, smoothies, fresh juices, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

Winston-Salem

Nawab Indian Cuisine

129 S. Stratford Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27104

(336) 725-3949

Indian. Nawab features a large selection of vegetarian and vegan appetizers and entrées. Sample vegetable patia (vegetables cooked with sweet and sour mangos and a touch of ginger), palak paneer (spinach with or without Indian cheese), mushroom broccoli krahi (sautéed with vegetables, garlic, and herbs), Bombay potatoes, eggplant bharta (baked, then mashed and sautéed with garlic, onions, and tomatoes), and much more. Children's portions are often available for half the price of a regular entrée. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, reservations recommended, beer/wine/alcohol, non-alcoholic beer, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC/DC, $$.