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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.
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Green Sage Cafe
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
Lulu’s On Main
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
Rooted on King
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
Oh My Soul
Situated in the heart of Charlotte's artsy NoDa neighborhood, Oh My Soul's vegan menu spans brunch, lunch and dinner alongside craft cocktails. Its colorful backyard patio, where a 100-year-old oak tree is the centerpiece, is worth the visit alone.
What we’re ordering: filthy fries and the King Shaka burger.
Mike’s Vegan Grill
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
Soul Miner’s Garden
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
Banu Vegan
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
Sealevel City Vegan Diner
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
The Veggie Wagon
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!)
Roots & Leaves
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
Lotus Land Eatsz
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 Vibe Music Series
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.
Veg-Out Wilmington
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.
Triad Vegfest
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.