14 Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Charlotte
Indulge in the Queen City’s plant-based options.
by Catherine Brown
From burgers and sandwiches to soul food and fine dining, Charlotte’s diverse variety of plant-based restaurants offer something for everyone — even omnivores.
Artisen Gelato
Area: Matthews
Whether you’re vegan or gluten-free, Artisen Gelato serves creamy scoops and rich cakes that are sure to satisfy. Sample a few flavors before deciding, then enjoy your plant-based sweet treat in a cup, cone or at home when you purchase a pint.
Bean Vegan Cuisine
Area: East Charlotte
Charlotte’s oldest vegan restaurant, established in 2012, Bean offers diner-style comfort food in a relaxed, casual setting. Popular items include the Ruben and cheesesteak hoagie, both with house-made seitan, along with six styles of fried tofu fingers. Start your meal with fried pickles and end with raspberry zinger cake or soft serve ice cream.
Chaat and Dosa
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
This vegetarian restaurant specializes in Indian street food, with many vegan options. Order several items to sample or share. Popular vegan dishes include vadas and idlis with a bowl of sambar for dipping, samosa chaat, and pani puri which are puri shells filled with spiced water, chickpeas and chutneys.
Dee’s Vegan To-Go
Area: Southwest Charlotte
Dee’s Vegan To-Go has a location at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, where you can purchase everything from breakfast to pasta and pastries. Options range from vegan waffles with sausage and eggs to breakfast sandwiches and bagels. Chef Dee’s sweet potato spice cake and lemon pound cake are fan favorites from this takeout spot.
Ma Ma Wok
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
Formerly a traditional Chinese restaurant, when owner Jian Chen went plant based so did the restaurant’s menu. Ma Ma Wok is more than “bean curd family style.” There’re vegan chicken, beef, fish, shrimp and duck. Try the sweet and spicy orange chicken, classic Beijing duck, curried Singapore mei fun or fiery General Tso’s.
Mike’s Vegan Grill
Neighborhood: University City
Known for serving hearty portions and a variety of vegan hamburgers and hot dogs, Mike’s also offers handhelds such as a tuna melt, cheesesteak and chicken sandwiches. Order your burger or hot dog Carolina style, with homemade chili, American cheese, coleslaw and special sauce. Wash your meal down with a vegan milkshake or refreshing lemonade.
Oh My Soul
Neighborhood: NoDa
Vegan with a South African twist, hang out on the outdoor patio and sip South African wine or local craft beer. Share the Macho Nachos, piled high with “vicken,” “friendly bacon” and a spicy South African vegetable relish called chakalaka. For a hearty option, try the double patty “vurger,” or the Mother Earth Bowl for a healthier selection.
Romeo’s Vegan Burgers
Area: South Charlotte
What started as a food truck became Charlotte’s first vegan drive-thru. Try a classic Where Art Thou Romeo Burger with house-made sauce or the Romeo Mac Burger. Make it a combo with fries or tater tots and a sweet tea or strawberry lemonade. For a complete fast-food experience, add a plant-based milkshake.
Sanctuary Bistro
Area: South Charlotte
Charlotte's vegan, gluten-free fine dining restaurant offers creative, delicious and beautifully plated dishes. The menu changes seasonally, so there's always something new to try. Options might include a charcuterie plate, fried ravioli, ratatouille and cashew cheesecake in the flavor of the day. Pair your food with a vegan wine by the bottle or glass.
Saucy Vegan
Area: Citywide
You can typically find this vegan food truck serving up filling plates in NoDa. Saucy Vegan’s menu features veggie-packed salads, plant-based sandwiches like the chopped cheese with Beyond meat, Phish and Chips made with fried “phish” and desserts to complete your meal, like the pineapple upside down cake.
Soul Miner’s Garden
Neighborhood: Camp North End
Soul Miner's Garden, a food stall at Camp North End, is known for fresh, flavorful food. Popular items include the award-winning loaded nachos with fresh-fried tortillas, the Shroomin Philly made with oyster mushrooms, portobello mushroom Reuben sandwich, and the Beans N’ Greens Bowl with collard greens, pinto beans and chow chow.
Sri Balaji Caffe
Area: Pineville
This all veg South Indian restaurant specializes in a variety of dosas and Indian street food with many vegan options. The Mysore Masala Dosa, stuffed with red hot chutney and served with spicy cooked potatoes, is a popular choice for those who like it spicy. The restaurant is small but boasts an outside seating area.
Taste of Soul
Neighborhood: Wesley Heights
Taste of Soul is known for down-home soul food like grandma used to make—only vegan. Co-owner and chef Jerea Reed is dishing out plant-based ribs, greens, mac n cheese, baked beans, yams, fried fish and even vegan oxtails, along with specials like pizza, Chinese food, soup, paninis and even Indian food.
Ve-Go
Neighborhood: Citywide
Ve-Go Food Truck is synonymous with the Vegan Vibes Music Series, but you can find the truck throughout the Charlotte region. The menu runs the gamut of Southern food, ranging from soul food to coastal to Tex-Mex. Recurring menu items include Hennessy short ribs, crab cakes, Cajun fish sandwiches, and sweet and spicy bang bang shrimp.
Article originally written by Catherine Brown. Updates by Arielle Patterson in July 2026.
