The Best Vegan Options in Charlotte, North Carolina

Diverse, inclusive, and energetic, this city in North Carolina is home to over two million people. Since 1768, people have been calling this beautiful city home. Between the mountains, rivers, and the ocean, many know Charlotte for modern art and booming businesses. You can find plenty of parks, lots of lakes, and a variety of outdoor adventures throughout the metro, but what are the ties to a healthy lifestyle? Also known as the Queen City, can you find royal-quality vegan options?

We think eating plant-based is a piece of cake in this wonderful town, and has only become easier in the past few years. New restaurants are popping up left and right making finding the right vegan option in Charlotte better than ever. Let’s dive deep into Charlotte and see what it has to offer! Here are our best vegan options in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Oh My Soul

Cuisine: African

Cost: $$

Website: https://ohmysoulusa.com 

Born out of compassion, Oh My Soul is located in the arts and entertainment district, NoDa. Founded by a group of South Africans, “Oh My Soul”, educates locals about the fantastic world of veganism. Out on their gorgeous patio, enjoy live music, drinks, and your friends under the shade of a hundred-year-old oak tree. Then walk inside to see the eclectic interior, and see the joyful staff. Come for brunch, lunch, or dinner and enjoy some savory treats! Try some Shibobo, a sweet chili vegan chicken strips wrapped in veggies and topped with “Pata-Pata” sauce. Or devour a “Vurger”, which features fresh South African flavors on vegan patties. As part of the Vegan Traders Union, we are proud to eat at this conscious restaurant, that gives back. Every order can be rounded up to donate to a rotating list of Animal Sanctuaries from the area!

Plant Joy

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Cost: $

Website: https://plantjoyclt.com 

Plant Joy strives to make good food that everyone can enjoy. They go above and beyond to find local sources for all their tasty fruits and veggies.  When you walk in, you can expect a lively, vibrant, and open-air atmosphere full of history.  Camp North End, the massive venue where Plant Joy is located, used to be a military depot and a car factory. In fact, in North America, it is one of four developments to have a Fitwel Community certification. While enjoying the colorful atmosphere, you can find Mediterranean Staples like falafel, hummus, and tabouleh. We recommend trying some of their special creations. One of their staples is the Socca and Salad, a chickpea crepe loaded with veggies and aphrodite dressing. If you are in the mood for a sandwich try the Grilled Greens, a fusion of spanakopita style greens, fermented coconut feta, kimchi dressing, and a tomato jam all sandwiched together.

Ma Ma Wok

Cuisine: Asian

Cost: $

Website: https://mamawoktogo.com 

Too long have vegans not had enough options at your local Asian restaurant, but Ma Ma Wok is changing the game. Everything from the entrees to the sides is Vegan. As one of the only Asian vegan options in Charlotte, it can not be missed! Try some classics like sweet and sour “chicken” or some vegetarian pork buns. For years Ma Ma Wok has faithfully been serving the community and is a classic choice for the whole family.

Sanctuary Bistro

Cuisine: American

Cost: $$

Website: https://www.sanctuarybistro.com/ 

Proudly women-owned and fully vegan, the Sanctuary Bistro smoothly runs thanks to Jennifer Jones Horton. But, her team can not run without her Executive Chef and husband, Barry Horton. Together they moved from Berkeley, California where they ran a vegan restaurant for five and a half years, to be closer to family in Charlotte, North Carolina. Since then, they have shown the local community the benefits of the Vegan and plant-based lifestyle. In addition to being vegan, all menu items are also gluten-free. An amazing choice we love is the Lion’s Mane Roast Slices which are marinated in coconut aminos with smashed potatoes, carrots, and gravy. Don’t forget to grab the Creme Brulee. Its coconut base and candied top are simply elegant.

The Sweet Spoon Bakery

Cuisine: Bakery

Cost: $$

Website: https://www.sweetspoonbakery.com/ 

The Sweet Spoon Bakery’s addictive treats show that being vegan is far from boring. While some may be satisfied with subpar sweets, Roland, the founder of The Sweet Spoon Bakery is going above and beyond. As one of the best vegan options in Charlotte, he creatively bakes homemade vegan dessert jars. Each jar has many layers that will have you wanting another. A classic flavor we adore is the caramel sugar cookie jar, which has layers of vanilla cake, brown sugar cookies, vanilla frosting, and of course caramel drizzle. Make sure you check their website for the locations they are selling at, or to order a delicious jar straight to your home.

Bean Vegan Cuisine

Cuisine: Comfort Food, Vegan

Cost: $$

Website: https://www.eatatbean.com/ 

You can’t go to the south without trying some classic comfort foods, but most restaurants are far from vegan. That is why Bean Vegan Cuisine is a must for all vegans and vegetarians. Come in for brunch and get the Southern Fingers and Waffles, or try a BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich. The Bean Vegan Cuisine is an excellent vegan option in Charlotte because of its ability to welcome everyone from young to old.

The Fern

Cuisine: American

Cost: $$

Website: https://www.fernflavors.com/ 

In the historic Dilworth neighborhood, vegan options in Charlotte were hard to come by, until The Fern opened its doors. At The Fern, they put vegetables at the forefront and focus on flavors from the garden. Their beautiful and bright dishes make even the biggest meat eater swap to a plant-based meal. The Blackened Cauliflower Steak Florentine will make your mouth water with its savory flavors. Then to top it off try a seasonal dessert or a specialty drink.

Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Charlotte

While these establishments are not 100% vegan, they’re going out of their way to broaden their menus towards plant-based folks. We want to acknowledge their efforts in creating vegan dishes and encourage these businesses to transition to vegan menus.

Livy’s Neapolitan Pizza

Cuisine: Pizza

Cost: $$

Website: https://livysclt.com 

Vegans rarely have options at their local pizza joints, and most do not have dairy-free options. Livy’s Neapolitan Pizza not only provides quality Italian-style pizza but also has vegan-friendly options. The Vegan Margherita Pizza is a classic and to try something new, grab the Vegan il Fungo. This pizza elevates the pizza game by serving a hot pie with smoke-cured portabellas, San Marzano pomodoro, vegan cheese, caramelized onions, and garlic, then tops it off with baby spinach and chili oil.

Chaat ‘N’ Dosa

Cuisine: Indian

Cost: $

Website: https://chaatndosanc.com/ 

Indian cuisine exemplifies how colorful and tasty the plant-based diet can be, and Chaat ‘N’ Dosa brings that straight to Charlotte. While not fully Vegan since they do serve dairy, they are very inclusive to vegans! To understand the food here, you need a little background on the lingo. Chaat is like an hors d’oeuvre or a snack and a dosa is like a crispy crepe-like dish. Whether you are coming for a quick treat or a full meal this vegan option in Charlotte is one of our favorites. To experience these dishes try some classic Indian staples like their Spring Dosa full of veggies or the Samosa Chaat.

The People’s Market (Elizabeth)

Cuisine: Coffee, American

Cost: $

Website: https://thepeoplesmarket.co/

Colorful and full of cheer, The People’s Market on Elizabeth Ave. faithfully serves the Charlotte community with a unique variety of coffee, vegan food, salads, and more. This cafe strives to include everyone, and its menu shows it. The vegan section of their menu won our hearts with the multiple choices, and the coffee and smoothie menu keeps us coming back.