January 19, 2022
Food & Drink,
Although adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet even part of the week has become more popular in recent years, we know it’s still hard to find a good place to eat that offers vegetarian-friendly meals. Traditional Southern cooking is not so often plant-based, but Atlanta-based chef's have found plenty of ways to cook up delicious, vegetarian-friendly items that still hit the spot.
Whether you're vegetarian, full-on vegan, pescatarian or just looking to cut back on your meat consumption, these seven Atlanta restaurants have delightful plant-based dishes for you.
Due to COVID-19, some of these restaurants’ dining rooms aren't open at press time, but you are able to order online or from their websites. Be sure to visit the restaurant website to get the latest updates on each restaurant as policies continue to change.
See also: Weekly Recipe: Vegan Chili by PLNT Burger
Soul Vegetarian Restaurant
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879 Ralph David Abernathy SW / Website
Soul Vegetarian was founded in 1979 and ended up being one of the first vegetarian restaurants in Atlanta. Over time, it shifted to serving primarily vegan-friendly meals, now serving 100 percent vegan meals and desserts. Although it became primarily vegan, anyone vegetarian or not is more than able to get a delicious meal from this restaurant. Like the name suggests, Soul Vegetarian is dedicated to recreating your favorite soul foods in a healthier manner for everyone to enjoy.
Green Sprout Vegetarian Cuisine
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1529 Piedmont Ave. NE / Website
If you love Chinese food and you’re vegetarian, then Green Sprout is the place for you. After noticing how few restaurants offered vegetarian and vegan-friendly meals, the Fu brothers decided to change that and offer the freshest options for Chinese food lovers. Since it first opened nearly 20 years ago, Green Sprout has become one of the most beloved places to go for a delicious vegetarian meal in a nice atmosphere.
Local Green Atlanta
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19 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd. NW / Website
Local Green focuses a lot on its three core values: community, health and nutrients. Its mission is to serve food that tastes good and makes you feel good, while offering a community-based atmosphere. By offering vegan, vegetarian and even pescetarian-friendly dishes, Local Green has delicious meals for everyone. Have a big event coming up? Local Green Atlanta also offers catering services. Visit the website for more information.
Healthful Essence Caribbean Vegan Vegetarian Restaurant
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875 York Ave. SW / Website
Healthful Essence has been in the vegetarian and vegan food business for more than 40 years. During the time of its opening, vegan and vegetarian lifestyles were not as common, so Healthful Essence wanted to make foods dedicated to showing people how “they are what they eat.” Over the past 10 years, there has been a shift of acceptance and more restaurants are offering more vegetarian friendly meals, but Healthful Essence continues to be a beacon for the community, following through with its core values.
YEAH! Burger
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1168 Howell Mill Road, Suite E / Website
YEAH! Burger was not initially a vegetarian-friendly burger joint, but when it shut down in March of 2020 for renovations, the business decided to not only change the look of the restaurant, but also the entire menu. Similar to the other restaurants on our list, YEAH! Burger wanted to shift its values toward a healthier menu by removing all meat products and replacing them with Beyond Burger patties. Now, these delicious burgers, sandwiches and salads are all plant-based and karma free. If you’ve been looking for a good burger joint that’s delicious, affordable and vegetarian, then YEAH! Burger has your name written all over it.
True Food Kitchen
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3393 Peachtree Road, NE #3058b / Website
True Food Kitchen is a restaurant that has it all. Not only does it offer delicious vegetarian and pescatarian meals that range from pizzas and burgers to salad bowls, it also offers an abundance of wine selections and cocktails to pair nicely with your meal. True Food Kitchen is dedicated to delicious and healthy food without losing any of the flavor. The atmosphere of the restaurant is awesome, and everybody (vegetarian, vegan, someone who just wants to eat healthier) is welcome.
GoVinda’s Cafe
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1146A Euclid Ave. NE / Website
GoVinda’s Cafe has a variety of vegetarian, vegan and pescetarian meals. Offering delicious sandwiches and soups to classic desserts, GoVinda’s Cafe has everything you’ll need for a quick bite to eat. This cafe is open to anyone, especially those who have a sweet tooth. GoVinda’s has a variety of different cakes to choose from, as well as a gluten-free options.
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