My Top 5: Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Atlanta
Hello! I'm so excited to be reviewing my top five vegan and vegetarian restaurants! The restaurants on my list have food ranging from Chinese to Caribbean, and everything in between, so let's get started!
*Veggieland (In Memoriam)*
Though it is no longer with is, having gone out of business in 2012 when its building owner sold to a developer with new plans for the area (effectively leaving no location for Veggieland), this establishment still earns my vote as the best vegetarian/vegan establishment by far I have ever visited in metro Atlanta. As a result it gets a special “number one emeritus” ranking in my evaluation. Marie, Laura, and the nice people I met there over the years still hold a special place in terms of the quality, cleanliness, level or service, and friendliness they became known for providing.I spent many Saturday afternoons enjoying meals there in my young years.Unforgettable goodness! Veggieland: gone but never forgotten. I am still hoping that they reappear one of these days.
Now let’s review the top five!
5. Healthful Essence
Healthful Essence is situated in the historic West End of Atlanta. It is on York Street which runs parallel to Abernathy Boulevard. Tip: go slow when you get to York Street so as not to miss it. It is relatively small and it sits far back from the street. If you aren’t careful it can be missed. What’s not to be missed, however, is the Jamaican-based vegan cuisine of this quaint, casual little space that produces so much sensory satisfaction. The wonderful aroma of Caribbean spices greet you in the parking lot. There is magic here, but it is meatless magic. There are vegan versions of all of the traditional Jamaican standards such as oxtails, goat, and jerk chicken…all characterized by the prefix “un-“ to denote their vegan essence. The sorrel tea, the curry “un-duck” and the jerk “un-goat” are my favorites and I highly recommend them. The dishes are primarily spicy, so bring a willingness to let your taste buds do a fire walk of sorts. No fear, there are also a few less spicy offerings on the menu most days. This eatery also has a major portion of its operation devoted to health and wellness, so if you are seeking to purchase dietary supplements or information of various all-natural cleanses, then this place is well-suited as they have a variety of such products available. You can get a major entrée (equivalent to a meat dish) with two vegetable sides for around 15 - 17 dollars. With a drink and the expected tip you can lose a 20 or 25 bucks really quickly. In terms of service, the staff average. I’ve seen and experienced some enthusiasm and I’ve certainly seen some apparent disinterest. In their defense, I don’t know what it’s like to stand there cooking and taking orders all day long. Still, I like to be reminded that my presence and patronage are valued.
Do you want another perspective? See what Yelp has to say:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/healthfull-essence-atlanta
4. Loving Hut
Well, this is not a restaurant. It is a lifestyle center and the restaurant merely comes along for the ride! The Loving Hut is a part of a collaborative of restaurants around the world that promote veganism and environmental consciousness. Accordingly, the facility is often a site for speakers, presentations and programs that teach and expose interested patrons to environmental issues, veganism, and related topics. To visit this restaurant is to take a step into the deep water of veganism. Yet, it is not overbearing or forced. It is a bright colored space with the lighting and color scheme utilized. The walls are adorned with statements, proclamations, quotes that promote goodness, peace, and kindness. Additionally,the menu is extensive and most entrees are in the $7 to $10 range. I deem it a cosmopolitan vegan menu in the sense that it has items that are drawn from various culinary traditions from around the world, although it is slightly more Asian-style than any other particular style. An example of the many popular appetizers is the basil roll. The basil rolls are made with lettuce, soy protein, rice noodles, basil, wrapped in a thin rice paper skin and served with a dressing that is wonderful. Noteworthy dishes include something called noble rice (soy protein shaped into a cutlet in a garlic sauce served with rice), a seaweed and soy dish called the seven seas delight, and the old reliable vegan spinach wrap served with a side order of sweet potato fries. The vegan cakes and cheesecakes are simply wonderful and put a wonderful exclamation on a meal if the extra carbs they add are not a problem for you. Special note is that packaged vegan foods can also be bought here (such as cookies and vegan seafood), and once a month they offer a vegan buffet for a very nominal charge. I must note that they do prepare food using peanuts and peanut oil so if you have a peanut allergy, it is worth letting your waiter know and they will easily and happily prepare your dish in a manner that is appropriate for you.
Do you want another perspective? See what Yelp has to say:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/loving-hut-norcross
3. Soul Vegetarian
The Soul Vegetarian specializes in traditional African American southern food fare, but with a twist. It is all vegan! They do an amazing job of translating these traditional meat-based delicacies to vegan delights. The macaroni in cheese is legendary. The restaurant has a traditional setting with booths and tables. It is usually a quiet and peaceful ambiance with soft ambient music. There is an air of regal elegance with the service staff dressed immaculately in all white attire. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and are always happy to share details about the menu. Special vegan drinks (homemade ginger root for example), meatless entrees that you would not know are meatless, even non dairy “ice cream” are standards. The kalebone platter is a jewel. It is a delicious, high protein creation that as far as I know can only be found here. It comes with a Thai style salad and vegan “Hebrew fries” as compared to French fries which is in reference to the African Hebrew cultural orientation of the owners. The price of most entrees at dinner is under fifteen dollars -- reasonable in today's world. They also serve large portions. Although service can be slow and parking difficult, particularly at the Abernathy Boulevard location, this is one of those cases where you have to take the good with the bad. This unique cultural and culinary experience is worth it.
Do you want another perspective? See what Yelp has to say:
https://www.yelp.com/biz/soul-vegetarian-restaurant-atlanta
2. Café Sunflower
Café Sunflower is an elegant option for vegetarian and vegan dining. Located in both Buckhead and Sandy Springs, each location is spacious and has an upscale ambiance that makes Café Sunflower unique among vegetarian and vegan cuisine dining establishments in metro Atlanta. Most of the menu offers classic American style cuisine, but it also expands to other selections with a gourmet twist. For example, the classic American meatloaf and potatoes is reworked very well into an elaborately seasoned veggie loaf and garlic potatoes with rosemary herb. There is also a Jamaican-influenced bean curd cakes in a spicy sauce served over rice with vegetables that is quite nice. Other items of interest are organic teas and lemonades, and wonderful desserts such as chocolate raspberry mousse cake. The menu includes entrees that range from the upper teens to the mid twenty-dollar range. The biggest drawback with the facilities are the noise. It almost gets to be a cafeteria type effect.
Both facilities are in plazas that are easily accessible by car with parking on-site.
Do you want another perspective? See what Yelp has to say:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-sunflower-buckhead-atlanta
1. Green Sprout
Located in the heart of metro Atlanta in the Morningside area not far from Piedmont Park, Green Sprout offers a dining space that is relaxing, peaceful, pleasant and interesting. It is not uncommon to see members of the staff engaging in friendly banter with regular patrons and new. As for the food, it is Chinese-oriented vegetarian and vegan creations. Practically everything that you can get from a typical Chinese restaurant you’ll fine here except that it is all meatless. The orange chicken is a particular favorite and so is sweet and sour soy chicken wonderful version of boba tea or “bubble tea” as it is often called. Green Sprout allows for healthy dining on a budget, too. The entrees at Green Sprout are less than twelve dollars with some selections as low as $9. When you consider convenient location, quality food, friendly service, comfortable atmosphere, and the inexpensive prices then it is hard to find much to complain about with the Green Sprout.
Do you want another perspective? See what Yelp has to say:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/green-sprout-atlanta
I hope this list was very informative for you! In the comment section below, let me know some of your favorite vegetarian and vegan restaurants in your city!
