Seven Atlanta vegan restaurants that even meat-eaters will enjoy
No matter if you’re already vegan, or just looking to cut down on your meat consumption, these amazing Atlanta spot will give you your plant-based fix.
1. Vegreen Vegetarian Fusion
Tucked away in a Duluth strip mall, Vegreen Vegetarian Fusion is a hidden gem, serving up authentic Pan-Asian cuisine with a vegan twist. With over 1,167 five star reviews on Google, this spot is a hit, no matter if you’re plant-based or not.
Missing fish, and further, sushi, is one of the most common complaints from vegans, and Vegreen is sure to fill that void. Crafted with alternative fish replacements, the sushi is next to indistinguishable from the real thing. Try a classic, like a spicy “tuna” roll, or maybe get a little more adventurous with the spider roll, which is made entirely out of crispy fried mushroom. Mock-meat plates are popular as well, with classic Thai, Chinese and Japanese platters getting a perfect vegan makeover.
Get the Connector order: Start with an appetizer of crab Rangoon, then move on to the green river roll and a plate of the veggie Hunan style BBQ.
2. Slutty Vegan
No vegan restaurant list would be complete without the one, the only, Slutty Vegan ATL. A Black-owned chain with locations all over Atlanta, Slutty Vegan is a nationally recognized plant-based restaurant, serving up thousands of “meatless masterpieces” a day. A visit to Slutty Vegan is less like a trip to a burger joint and closer to a vacation to Disney World. With a line out the door, bustling crowds and booming music, eating here is a true experience. Not only will you have fun, but the food is crazy good. Take your pick from the many burgers on the menu, from the One Night Stand to the Sloppy Toppy. Wanting something different? Try a “shrimp” basket, cheekily named the Side Heaux or the Hollywood Hooker, a Philly “cheesesteak” complete with pepper, onions and all the other mouth-watering fixings.
If all that isn’t enough for a visit, Slutty Vegan is also known for its continuous charity work, with founder Pinky Cole creating a foundation providing “a roadmap for black economic progress achieved by creatively leveraging economic opportunities, successful risk-taking, and innovation.”
Get the Connector order: Treat yourself with a Fussy Hussy burger, a side of Skinny Dipper pickle fries, with seamoss banana pudding for dessert. Don’t forget the blackberry mayo!
3. Lov’n It Live
Contrasting the many junk food vegan joints in Atlanta, Lov’n It Live is a raw foods restaurant, serving up only the healthiest of vegan dishes. But don’t worry, the food is still delicious, and provides more than enough nutrients to fuel the rest of your day.
Lov’n It Live prides itself on its amazing ingredients, known for its strong relationships with local Georgia farmers. The purity of ingredients does truly shine through their cooking, with every bite tasting incredibly fresh. Just make sure to show up with time to spare, as the restaurant requests at least 25 minutes to prepare all meals.
Appetizers are all focused around veggies, but nuts are also heavily featured, with their famous Nutmeat making an appearance in the popular cabbage tacos and nori rolls. For your main course, try the slice of pizza. Don’t picture Papa John’s or a hot New York slice. Lov’n It Live’s pizza is entirely different, consisting of Kamut bread topped with various vegetables, like spinach, onions, black olives and red bell peppers. Their desserts, of course, are healthy too, with the delicious brownies being made of chilled carob, date, walnut and pecan. Tastes great, and great for you too!
Get the Connector Order: The Nubian salad will fill you up for the rest of the day, and the fruit salad topped with sweet creme will satisfy a sweet craving. Wash it down with an organic limeade, sweetened with birch xylitol.
4. Envegan
Just a stone’s throw from the SCAD main building, Envegan is a plant-based cafe in Atlantic Station, offering affordable and delicious American-style food. They’re known for their spicy buffalo cauliflower wings, which ring up to only $5.95 … a true steal when it comes to vegan restaurants. Macaroni and cheese is also a hot seller, with the common advice being to combine the pasta with the cauliflower wings. “Thank me later,” reads one Google review.
For your sweet tooth, indulge in one of their famous smoothies. Flavors range from your classic strawberry to more adventurous kinds like avocado. Cakes and other desserts are also available and very highly reviewed.
Get the Connector order: Forget Chick-fil-A, get the Crispy C Burger with a side of fried green tomatoes. Try an E-Clair for dessert.
5. Cafe Sunflower
Another Atlanta favorite, Cafe Sunflower has mastered the art of plant-based cooking, with their website proclaiming that vegans “deserve more than salads and sides.” They’ve been based out of Buckhead for the last 25 years, which is staggering for a veg restaurant, and hosts a unique Saturday brunch that you don’t want to miss out on. Snag a reservation from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM on any Saturday, and revel in the countless breakfast options. Classic southern fixings like blueberry pancakes and chicken and waffles are sure to hit the spot, and healthy choices are always available. Try the quinoa Nourishing Bowl to provide energy for the rest of your Saturday activities.
If you’re looking for a meal later in the day, the dinner menu holds a more extended selection. The lengthy pasta list will satisfy all your Italian cravings, and the hearty salads are large enough to split. Make sure to end your nosh with some raspberry chocolate mousse for the full Sunflower experience.
Get the Connector Order: Start off with the supreme nachos, and if you (somehow) still have room, add on the fettuccine alfredo.
6. Go Vegan Grill
Craving some traditional southern food? Go Vegan Grill has you covered across all three meals of the day, turning out comforting classics that honor the lifeblood of Georgia cuisine. Known for their meat platters, guests can pick from a variety of options like BBQ ribs, fried chicken and Creole shrimp.
If you’re a fan of gravy, try the smothered chicken platter, which features a hearty serving of collard greens, creamy mashed potatoes, plant-based chicken and, a fan favorite, your choice of a dinner roll or cornbread. For a seafood option, check out the fried fish with maple garlic platter — a special only served on Fridays. Beware … the meat is so realistic, you may find yourself getting worried that what you’re eating is real. But don’t worry, this isn’t any form of trickery, rather just some good, old-fashioned cooking.
Get the Connector Order: For a true Grandma’s house experience, get the meatloaf platter, which is only offered on Mondays.
7. Herban Fix
Another vegan staple, Herban Fix offers an extensive selection of Asian fusion dishes with something for everyone- including meat-eaters! Stop in for lunch or dinner, with both times boasting different menus that deserved to be toured and tried.
The appetizer selection is extensive, with thirteen plates, plus occasional seasonal items. Vegan duck, an uncommon but incredible meat replacement, is perfectly utilized in the steamed bun appetizer, and the pan-seared scallion pancakes are a perfect salty snack. If you’re looking for something that photographs like a dream, order the tofu crystal roll.
Although it may be easy to fill up on the delicious appetizers, make sure to leave room for a main meal. Several soy meats are offered, like classic stir-fried chicken and the pan-seared fish with organic kale simmered in curry laksa. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the seared pom pom mushroom steak, an exclusive in the Atlanta area.
Get the Connector Order: Upgrade your microwave ramen with the ja jiang buckwheat noodles with Asian pear and cucumber.
