Whether you are vegan yourself, or simply have friends who are plant-loving, Atlanta has a host of restaurants and cafes that are vegan, vegetarian, or very friendly to all diets. There’s no reason to feel confined by your food choice — Atlanta is a foodie heaven! Here are some of the best veggie-friendly spots in Atlanta, as well as options for when you are hanging out with both meat-loving and vegan friends. No matter what you are feeling like, Atlanta has something for every appetite and mood.
When you are feeling for some good ol’ soul food –
Go Vegetarian
2179 Lawrenceville Hwy, Decatur, GA 30033 – 404-481-5923
Go Vegetarian is one of the most unassuming local restaurants that you will ever walk into, but they house a secret that everyone in the South needs to know: soul food can be vegan. I know what you’re thinking: Girl, but fried chicken?! Yes, even fried chicken!Go Vegetarian has a mission of helping people transition to a meat-less lifestyle by showing them that they can still eat all their favorites, just cruelty-free. They serve homestyle favorites, like Smothered Fried Chicken with Gravy (pictured), complete with sides of collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread. Or, try some Crispy Fish Tacos if you are looking for a coastal flair. And don’t forget about desserts (I spy Red Velvet Cake).
It is really special when you find a place that draws locals over and over again. In Go Vegetarian, it’s common to see the server remember someone’s “regular”, or see neighbors coming in to grab their to-go orders on the way home from work. It’s a sign that you’ve found the right place. So take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy eating plant-based soul food.
When you feel like having cafe-eats and cake ~
Dulce Vegan Bakery & Cafe
1994 Hosea L. Williams Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30317 – 404-624-7417
When you hear locals mention vegan cupcakes that “don’t even taste vegan”, they are most likely coming straight from Dulce Vegan. From unicorn cakes to scrumptious bagel sandwiches (like the Happy Hippy pictured), Dulce Vegan is a treasure of a bakery found in the adorable neighborhood of Kirkwood. This is a great place to grab lunch with a friend or to drop in for a coffee and a slice of cake. Keep them in mind for special occasions too, as they produce amazing cakes (including wedding cakes) that look just as beautiful as they taste.
Twitter: @dulcevegan
When everyone in your group wants something different ~
Cafe Sunflower
Buckhead location: 2140 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30309 – 404-352-8859
Sandy Springs location: 5975 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30328 – 404-256-1675
Cafe Sunflower is one of the most diverse vegan restaurants around. You won’t just be eating salads here! With international favorites like pad thai and fettuccine alfredo, all the way to hamburger sliders and burritos, everyone in your group will feel like this restaurant was chosen just for them. But make sure to save room for cake! Ask the server about the dessert options and get ready to be shown the 5+ cakes that are available every evening. You will forget that you are eating vegan with these decadent treats on your plate.
Cafe Sunflower is a lovely sit-down restaurant that is perfect for dates and group celebrations. With locations both in Buckhead and Sandy Springs, this restaurant is always an available choice for those special occasions. Let them eat cake!
Twitter: @CafeSunflower
For when you need donuts ~
Revolution Doughnuts & Coffee
Decatur location: 908 W College Ave, Decatur, GA 30030
Atlanta location: 745 Edgewood Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
470-428-2023
Did you think that vegans don’t eat doughnuts? Think again! Word is spreading like wildfire around Atlanta, and “Revolution Doughnuts” is on everyone’s lips. Revolution Doughnuts is not a strickly-vegan bakery, but over half of their doughnuts (11+ varieties currently) are 100% vegan. This is a great place to spend your Saturday or Sunday mornings, lazy in the sun with your sugary goodness and coffee in hand. With flavors like Raspberry Sprinkle, Shredded Coconut, Apple Fritters, and more, there is something for every mood and taste.
Twitter: @revolutiondonut
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For when you have meat-loving friends too ~
Mediterranean Grill
Decatur location: 2126 N Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033 – 404-320-0101
Midtown Atlanta location: 985 Monroe Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 – 404-917-1100
There’s always that one friend who won’t step foot into a vegan restaurant. When faced with wanting to please a meat-lover but also desiring some decent vegan and vegetarian options, look no further than . Mediterranean food is characterized by lovely dishes of roasted vegetables, saffron-colored pilav, and falafels. Mediterranean Grill has many vegetarian dishes listed on their menu. If eating vegan, just choose a vegetarian option and ask that it contain no cheese or yogurt ingredients. My favorite? The falafel sandwich with tahini instead of tzatziki sauce and a side salad (hold the feta).
Twitter: @MediGrillATL
Atlanta has restaurants and cafes for every body and every diet. Check out these restaurants, bakeries, and cafes and let us know in the comments below which places top your list!
Planning a date night? Combine one of these lovely vegan-friendly restaurants with a top romantic experience in Atlanta to sweep your special someone off their feet!