ATLANTA'S CASUAL AND COMFORTING VEGAN FARE
March 03 2024 – Delikate Rayne
Atlanta was once a vegetarian and vegan desert. Today, thanks to the efforts of countless talented chefs and vegan enthusiasts, whether they are locals of the city or from beyond, Atlanta now has a wide variety of vegan cuisines and restaurants to choose from. In this post, we are bringing you some of Atlanta’s leading restaurants in casual and comforting vegan foods.
Likely the most well-known vegan establishment in Atlanta is Slutty Vegan ATL, a vegan burger joint with a fun atmosphere, featuring provocative burger names such as the Super Slut and the Hollywood Hooker. Its popularity has earned it two brick and mortar locations and a bar, the Bar Vegan, where it serves vegan snacks and specialty cocktails. If you’re looking for more burgers, GoVinda’s Cafe serves burgers, sandwiches and burritos. If you’re in a different mood and are searching for a vegan spot that does Classic Hibachi justice, Hippie Hibachi serves dishes like plant based teriyaki chicken with a variety of veggies and fried rice.
Of course, it would not be Atlanta without some delicious southern and soul food. The star of the show here is Soul Vegetarian Restaurant. Run by the Atlanta chapter of the African Hebrew Institute Community of Jerusalem since 1979, it is one of Atlanta’s first vegan restaurants. There is also Go Vegan Grill which serves fried “chicken” alongside burgers, breakfast foods, and tacos.
As for other cuisines, Atlanta does not disappoint. In fact, there is enough international cuisine to warrant its own guide! But for now, here are some highlights: Plant-Based Pizzeria markets itself as Atlanta’s first vegan pizzeria, complete with gluten-free crust options available and desserts. Cafe Sunflower is a local favorite, serving vegan dishes influenced by Asia, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and the American southwest. Its price range is a little higher than most of the other restaurants on this list, so it can also make for a finer dining experience.
Some restaurants specialize or have menus dedicated to bringing out the freshest flavors by focusing on raw foods. Lov’n It Live maintains strong connections with local farmers to support local economies and provide their customers with the freshest and finest foods. Their comforting atmosphere serves as a calming haven in the otherwise busy business district. Tassili’s Raw Reality Cafe brings its customers delicious wraps and salads with the best kale in Atlanta. They also have a raw food extravaganza annually in the first week of June titled “Wonderful Wizards of Raw.”
This list would be incomplete without certain favorite restaurants, such as Local Green Atlanta, which sits in a food desert area and has offerings for vegans, vegetarians and pescetarians in a casual, urban environment. Atlanta’s True Food Kitchen is located in Lenox Square, a popular shopping location. Its menu, which consists of a variety of cuisines, is constantly shifting with the seasons and results in creative dishes.
If you’re looking for a treat, there are also a few available options! Dulce Vegan Bakery and Cafe is a completely vegan bakery, with options that are gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free. They also have sandwiches and soups for a heartier snack. Tassili’s Raw Reality Cafe, previously mentioned as a raw food restaurant, offers raw desserts. Cafe Sunflower also has an abundance of cakes.
Finally, if you’re looking for a more outdoor experience, there is the Atlanta Food Truck Park, which rebranded itself as vegan in 2019! Various vegan restaurants and vendors set up their food trucks there, making it a great place to explore all the different types of vegan cuisine Atlanta has to offer!