Whether you’re searching for Meatless Monday inspiration or just interested in exploring Asheville’s plant-based food scene — we’re dishing out our favorite vegan and vegetarian spots around town.
Pro tip: bookmark this guide so you can come back to it time and time again.
Rosetta’s Kitchen, 116 N. Lexington Ave.
Rosetta’s serves lunch, dinner + late night bites. The local institution focuses on whole food, local, and organic dishes. Our go-to order is the the Family Favorite, featuring peanut butter-baked organic tofu, sautéed kale, and smashed potatoes gravy.
You can also never go wrong with The Trashy Vegan’s Tot Burger. | Photo by @homegrownvegana
The Trashy Vegan, 697 Haywood Rd.
As the name suggests, this West Asheville joint serves up vegan comforts like cheeseburgers, chick’n sandwiches, and loaded fries. Be sure to follow The Trashy Vegan on Instagram to stay up-to-date on weekly specials.
Dough House, 601 W. State St., Black Mountain
This made-to-order vegan donut shop is sister to The Trashy Vegan. Pro tip: try the the Boston Cream Filled and the Chai Glaze.
Tahini Jar’s vegan mushroom shawarma is pure delight.
Photo by @tahinijar
Tahini Jar Food Truck, Location varies
Plant-based food on wheels. Check out this local food truck’s schedule to find it around town + be sure to try the Loaded Falafel Fries, featuring shawarma seasoning, toum, warm falafel bites, harissa, and fresh parsley.
Laughing Seed Cafe, 40 Wall St.
This downtown staple offers a wide variety of vegan, vegetarian, nut-free, and gluten-free fare. Pro tip: try the Harmony Bowl with grilled tempeh, organic brown rice, black beans, seasonal veggies, and a delicious sesame ginger sauce.
Green Sage Café, various locations
Green Sage caters to a multitude of dietary requirements with its menu of juices, smoothies, fresh pastries, pancakes, biscuits, salads, grain bowls, sandwiches, and tacos.
Plant, 165 Merrimon Ave.
Don’t miss this sophisticated fine dining vegan spot. The menu typically varies by season, but some things we always order are the Crispy Mushroom Mole, Pecan Crusted Tempeh, and the Peanut Butter Cheesecake for dessert.
Pulp + Sprout Juice Bar + Vegan Café, 233 S. Liberty St.
This café is teeming with colorful menu choices — like the Goji Apparatus smoothie bowl with goji berries, strawberries, blueberries, and banana slices, and the Up-Beet Salad with lettuce, roasted beets, cucumber, avocado, and cashew ricotta. Pro tip: ask about the rotating selection of vegan cheesecakes and pies.
The Smokin’ Onion’s food is just as beautiful as its vibrant truck.
Photo by @thesmokinonion
The Smokin’ Onion Food Truck, Location varies
Two words: vegan nachos. Run, don’t walk to The Smokin’ Onion’s website to find its schedule so you can enjoy tortilla chips smothered with cashew queso, pinto beans, lettuce, tomatoes, pickled jalapenos, and salsa. Oh, and add the Fried Brussels + Kai Smash Burger to your must-order list.
Gallivant Coffee, 126 Elkwood Ave., Woodfin
If you’re an oat milk latte lover, Gallivant Coffee may soon become your second home. The coffee shop prioritizes ethically sourced and organically grown ingredients and maintains a 100% plant-based menu. Pro tip: try the Wildflower Latte, featuring crushed edible flowers and your choice of plant-based milk.
Skewers of mushroom anticucho over coals.
Photo via @ayni51peruvianfood
Limaq, 745 Carl Eller Rd., Mars Hill
This vegan Peruvian eatery, launched by chef Chuck Cutler-Gutiérrez, is coming soon. In the interim, follow Limaq on Instagram for information about pop-up dinners and to stay up-to-date on opening news.
Simple Café & Juice Bar, 643 Haywood Rd.
Take our advice: order the Carrot Cake smoothie and the Vegan Crunch Wrap Supreme. Also, be sure to browse the fresh-baked pastry selection.
Baba Nahm, 1 Page Ave.
Baba Nahm’s crispy falafels are what dreams are made of. Plus, try the Israeli Fries an order of the Dolma with tahini. In a hurry? Order online.
Bonus: Pizza joints like Mellow Mushroom offer vegan cheese and meat substitute options for toppings. If you’re looking for something sweet, The Hop Ice Cream Cafe has a huge selection of vegan ice cream on its menu.
Did we miss one of your favorite vegan joints? Let us know so we can add it to this guide. Want more local food recs? We have guides to Asheville brunch spots, food trucks, and açaí bowls too.
