While Charleston may be known for it’s delicious shrimp and grits and delectable BBQs, there’s a growing movement of vegetarian and vegan friendly restaurants popping up across the city. For those that seek luscious leafy greens, perfect portobellos, and rich range of savory root vegetables, we’ve put together some of the top local vegetarian and vegan places to dine.
Jack of Cups Saloon
During your stay at one of our luxury vacation homes on Folly Beach, after you’ve spent an afternoon relaxing on the beach, take a walk up Center Street to try Jack of Cups Saloon. Its unassuming exterior can make it easy to miss but look for the small sign illustrated with a jester. Though the menu changes quarterly, star items include red curry mac n’ cheese, Coca Cola boiled peanuts, and the infamous Beyond Burger in a variety of toppings.
Huriyali Gardens
After taking a walk around the historic gardens of Hampton Park, saunter over to Huriyali Gardens to treat yourself to a soul nourishing and nutrient-packed lunch. A staff favorite, this hip restaurant offers both vegetarian and meat-based dishes but the must-try is their signature açaí bowls. Topped with a variety of fruits, nuts, sauces, and even bee pollen, their açaí bowls are to die for! Pick up one of their homemade pressed juices for on-the-go nourishment as you explore Downtown Charleston.
Gnome Cafe
Gnome Cafe is a minimalist, light-filled, Instagram-worthy restaurant dubs itself as a vegan restaurant so you won’t find any animal products on their menu. Perfect for the vegan or lactose-intolerant! The unaware customer will be wowed by their fried ‘chicken’ sandwich and tempeh Reuben with vegan Swiss cheese – a definite crowd favorite. Serving breakfast and lunch, this trendy restaurant knows how to make tasty portobello bacon!
Verde
In need of a bowl of greens and a super dose of vitamin K? Cure what ails you at Verde! A frequent lunch spot for our Luxury Simplified Retreats Concierge team, Verde serves up tossed, chopped, or wrapped salads that range from their Kale Caesar to the vegetable packed Farmers Market. Their food isn’t just good for you, it’s good for the planet as well! They serve their fresh salads using local ingredients, use bicycles to make deliveries when possible, utilize compostable containers and silverware recycling everything they can to reduce their carbon footprint.
Harbinger Cafe
A cult favorite among Charleston residents, Harbinger Cafe is a quirky little cafe nestled in the Upper King District. Established in 2017 after leaving their bakery jobs in D.C., this eclectic vegetarian friendly restaurant serves a daily rotation of plant-based salads, sandwiches, and a variety of desserts. Insider tip: make sure to visit early on Saturdays to try one of their homemade bagels, they always sell out! If you’re looking to visit and explore the historic district of Charleston, visit their newly opened sister cafe, Harken Cafe, located on Queen Street in Charleston’s French Quarter neighborhood.
It’s true, while these vegetarian restaurants in Charleston bring their own twist to the local culinary scene, there’s never a shortage of dining options or ways to experience the unique flavors of the Lowcountry – along with Charleston’s history and its breathtaking landscape.Whether you are looking to explore the downtown historic district, or spend the days on Charleston’s sun-filled beaches, book a stay with Luxury Simplified Retreats and let us help you plan the trip of a lifetime!
