As a lifelong Charleston local and a passionate foodie, transitioning to a plant-based diet over the last five years has been an exciting journey. I’ve always loved exploring the city’s vibrant culinary scene, but I quickly learned that finding great vegan and vegetarian options can be a challenge. While you can often find something to eat at most restaurants, the choices aren’t always satisfying—who wants to settle for a bland salad?
Thankfully, Charleston has evolved into a world-class culinary destination. While Southern cuisine isn’t always the healthiest, the city now offers so much more than your typical fried chicken and biscuits. You’ll find a diverse array of restaurants serving local produce and international flavors, from Malaysian to Italian.
That’s why I’m here to help you navigate the plant based dining scene in Charleston! In this guide, I’ll share some of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Charleston, along with my favorite dishes to order—even at places that may lean more toward meat.
Charleston’s dining scene is diverse and delicious, and I believe everyone, regardless of dietary preferences, should get to enjoy it to the fullest!
Downtown Charleston
In this section, we are covering all the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Charleston’s downtown areas and what to order at each.
Sadly, Neon Tiger and Gnome Cafe, the only fully vegan restaurants have closed. Right now, Three Girls on Spring is the only fully vegan restaurant in downtown Charleston. Many of these recommendations are plant based with great vegan and gluten free options.
Huriyali
401 Huger Street
Huriyali is one of my favorite spots for a casual breakfast or lunch. They are a plant based restaurant serving breakfast sandwiches, toasts, smoothie bowls, and hearty salads. Most things on the menu are vegan or can be made vegan very easily.
My favorite menu items are the chickpea & tempeh breakfast sandwich, lentil nachos, breakfast burrito with lentils or chickpea, and the OG acai bowl! Pro tip: always say yes to the vegan cheese dip!
Sorghum + Salt
186 Coming Street
Sorghum + Salt is a hidden gem in Charleston. I feel like more people are finally starting to try it and everyone is loving it. They have a fully vegan menu in addition to the regular menu. It’s pretty plant forward anyways, though.
You have to try the gnocchi with cauliflower and local mushrooms.
Park and Grove
730 Rutledge Ave
Park and Grove is a great brunch/lunch spot for vegans and vegetarians. They do such a great brunch with avocado toast, shakshuka, breakfast sammies, vegetable hash, and more. For dinner, plenty of fresh produce and items like butternut ravioli, local mushrooms, beet salad, and farro salad.
It is in a more residential part of town so you’ll see plenty of locals here. Brunch is busy so make reservations well in advance.
Basic Kitchen
82 Wentworth Street
Basic Kitchen is very plant dominant, but has things for everyone. I love the cauliflower wings and the basic bowl for a clean lunch! You also HAVE to try their beet margarita.
The Harbinger Cafe and Bakery
1107 King Street
The Harbinger is the cutest neighborhood coffee shop with vegan breakfast bites like a chia seed pudding, granola bowls, and vegan pastries. Their coffee and lattes are fantastic so it’s a great option for a casual breakfast.
Edmund’s Oast
1081 Morrison Drive
Edmund’s Oast is one of my favorite restaurants and I have found several plant based options that I love. The best things to order are the crunchy salad + curly fries (because, balance), sweet potato & curried vegetable bowl, and mushroom rice noodles.
Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.
1505 King Street Ext #115
And the sister restaurant is Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. You wouldn’t expect a brewery to have great food, but they do! The veggie burger here is 1000% the best one in Charleston. If you are vegan, get it without the mayo and cheese. They also do healthyish sides like roasted broccoli and a greek pasta salad.
Verde
347 King Street
Verde is a fast, casual spot in Charleston for fresh salad and wraps. They have great menu creations or you can build your own! There are several locations around town including Mount Pleasant.
Pro tip: The Charleston International Airport has a “verde-to-go” kiosk so if you are flying through CHS, you can find a good vegan option!
Rancho Lewis
1503 King Street Ext.
Rancho Lewis is a new concept from John Lewis of Lewis BBQ – a Charleston fave. John Lewis is from Texas and grew up eating border food which was the inspiration behind this concept. It’s authentic tex-mex with some great veggie options.
I like the veggie fajitas that come with zucchini, sweet potatoes, peppers and onions along with rice, beans and tortillas. They also have veggie tacos and newly added veggie tamales. If you eat cheese, the caesar salad is fantastic too. And, don’t forget about the frozen margaritas! 🙂
Beech
315 King Street
Beech is a fun, causal place on King Street with amazing acai bowls, smoothies, cold pressed juices, and poke bowls with a vegan option! I love to get the vegan poke bowl with a mix of brown rice and zucchini noodles with tofu, mushrooms, edamame, cucumber, mango, carrots, and ginger dressing!
Co
340 King Street
Co is an Asian fusion restaurant with an entire vegan menu. Try things like a tofu banh mi, vegan pad thai, summer rolls, and a great bun xao. It is one of the easiest vegan/vegetarian restaurants in Charleston.
The Grocery
4 Cannon Street
The Grocery is a farm to table restaurant sourcing the best local produce. It is super easy to be vegan here as half of the menu is veggie options! The menu changes seasonally but you can find things like roasted beets, butternut squash, mushrooms, chopped salads, and pastas like gnocchi.
It is definitely more of a nice, dinner spot located right off of King Street.
Xiao Bao Biscuit
224 Rutledge Avenue
I love Xiao Bao Biscuit. It is housed in a former gas station so has a really unique space with ample outdoor seating.
It is an Asian fusion concept with dishes like okonomiyaki, mapo tofu, spicy papaya salad, fried rice, and more. When it is in season, their side of greens is brussels sprouts. They come served in a flavorful sauce with eggplant and the best way to try it is with a side of sticky rice to soak up the juices! One of my favorite items I look forward to in the fall.
Three Girls on Spring
Three Girls on Spring is a newer spot located on Spring Street. It is a FULLY VEGAN restaurant in Charleston and is not to be missed. They have all kinds of hot and cold sandwiches or salads. Try their “crabcake” made from artichokes or the BLT made from plants!
D’Allesandro’s Pizza
229 St Philip St, Charleston, SC 29403
If you are in the mood for pizza, my go to for a good vegan pizza is D’Allesandro’s or just, D’Alls to the locals.
The best vegan choices are ‘Amy’s Pizza’ with an olive oil base topped with fresh golden beets, artichokes and mushrooms. I also really like the ‘Get Gnarly Tempeh’, ‘Easy Being Green’, and ‘Mushroom Madness’ which are all fully vegan. In addition, they make a vegan margherita and a vegan white pizza. There’ truly so many great offerings at D’Alls!
Stella’s
114 St Philip St A, Charleston, SC 29403
Stella’s in Charleston is another fave spot for plant-based dining because Greek cuisine naturally offers many healthy options for vegans.
One of my favorites at Stella’s is the Greek salad, which bursts with vibrant flavors. For something heartier, the Yia Yia’s Skillet is a must-try, featuring organic black kale, gigantes, capers, roasted garlic, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives, all served with grilled pita. The Dolmades, or stuffed grape leaves, are a delightful addition, and the Artichoke Moussaka provides a delicious vegetarian twist on the classic dish.
With its focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients, Stella’s is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying meal without sacrificing flavor.
Sullivan’s Island and Mount Pleasant
I spend a lot of time in Mount Pleasant and on Sullivan’s Island. There are some of my go-to restaurants when visiting Sullivan’s Island and Mount P that are vegan and vegetarian friendly.
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina
2205 Middle Street
Mexican is usually a pretty easy place to find vegan options. Mex 1 Coastal Cantina has several things I love like a veggie quesadilla, cauliflower tacos with harissa & pepitas for a vegan choice, and black bean bowls.
Obstinate Daughter
2063 Middle Street
Obstinate Daughter may not look too vegan friendly at first glance, but they have a secret menu. Ask for the vegan gnocchi from their sister restaurant, Wild Olive, and for a vegan pizza. They also have several small plates on the menu like the farro piccolo (farro and brussels sprouts) and a mushroom salad.
Obstinate Daughter is a great upscale restaurant for vegans and vegetarians in Charleston.
Post House
101 Pitt St, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Post House is one of the best places to eat in Charleston even as a plant based eater. The charming restaurant is located in the Old Village neighborhood of Mount Pleasant within the quaint Post House Inn.
I love the atmosphere where you can choose to sit on their outdoor patio or cozy up to the inside bar. My favorite vegetarian option is the butterbean burger – it’s my favorite veggie burger in Charleston and thankfully a staple on their evolving menu. They often have other plant based dishes like a pesto rigatoni or ricotta toast with oyster mushrooms.
Five Loaves Cafe
1055 Johnnie Dodds Blvd #100, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Five Loaves Cafe in Mount Pleasant is another excellent plant-based option that deserves a mention. Known for its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, this cozy eatery offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes that showcase creativity and flavor.
The menu features hearty salads, flavorful soups, and satisfying entrees that highlight seasonal produce. Their focus on wholesome ingredients ensures that every meal is both nutritious and delicious.
North Charleston
North Charleston is home to one of my favorite Charleston restaurants. It’s a must visit veggie friendly restaurant in Charleston for dinner or their dim sum Sunday brunch!
Jackrabbit Filly
Jackrabbit Filly in North Charleston is a fantastic plant-based dining option that redefines New Chinese American cuisine. With a menu focused on fresh, local ingredients and bold flavors, it caters to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, ensuring everyone finds something to enjoy.
The restaurant’s standout dishes, like spicy wontons and the popular hangover noodles—with spicy mushrooms, ramen, and fried eggs—demonstrate how satisfying plant-based meals can be. Whether you’re committed to a plant-based diet or just looking for a delicious, healthy meal, Jackrabbit Filly delivers an fulfilling dining experience.
The Wrap Up: Charleston is Plant Based Friendly
Overall, Charleston is a welcoming city for plant-based eaters, whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply health-conscious. The city’s diverse culinary scene ensures that you’ll find plenty of great dining experiences that cater to your dietary preferences.
From innovative vegan restaurants to places that offer delicious plant-based options alongside traditional dishes, Charleston has healthy options. So, explore the local eateries with confidence, knowing that you can enjoy flavorful meals without compromising your lifestyle.
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