If you’re a vegetarian planning to visit Charleston, you might be concerned about finding restaurants that cater to your dietary needs. While Charleston is renowned for its culinary scene, it’s true that there are relatively few vegetarian-specific restaurants in the city. However, don’t let that discourage you! With a little research, you can still find plenty of vegetarian-friendly options in Charleston.
Our guide to vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Charleston includes a mix of well-known downtown spots and local gems. While not all of these restaurants are strictly vegetarian, they all offer at least a few quality vegetarian dishes on their menus. From Mexican and pizza joints to brunch spots and vegan-specific restaurants, there’s something for every taste and budget. Keep reading to discover some of the best vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Charleston.
Downtown Charleston Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants
If you’re looking for vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Charleston, downtown is the place to be. The peninsula has the largest concentration of vegetarian options in the city, and many established restaurants are now catering to vegetarian and vegan patrons as well. Here are ten vegetarian-friendly restaurants in downtown Charleston that we recommend:
- 82 Queen
- Basic Kitchen
- Beech
- Butcher & Bee
- Chasing Sage
- Fuel
- Huriyali Gardens
- Neon Tiger
- Pink Cactus
- The Grocery
Our top pick for vegetarian-friendly restaurants in downtown Charleston is the Pink Cactus. This Mexican restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious vegetarian options. While parking can be a challenge on busy nights, the Pink Cactus is within walking distance of several parking garages downtown. If you’re looking for a date night spot, Butcher & Bee is a great option, and 82 Queen is perfect for special occasions.
James Island and Folly Beach Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants
If you are looking for vegetarian-friendly restaurants on James Island or Folly Beach, you have plenty of options to choose from. On Center Street at the beach, there are a couple of vegetarian restaurants to choose from. Meanwhile, James Island has many vegetarian-friendly restaurants concentrated on Maybank Highway, with various options scattered throughout the island.
Some of the best vegetarian-friendly restaurants to check out on James Island include Azul Mexicano, Coastal Crust, Chico Feo, Crust Wood Fired Pizza, Lost Dog Café, Jack of Cups, Rita’s Seaside Grille (for breakfast and brunch), Taco Boy, and Thai Elephants. Zia Taqueria is another option to consider.
Our pick for the best vegetarian-friendly restaurant on James Island or at Folly Beach is Taco Boy. The restaurant’s new location offers a dinner-at-the-beach experience, especially in the evening with a warm ocean breeze. The ingredients are fresh, and the tempura avocado tacos are worth the drive to Folly Beach alone. Jack of Cups is a very close second, with the entire menu being vegetarian and multiple vegan options available. The flavors range from Thai peanut and ginger to tofu with cumin and cilantro.
Johns Island and Kiawah Island Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants
If you’re looking for vegetarian-friendly restaurants on Johns Island or Kiawah Island, you’re in luck! There are several great options to choose from. Here are our top picks:
- Cabana Burgers & Shakes
- Cantina 76
- Fiji Sushi
- Island Provisions
- KISS Café
- La Tela Pizzeria
- Minero Mexican Grill & Cantina
- King Street Grille
- Tolli’s Trattoria
- Wild Olive
Our favorite vegetarian-friendly restaurant is La Tela Pizzeria in Freshfields Village on Kiawah Island. The wood-fired pizzas are excellent, and they also have a variety of vegetarian-friendly pasta options. The atmosphere is chic but casual, making it a great spot for a date night or a family dinner.
If you’re looking for something more casual, King Street Grille has some of the best waffle fries you’ll find anywhere. They also have several vegetarian-friendly options on their menu.
Overall, there are plenty of great vegetarian-friendly restaurants to choose from on Johns Island and Kiawah Island. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, sushi, or burgers, you’re sure to find something delicious.
Mount Pleasant Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants
If you’re looking for vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Mount Pleasant, you won’t be disappointed. Some of the most popular vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Charleston are located in this area. Basil, Five Loaves Café, and The Pickled Palate are just a few examples of the many options available.
One of the best things about the vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Mount Pleasant is that they are scattered throughout the area. This means that you can choose one to visit on your way to or from Sullivan’s Island or Isle of Palms. Alternatively, you can pick one and explore its surroundings.
If you had to choose just one vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Mount Pleasant, we recommend Tavern & Table. Although it doesn’t have a ton of vegetarian-friendly dishes, the setting and view make up for the lack of options. This Shem Creek restaurant was even featured in the recent article “A Restaurant a Night: Dining Out for a Week in Charleston.” If you can, sit outside and enjoy watching the boats go by as the sun goes down over Charleston.
If you’re in the mood for brunch, Five Loaves Café is definitely worth a visit. However, if you’re looking for something different, Page’s Okra Grill also offers a vegetarian-friendly breakfast and brunch menu. Other great options in Mount Pleasant include Graze, Opal, SOL Mt. Pleasant, The Mustard Seed, and Vicious Biscuit.
Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants
If you’re a vegetarian and planning to visit Sullivan’s Island or Isle of Palms, you’ll be pleased to know that there are several restaurants on both islands that cater to your dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, you’ll find a variety of vegetarian options to choose from.
Some of the vegetarian-friendly restaurants on Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms include Coastal Provisions, High Thyme Cuisine, Mex 1 Coastal Cantina, Papi’s Taqueria, The Co-op, The Dinghy, The Longboard (breakfast & brunch), The Obstinate Daughter, The Refuge, and Woody’s Eatery.
Our top pick for a vegetarian-friendly restaurant on Sullivan’s Island or Isle of Palms is The Co-op. Their Veggie Sammie sandwich is a must-try, and they also offer boat charters that provide a scenic view of the Charleston skyline. If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, The Obstinate Daughter is a popular local restaurant that offers refined cuisine without being too formal.
Overall, whether you’re a vegetarian or not, there are plenty of great dining options to explore on Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms.
West Ashley Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants
As a vegetarian, finding a restaurant that caters to your dietary needs can be a challenge. However, West Ashley has a variety of vegetarian-friendly restaurants that offer a range of cuisines to choose from. Here are some of the top vegetarian-friendly restaurants in West Ashley:
Dellzville
Dellzville on Ashley River Road is a popular vegetarian restaurant that offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. Their menu includes salads, wraps, bowls, and smoothies. They also have gluten-free options available.
Boxcar Betty’s
Boxcar Betty’s is a local favorite known for its deep-fried chicken sandwiches. However, they also offer a vegetarian option – a pimento cheese-stuffed portobello mushroom cap. It’s a must-try for any vegetarian visiting the area.
Taco Bartina
If you’re a fan of Mexican food, then Taco Bartina is the place for you. Their menu includes burritos, tacos, and nachos, all of which can be made vegetarian. They also offer a tres leches cake for dessert, which pairs perfectly with a Mexican Coke.
Three Little Birds Café
Located on Windermere Boulevard, Three Little Birds Café is a small stand-alone café that offers fresh wraps, sandwiches, salads, and more. They have a variety of vegetarian options available, including a veggie burger and a hummus wrap.
Agave Mexican Cantina
Agave Mexican Cantina is another great option for Mexican food lovers. Their menu includes vegetarian options such as vegetarian fajitas, veggie tacos, and veggie enchiladas. They also have a variety of margaritas to choose from.
Red Orchids
Red Orchids is a Chinese restaurant that offers vegetarian options such as vegetable fried rice, vegetable lo mein, and vegetable stir-fry. They also have a vegetarian version of their popular General Tso’s chicken.
Mellow Mushroom
Mellow Mushroom is a pizza restaurant that offers vegetarian and vegan options. Their menu includes a variety of vegetarian pizzas, as well as salads and hoagies. They also have gluten-free options available.
Senor Tequila’s
Senor Tequila’s is another Mexican restaurant that offers vegetarian options such as veggie fajitas, veggie burritos, and veggie tacos. They also have a variety of margaritas to choose from.
Metro Diner
Metro Diner is a diner-style restaurant that offers vegetarian options such as veggie burgers, veggie omelets, and veggie salads. They also have a variety of breakfast options available all day.
The Gathering Café
The Gathering Café is a café that offers vegetarian options such as veggie wraps, veggie sandwiches, and veggie salads. They also have a variety of smoothies and juices to choose from.
Our pick for the best vegetarian-friendly restaurant in West Ashley is Taco Bartina. Their Mexican cuisine offers a variety of vegetarian options, and their tres leches cake is a must-try. However, if you’re not a fan of Mexican food, Three Little Birds Café is a great alternative. Their fresh wraps and sandwiches are sure to satisfy any vegetarian’s appetite.
In conclusion, West Ashley has a variety of vegetarian-friendly restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for Mexican food, pizza, or Chinese food, there’s a restaurant in West Ashley that caters to your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated vegetarian-friendly restaurants in downtown Charleston, SC?
Charleston, SC has a growing number of vegetarian-friendly restaurants. Some of the top-rated vegetarian-friendly restaurants in downtown Charleston, SC include Beech, FIG, Basic Kitchen, and Magnolias. These restaurants offer a variety of vegetarian dishes that are both healthy and delicious.
Can you recommend healthy vegetarian dining options in Charleston?
Yes, there are several healthy vegetarian dining options in Charleston. Some of the best options include Basic Kitchen, Beech, and The Daily. These restaurants offer a variety of vegetarian dishes that are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Where can I find vegan pizza in Charleston, SC?
If you’re looking for vegan pizza in Charleston, SC, there are several options available. Neon Tiger and D’Allesandro’s Pizza are two popular spots that offer vegan pizza. Both restaurants offer a variety of toppings to choose from, so you can customize your pizza to your liking.
Are there any notable vegan restaurants in North Charleston, SC?
While North Charleston, SC may not have as many vegan restaurants as downtown Charleston, there are still several notable options available. Some of the best vegan restaurants in North Charleston include Dellz Uptown and The Sprout. These restaurants offer a variety of vegan dishes that are both healthy and delicious.
What vegetarian dining experiences are available in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Mount Pleasant, SC has several vegetarian dining experiences available. Some of the best options include Graze, which offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and The Pickled Palate, which offers a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options.
What iconic dishes can vegetarians enjoy in Charleston’s famous restaurants?
Charleston’s famous restaurants offer a variety of iconic dishes that vegetarians can enjoy. Some of the best options include the Vegetable Plate at Husk, the Vegetable Curry at Saffron Cafe & Bakery, and the Vegetarian Plate at Magnolias. These dishes are made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and are sure to please even the most discerning vegetarian palate.
