* Vegetarian means restaurants have vegetarian dishes.
Columbia, South Carolina, a city steeped in Southern charm, has experienced a culinary renaissance. Previously known for its traditional comfort food, it has now emerged as a thriving center for innovative and delectable plant-based cuisine. The surge in demand for healthier, more sustainable dining options has been met with creativity and enthusiasm by local chefs.
The era of uninspired and lackluster vegan offerings has passed. Columbia now showcases a wide range of vegan eateries catering to diverse tastes. From reimagined soul food classics using plant-based ingredients to sophisticated, globally-inspired dishes, there’s an option to satisfy every culinary desire. Whether you’re a committed vegan or simply seeking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, you’ll be impressed by the culinary treasures awaiting you in South Carolina’s capital.
Picture yourself savoring creamy mac and cheese without dairy, relishing juicy burgers crafted from plant-based patties, or indulging in sumptuous desserts entirely free of animal products. These are just a few of the remarkable experiences awaiting you as you explore Columbia’s vegan dining landscape. Our meticulously selected list showcases the finest establishments, featuring restaurants renowned for their exceptional cuisine, ambiance, and customer service.
Whether you’re an experienced food enthusiast or a casual diner, prepare to embark on a gastronomic adventure that will transform your perception of plant-based cuisine. Uncover the vibrant flavors, inventive dishes, and warm hospitality that distinguish Columbia’s vegan restaurants. Let’s delve into the extraordinary world of plant-based dining in the heart of the South.
A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen stands out among plant-based eateries. They’ve established a unique presence in Columbia by offering a vibrant interpretation of traditional soul food dishes, all entirely plant-based. Picture savoring “fried chick’n” sandwiches, smothered “ribs,” or velvety “mac and cheese” – each dish brimming with flavor and free from guilt. Their menu presents a delectable exploration of comforting Southern cuisine, with Caribbean influences adding a distinctive flair. Columbia residents praise A Peace of Soul’s ability to recreate beloved classics using plant-based ingredients, appealing to both vegans and curious meat-eaters. The restaurant’s ambiance, adorned with colorful African art, enhances the dining experience, making it a prime choice for a soul-nourishing vegan meal.
Fried Okra
"Chicken" Salad Sandwich
Mac & "Cheese"
Seeking a plant-based dining experience that transcends expectations? The Reizod Vegan Experience elevates Columbia’s vegan culinary landscape with its emphasis on premium, organic ingredients and inventive flavor combinations. Unlike typical vegan eateries, Reizod takes pride in creating dishes worthy of fine-dining establishments. Imagine savoring “Chi’ken Alfredo” with a luscious cashew-based sauce, robust “Ri’bs Peppers & Onions,” or a “Salmon & Rice” dish that reimagines the classic using plant-based alternatives. Their menu showcases international influences, featuring options like “Chickpea Masala” and “Jambalaya Pasta” alongside familiar comfort foods reinvented for vegan palates. Columbia residents praise Reizod’s ability to elevate vegan cuisine, offering a dining experience that delights both the taste buds and the eyes. Their dedication to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and innovative flavor profiles positions The Reizod Vegan Experience as a top choice for an exceptional plant-based meal in Columbia.
Raw Tacos
Collard Wrap
Living Burger
Good Life Cafe is a distinctive venue which caters to health-conscious Columbians seeking a globally-inspired culinary adventure. Their menu presents a diverse selection of raw, vegan, and even nut-free options, ensuring dietary restrictions don’t constrain your dining choices. Envision vibrant smoothie bowls loaded with superfoods, raw pad thai featuring spiralized vegetables, or internationally-influenced salads teeming with fresh flavors. Good Life Cafe takes pride in utilizing organic ingredients whenever feasible, making their dishes not only delectable but also nutritious.
Columbia residents regard Good Life Cafe as a leading option for its unique approach to vegan cuisine. Whether you’re an experienced vegan or simply in search of a wholesome and flavorful meal, they provide a varied menu that accommodates a wide range of tastes and preferences. With their emphasis on fresh ingredients, innovative culinary inspirations, and dedication to dietary inclusivity, Good Life Cafe delivers a guilt-free and gratifying dining experience for everyone.
Cauliflower Bites
Funky Fungi Pizza
Portobello Wrap
Tasty As Fit diverges from the conventional sit-down restaurant model. This takeaway spot serves busy Columbians on the move, providing a convenient and delectable way to energize your day with plant-based nutrition. They prioritize fresh, seasonal ingredients, creating wholesome and flavorful options prepared entirely from scratch each day.
The menu changes with the seasons, but you might encounter items such as a substantial “Mushroom & Walnut Bolognese” featuring a rich and savory nut-based sauce, or an invigorating “Spring Roll Noodle Bowl” filled with vibrant vegetables and a velvety peanut dressing. They also offer an assortment of wellness elixirs and power seed bread to complete a satisfying meal.
Columbia residents appreciate Tasty As Fit for its dedication to convenience and nutritious eating. Whether you’re seeking a quick lunch or a post-exercise snack, their grab-and-go format simplifies the integration of delicious plant-based options into your daily schedule. With an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and creative flavor combinations, Tasty As Fit stands out as a prime choice for a swift and healthful vegan bite in Columbia.
Spring Roll Noodle Bowl
Mushroom + Walnut Bolognese
Wellness Elixir
Although Verde isn’t exclusively vegan, it merits recognition for its dedication to fresh, customizable, and plant-based offerings. This environmentally conscious counter-service chain enables you to construct your own salads and wraps using a diverse selection of appetizing ingredients.
Picture assembling a salad teeming with seasonal vegetables such as roasted sweet potatoes or grilled asparagus, complemented by protein options like tofu crumbles or black bean patties. Their zesty dressings and house-prepared sauces further enhance your creation. For a more substantial meal, design your own wrap featuring ingredients such as vegan cheese, plant-based “chicken” strips, and fresh herbs.
Verde appeals to a wide range of diners, making it a favored choice for a swift and satisfying lunch among Columbia residents. They provide a convenient method to incorporate nutritious, plant-based elements into your meal, irrespective of your dietary requirements. With its emphasis on fresh ingredients, customizable options, and commitment to sustainability, Verde stands out as an excellent choice for a guilt-free and delectable plant-based meal on the move.
Unbeanlievable Burger
The Bowled Buddha
Avo Toast
2Gingers earns a place on this list due to its extensive and clearly labeled vegan options within a vibrant Indian culinary experience. This award-winning establishment caters to a diverse clientele, making it a top choice for flavorful and satisfying meals among Columbia residents, including vegans.
2Gingers presents a broad selection of classic Indian dishes, with many clearly marked as vegan alongside information on spice levels and gluten-free status. This enables diners to effortlessly navigate the menu and curate a delectable plant-based feast. Popular vegan offerings include the Saag Paneer (spinach and tofu in a rich gravy) and the Chana Masala (chickpea curry). For lighter fare, the Vegetable Samosas or the Lentil Soup are tasty options.
Columbia patrons appreciate 2Gingers for its dedication to highlighting the versatility of vegan cuisine within a familiar and beloved culinary tradition. Whether you’re an experienced vegan seeking familiar flavors with a plant-based twist, or simply exploring vegetarian options, 2Gingers provides an inviting and delicious dining experience.
Tikka Masala
Samosa
Andhra Curry
CAVA’s fast-casual Mediterranean chain employs a build-your-own concept, enabling complete customization and offering a surprising array of delicious, plant-based options. This flexibility makes it a popular choice for a swift and satisfying vegan meal among Columbia residents.
Envision creating a bowl filled with fluffy brown rice or protein-rich black lentils, topped with roasted vegetables such as eggplant and peppers. CAVA features a variety of flavorful spreads including hummus and harissa, along with an assortment of pickled vegetables for a vibrant and tangy addition. Their signature falafel, a crispy chickpea fritter bursting with flavor and protein, is not to be overlooked. Whether you desire a hearty bowl or a fulfilling pita wrap, CAVA enables you to construct a vegan creation tailored to your personal preferences.
Columbia patrons value CAVA’s dedication to fresh ingredients and its ability to accommodate diverse dietary requirements. With its customizable format, abundance of plant-based choices, and emphasis on wholesome Mediterranean flavors, CAVA stands out as an excellent option for a quick and delectable vegan meal on the go.
Harissa Avocado
Pita
Salad Bowl
Grains Bowl
The Hoot is a relaxed venue in Columbia’s Rosewood neighborhood stands out for its casual ambiance and its creative approach to classic comfort food, all entirely plant-based.
Picture savoring a succulent “Philly Cheesesteak” featuring seitan “steak” and gooey vegan cheese, or a comforting bowl of “Shroom Mac & Cheeze” that rivals the traditional version in creaminess and satisfaction. Seeking a lighter option? The Hoot’s “Boiled Peanuts” offer a southern staple with a vegan twist, while their “Gluten-Free Cheez Tots” are universally popular. Be sure to check out their weekly “Trivia Night” for an enjoyable evening of plant-based delicacies and mental challenges.
Columbia residents appreciate The Hoot for its accessible and delectable vegan fare. Whether you’re a committed vegan looking for reimagined comfort food favorites, or a curious omnivore exploring plant-based options, The Hoot provides a welcoming environment and irresistible dishes that demonstrate vegan cuisine can be far from bland.
Tomato Sandwhich
Shroom Mac & Cheese
Veg-Fil-A
Seeking a culinary journey that celebrates plant-based cuisine? Look no further than More Vegan Cafe! This innovative Columbia hotspot goes beyond mere vegan versions of classic dishes; they expand culinary horizons with a diverse menu incorporating Italian, Caribbean, American, and Asian influences.
Envision delighting your palate with “Rasta Pasta,” featuring a luscious cashew sauce and vibrant vegetables, or savoring a flavorful “Low Country Boil” reimagined with vegan seafood alternatives. More Vegan Cafe also caters to raw food enthusiasts, offering refreshing salads, raw pizzas, and wraps prepared with uncooked or minimally heated ingredients to preserve optimal nutrient content.
Columbia residents regard More Vegan Cafe as a leading option for its emphasis on variety and healthful eating. Whether you’re an experienced vegan seeking exciting flavor combinations or a vegetarian looking for a diverse menu, they accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences. The focus on fresh ingredients, creative global influences, and both cooked and raw options makes More Vegan Cafe an essential destination for anyone seeking a delicious and innovative plant-based dining experience in Columbia.
Walnut Eggroll
Carrot Dog
Raw Pizza
Falafel King in Columbia presents an enticing variation on the “vegetarian spot” concept. This eatery emphasizes vegetarian and vegan options, with a distinct focus on exploring Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. Their menu showcases a delectable array of falafel dishes, a chickpea fritter that has become a staple of vegetarian and vegan cuisine worldwide.
Patrons can anticipate classic offerings such as falafel wraps or platters accompanied by hummus, pita bread, and fresh vegetables. Falafel King elevates the experience with inventive vegetarian specialties like the “Moussaka Bake,” a layered dish of eggplant, potato, and lentils, or the “Vegetarian Gyro,” featuring marinated seitan (a wheat gluten protein) wrapped in warm pita with traditional toppings.
Columbia residents regard Falafel King as a leading option for its commitment to fresh, flavorful ingredients and its dedication to vegetarian and vegan fare. Whether you’re a committed vegetarian seeking authentic Middle Eastern cuisine or an inquisitive meat-eater looking to explore plant-based alternatives, Falafel King provides a vibrant and satisfying dining experience in the heart of Columbia.
Moussaka Bake
Falafel Wrap
Vegetarian Pizza
Green Olive transports you on a flavorful expedition through Mediterranean cuisine, providing both vegetarian and vegan options that accommodate various dietary preferences. This lively eatery goes beyond mere hummus and pita bread, showcasing the rich flavors and diverse culinary traditions of the region.
Picture savoring a vegetarian Moussaka, a layered masterpiece featuring eggplant, potatoes, and a creamy bechamel sauce (vegetarian versions typically employ a dairy-free alternative). Vegans can delight in a zesty “Imam Bayildi,” a dish of roasted eggplant filled with rice, herbs, and vegetables. Green Olive boasts a comprehensive vegetarian and vegan mezze selection, ideal for sharing with companions or crafting your own personalized plant-based feast. Envision dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), falafel (chickpea fritters), and baba ghanoush (roasted eggplant dip) – all teeming with fresh Mediterranean flavors.
Columbia residents regard Green Olive as a leading option due to its inviting atmosphere, attentive service, and dedication to offering both vegetarian and vegan choices. Whether you’re a committed vegan seeking authentic Mediterranean flavors or a vegetarian looking for a varied menu, Green Olive delivers a welcoming and delectable experience that celebrates the culinary abundance of the region.
Veggie Kebab
Eggplant Parmesan
Veggie Curry
