By Morgan Moser
I am going on my third year of eating plant-based and in the South, cutting out meat is easier said than done. I always make the joke that it’s so hard to find meatless options when you’re from North Carolina. As soon as you think you’ve found a perfect meal to order, it turns out that they put bacon in their collard greens and you’re back to square one. Working with RDU Gems has opened me to a world of plant-forward dining options.
Here Are My Top 5 Favorites
1. Irregardless Cafe
Irregardless happened to be the first restaurant I visited with RDU Gems and since, I have been in love with it. They have a rotating menu around produce in season and they even sustainably grow most of their food at their own farm. I was lucky enough to secure a Thanksgiving meal from them this year, and I am pretty sure I enjoyed my food more than all of the Turkey lovers in my house!
2. Fiction Kitchen
A classic favorite, The Fiction Kitchen is a 100% vegetarian kitchen with plenty of vegan options. They put vegetarian spins on your favorite southern comfort meals like Biscuits and Gravy. No more bacon in your collards here!
3. Vidrio
If you haven’t heard us rave about Vidrio then you must be new here. Well let me introduce you to one of the best places in the RDU area to eat whether you do or don’t eat meat, there’s no arguing that it is delicious. The roasted acorn squash, beet salad, and mushroom ragu are must orders in my opinion.
4. Barcelona Wine Bar
Tapas are in and are the perfect way to share dinner with friends and family. Barcelona has so many delicious plant based options on their menu. I personally love just asking our waiter/waitress to bring whatever they recommend. After all you won’t be disappointed with anything on the menu!
5. Neomonde
Since before I even started eating plant-based, Neomonde has been near the top of my list for dining out (or ordering out and dining in!) I always go for the Make-your-own platter so that I can get one of everything I’m craving. Some of my veggie go-to’s are the grape leaves, jalapeño hummus, baba ghanouj, falafel, and tabouli.
Long story short, the Triangle has so many amazing options if you are eating plant-based. Even if you aren’t every one of these restaurants is sworn by from all of the meat-lovers in my life. If you’re looking for a new place to eat out, definitely keep these restaurants bookmarked in your mind!
Like these recommendations? Be sure to check out our Favorite Dinings!