A vegetarian is defined as a person who does not eat meat, poultry, fish, or ingredients derived from a slaughterhouse such as gelatin, while a person abstaining from those as well as all other animal byproducts is known as a vegan. Although restaurants serving solely vegetarian fare are not always easy to come by, many eateries have some options on their menus. The vegetarian offerings in Charleston feature diverse ingredients, such as soy cheese, flax seeds and quinoa.
Serving healthy soul food, Alluette's Cafe is not strictly vegetarian, but does not serve pork and regularly includes organic tofu and brown rice on the changing menu. Produce is locally and organically grown, and food and beverages are sugar-free. All food is prepared with a blend of extra virgin olive oil, herbs and spices in lieu of salt and animal fat. Alluette's Cafe has a casual atmosphere, showcasing the work of local artists and live entertainment, such as music and poetry readings are featured. Sample menu choices include organic lima bean soup, organic hummus, vegan or vegetarian pasta primavera and organic spinach salad. A children's menu is available at Alluette's, as well. The restaurant serves lunch Monday through Saturday, Sunday brunch, and dinner Thursday through Saturday.
Alluette's Cafe
80 A Reid St.
Charleston, SC 29403
843-577-6926
alluettes.com
The Sprout Cafe is an organic vegan restaurant featuring locally produced food and committed to sustainability, using recycled furnishings and biodegradable packaging. Chalk boards, recyclable menus and rags instead of paper towels for cleaning help keep the restaurant environmentally conscious. The foods served are "raw," meaning that they contain unprocessed plant materials not heated more than 46°C in which active enzymes will help with digestion. The Sprout Cafe's selection includes raw cashew cheese, tamari almonds, quinoa, granola, pad Thai, mock egg salad, mock tuna and flax seed crackers. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Sprout Cafe
445 King St.
Charleston, SC 29401
843-743-1439
thehealthysprout.com
Five Loaves Cafe isn't exclusively vegetarian, but it does offer many choices for the vegetarian diner, including an eggplant fritters salad, portabelllo goat cheese burger, goat cheese gnocchi, vegetable stir-fry and Greek quesadilla. The focus of the restaurant is gourmet fare and freshness, with salad dressings prepared daily and many ingredients, including the mozzarella, made in its kitchen. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.
Five Loaves Cafe
43 Cannon St.
Charleston, SC 29403
843-937-4303
fiveloavescafe.com
Although not strictly a vegetarian establishment, Your Pie has a number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly ingredients. Diners create their own pizzas with a vast array of options, waiting under five minutes for their meals to be cooked in a brick oven. Dough including gluten-free and whole wheat; sauce including spicy Thai, basil and sun-dried tomato; cheese, including vegan cheese, gorgonzola and mozzarella; veggies including sweet corn, carrots and broccoli and premium toppings including tofu and green apples are all part of the choice at Your Pie. Salads, panini and gelato are also available. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, the restaurant also offers a daily happy hour.
Your Pie
975 Savannah Hwy.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-766-4796
yourpie.com
