listnorthcarolinabusinesses

If you’re ready to swap out heavy holiday meals and sugar-laden treats with veggies, grains, and lean meats, Charlotte has plenty of healthy options. These Mediterranean-focused menus and plant-based options are so tasty, you’ll forget they’re healthy, too.

FEATURED RESTAURANT: PLANT JOY
1801 N. Graham St., Ste. 101
980-237-4855
Camp North End offers plenty of opportunities to indulge, but when you need a good reset meal, head to this plant-powered kitchen. Feast on locally sourced, nutrient-dense, vegan dishes like Rainbow Toast and the Falafel Tower. For a colorful medley, try the Socca and Salad, a refreshing dose of sesame-massaged kale, beets, and microgreens served on a chickpea crepe that’s satisfying whether or not you’re vegan.

KID CASHEW
1608 East Blvd.
704-208-4148
This Mediterranean-focused menu includes kale and quinoa bowls, wood-fired vegetables, skewers, and rotisserie chicken.

Kid Cashew’s rotisserie chicken with sides. Photo by Peter Taylor.

FERN, FLAVORS FROM THE GARDEN
1419 East Blvd., Ste. A
704-377-1825
This vegetarian restaurant serves plant-based entrees, sides, and desserts.

CILANTRO NOODLE
2001 Commonwealth Ave.
704-345-9490
Structured like Chipotle, build-your-own meals include a base starch (egg noodles, vermicelli noodles, white rice, or fried rice), one protein, and five toppings.

EIGHT + SAND KITCHEN
135 New Bern St.
704-370-9696
The artisanal breads and pastries are tough to resist, but for a healthy and filling meal, order the Shakshuka, a skillet of poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce with kale, chickpeas, onions, and garlic.

LIVING KITCHEN
2000 South Blvd., Ste. 300
704-333-0008
This vegan gem is known for its gluten-free quinoa veggie burgers, sweet potato sushi rolls, and Lemon Berry Cheesecake made with cashews, coconut, and lemon on a pecan crust.

YAFO Kitchen’s chicken shawarma bowl. Photo by Peter Taylor.

YAFO KITCHEN
720 Governor Morrison St., Ste. 120
704-365-7130
With additional locations in Dilworth and Plaza Midwood, this fast-casual concept serves Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired fare in wraps, salads, and grain bowls.

BASIL THAI
210 N. Church St.
704-332-7212
Thai lovers can sate their cravings with traditional pad thai, while those with more daring palates can try dishes like Crispy Red Curry Duck, a rich, deep-fried half-duck in a spicy sauce.

ESTIA’S KOUZINA
609 N. Main St., Belmont
704-825-7005
This upscale Mediterranean restaurant offers healthy and delicious dishes like gyro pitas, lamb burgers, and hearty salads.

FLOWER CHILD
1537 Camden Road
980-294-0500
Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, paleo, or just hungry, you can find something at this colorful eatery.

ROOTS CAFE
2135 Southend Drive, Ste. 109
980-260-3111
This restaurant offers a simple menu of breakfast burritos, grain bowls, sandwiches, and coffee.

OH MY SOUL
3046 N. Davidson St.
704-891-4664
Enjoy Buddha bowls, vegan nachos, fruit smoothies, and dairy-free lattes on a patio where dogs are always welcome.

CRUNCH BISTRO
401 N. Tryon St.
980-498-5774
Order fresh salads, wraps, and flatbreads that help you stay on track with your nutritional goals and never leave you hungry.

VILLAGE JUICE CO.
1115 N. Brevard St.
704-705-2220
This juice bar inside Optimist Hall serves smoothies, grain bowls, and salads.