Nashville – Vegetarian Guide
In a city known for barbecue and hot chicken, you might not think you can find meat-free options in Nashville. But as the city has grown and modernized, vegetarian- and vegan-friendly eateries have popped up all over the city.
If you’re a meat-free eater heading to Nashville, keep these spots in mind when it comes time to have a meal.
Sunflower Cafe
One of the most popular vegetarian restaurants in Nashville is Sunflower Cafe. Since opening in 2012, they’ve been serving up delicious food that’s almost entirely meat- and dairy-free. Sunflower Cafe also sources its food locally in order to support the community. It’s the perfect place for lunch, as the menu offers lighter fare like wraps, salads, sandwiches, and quinoa bowls.
Sunflower Cafe serves its food buffet-style, in which you grab a tray and line up, just like the good old cafeteria days. But you can be sure that this food is freshly made with care. The buffet-style gives you a great overview of all your delectable options. For a vegan-friendly eatery in Nashville with lots of options, you can’t go wrong with Sunflower cafe.
The Wild Cow
Vegans and vegetarians should definitely keep The Wild Cow on their radar. This a casual eatery that serves unique twists on classics like nachos, queso, and burgers.
One of their most popular creations is the potato and black bean nachos. This filling dish comes with homemade jerk sauce, peanut tempeh, and sauteed kale. With flavorful dishes such as this one, diners at The Wild Cow see firsthand that healthy vegetarian and vegan food can be just as tasty as dishes with meat in them. The Wild Cow strives to serve food that’s delicious in its own right, not just for a vegetarian restaurant.
Not only will your body feel good after eating a healthy meal, but your heart as well. Every Thursday, The Wild Cow donates 2.5% of its sales to their designated charity of the month. Between sourcing their produce locally and donating to local charities, The Wild Cow is truly embedded in the Nashville community.
Graze Nashville
If you’re a fan of The Wild Cow, add Graze Nashville to your list of places to visit. This eatery is owned by the same people that own The Wild Cow, so you know it’s going to be a similarly spectacular experience.
Just like their sister restaurant, Graze Nashville serves healthy vegetarian food in a casual and comfortable atmosphere. This small cafe has a warm atmosphere with hanging plants, string lights, and a small bar serving up some refreshing cocktails.
Options at Graze Nashville include Szechuan Brussels sprouts, housemade cauliflower queso, kimchi fried rice, and “chorizo” and potato burritos. The portions are generous, so you’re sure to leave satisfied. Even non-vegans who try Graze Nashville are impressed with the creative and enjoyable food. Whether you’re there for dinner or to indulge in a boozy brunch, Graze Nashville is a great place to be.
Butcher & Bee
While Butcher & Bee is not a completely vegetarian restaurant, they make it very easy to eat meat-free. Bring your carnivore friends along with you to try some of Butcher & Bee’s appetizing dishes made from scratch.
Start your meal with the whipped feta appetizer, one of the most highly recommended items on the menu. Then try vegan dishes like avocado crispy rice with serrano chiles, “chicken fried” cauliflower, and falafel pita.
Butcher & Bee’s food is as photogenic as it is tasty. This is the kind of place where you have to snap a few pictures before diving into your meal. You can enjoy a meal outside on their patio along with a refreshing beer from their bar. Or when you dine inside, you can watch the chefs in action in their open kitchen. Both vegetarians and traditional eaters alike will find something to enjoy at Butcher & Bee.
Chaatable
Chaatable is a relatively new restaurant that serves traditional Indian food. The name was inspired by chaat, a type of flavorful Indian street food.
When you first step foot into the dining room, you’re greeted by colorful walls, Bollywood film posters, and bright light fixtures that are actually upside-down umbrellas. In the center of this upbeat dining area, there’s an open bar where guests can order a cocktail or watch as a chef prepares a small appetizer.
Their menu is vegetarian-friendly and features flavorful meals like spiced potato samosas, cauliflower masala, and pan-seared maggi noodles. There’s a lot to try at Chaatable, so you may want to order multiple small plates and split them amongst your group.
The Southern V
Vegans from far and wide in search of the most options possible should head over to The Southern V. This eatery is completely vegan, and the majority of meals are made from scratch.
Vegan visitors may feel left out while their friends are enjoying the city’s celebrated Nashville hot chicken. Well, at The Southern V, vegans can join in on the fun. The Southern V’s Hot Chick’n Strips are crispy seitan strips that pack the heat as much as regular Nashville hot chicken does.
One of the greatest parts of The Southern V is that it recreates indulgent meals in a much more healthy way. Think barbecue jackfruit sliders, loaded-up nachos, macaroni and “cheeze,” and a vegan BLT. You’ll get to indulge Southern comfort food without the guilt or sacrifice. Even if you don’t have any dietary restrictions, you should totally try out these creative recreations.
Vegan Vee
From the outside, Vegan Vee looks like an unassuming, retro garage that time has forgotten. But step inside and you’re greeted by a warm atmosphere filled with tempting baked goods. These desserts are something you can feel good about. Vegan Vee prioritizes the use of organic, vegan, and gluten-free ingredients.
If you can’t make it over to their brick-and-mortar location, you can still try Vegan Vee desserts in eateries across the city. The Wild Cow, for example, stocks their baked goods for all customers to enjoy.
At Vegan Vee, you can enjoy dessert without worrying about dietary restrictions. The s’mores cup, matcha green tea “cheesecake” bars, and snickerdoodle muffins are among some of the most unique options to check out.