Restaurant Guide

RESTAURANTS

De-Sweet, De-Carb, Reset

Kick off the new year with light, healthy fare at these Charlotte eateries

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. Find some highlights in this month’s restaurant guide. —Taylor Bowler

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR A FULL DIRECTORY OF RESTAURANT LISTINGS.

(Clockwise from top) Eight + Sand's Shakshuka; Kid Cashew's rotisserie chicken with sides; YAFO Kitchen’s chicken shawarma bowl.

Plant Joy’s Falafel Tower.

FEATURED RESTAURANT PLANT JOY

1801 N. Graham St., Ste. 101 980-237-4855 CAMP NORTH END o ers 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 red vegetables, skewers, and rotisserie chicken.

FERN, FLAVORS FROM THE GARDEN

1419 East Blvd., Ste. A 704-377-1825 This vegetarian restaurant serves plantbased entrees, sides, and desserts.

CILANTRO NOODLE

2001 Commonwealth Ave. 704-345-9490 Structured like Chipotle, build-yourown meals include a base starch (egg noodles, vermicelli noodles, white rice, or fried rice), one protein, and ve 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 lling 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

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, deepfried half-duck in a spicy sauce.

ESTIA’S KOUZINA

609 N. Main St., Belmont 704-825-7005 This upscale Mediterranean restaurant o ers 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 nd something at this colorful eatery.

ROOTS CAFE

2135 Southend Drive, Ste. 109 980-260-3111 This restaurant o ers a simple menu of breakfast burritos, grain bowls, sandwiches, and co ee. 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 atbreads 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.