Former rotating Farmer's Market Plate: Vegan sweet potato gnoochi with turnips and cashew cream
1 / 10

The Fiction Kitchen

4.6
·491k reviews·,

Raleigh's pioneering 100% vegan eatery offering globally inspired twists on Southern comfort food, creative cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Former rotating Farmer's Market Plate: Vegan sweet potato gnoochi with turnips and cashew cream

The Fiction Kitchen

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Raleigh's pioneering 100% vegan eatery offering globally inspired twists on Southern comfort food, creative cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Experience exceptional vegan cuisine with unique twists on Southern favorites and creative cocktails in a lively atmosphere."

TIP

Reservations Recommended

The restaurant is popular and can get busy, so making reservations in advance is advised.

Don't Miss Signature Dishes

Reviewers rave about the Lion's Mane Rangoons, BBQ dishes, and smoked potatoes. Ask for recommendations!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 4:30PM

Cuisine

Vegan / Vegetarian / Southern

Price

Mid-range

Phone

(919) 929-8400

Address

2431 Crabtree Blvd Suite 103, Raleigh, NC 27604, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Innovative Vegan Southern Comfort Food

Innovative Vegan Southern Comfort Food

Experience creative vegan twists on Southern classics like BBQ pulled pork and fried chicken. A must-try for plant-based eaters and curious omnivores alike.

5 Best Restaurants in Raleigh, North CarolinaWhere to Find the Best Fried Chicken in Raleigh, N.C.10 Best Restaurants In Raleigh+1
Exceptional Lion's Mane Rangoons

Exceptional Lion's Mane Rangoons

These highly acclaimed Lion's Mane Rangoons are a standout appetizer, praised for their flavor and texture, often described as a must-try.

Google Review
Creative Craft Cocktails

Creative Craft Cocktails

Enjoy unique and well-crafted cocktails, including house-made sodas and inspired non-alcoholic options, perfectly complementing the global menu.

Google Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Throwback to May 2022 when I accidentally ordered a bbq plate from a vegan restaurant. Since then, I have eaten a Fiction Kitchen MANY times…including at their new location. It still slaps. One of my favorite spots in Raleigh NC. #vegan #foodreview #raleigh
@danny.enzo
25 likes • 789 views

Reservations Recommended

The restaurant is popular and can get busy, so making reservations in advance is advised.

Don't Miss Signature Dishes

Reviewers rave about the Lion's Mane Rangoons, BBQ dishes, and smoked potatoes. Ask for recommendations!

Tried Fiction Kitchen for the first time #raleighnc #foodie #vegan #vegantiktok
@whereismarybeth
12 likes • 328 views
Chicken & Waffles in Raleigh, NC. #chickenandwaffles #brunch #breakfast #fyp #RaleighNC #MetroDiner #FictionKitchen #TupeloHoney #DamesChickenandWaffles #RDUeats
@thebrandivanessa
89 likes • 3.3K views

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

If you prefer a more relaxed dining experience, consider visiting when it's less crowded.

Embrace the Vegan Experience

View the food for what it is – creative plant-based dishes – rather than a direct mimic of meat.

Tips

from all over the internet

Reservations Recommended

The restaurant is popular and can get busy, so making reservations in advance is advised.

Don't Miss Signature Dishes

Reviewers rave about the Lion's Mane Rangoons, BBQ dishes, and smoked potatoes. Ask for recommendations!

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

If you prefer a more relaxed dining experience, consider visiting when it's less crowded.

Embrace the Vegan Experience

View the food for what it is – creative plant-based dishes – rather than a direct mimic of meat.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Fiction Kitchen is lauded for its inventive and delicious all-vegan menu, offering creative takes on Southern comfort food and globally inspired dishes. Many praise the friendly service, lively atmosphere, and unique craft cocktails. However, some diners have noted that the focus on processed ingredients might not appeal to those seeking strictly 'healthy' vegan options, and one reviewer found the service rushed due to reservation scheduling.

"Love it! If you've been vegetarian / vegan all your life, this place will be a creative delight. If you were non-vegetarian anytime in the past, this might be a bit of a let down. I urge you to see the food here for what it is an not what it tries to mimic. Putting that aside, the food here is pretty great! Very healthy and balanced. Drinks are great and our server Castle was fast and friendly. We came in late and stayed a bit past closing and they still treated us with a smile. A++ service.

Interior decor feels like something straight out of Edward Hopper's Nighthawks painting. Dim lighting with mid-century vibes. Perfect spot for a date night!"

Rasikanand Harvind

"Finally had a chance to dine here and we were not disappointed! This restaurant has a nice atmosphere, good service and thoughtfully prepared vegan dishes. The food presentation was very good. The risotto was delicious and tasted very fresh. The peanut noodle bowl was also very good but quite rich and I would have liked a bit more spice; I would ask for that next time. Overall it was a nice dining experience and I will be back."

David M

"This is the place you’ve got to hit up in Raleigh. Exceptional all-vegan menu, great vibes, and wonderful people. I can’t say enough. Get yourself to FK immediately. Great drinks including lots of inspired non-alc.

Lion’s mane rangoons: 11/10 - the reason i came here, did not disappoint, can’t miss these. Great chili sauce.

Mozz bites: 8/10 - good in the way that fried things are good.

BBQ: 11/10 - the best i’ve had anywhere. Flavors, texture, everything on point.

Mac: 7/10 - thick layer on top was like hash browns, then almost a pimento cheese in the mac itself. Probably 8-9 with thinner layer of topping.

Smoked potats: 10/10 - ranch or old bayo to dip

Meatloaf: 10/10 - didn’t love the setup as much, but main event was excellent. I want this with the smoked potats.

Fried chik: 8/10 - good with a sauce to dip

Fries: not for me, shoestring, plain

Ranch: 9/10
Old bayo: 9/10
Marinara: 8/10

Drink was a castle original with lemon and ginger. Very good. 11/10"

Justin Vizaro

What People Like

Innovative vegan twists on Southern classics
Creative craft cocktails and house-made sodas
Friendly and accommodating service

What People Dislike

Perceived over-reliance on processed ingredients
Occasional rushed service due to timed reservations

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, The Fiction Kitchen is a 100% vegan and vegetarian restaurant, offering a wide array of plant-based dishes.

20 Top Vegetarian Restaurants In Raleigh NC (+ Vegan)10 Best Restaurants In RaleighThe Best Restaurants in Raleigh, North Carolina

Yes, the menu includes many gluten-free options, with items like Fuday Quiche and N.C. Peanut Noodle Bowl noted.

Hands Down the Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Raleigh20 Top Vegetarian Restaurants In Raleigh NC (+ Vegan)

Reviewers highly recommend the Lion's Mane Rangoons, BBQ dishes, and the smoked potatoes. Many also love the vegan 'chicken' and waffles.

Where to Find the Best Fried Chicken in Raleigh, N.C.10 Best Restaurants In RaleighGoogle Review

It's recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak hours, as the restaurant can get busy.

The restaurant has a lively and vibrant atmosphere with colorful decor, often described as having a mid-century vibe.

Exploring 9 Of The Best Restaurants in Raleigh, NC for 2024Google Review

Yes, the restaurant is known for its creative craft cocktails and house-made sodas, with many inspired non-alcoholic options.

20 Top Vegetarian Restaurants In Raleigh NC (+ Vegan)Google Review

Absolutely! Many reviewers, including those who are not vegan, have found the food to be exceptional and surprising.

Where to Find the Best Fried Chicken in Raleigh, N.C.10 Best Restaurants In RaleighGoogle Review

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The food here might lead a carnivore to consider vegetarianism, but then they’ll realize what a pain it is to cook that way every night, and just vow to eat here as often as possible instead. Which is actually pretty easy because the cornmeal-crusted oyster mushrooms and bulgogi seitan tacos are THAT GOOD.

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The Fiction Kitchen wanted to make a 100% vegetarian restaurant, and succeeded in starting a “local food revolution.” The creators grew tired of searching for inspiring, new vegetarian dishes in the Raleigh area, so they challenged themselves to come up with their own. Fiction Kitchen’s menu includes many gluten-free options from dinner to brunch, such as Fuday Quiche, N.C. Peanut Noodle Bowl, and Nori Rolls with Sashimi Tofu. They also offer Tinga Tacos, which are two gluten-free tortillas with options of mock chicken, bulgogi seitan, or seasonal vegetables.

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Fiction Kitchen is Raleigh’s first 100% vegetarian restaurant. After finding limited vegetarian and vegan menus at other establishments, the owners of Fiction Kitchen set out to be different by offering a large menu full of unique twists on Southern favorites like crab cakes, biscuits and gravy and pulled pork BBQ. As a farm to fork restaurant, they also use only the freshest local ingredients from both the Raleigh Downtown Farmers Market and the North Carolina State Farmers Market.

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Probably the most well-known of the 100% vegan restaurants in Raleigh is the Fiction Kitchen. This restaurant combines a creative flair with a dedication to plant-based dishes with classic comfort foods like Southern style “chicken and waffles” to globally inspired plates like Vegan charcuterie board, potato chaat, curry bowl, homestyle meatloaf, and risotto. They also have fantastic cocktails, house made sodas, and yummy desserts – hello Vidieri chocolate flourless torte.

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The Fiction Kitchen delivers a crave-worthy experience with one key twist—all of their thoughtfully prepared dishes are 100% vegan and vegetarian (yes, including their delicious interpretation of fried chicken.) Grab a table at this brightly-colored eatery and chow down on the classic Southern combo of “chicken” and waffles served with arugula, maple syrup and seasonal fruit. This local eatery is well-loved by omnivorous and vegans alike!. View this post on Instagram

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To those who grew up in North Carolina, chicken and waffles is a staple in the southern diet – and particularly crave-worthy during weekend brunch. Chef Caroline Morrison seeks to bring those flavors back to the vegan and vegetarian palate at Fiction Kitchen with her soy-based ingenuity. Fiction Kitchen offers thoughtfully-prepared vegan and vegetarian “fried chicken”, “pulled pork,” and many more meatless options from a plant-based kitchen.

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It might be difficult to find amazing vegan/vegetarian restaurants, but Fiction Kitchen in Raleigh’s Warehouse District certainly fills the bill. It is 100 percent vegan and is regarded as one of the best restaurants in Raleigh. Fiction Kitchen offers sharable plates and table sides, and the main menu includes a Southern-style plate with Eastern-style barbecue, Southern fried chicken, or Nashville hot chicken (all vegan, of course).

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If you're adhering to a plant-based diet but still want to enjoy Southern favorites, try The Fiction Kitchen, a vegan/vegetarian spot in downtown Raleigh. Menu highlights include the crispy fried "chicken" and waffles with arugula and maple syrup, plus Seitan brisket and a vegan pimento cheese dip. The restaurant offers plenty of lighter fare as well, including salads, soups, sandwiches, and build-your-own bowls.

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As one of the only 100% vegan restaurants in downtown Raleigh, The Fiction Kitchen is a must for vegetarian and vegan cuisine. This entirely vegetarian eatery focuses on using fresh, local ingredients to craft a diverse menu that appeals to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. You’ll find everything from their curry bowl with sauteed vegetables and potatoes to a playful take on mac & cheese.

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Christensen, who has more than 11,000 followers on Twitter, helped spread the word in 2012 about Caroline Morrison and Siobhan Southern’s fundraising campaign to open Raleigh’s first vegan-focused restaurant, Fiction Kitchen. Helen Pfann, who opened the Night Kitchen Bakehouse & Cafe in November, compared notes with Kim Hammer, who opened Bittersweet, a cocktail bar and dessert restaurant, in May.

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Although vegan “chicken” and “pulled pork” isn’t everyone’s thing, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this place, which recently moved just outside the city center to Gateway Plaza. As far as healthy food Raleigh goes, this place is one of the only fully vegetarian spots around. You can go for a couple of small plates, or choose a hearty main like “Chicken” and waffles or Impossible meatloaf.

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This 100% vegan kitchen is a favorite among non-meat eaters and meat eaters alike. From Mozzarella Sticks, made with housemade vegan mozzarella dredged in seasoned panko and deep fried and served with marinara, to curry bowls and peanut noodle bowls, Fiction Kitchen has your healthy and not so healthy vegan cravings covered. The Chicken and Waffles is a favorite among guests.

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Experience inventive vegetarian and vegan cuisine at The Fiction Kitchen. Situated in downtown Raleigh, this innovative restaurant offers a menu of plant-based dishes that are as flavorful as creative. From hearty grain bowls to decadent vegan desserts, The Fiction Kitchen caters to diners seeking delicious and nutritious lunch options in a welcoming atmosphere.

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Every item on Fiction Kitchen's menu is either vegetarian or vegan, which makes it an oddity in North Carolina's capital. No matter what your dietary preference, you can still enjoy country classics like chicken and waffles and pulled-pork BBQ all made with no actual animal products. Of course, there is also a gluten-free menu.

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Fiction Kitchen of Raleigh has local vegan and gluten-free options. PF Changs of Brier Creek and Southpoint have strict cross-contamination policies. Qdoba and Chiopotle restaurant chains, Nanataco of Durham and Chamas Churrascaria Brazilian Steakhouse of Brightleaf Square in Durham are all allergen or gluten-friendly as well.

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Fiction Kitchen is changing the game with its vegan take on our favorite dishes. Think crab rangoons, tacos, and even chicken and waffles without any animal cruelty. Get ready to indulge in some delicious guilt-free meals.

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The Fiction Kitchen is a quirky little downtown Raleigh restaurant that caters to vegans and vegetarians. Grab a bite Wednesday-Saturday, from 4:30 pm to 9 pm. Reservations are strongly encouraged for dine-in.

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If you do Fiction Kitchen in the future, always go with the Farmer's Plate, or if they start the Thursday Impossible Burger special up again, that actually convinced some of my meat-eating friends to go vegan.

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428 S Dawson St, Raleigh, NC 27601Phone: 919-831-4177 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Fiction Kitchen (@thefictionkitchen)

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You can go to The Fiction Kitchen together during dinnertime. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by The Fiction Kitchen (@thefictionkitchen)

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