| Asheville |
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Laughing Seed Cafe 
 based on 23 member reviews
40 Wall St, Asheville North Carolina
28801
828-252-3445
Type: Ovo, Lacto, Vegan-friendly, International, Beer/Wine
Info: Asheville vegetarian restaurant cafe. Menu features sandwiches, salads, vegetarian sushi, entrees including a raw tapas plate special, fruit smoothies and elixirs, dinners, Sunday brunch, and more. Open Mon, Wed, Thur 11:30-9, Fri-Sat 11:30-10, Sun 10-9 (brunch 10-2), closed Tuesday. Price: Moderate.
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| "Great vegan dining..."
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My Rating |
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4 |
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Posted on: Saturday, October 10, 2009 |
Review: My husband and I visit Asheville often and always stop by Laughing Seed for dinner. They have a big menu with a lot of variety. I love their vegan sloppy joe, and my husband likes the harmony bowl. We've tried several items off the menu, and most of it is great. I wasn't a fan of one of their tempeh sandwiches, but I'm not a huge tempeh fan anyway. The hardest thing about eating here is finding a parking spot, and if you go on a weekend night, try to get there early or plan for a little wait. The most we've ever had to wait was 30-40 minutes though. Basically, it's a great atmosphere with great vegan food.
Pros: vegan options * delicious *
Cons: parking * sometimes a little wait * |
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| "Great Place to Eat"
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My Rating |
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1 |
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Posted on: Saturday, October 10, 2009 |
Review: I visited this resturant in September 2009. I was very impressed with the food and the staff was wonderful. I ate there twice on my trip. On my first trip, I started with the pakoras which were great, a little heavy, but hey, their not health food. For the main course I had the mushroom enchiladas which had a great flavor and tasted great with the fresh salad. For desert I had the carrot cake which was rich and dense. The second trip I skipped an appetizer and had the Tico Burrito. This was very large and filling. The sauce on top was very rich and went great with the side salad. I had the chocolate cheesecake while it tasted very good, it was more like a moist cake than a regular cheese cake. I took a wrap to go to eat the next day which was very good and came with a side of quina salad. The prices were very reasonable for the quantity and quality of the food. This resturaunt also cares about the presentation of the food. Overall, this is a great resturaunt in a great area. I would recommend visiting this restuaruant.
Pros: Taste * Quality * Staff
Cons: None * * |
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• Yep, Laughing Seed is one of those restaurants that tempt you into ordering another meal to go for later... especially for you out of town folks...it IS that good.. response by Diner Dave
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| "Delicious!"
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My Rating |
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1 |
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Posted on: Sunday, September 06, 2009 |
Review: I was amazed at how tasty the food was at Laughing Seed! My parents and I (they are not vegetarian) went there and we all loved it so much we went back the next day for the Sunday brunch. The service was amazing, and so was the food. I would eat here every day if I lived in Asheville.
Pros: great service * excellent food * beautiful place
Cons: a little expensive * * |
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| "One of the best..."
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My Rating |
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5 |
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Posted on: Friday, August 14, 2009 |
Review: The Laughing Seed is one of the best restaurants in Asheville for a vegetarian in my opinion. I really like Sunday brunch. They have a simply wonderful blue plate breakfast with really good gravy or you can choose from several tasty and unique entrees like tofu benedictine to huevos rancheros. After noon a bloody mary or maria is right on time. I go simple usually for lunch or dinner and enjoy the Harmony Bowl made up of rice, beans, steamed veggies, tofu and some rockin' tahini sauce or get a combination plate and select from a list of similar goodness. They have lots of good sandwiches and soup as well as good, but spendy entrees. The restaurant has changed a lot over the years, some for better, some for the worse, but you simply cannot go wrong with the Laughing Seed.
The downside used to be a long wait, but it seems to have decreased as prices have increased over the years. You can still find a wait to get a table usually on a weekend and it can be pricey, some may even find the atmosphere a bit undesirable at times and a vibe that is not quite ideal for them. Very different than Rosetta's for those familiar. I have encountered less than informed and intelligent servers as well as some with nasty attitudes, but the worst are the one or two over the years that possess both "qualities". Please understand that most servers have been good or great.
All in all, two thumbs up!
Pros: good food * healthy * all vegitarian
Cons: inconsistent * high dollar * occasional attitude |
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| "Used to be great"
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My Rating |
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2 |
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Posted on: Saturday, March 28, 2009 |
Review: I went to Laughing Seed for the first time 3 years ago. And it was fantastic. But every time I have gone back (maybe 10 times over the years) it has been progressively worse. I am generally vegan when I go out to eat, for my own reasons. Of the times I can think of off the top of my head, they have put cheese all over the things I specifically ordered vegan version (because they OFFER a vegan option) and they have been rude when I comment on it. The last time, they brought an actual vegan hempnut burger out, but since we already bit into the cheesy one they served us prior, we asked if we could just have them both, since they obviously can't sell the one we started into. They said no. NO? They are the ones who messed up. She was so rude about it too. So we told them to keep the vegan one since she said they could use it. At least we didn't waste an extra one. The staff is generally snobby and the service is SOOOOOOOO slow -- and I mean glacial-- they don't deserve to charge that much. If you are vegan, just don't order something vegan option, go for the things that are always vegan. And don't go unless you have time. But when it is good, it is really good. Best of luck :)
Pros: clean, not greasy * Earth friendly take-out * No meat in house
Cons: S--L--O--W * bad service * expensive for the quality |
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| "good stuff, a bit pricey"
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My Rating |
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4 |
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Posted on: Thursday, March 19, 2009 |
Review: i've ate here twice. its a bit fancy, much different then rosettas. the food is good but more expensive. I probably won't go back too often on accounts of that.
Pros: good food * *
Cons: fancy pantsy * expen$ive * |
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| "Amazing Restaurant"
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My Rating |
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2 |
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Posted on: Thursday, December 18, 2008 |
Review: Visiting from Seattle. Far surpassed expectations! Had the shitake corn cakes, asian dumplings, jalapeno fries, blueberry smoothie and took home chocalate raspeberry cake and coconut tart with berry sauce. So delicous, wonderful atmosphere, near lots of nice shops, great prices too.
Pros: Location * Atmosphere * Food
Cons: * * |
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| "THE VERY BEST!"
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My Rating |
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10 |
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Posted on: Sunday, September 14, 2008 |
Review: This is the very best vegetarian restaurant I've ever eaten at!!! I have been lucky enough to try at least half the menu & I've never been disappointed. Everything is AMAZING! They even have the most delicious cocktails...organic vodka & organic juices! They are upstairs from a micro brewery & serve green man ales awesome beer. My favorite meals are low country roll ups, Curried tempeh napoleon, & they have a great indian plate that changes everyday. Most entrees come with a mixed green salad. The dressings are all unique & yummy. The soups are wonderful. The menu is filled with exciting great dishes. Just go!
Pros: Super fresh * great selection * creative & tastes amazing
Cons: * * |
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| "not family friendly"
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My Rating |
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3 |
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Posted on: Saturday, September 06, 2008 |
Review: I went to Laughing Seed with my husband, friend, and two small children. The waitress charged us 20% gratuity because there were 5 or more people! I was offended by this because of the small children. I have been a waitress and know that should never happen. I am a large tipper too and would've given her a bigger tip. I even told her that too. I was not rude, I gave her constructive criticism. Then I gave them my "family" veg discount member card for 10% off and they only gave me .95 off of a $34 bill. I called to speak to a manager and he was beyond rude to me, interrupting me, and even started laughing at me! He said in a snotty voice, you can come get your, what do I owe you? Like $2? I was so offended. I am not going to take my family there anymore. I'll go to Rosetta's where I have never had any problem using my "family" veg discount card! That is why you pay the extra money for the "family" card...So your "family" can get the discount, not one person.
Pros: * *
Cons: rude staff * rude manager * long wait! |
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| "raw food"
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My Rating |
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7 |
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Posted on: Thursday, September 04, 2008 |
Review: this place friggen rules!! i would fly to asheville all the time just to eat here if i had money.if you go there try the raw food dishes and the hemp nut burger and the sietan and and the bowl thing with black beans and rice and the smoothies and the tea and everything else k? good service. the out door seating area is lovely. wish i lived there.
Pros: food * drinks * food
Cons: * * |
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| "Amazing"
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My Rating |
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6 |
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Posted on: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 |
Review: Laughing Seed is an absolute must for any visit to asheville. Especially for you raw foodies. Everything on the menu is quite edible. They have a raw lunch special that comes with a raw desert. The hempnut burger is awesome, so are the reasonably priced teas. The smoothies and tonics are a little pricey, but worth it. Beautiful place to eat outside.
Pros: FOOD * Beer * Wine
Cons: more than I want to spend, but worth it. * * |
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• i love you!!!!
p.s I LOVE THIS MAN. response by ardizonisara
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| "Delirious food"
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My Rating |
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7 |
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Posted on: Saturday, August 02, 2008 |
Review: We ate like Romans here; the bill totaled $100+. Aaah, it was worth it. This is a popular place, we saw many families with kids, and a group of college dudes who were so captivated by the food they didn't even notice that TVs are missing. At one point, a farmer was going around a restaurant selling fresh strawberries. We took a carton home, but didn't eat it until two days later when the food wore off. Make sure you visit this place before the bears from the surrounding mountains descend upon it.
Pros: Food quality * Service * Presentation
Cons: * * |
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| "In concept, a great vegetarian restaurant"
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My Rating |
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3 |
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Posted on: Monday, July 21, 2008 |
Review: If you are a vegetarian visitor to Asheville, this is a must!
In concept, this is a great vegetarian restaurant. The menu choices and the specials are inventive and creative. The decor is calming and friendly. Freshness practically jumps off the plate. Over several years of visits, I have tried many different items, and have never been disappointed. The hempnut burger is one of my favorites. A thali special was delicious.
However, I did use the phrase "in concept..." On the down side, the prices at one time seemed very reasonable; now they seem somewhat high, and some portions have gotten noticeably smaller to the point of being an unsatisfying amount. The servers, while interesting and pleasant, are wildly variable in quality and attentiveness.
Pros: 100% vegetarian * Inventive menu *
Cons: Somewhat pricy * Service varies wildly * |
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| "Love the Laughing Seed"
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My Rating |
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8 |
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Posted on: Sunday, July 20, 2008 |
Review: We first enjoyed the Laughing Seed about 10 years ago when staying in Asheville. This was our first time back to the area and we were looking forward to eating there again. It did not disappoint!!! Between the three of us across two nights, we had six different dishes that spanned raw, vegan, and vegetarian, and each one was excellent. The outdoor dining is relaxed and comfortable. No complaints regarding the service.
Pros: * *
Cons: * * |
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| "Upscale But Relaxed"
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My Rating |
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3 |
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Posted on: Monday, July 14, 2008 |
Review: What a treat! The vegetarian crab cakes are heavenly.
Pros: amazing cuisine * friendly staff * refined but still comfortable
Cons: a tad pricy * * |
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| "A great vegetarian restuarant"
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My Rating |
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4 |
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Posted on: Friday, June 20, 2008 |
Review: I recently ate here while on vacation and was impressed. It's decor was the best of any restaurant I visited and the food was excellent.
I applaud the fact that they have a lot of vegan options. The menu clearly states what is vegan or can be easily made vegan. They don't serve any meat at all, so everything is at least vegetarian.
The prices are a little high, as are almost all vegetarian-based restaurants. Most meals are in the $7-9 range. However, in the "Dinner Specialties" section, prices range from $13-$16.
I had the tempeh Reuben and it was a close contender to another nearby restaurant's vegan Reuben. They were both good, but neither tasted like a Reuben. The one thing that I particularly liked about this Reuben was their homemade Russian dressing sauce.
The only other menu item I tasted was a friend's "Rosemary Cider Braised Seitan". It tasted divine. I wish I had ordered it. However, the price of this meal may give you "sticker shock" - $15.95. It almost tastes like it's worth it, if that is any consolation. It's some of the best seitan I ever tasted. On vacation, I could justify it. On an everyday basis, I would just cook my own seitan.
I wish I had more vacation time to try more of their food. I'll probably go again on my next trip to Asheville.
Pros: Classy atomosphere * 100% vegetarian w/vegan options * Vegan options are clearly marked
Cons: Relatively high prices * * |
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| "Outrageously Delish"
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My Rating |
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5 |
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Posted on: Monday, May 05, 2008 |
Review: Wonderful ambiance plus delicious gourmet foods have made this one of my favorite restaurants. My only complaint is that I ate too much.
Pros: very gourmet * clear veg/vegan labels on menu * great ambiance
Cons: * * |
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| "great vegetarian restaurant"
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My Rating |
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19 |
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Posted on: Sunday, February 10, 2008 |
Review: Laughing Seed has great food and lots of vegan options, including a daily RAW special. Menu is really big and everything I've ever tried here is really good. I agree with some of the others that servers can space out, but they usually get the job done pretty well. They don't take reservations though, so it's hard to plan on going with a large group for a special occasion since it is usually pretty busy. Friendly, nice space. It's also closed on Tuesday, I believe, which is kind of random. But basically if you are a vegetarian in Asheville you have to try it out...
Pros: great food * tons of options * clean and pretty
Cons: don't take reservations * spacey service * |
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| "Great Selection & Atmosphere"
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My Rating |
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5 |
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Posted on: Saturday, January 05, 2008 |
Review: What I like most about Laughing Seed is their selection. They cater to vegetarians, vegans, and raw foodists. They are the only rsetaurant I know of that has a raw food special everyday. The atmosphere is great, but a little pricey, but it does serve upscale food. All veg heads must give the Laughing Seed Cafe a try!
Their vegan blue plate brunch is to die for!
Pros: Great selection * Great Atmosphere * Great food
Cons: A little pricey * Crowded at times * |
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| "Great food"
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My Rating |
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2 |
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Posted on: Monday, December 17, 2007 |
Review: I love the fact that I can go to a restaurant and pick anything off the menu! The food is so tasty, and there is so much to choose from. Sitting outside while dining is a nice touch! Like mentioned numerous times before, I've never been happy with the service. It seems like the waitresses forget they have customers. If the food wasn't so great, I wouldn't go at all.
Pros: Amazing food * *
Cons: Poor service * * |
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| "Great Ashville spot"
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My Rating |
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304 |
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Posted on: Wednesday, December 05, 2007 |
Review: I think the food is better during lunch. At dinner it gets a little crowded and your server will often forget about you and leave your food to get cold (noticed that in another review so I figured it's worth mentioning again) Its a great place to sit outside on a warm day. They've got a full bar, which makes it a nice evening spot as well. Upscale.
Pros: * *
Cons: * * |
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| "love it"
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My Rating |
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1 |
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Posted on: Friday, October 19, 2007 |
Review: The perfect spot at the end of a long day of hiking and mtn biking. I went here recently during a camping trip to the Smoky Mtns area... it can be hard to get enough protein while camping, so this spot was a godsend for the trip. Had the Hempnut Burger... delicious!
Pros: * *
Cons: * * |
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| "Best Vegetarian Sushi"
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My Rating |
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7 |
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Posted on: Saturday, October 06, 2007 |
Review: I had a good experience with the Laughing Seed. I enjoyed the variety of food on the menu and everything I ordered was fresh and full of flavor. However, what stands out in my mind is the vegetarian sushi appetizer. The sushi was a special and I can only hope that they have since added this extraordinary appetizer to their regular menu. The sushi consisted of gingered carrots, fresh vegetables, and cashew butter! It was out-of-this-world and definately the best sushi I have ever experienced. Next time I am in Asheville, I will be stopping by The Laughing Seed!
Pros: Excellent food * Healthy cuisine * Good Variety
Cons: * * |
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