Pop-up turned 50-seat full service restaurant in 2013. Colorful space, focus is on local produce. Reservations are strongly encouraged, and walk-up seating availability may be quite limited. Parties cannot exceed 8 people. Takeout may be possible for scheduled curb-side pick up between 4:30-9:00pm. Walk-up orders are also taken between 4:30-8:45pm Wed-Sat outside of peak business times. Reported fully vegan September 2021. Open Wed-Sat 4:30pm-9:00pm.
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428 S Dawson St, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, 27601
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Last update on 08 Aug 2023 by WHA
Update business info -
Added by turtleveg on 10 Jun 2011
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132 Reviews
First Review by Tracilyn
MarioPowell
Points +80
Made our anniversary special - Edit
This was our first time at fiction kitchen and I can’t wait to go back. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was on point! Me and wifey loved every minute of it.
Read morePros: Chick and waffles, House salad, Drinks
Guest
greenbluegray
Points +979
Wish this was in my town - Edit
FK will be moving soon from the Warehouse District, closer to the capitol, I think. The current atmosphere is like a funky artsy diner. We loved it and wish we could eat our way through the menu which has international and of course southern specialties. I would call the food affordable upscale comfort local sustainable, lol. Sweet service from everyone, especially our server Veronica. OMG you must get the squash fritters with Indian spices and a delicious mint sauce! We took the pan fried cornbread for the road as well as the BBQ platter with cabbage and mashed potatoes. Nice to see locals relaxing at the bar. This is probably a popular gathering spot. We are not used to being able to get drinks at vegan restaurants and loved this and southern food!
Read moreGuest
asmadis0n
Points +13
Awesome vegan food - Edit
Friendly, courteous service from staff and chefs who cam cook some very good vegan food. I ordered the fried oyster mushrooms with buffalo sauce, grilled tofu, and mashed potatoes. My favorite was the fried oyster mushrooms. Breading is seasoned so well and the oyster mushrooms doesn't even taste like mushrooms. Also my first time eating oyster mushrooms. I'm not much of a mushroom fan but this plate has changed my mind.
Read moreThe entire order was great! This was my first time eating at Fiction Kitchen and it definitely won't be my last.
Also, it's best to order online or make a reservation. As other reviewers have said, walk-in orders aren't ideal for this place. Also there isn't an online option for delivery so if you can, pick up your order. They make your food fresh so driving down there is definitely worth it.
Updated from previous review on 2023-10-25
Pros: Friendly, courteous staff, All vegan menu, Love the atmosphere
Cons: Only open 4 days/week so plan ahead
Guest
MarkPayne
Points +135
Reservations recommended - Edit
Definitely make a reservation if you’re interested in eating here. We watched multiple people try to come in without one and they were told to sit at the bar or they wouldn’t be able to dine in. The menu has an interesting array of options from southern comfort staples to Chinese and Indian foods. The staff were friendly and the food came out surprisingly fast. From what I heard staff saying they’re moving locations soon, hopefully to a larger spot to accommodate more people. Definitely save room for dessert, you won’t be disappointed. The apple streusel cheesecake was the best part of the whole meal.
Read morePros: Southern comfort food, Friendly staff, Amazing desserts
Cons: Small location, reservations highly encouraged, Limited parking nearby
Guest
DeirdreF
Points +280
Excellent vegan food restaurant! - Edit
Excellent choice and quality of vegan food. Funky restaurant, friendly waitress, good value for the size and quality of portion sizes.
Read morePros: Good portion size, Not too expensive , Friendly staff
Cons: Front desk not that helpful
Guest
Chelsea75
Points +164
Still thinking about this meal 3 years later - Edit
Visited Raleigh during the pandemic so I got basically the entire menu to go. Every dish was absolutely perfect. Well developed flavors and flawless execution. I believe the restaurant is relocating and doing some expansion and I am excited to see how they grow!
Read moreGuest
goodtofu
Points +69
best vegan menu - Edit
There's always something new, and it's always good
Read morePros: whatever is new, the drinks, the deserts
Guest
WHA
Points +1237
Make a reservation - Edit
UPDATE: C’mon, Happy Cow, let us rate half stars! Until then, I’m bringing my review down from 4 to 3 stars. I’m sorry but I just have not had 4 star experiences during my most recent visits. Once upon a time, I could take someone non-vegan to Fiction Kitchen knowing they’d leave impressed by vegan food. Lately I can’t say this is the case. During our last visit the ragoon had hardly any filling, the BBQ was far too vinegary and lacked its usual smoky flavor, and the tres leches was possibly the driest cake I’ve had in a restaurant. I know how good the food here *can* be so I change my rating with a heavy heart, but how are you gonna serve dry tres leches cake?
Read morePREV REVIEW:
I recommend the chicken & waffles and the BBQ plate. Make a reservation. The seating is very limited and you are likely to have a bad time waiting if you just walk in.
I don’t come here often anymore and I don’t find myself excited about coming here lately because as an overall dining experience, the atmosphere kills it for me. It’s too crowded and loud. I usually cannot hear the person sitting next to me because the restaurant is small and just a cacophony of voices. I feel rushed to finish my food—not by staff, but because I know the space I’m taking is needed by someone else. I mostly come here because my partner feels nostalgic. We came here a lot when we first started dating and I wanted to show off what vegan food can be: When it’s at its best, the food here is amazing. I do find myself occasionally bothered by small inconsistencies in quality but I’m the first to admit that I can be very particular and that at Fiction Kitchen’s price point, I have very high expectations/standards.
Updated from previous review on 2022-09-18
Pros: Fully vegan menu
Cons: Atmosphere: Crowded, limited seating, loud, Expensive , Sometimes inconsistent quality
Guest
KW818
Points +32
Great Food if Y - Edit
I love their food and I love the ambiance. They’ve got a bunch of different styles that run the gamut from NC BBQ to Asian fusion and comfort food. The only problem is that it’s next to impossible to get a reservation, though hopefully that changes as they’re moving to a bigger location soon.
Read moreGuest
mschlater
Points +765
Great - Edit
Food was excellent! We got the vegan charcuterie, the chicken and waffles, and the risotto. The charcuterie board had house made cheese and meat, highly recommend.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2023-06-17
Guest
motherrunner68
Points +87
Delicious vegan food - Edit
Visiting Raleigh for the first time and ate here with friends. I ordered the farmer’s market special, “crab” cakes, dirty beetz cocktail. All dishes were expertly crafted and presented. Especially enjoyed the gochujang crispy tofu on the FM bowl. Crab cakes were balanced and crispy with a tasty romulade sauce and the vodka cocktail was delicious as well.
Read moreGuest
BarryY
Points +82
The pioneer - Edit
Before anyone else locally, there was Fiction Kitchen. Every meal I've eaten there has been terrific -- for years. If you're coming for the first time, I suggest starting with the cornmeal-fried mushrooms, and moving on to the farmer's plate if it's available. One seasonal favorite, in the fall, is the Thanksgiving dinner. Tastes like childhood, only vegan. The restaurant is popular, so expect a wait.
Read moreGuest
sapientia
Points +1012
Comfort food in a comfortable setting - Edit
Service was good, but the food was better. The chef clearly prepares each order. The soup of the day was tomatillo and great. Enjoyed the tres leches dessert, but didn't try a beverage.
Read morePros: Parking garage, Spacious
Cons: Cost
Guest
whitneyellen
Points +347
Trusty standby - Edit
It's a criminal crime I haven't reviewed fiction kitchen yet. I go there every couple of months and have been for a few years -- it's a bit far away from me but always a good special dinner out. Everything on the menu is good and I've tried several of the farmers plate specials and never been disappointed. If it's your first time, either the chicken and waffles or the southern bbq plate are reliable; also don't skip apps, the cornmeal crusted mushrooms are great. And the Mac n cheese is diving because they toast some shredded cheez on top and give it a nice extra crunch. Good cocktails and desserts too. The only downside is that I get so into ordering stuff that the bill is .. very high. Love this place though and the vibe and food they've curated. Looking forward to seeing how they can grow after moving. Immensely grateful they survived the pandemic.
Read morePros: All vegan restaurant, Reliably creative and delicious specials, Local vendors
Cons: Prices can add up, Current location (Dawson) small, hard to park
Guest
thebougieblackhyppie
Points +211
So close but not quite - Edit
Disclaimer: if I could have given this place 3.5-3.75 starts, I would have.
Read moreI’m in Raleigh for Dreamville festival and wasn’t able to try Fiction kitchen last time so I wanted to be sure I checked it out this time.
I was super excited to try this place. As I checked out the menus the entrees didn’t seem that great so I ordered a few shareables. Checkout my options in everything below.
Soup of the day: tofu soup with mixed vegetables - I ordered a cup(considered a bowl) but so glad I went with the cup. It missed the mark on flavor and execution and it looked like someone had eaten half of it already. Ate two spoonfuls and tossed the rest.
Lion’s Mane Rangoon: there didn’t seem to be any cream cheese i these, just mushrooms. The filling to dough ratio was off and the sweet chili sauce was more chili than sweet. I wasn’t a fan of these at all. Ate one and tossed the rest.
Mac and Cheese; Now I was concerned about the Mac and cheese when I opened the container but it was pretty damn tasty. I was impressed! It was creamy and flavorful. The cheese on top was slightly crispy and gave me breadcrumb vibes but not! I’d order this again for sure. The portion size is large and I have plenty left over for tomorrow.
Oyster Mushrooms: again very flavorful! These were both seasoned well and fried to perfection. I ate every last one of these and was disappointed when I finished them. I’d also go out of my way to order these again.
Overall 2/4 dishes were great. Which is why I wish I could give it 3.5 stars but the other two options being subpar just won’t allow me to give it 4 stars ⭐️
Pros: All vegan kitchen , Dine-in option , Affordable
Guest
WTFlexitarian
Points +156
My Favorite Downtown - Edit
When in Rome…. Had to start my #plantbasedfoodie trip with the local fare: Southern Style lunch plate. I love eating Southern soul food! It’s so good here I went 3 consecutive nights! #vegan. #plantbasedfoodies
Read moreGuest
ELT
Points +264
Great Food and Friendly Service - Edit
The server was extremely kind and attentive. The food was fantastic! I tried the fried pimento cheese and rangoon appetizers, then the Southern Style Plate. Everything was delicious, and I look forward to returning!
Read moreGuest
Sossanna
Points +386
Not as Great as I hoped - Edit
Hours could be better. The food was ok. I will visit again to see if this was just an off-day
Read morePros: Vegan options
Cons: Expensive
Guest
EDoen74
Points +64
O.M.G. - Edit
I went to this dive with my daughter a while back, and let me just say- wow! I think someone made a crossroads deal for the recipe of the vegan pulled pork! Cuz damn!! Even my son-in-law didn’t believe it was vegan- and he’s a hard core carnivore! Keep doing what you do!!! I’m so impressed!
Read morePros: All vegan, Yummy beyond belief , Great options on menu
Cons: A little costly- but totes worth it!! , Lines when opening are sometimes daunting
Guest
Rob-o-bot
Points +304
Underwhelmed - Edit
I hate not giving a vegan place 5 stars, but the hush puppies were doughy. The rangoons were over fried and flavorless. “Hot” Nashville chicken had no hot.
Read morePros: Mashed potatoes were good.
thefictionkitchen
Hi! Did you give any of this feedback to your server? We would gladly make this up if you were not satisfied at the moment. Feel free to email me the date/time if your visit so I can investigate further. Thank you!
Read moreChef Caroline/thefictionkitchen@gmail.com
Guest
jcshoe
Points +50
Great food and great experience - Edit
Went here for a birthday dinner and loved it! Cocktails, appetizers, entrees, and desserts were all delicious and our server was wonderful.
Read moreGuest
roberbs127
Points +16
Awesome food!!! - Edit
Great customer service. I thoroughly enjoyed the food. Can’t wait to get back to Raleigh.
Read morePros: Tasty food
Cons: They need more space. It was crowded.
Guest
springcrd
Points +26
Too greasy - Edit
I have tried multiple vegan restaurants in Raleigh and this one really disappointed me. The food was so greasy I hardly could eat it. Nearly $20 for not alot of food, and no sit down option.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-08-11
Cons: Greasy, No seating
CherylPurser
Are you sure you are reviewing the right place? They have lots of non-fried things and you basically need a reservation to get in.
Read moreGuest
Veganfoodie_liv
Points +769
I wish I had 4 stomachs to eat more!!! - Edit
Delicious vegan food and great vibes. I went with my cousin who has a mostly plant based diet and her boyfriend who is a carnivore. They both love this place and eat here often, thats how great it is!! I had the lions mane rangoon and impossible salisbury steak, wow. Mind blown! The chocolate tart dessert was the perfect ending to our meal, I wanted to lick the plate! Im most definitely coming back here next time I visit Raleigh.
Read morePros: Beautifully balanced flavors, Friendly interactive staff, Cozy bar vibe
Guest
rabbibeth
Points +202
Fabulous! Don’t miss it! - Edit
Incredible menu and delicious food. We absolutely loved it. The kitchen staff are very talented and creative. Something for everyone. It’s a special place.
Read morePros: Delicious food, amazing! , Friendly service, reservations accepted , Casual but attractive decor
Guest
MarkMcDade
Points +26
Amazing - Edit
I ate here this past Thursday night. I have been to vegan restaurants across the country and beyond. While I don’t know exactly where I would rank fiction kitchen, I feel confident saying it is squarely one of the top five restaurant meals I’ve had. I ordered the Nashville Hot “chicken” meal — these drummies came with veggies, home style mashed potatoes, and hush puppies. For dessert, I don’t remember what it was called, but it was chocolate-y with a pretzel crust and a scoop of ice cream. Every single item was just perfect. My server was Zoe and I love her and I hope she is there when I come back into town soon! Advice: Please make a reservation before you head over!
Read moreGuest
bullcityveg
Points +195
Best in the area - Edit
We got takeout dinner from FK last weekend. It was, as always, fantastic.
Read moreThe mac and chz is an indulgent treat, as are the desserts. They do amazing things with “southern style” food. Usually I go for the farmers plate or a special for the freshest veggies.
Bring back brunch! ❤️
Pros: Everything can be vegan, So delicious, Really truly delicious
Cons: A little pricey, Take away slots fill up the day before, Small space and reservations are limited
Guest
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