Vegan
American
Organic
Beer/Wine
Catering
Fine dining plant-based bistro by vegan chef of Local Love catering, Barry Horton. Brunch until 3pm. Features seasonal organic produce. Check facebook for special events. Est 2014 in California and moved here in early 2020. Open Wed-Fri 11:30am-3:00pm, Wed-Sat 5:30pm-9:00pm, Sat 10:00am-3:00pm.
121 Reviews
First Review by KarenBrighten
GiselaFiege
Points +344
Upscale Vegan Restaurant Experience - Edit
We are passing through read all the 5 star reviews and had to see for our selves. They just changed their menu for the new year. Everything we had was outstanding the ambiance and friendliness of staff was top notch. Highly recommend this place. Wish we had a place like this where we live, sadly not even close. The only thing Im frustrated about would be the needing reservations. Since we are only here for 2 nights we took a chance without, fortunately it worked out.
Read morePros: Ambiance is welcoming cozy, Friendly staff, Amazing gourmet vegan fair
Cons: Small seating area, Reservation needed
Guest
phoenixking0
Points +38
My new favorite vegan restaurant in Charlotte - Edit
No complains at all. Service was great and food was delicious.
Read morePros: Food, Service , Great menu options
Guest
Theperkypotato
Points +16
One of the BEST vegan restaurants we have found! - Edit
We took my brother and his wife (omnivores) and they LOVED it too. We ordered 3 appetizers and 4 entrees and shared it all and couldn’t get over the flavors. It is so hard to find a vegan restaurant that isn’t just grab and go, or bar food. (I am so tired of plain pasta, and curries) You can really appreciate the care and love that goes into everything they do. It wasn’t until the next day that we realized that the friendly and very helpful waitress was also the wife and co-owner. I can’t wait to return! And I am excited to try one of the cooking classes that they offer.
Read morePros: Loved that it was upscale! Cloth napkins! Yay!, Good variety, Price was reasonable
Cons: Wish they had more of them!
Guest
WHA
Points +1786
Great brunch - Edit
Stopped in for brunch and was very happy with the food we had.
Read moreGuest
Swpatterson
Points +32
Best blue cheese dressing - Edit
The beet salad is so good, we make the drive to Charlotte just for the blue cheese dressing!
Read moreGuest
SydJG
Points +128
Perfect spot for all occasions - Edit
I love sanctuary bistro, it’s such a nice vibe and they offer top tier vegan cuisine. Perfect for special occasions, a great way to show those you love how much you value and appreciate them! Anytime I get a chance to stop by, I’m always supporting!
Read morePros: Quality , Taste
Guest
LindsayErndwein
Points +184
Delicious lighter faire - Edit
I just want to say, It's really cool to find an all vegan restaurant that feels fancy and upscale. The menu was delightfully creative compared to what we are used to. We ordered the fried sushi, miso macadamia salad, BLAT-Dilla, and the potato salad. The food was good, albeit a bit pricey for the amount that you get.
Read moreThe fried sushi, potato salad, and miso salad were definitely the shining stars, but the brown rice-wrapped dilla was not super filling and tough to eat. We also aren't a huge fan of gluten free bread products. I know for a lot of people this is a gluten free sanctuary and definitely high quality, but not for us glutenful bread-loving vegans. It would have been nice to at least have the option for a regular pita or flour tortilla wrap.
If we returned, we would probably make a meal out of the flavorful sides and appetizers.
Guest
mriff
Points +43
All vegan options - Edit
Loved their chicken quesadilla!
Read moreGuest
RemiOkamoto
Points +762
Amazing creative cuisine - Edit
Cozy and warm atmosphere. Very creative menus and it was hard to choose which one I wanted to try. Everything I had was so tasty and I can see the chef is really taking care of all the flavors.
Read moreI highly recommend it and I hope to come back!!
Guest
TurnipForPlants
Points +2721
Upscale Vegan Dining in Charlotte - Edit
Sanctuary Bistro provides something fast-food vegan stops don’t specialize in, a haut cuisine meal. It can be difficult to find a vegan option for a romance evening or to celebrate big accomplishments, but Sanctuary Bistro provides that niche for Charlotte, NC.
Read moreWith a rotating menu, the food options are ever-changing but always vegan. We started with the smorgasbord of food in the charcuterie plate. If there’s a vegan charcuterie, I’m there. The house made cheeses were spreadable with flavors reminiscent of their dairy counterparts - a smoky gouta and a sharp cheddar. The only negative, or plus, is that all the bread is gluten-free. In fact, everything is gluten free. Which is a blessed for those abstaining from the bread protein, however, for myself it is a negative in texture. That aside, the board is phenomenal and a fresh, tasty starter to your meal.
From there we had the tempura fried tempeh and the portabella rockerfeller. The tempeh, surprisingly, ended up tasting like some of the best alternative fish and chips dish I have ever had. And the mashed potatoes in the rockerfeller were layered in texture and creamy in taste. The only downside was the portabella, while covered in deep, rich cheez, lacked a certain flavor profile on its own.
For dessert, the tiramisu rounded out our meal, which is appreciated to have as an option (as it is difficult to find a vegan version of the crème heavy treat). In a twist of fate for my earlier gluten comment, I believe this tiramisu holds up better as gluten-free because the breading remains tough, and does not sag into soggy territory all too common with the delicacy.
Overall, Sanctuary Bistro is a wonder place to visit for a table for two. The next time I am looking for a intimate dining experience in Charlotte, I will be re-visiting.
Pros: Quality of entire vegan menu, Gluten-free
Cons: Gluten-free
Guest
NickTustin
Points +1305
Excellent - Edit
-Po boy dilla - 10/10
Read more-Blat dilla - 9/10 great
-Ravioli - 10/10
Lovely strawberry water
Fully vegan place!
Guest
VeganWithATwist
Points +387
Our favorite date night spot - Edit
My husband and I get to Sanctuary whenever we can. We have been vegan for years, and we love the salads, the sushi, the rotating seasonal menu, and the vegan wine list. But, more importantly, we have taken carnivorous friends, and they have liked it too. I am so grateful to have this restaurant in our community.
Read morePros: Seasonal specials , Wine list, Friendly staff
Guest
DougK
Points +1116
Outstanding fine dining - Edit
Excellent restaurant. Service was terrific and the food was outstanding. The charcuterie plate and the fried oyster mushrooms were the stars of the meal. Drink menu was impressive as well. Highly recommend!
Read morePros: High end vegetable forward dishes, Great service, Varied menu
Guest
Grazer7
Points +53
Worth every penny - Edit
Fabulous work with mushrooms. Had 2 different dillas. Both most tasty. Will return
Read morePros: Food!, Atmosphere
Guest
mschlater
Points +1574
Would give 10 stars if I could - Edit
We had such a nice time here for my husbands birthday. The food was delicious and the atmosphere is great. There are so few fine dining restaurants in NC, so this is a gem. We will definitely make the 2.5 hour drive to eat here again.
Read moreGuest
missrissy
Points +35
So good - Edit
I love this place. The blatadilla is the best and I always crave it. Their potato salad is great too.
Read moreGuest
Rafael_Astolfi
Points +18
Delicious food, nice people. - Edit
Vegans always struggle trying to find what to eat. Going to a new place is always uncomfortable… but not here!
Read moreThe staff is kind and easy. No rush to kick the customer out asap. Food is perfect and prices are fair.
Pros: Food, People, Ambience
Guest
dk42
Points +11
Love this place! - Edit
Went here Thursday night with a small group. We went ordered most of the menu. Everything was delicious! I find the prices very reasonable, especially given the quality of ingredients and flavor.
Read moreWe started with the crispy oyster mushroom artisanal plate, which everyone enjoyed. Then the fried sushi and king trumpet scallops appetizers. We were surprised at how much everyone enjoyed the broth for the trumpet scallops. After eating the trumpet mushroom scallops, we took turns finishing the broth. And I am still thinking about the sushi. Mmm.
Next, the roasted beet salad which was lovely. Then, the crispy lions mane, the spicy lasagna, and the roasted tahini cauliflower. All were enjoyed! (My favorite was the cauliflower.)
Finally, for dessert we had the cashew cheesecake, lemon trifle, chocolate parfait, and crème brûlée. Cheesecake won in my opinion, but all were delicious and everyone had a different favorite.
The owner Jennifer is a delight! She is a great conversationalist while also handling all the tables. She’s also a thoughtful guide to the menu!
Highly recommend!!
Guest
DawnPeterson
Points +16
Best Meal in Charlotte - Edit
I went here for my birthday dinner last night. It was phenomenal! From the service to the presentation to the food, everything was incredible. This is the best meal I’ve had in Charlotte to date. As a 19-year vegan, I’m used to cooking my own food or going to a limited number of restaurants. It was so nice to go somewhere and not have to worry about whether something is vegan or how it was prepared. Please support this local, family-owned business! They work their tails off so we can enjoy a meal without compromising our values.
Read moreGuest
sinas
Points +85
Some of the best in Charlotte - Edit
If you can get in the door, you will be rewarded with some of the best vegan food in Charlotte. We are lucky to have them!
Read moreDefinitely try the fried mushroom appetizer and the crème brûlée’!
Guest
sharonrader
Points +174
Great vegan options beyond compare - Edit
Delicious and savory food, delightful wait staff
Read morePros: Amazing non alcoholic beverage selection, Great brunch selections , Soothing atmosphere
Guest
wwortiz1
Points +17
Amazing Experience! - Edit
We had a very difficult time choosing from the menu as everything sounded wonderful. We truly enjoyed the use of wood in the decor (tables especially). Very nice ambience. Our hostess was super nice, friendly, and knowledgeable of the menu. We have been trying to visit the establishment for months and finally had the opportunity to walk in on a Saturday during brunch time. Can’t say enough about the food. Everything we ordered was utterly delicious! Highly recommend and will definitely be back!!
Read morePros: Delicious Healthy Food, Very Reasonable Pricing, Great Atmosphere
Cons: Parking, NA, NA
Guest
LigeiaSmith
Points +614
AMAZING vegan food - Edit
I stopped here on my way from Charleston to Linville and I am SO glad I did.
Read moreI got the New England chowder and the golden beet fried ravioli. Amazing amazing!!!
Lots of parking as it’s surprisingly in a strip mall, friendly service and welcoming friendly atmosphere. I would go out of my way to eat here again!
Pros: Good quality fiud, Welcoming, For the animsls
Cons: It’s not next to my house. Lol
Guest
lucianf
Points +284
One of the best you’ll ever try - Edit
If you’d have to pick one vegan restaurant choose this and you won’t be disappointed. Chef Barry is preparing delicious meals every time. My top: shiitake bacon, clam chowder (using cashews as a base) and pretty much everything is new on the menu. You can’t go wrong.
Read moreGuest
AndrewVoss
Points +139
Awesome Bruch Spot - Edit
Stopped by on Saturday for brunch. The vibe is great. I highly recommend the po-boy sandwich. Dessert is also worth getting! 😊
Read moreGuest
dalen
Points +298
Good - Edit
I enjoyed the food, especially the oyster mushroom plate. The waitress was nice, and the whole operation was surprisingly efficient for only having one chef and one waitress with all of the tables and quite a few of the bar seats full. They even gave a list of vegan options and a sanctuary in Charlotte too with my receipt. Lovely place, you can tell they really care about the cause.
Read moreGuest
Elie48
Points +109
Incredibly delicious - Edit
We found this place while in Charlotte on a visit and instantly fell in love!! One of the owners, Jennifer, welcomed us so warmly and served us throughout the evening- making excellent recommendations and checking in with us regularly. The food was amazing, gourmet in every sense of the word. Presentation, taste and perfect portion size. We definitely return!!
Read morePros: Fully vegan, Friendly staff!, Intimate, warm atmosphere
Cons: None!
Guest
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