I finally got to try Eden's Vegan while the food truck was in my neighborhood. I wanted to try other things but I couldn't get clear feedback on the ingredients. The male in the truck was a bit vague (seemed in a rush or not willing to share) I do understand as mentioned that most things were made with soy excluding the bread and cake I purchased, so I finalized my purchase without buying anything outside of desserts. I would have liked a more details on the preparation of the other items. The pumpkin bread and the zucchini cake were delicious. My Mom even enjoyed the zucchini cake and she's not a fan of zucchini and didn't know it was vegan. Very satisfying. read more

Eden's Vegans - From left Pumpkin bread and Zucchini Cake - Vegan Near Me - Garner, North Carolina

The food was fantastic! The service stellar! Just wish the people who visit this business would take full advantage of the excellent food prepared here! read more

As of 2024 the restaurant is no longer a sit down restaurant. Eden's vegan now has a food truck and you can access through Facebook by searching Eden's vegan (not Eden's vegetarian). Hope this is helpful. I most definitely miss his Sunday buffet style meals. read more

Eden's Vegans - Buffet - Vegan Near Me - Garner, North Carolina

See all

It may be $20 for an entree, but you get quality vegan "meat" and large portions with two vegan sides. It would be helpful to have the ingredients available for people with soy allergies. For those of us going meat-free, this is a great food truck to try. read more

Omg everyone. Eden's Vegan restaurant is a hidden gem in the south! My husband and I happened to stumble upon it while down in Garner on a Sunday and I am SO GLAD we did. We aren't vegetarians or vegan but we do love food. At first I saw on the door you needed reservations but the owner ushered us in no problem. They are taking COVID precautions seriously (yes, still, in 2023). Do not be alarmed by this. You can still dine in no problemo! There were so many yummy options and it's done buffet style. I loved the fake Salisbury steak (better than the meat stuff I've had for sure). The Mac and "cheese" was also amazing. Included were drinks and desserts. I loved every single thing on both of our plates and I cannot wait to go back! Highly recommend if you are vegetarian or vegan or just like food. There's a Facebook where every week they let you know the menu for the following week. read more

Warm welcome, relaxing atmosphere. Very tasty. Ordered the cleanse juice, again very tasty. $24 (including tip), so a tad pricey for me. Great menu selections as well. Plenty of seating. read more

Eden's Vegans - Pico, avocado, jalapeño - Vegan Near Me - Garner, North Carolina

Doesn't look like much as you drive by but this place is a Vegan Gem! It's owned and operated by Alex from St. Lucia. If you're in a hurry, call ahead and order. Alex is a friendly, knowledgeable gentleman and he is a one man show. He will recite what the days menu has in store for you. Think of it like having dinner at your friends house, all made in house and prepared that day. Delicious meals like "BBQ ribs" and "Curry Chicken" all made from seitan and other Soy proteins. They also have Tempeh! Definitely worth a try! We'll be back for sure. Double check the hours before you. Dinner is by reservations only, due to the preparation in making the food and limited staff. Thanks Alex! read more

Eden's Vegans - Hours of operation. - Vegan Near Me - Garner, North Carolina

See all

We tried Eden's Sunday buffet after driving by a number of times and being intrigued by the prospect of vegetarian food in (not so long ago) rural Johnston County. The name is a bit misleading as the focus is on plant-based food, so it is vegan and not vegetarian. Before entering, understand that Eden's still takes COVID very seriously in April of '22: masks are required in all common areas, you are required to sanitize or wash your hands before serving yourself, and you must wear a plastic glove to touch serving handles or the lids of the serving trays. Food is served on paper plates with plastic cups and individually packaged disposable utensils. Alex, the chef and owner, orchestrated when you could serve yourself from the buffet to minimize contact with other guests. The food was very good. I thought the fried "chicken" (house-made seitan) was very, very tasty and had as-close-to-chicken-as-you-can-get texture. The meatloaf and Salisbury steak were good, but not up to the level of the chicken. The rice and peas were as good as any that I've had in the past. The scalloped potatoes and mac and cheese were good, but the taste definitely betrayed their plant-based origins. The zucchini bread served for dessert was fantastic. There was a steady stream of traffic arriving at the restaurant while we dined, although almost everyone got the buffet as take out. Given the very strict enforcement of COVID protocols, tiny dining rooms, and friendly but slow service, I'll probably do the same if I return to the restaurant. All in all, I was impressed with Eden's; it certainly was much, much better than the location might lead you to expect. read more

Good little hidden gem. Was planning to go into Raleigh and came across Eden in Garner. Small location, family owned and family style. Offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free. Had a varied list of items on the buffet, plus the owner will actually create something for you Enjoy read more

Eden's Vegans - Cake Stuff, Good Stuff - Vegan Near Me - Garner, North Carolina

Stopped here on the way to Raleigh and it was delicious! Everything was hearty and homemade. As a vegan I couldn't recommend this place more. The owners were very kind as well. read more

Eden's Vegans - Sunday lunch buffet - Vegan Near Me - Garner, North Carolina

Service was amazing the food wasn't for me. I think a true vegetarian would love this place.

The review by April S. says it well!! I dined here for lunch today, and though everything was fresh and wholesome, it didn't blow me away. We each started with a cup of delicious pureed squash/carrot/sweet potato soup, @ $3.75. My wife had the "meatloaf", with curry sauce on the side, comprised mostly of nuts and grains. Texture was entirely too soft. I had the soy bbq, and found this to be very chewy, like calamari. Flavor was good. The accompaniment of freshly steamed vegetables, a medley of carrots, broccoli, and onions, was excellent. Our mains were $11 each. We passed on dessert. TIP: Call before coming. read more

See all

Wow. Seriously, I just had a 5-star meal from Eden's Vegetarian! The pictures don't do this food justice. So much flavor, very hearty and satisfying. Even the non-alcoholic wine is amazing. It's a beet flavor with spices and very refreshing. We ordered over the food for to go. Alex, the chef brung our food our to the car. Please check them out! read more

See all

Such a great find! Food is absolutely delish and the owners are super sweet. Definitely a must try place! Plus it wasn't expensive! So good! Will be back! read more

This is an Amazing place is Better than trying to go to a restaurant, customer service outstanding ,clean & safe with Social distancing read more

Eden's Vegans - Carrot Cake - Vegan Near Me - Garner, North Carolina

The food was fantastic and the owners were friendly. It was the best plant-based (nut free) Macaroni and cheese and carrot cake I've ever had. I highly recommend. read more

Wow!!! We had no idea what to expect but we were not disappointed. Completely plant base despite the restaurant name. We came in on a Sunday afternoon and it was buffet style. Oh my Lord the options were amazing! Everything plant based and they also had gluten free options. Again Sunday's are their buffet style and the food was phenomenal. Stinks we were in our way home to Philly because we would absolutely be regulars. Trust me, if we find ourselves even 100 miles away, we are coming back to eat! The owners are extremely polite and love what they do so it makes the food taste even better!!! Thank you so much for a wonderful meal and wonderful options!!! read more

Food and Service was Phenomenal! I highly recommend this restaurant. Hats off to the owners.

It's been awhile since I've done a review but this place definitely deserves some recognition. The owner/chef, Alex, puts a lot of love into his food and it definitely shows. It is basically a 1 man show except on Sundays, when his wife can help. Sundays they have an all you can eat VEGAN buffet for $16.95 plus tax. It's from 12-6 and Chef Alex has at least 10 selections on the buffet. What he puts on it changes weekly. I am not vegan but I went with vegan friends. Not being vegan, I can tell the difference but I like good food. This was better than good. It was so good that I wished I had multiple stomachs to eat more. I also contacted them before we came in and asked if it was ok for kids. I have a 2 year old and almost 1 year old. Initially I was going to bring them(Daddy was home so Mommy got a little brunch alone) He went and got a high chair and a booster seat just for my kids(that'll now stay in the restaurant for others to utilize) I will definitely be back. It's only a 1/2 hour drive from where I live in Raleigh and it was basically all highway so easy peasy drive! read more

See all

Wow, what an unexpected delight we found on our way home from Myrtle Beach! Alex and his wife run a small, lovely vegetarian restaurant just minutes off 95 in Smithfield, NC. My husband and younger son are vegetarians, so eating on the road, especially in the South, (my Yankee husband refers to it as the Land of the Fried Napkin) is often a challenge. The food at Eden's was tasty, filling and fully satisfied all of us, herbivores and omnivores. That doesn't always happen. We had the lasagna, the black bean burger and the curry "chicken," all were wonderful. The sides, rice and field peas and collards were incredible as well, even for me, an NC native who is used to collards cooked with meat. Alex's homemade chickpea and sunflower seed salad dressing was just plain delicious, if you're lucky, he'll have made some for your visit, too. All in all, this little gem of a restaurant is a definite don't-miss, whether you're a vegetarian or not - the food and the atmosphere are lovely and we'll definitely be stopping here again. read more

A co-worker of my husband's referred us to this place. We had tried the vegetarian lifestyle for a week or so and actually didn't mind it at all. The location is an old Victorian style home with a wrap around porch. Located in a nice quaint neighborhood. Alex, the owner and exec chef, greeted us with a friendly smile. *a heads up--call or email ahead of time to let him know you're coming in and how many. He prepares all his dishes fresh and likes to know what to have ready for your party!* email: edenscatering@yahoo.com I had the vegan "chicken" and curry and my husband had the vegan oatmeal burger. We also had a family style vegetable curry rice. Everything was delicious and he prepares it to your liking. He asks ahead for spice level and if you have any allergies let him know and he will accommodate. Be sure to check the website for specific hours of dining. They are closed Sat and Mon. We'll def be back to try other stuff!! Happy Tasting! read more

The food was great!!! Alex and his wife were so sweet. I just googled restaurants in the area and found this place and I'm so glad I did. It's actually ALL vegan food and so delicious. read more

A wonderful discovery minutes off if I-95! My husband and I stopped in during a long drive home from vacation. Traveling as a vegan can be hard so this was a great find. From the moment we walked in the door Eden's owner and chef Alex made us feel like family. If you can, call ahead and let them know you're coming in. This helps them to better prepare meal options. We didn't call but lucked out as they had several yummy options. Everything was served family style. We opted for the Bbq "ribs" and curry "chicken". Both were delicious and served with rice and beans, potatoes and collards. The food and the atmosphere make you feel as if you're dining at the home of a vegan friend vs at a restaurant close to the highway. If you're traveling or happen to live near by, don't miss out! read more

Fantastic food and service. Outstanding vegan options. Only complaint is buffet on Sunday sometimes doesn't always have everything that is listed on Facebook page menu. Otherwise this place is top notch! read more

Enjoyed a awesome soul food buffet for lunch today for a friend's birthday. I was blown away by the over the top hospitality and options for plant-based soul food. The ambieance was very comforting like being home. Since I am from Trinidad it was such a delight to enjoy some tasty sorrel drink made just right. I loved that this is a Christian black owned business. I will definitely support since the experience was so plesant. I look forward to coming back with others hopefully for thanksgiving dinner! read more

Such a great find. The food is surprisingly excellent. The food was made to order and was extremely tasty. We had brown rice with black beans and chickpeas, BBQ ribs which was made out of soy and amazingly good, fresh steamed vegetables and a salad. The chef / owner, Alex, was personable and friendly with a desire to make people healthy. read more

Awesome vegan cuisine! We enjoyed the Sunday buffet with carrot cake for dessert! The lasagna was delicious! Even my little picky guy enjoyed the food. Chef Alex and his wife were friendly and welcoming. Definitely worth the visit...you will not regret it. read more

My boyfriend and I were on our way home to Maine from Florida and we made a deal to find the best vegetarian restaurant on the East Coast. After deliberately trying to find a place that was a reasonable distance of I-95, we gave up. Passing Cracker Barrel after Cracker Barrel there seemed to be nowhere for us. We finally came across Eden's Vegetarian Catering Service in NC and it was only 5 minutes off the interstate. We got there and it looked like a home, but there were lights on. We almost drove off, confused and slightly embarrassed, but Alex came to the door and said he was still open if we wanted to eat. We had no idea what to expect for food or how expensive it would be. After spending about an hour and a half with Mr. Alex Forde, I have to say this is one of the best places I've ever eaten. The food was amazing and the conversation was priceless. Alex sat with us for a very long time and made the dining experience wonderful. He and his wife are truly amazing people. We were each served a cup of sweet potato, butternut squash, and split pea soup, a salad, and dishes of vegetables, white sweet potatoes, beans and rice, black eyed peas (for good luck on our trip), BBQ "ribs", and "chicken" with a pink coconut sauce. Everything was mouthwatering. We had no idea what to expect for prices, but the entire dinner cost only $40. read more

If you are anywhere near this town please go see Alex and try his food! So worth the visit. Such an interesting man with a great story! Food was very good. read more

Eden's Vegans - Pasta w veg. Had to eat before taking the photo!!! - Vegan Near Me - Garner, North Carolina

Went for brunch buffer at Eden's Vegetarian. Wow. So many options, all vegan! Can't get that kind of variety with vegan food in the area. Plus, it is high quality and delicious. Alexander, the owner and chef was so kind and friendly. Will definitely go back! We should all support Eden's Vegetarian! Alexander does catering as well. A must try!! read more

I'm generally a very bad eater. If it's not meaty, cheesy, or somehow greasy, It's not in my regular diet. On a whim, I went with a healthy coworker one day during lunch and (it's been over a year since going) I can still remember the mock chicken curry they whipped together. The place has a very at home feel and there's a great guy running the place! I'm pretty sure he prepares everything fresh--legit. Only wish it was closer to home. I'd be here all the time. I think that really says something. read more

Alex is a great host and cook! His passion for cooking reflects in his delicious food. The restaurant is built inside a house so it's easy to mistake it for just a house. So be aware, THIS PLACE HAS DINE - IN!!! And if you call Alex before and tell him what you'd like to eat, he'll make it for you! How cool is that?! read more

Best vegetarian food in NC! We are so glad we stumble upon this restaurant. Alex is such an amazing and welcoming person. We will definitely be coming back. read more

A top choice for Vegans. Convenient to I-95! Expertly prepared meals.

I am very glad to have found this restaurant in North Carolina on a recent drive from Florida to DC on that ribbon of highway known as I-95. The restaurant's close proximity to I-95 is the traveler's good luck (Exit 93). For anyone in the Smithfield area, you have a gem amongst you. This is a great restaurant. Full stop. No extras. No qualifiers. My wife and I ate lunch at Eden this past Wednesday. It was one of the best meals I have had - anywhere, breakfast, lunch or dinner. More than being vegan or vegetarian, Eden is really about creative, fresh and appetizing food. Vegan or vegetarian food is based on it's ingredients - it is not a cuisine such as Chinese or Italian. Eden features original soups and entrees and dishes drawing on Caribbean, Indian and barbecue flavors, as well as unique salads and desserts. We arrived about 1:30pm - the web site says lunch til 2pm. We were seated and greeted by the chef who explained lunch was being served family style featuring a choice from four entrees - curried "chicken", bbq "ribs", a chickpea burger and something that is escaping my memory, along with rice & peas, mixed vegetables and a salad. We chose the curry "chicken" and the chickpea burger. The whole meal, served family style on serving plates, was excellent. Colorful and fresh salad, lettuce based, made to order, preceded the entrees. The curry "chicken" and the rice & peas were exceptional. The curry "chicken" is a well balanced yellow curry - Caribbean style curry. Even done spicy, it is mild to other curries. Very tasty. For me as a non-meat eater (Yes I know fish is meat) and someone who likes wheat meat (seiten), tofu and such stuff, the mock chicken was great. Just get it out of your mind that it is supposed to be chicken. It isn't but do you want to call it wheat meat? And did I say that the sauce is tasty? Very very tasty. And the rice & peas - top notch - true to Caribbean original style with unique original flavor flourish. The chickpea burger was great - served with a tomato sauce on top and no bun. The tomato sauce was flavorful and fresh tasting. Chickpea burgers are not about light and fluffy - even when cooked with eggs. These burgers were solid but not dense and the sauce kept it from being too dry. Mixed vegetables were an al dente medley of broccoli, carrots and some others with a light sauce. Very satisfying. Dessert was a carrot cake with lots more than carrots in it - dried fruit and nuts made for lots of flavor - and fresh cantaloupe and watermelon - a great wrap up to a wonderful lunch. We are looking forward to our next stop - will call ahead too. (My biases - pescetarian - for close to 40 years my diet is oriented towards vegetarian with some fish. I live in a family that eats meat more than occasionally. I have lived with vegans. And I have eaten vegan food that I would not eat again just as I have eaten meat food that I would not again.) read more

Some friends and I ate here for lunch while in the area. It was one of the best dining experiences I've had. I will admit we were the only ones in the restaurant, but the owner, Alex, connected with us on a personal level just as I'm sure he would have done if the place were full. You could tell that he was proud of his food and eager to share it with us. We all had a fresh salad with peach dressing to start, along with some of his amazing cornbread, and lasagna with vegetables on the side for the main course, and his own herbal tea (a must try). Even as a 12 year vegetarian, I was slightly weary of vegan lasagna, but it was amazing and I easily devoured the generously sized portion (as did my meat-eating friends). They commented afterward how light they felt, as opposed to the stuffed, weighed-down feeling normal lasagna leaves you with. The vegetables were also well done with good flavor and texture. Often, sides are overlooked, especially vegetables, but I could tell that he gave them the same attention as the main dish. I've been to several fancy vegetarian restaurants around the world and Eden easily competes with them. read more

Loved the mashed potatoes and the steamed veggies. The lentil soup was amazing! They only had the lasagna when we went, so that's what we had. We didn't get menus and when he told us what they had, there were no prices attached. We got two big pieces of lasagna (we split one for both of us and it felt super filling), two mashed potatoes, two salads and one soup for about $35 before tip. Our toddler loved the lasagna and the steamed veggies too. She also had the run of the place, which was empty except for us. The man who ran the place was very friendly and service was fantastic. I was more of a fan of the lasagna than my wife -- I'm not vegan or vegetarian though, and I was honestly hoping that some of the other items on the menu would be available when we searched the place out after finding it on yelp. I'm not a big fan of soy pretending to be meat or cheese. They did a fairly good job of hiding it, and it was filling, I was just hoping for a chickpea or black bean burger as I saw on the menu. Not a big selection here if that's what you're looking for, but what they had was good. read more

We went to Eden last night a group of 3. Two non vegetarian and one vegetarian. Alex the chef made us feel welcomed and comfortable. He served us family style and it was nice, relaxing and delicious! We would recommend calling ahead. It was excellent dinner and had amazing flavors. And, We would all go back. read more

Awesome food and great service. This restaurant has the absolute best vegan food anywhere. My wife and kids love it. Thank you for such great food!!! read more