North Carolina: Restaurants & Shops with True Grit for Dairy-Free Diners

Last Updated in September 2022! We’ve created this ever-growing guide to restaurants, bakeries, cafes, ice cream shops, and stores in North Carolina that are friendly to dairy-free diners. It’s a collection based on research and reader recommendations (send yours!) that’s divided into restaurants & shops by city (first) and major chains found throughout the state (second). And we’ve started a section for specialty dairy-free foods produced in this state.

We Update Continuously! You can ignore the original date on this post going forward. We update the information below whenever we’re alerted to a new recommendation, change, or closure.

Photo from BimBeriBon

Dairy-Free North Carolina: Recommended Restaurants & Shops

We’ve listed these recommendations alphabetically by city and then by the restaurant or shop name. For large chains with locations throughout the state, see the Major Restaurant & Grocery Chains section below. We have dedicated posts with dairy-free details for many of the big guys.

⭐️ = Restaurant is either dairy-free, has a dairy-free menu, has dairy-free labels on their menu(s), or lists top allergens with menu items. (At the time of our last review.)

Apex

• Alpaca – This is a local chain of Peruvian rotisserie charcoal chicken restaurants. They offer allergen information for dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free guests, and there really is something for everyone. Their chicken is made without dairy, gluten, and soy, and they offer several dairy-free entrees, sides, and sauces.

Arden

• 12 Bones Smokehouse – All of their meats and sauces are gluten-free, and most are dairy-free, too. They’re reportedly quite friendly toward special diet guests.

Asheville

• 12 Bones Smokehouse – All of their meats and sauces are gluten-free, and most are dairy-free, too. They’re reportedly quite friendly toward special diet guests.
• Abeja’s House Cafe – This cozy local spot serves breakfast and lunch with Latin flair. They have a few vegan items right on the menu, including tofu scramble and breakfast burritos. They’re also reportedly quite accommodating for dairy-free diners with other menu options.
• Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co – This local brewpub has been offering vegan cheese as an option for over 20 years! They currently have Daiya on the menu, for topping pizzas, burgers, and fries. There are a few locations in town.
• Baked Pie Company – They sell pies, and lots of them. Every day, they have a featured vegan pie. It rotates between popular classics, like apple or cherry, and unique creations like decadent snickers or cream mint chip.
• BimBeriBon – This gluten-free bakery and cafe is also quite dairy-free friendly. Most of their warm sandwich and bowl menu can be made dairy-free, since they offer a couple types of dairy-free cheese. They also offer many vegan baked goodies.
• Biscuit Head – It’s not easy to find dairy-free biscuits and gravy, unless you’re in Asheville. This Southern-style restaurant serves vegan and gluten-free biscuits with not one, but two choices of vegan gravy. According to their staff, any of their egg dishes can be made without dairy, and their potatoes can be served without cheese. They also have several naturally dairy-free items, including red eye gravy, sriracha slaw, calaloo collards, sriracha sausage, country ham, brisket, pulled pork, bacon, mimosa fried chicken, kale salad, and granola.
• Black Bear Pizza – They offer vegan cheese, a couple dairy-free sauce options, and a plethora of toppings. They also have a gluten-free, dairy-free pizza crust option (but the cauliflower crust contains dairy). Additional salads and other menu options are available.
• Brixx Wood Fired Pizza – This is a popular regional chain that offers dairy-free cheese alternative at no extra charge! In fact, their classic pizza crust and sauce are vegan, and they can make any veggie pizza vegan. They also have a fantastic allergen list. It tells you the specific items with dairy AND the items that contain dairy even when you hold the cheese. As a not-so-obvious heads up, their Thai Chili Sauce contains dairy – that one surprised us!
• Cedric’s Tavern (at Biltmore) – This is a great place to enjoy dairy-free fish and chips! They can also accommodate dairy-free needs with a few other custom order options.
• Farm Burger – They offer a plant-filled vegan burger right on the menu, but also have many dairy-free options with the build-your-own burger menu and grass-fed meats. Sides include fries, vegan collards, and more, and they offer a popular superfood salad.
• French Broad Chocolate & Cafe – This cute chocolate shop has a whole selection of their own crafted dairy-free and vegan chocolates and chocolate bars. They also have a cafe with some additional treats.
• Green Sage Cafe – This plant-heavy restaurant and coffeehouse has a handful of locations scattered around Asheville. Their all-day breakfast and lunch menu is mostly dairy-free, and labeled with several vegan and gluten-free options. Some highlights include their dairy-free milkshakes and global plant-based bowls. They also offer almond, coconut, and oat milks for their coffee drinks.
• Laughing Seed Cafe – This is Asheville’s favorite vegetarian restaurant, and almost every item on the menu is vegan or has a vegan option. This includes pizzas, sandwiches, salads, and an internationally-inspired selection of casual entrees. Vegan cakes and dairy-free smoothies are also available.
• Nine Mile ⭐️ – Dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian items are clearly labeled on the menu. They even call out items that contain tree nuts. The cuisine is Caribbean, and thus includes quite a diverse dairy-free selection of chicken, seafood, and plant-based dishes. You can stop in for a late lunch or dinner, any day of the week, at all three of their Asheville locations.
• Plant ⭐️ – There isn’t a drop of dairy at this 90% organic, often locally sourced, mostly gluten free, and completely vegan restaurant. They boast a simple, modern atmosphere and a dinner menu to match. Their dishes have plant-heavy, flavor-forward, global appeal, and are meant for savoring with one of their craft beers or biodynamic wines. They also offer a diverse dessert menu to cover those lingering cravings.
• Red Ginger – This popular Asheville restaurant is known for dim sum, noodle dishes, and other Asian specialties, most of which is dairy-free.
• Rosetta’s Kitchen & Buchi Bar ⭐️ – The upstairs is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant, with dairy-free options for everything on the menu. The choices are diverse, with small plates, entrees, sandwiches, and more. Downstairs, the bar serves their full menu, but has a more relaxed atmosphere with several kombucha flavors on tap, craft beers, local ciders, and more.
• Salsa’s – The Caribbean influence on this Mexican restaurant equates to many dishes that are dairy-free, or can easily be made dairy free without the cheese on top. Our friend Thomas said he had an easy time enjoying a dairy-free and gluten-free meal at this restaurant. They also have a couple vegan dinners right on the menu.
• Short Street Cakes – They offer Vegan Vanilla Cake, and can also make a wide range of their classic cake and cupcake flavors dairy-free and vegan on request. They bake meticulous cakes for all occasions, including weddings.
• Sunset Terrace – This fine dining establishment is located at the Omni Grove Park Inn. They serve a surf and turf style menu and are reportedly quite accommodating with special diet requests, including dairy-free.
• Sunshine Sammies – This ice cream sandwich shop and their food truck offer one dairy-free variety: vegan vanilla coconut milk ice cream + vegan chocolate chip cookies. It’s a local window-serve spot, but if you like their sammies, you can buy them online (they ship nationwide).
• The Hop Ice Creamery – Their selection includes from-scratch vegan ice cream made with a base of bases of oat milk, pepita milk, hemp milk, almond milk, or banana crème. They typically have one creamy dairy-free flavor and one sorbet daily. They also offer a great selection of vegan toppings, and they make custom order dairy-free and vegan ice cream cakes.
• Village Social at Biltmore – Their menu includes a couple vegan menu options and even a vegan dessert. Plus, they are reportedly friendly to both dairy-free and gluten-free needs with additional menu items.
• Vortex Doughnuts – They make both yeast and cake doughnuts, and over half of the flavors are vegan! They also offer oat milk for coffee drinks.
• West End Bakery & Cafe – This is the spot for rustic, fresh-baked vegan breads and bagels. They also have a rotating selection of unique vegan cakes, muffins, and other pastries.
• Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Beaufort

• Aqua Restaurant – This is a laid back spot for tapas and plates. They clearly label dairy-free and gluten-free items on their menu. Truthfully, the dairy-free options are pretty limited (a small plate and a dessert), but they are reportedly happy to modify some of their other dishes for dairy-free needs.

Belmont

• Cinnaholic – This is a vegan cinnamon roll bakery chain. They offer an array of frostings, toppings, other pastries, and dairy-free coffee drinks.
• I Love Juice Bar ⭐️ – They blend dairy-free smoothies, acai bowls, and smoothie bowls, offer a range of juices and healthy shots, have overnight oats, and also serve vegan-friendly soups.

Black Mountain

• The Hop Ice Creamery – Their selection includes from-scratch vegan ice cream made with a base of bases of oat milk, pepita milk, hemp milk, almond milk, or banana crème. They typically have one creamy dairy-free flavor and one sorbet daily. They also offer a great selection of vegan toppings, and they make custom order dairy-free and vegan ice cream cakes.

Boone

• Coyote Kitchen – This eclectic restaurant serves Southwest & Caribbean soul food, and is happy to accommodate almost any dietary need. Most of their menu is dairy-free, or can be made dairy-free on request. They also offer specialty sauces like vegan aioli.
• F.A.R.M. Cafe ⭐️ – This is a non-profit, pay-what-you-can community cafe that operates primarily with volunteers. And they are truly all-inclusive. They source local ingredients and label their daily menu for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options. Most of their menu items are usually dairy-free.

Burlington

• Brixx Wood Fired Pizza – This regional chain offers dairy-free cheese alternative at no extra charge! Their crust is vegan, their gluten-free pizza dough is dairy-free (but contains egg), and they provide allergen info. See the Asheville Listing above for more details.

Cape Carteret

• The Fuzzy Peach Frozen Yogurt Bar – They offer a couple dairy-free flavors daily, often including Silk almondmilk frozen yogurt (in chocolate or vanilla) and sorbet or dairy-free Dole Whip.

Carolina Beach

• Latella Gelato ⭐️ – They clearly label dairy-free and vegan ice cream options, which can include sorbets and creamy flavors like Cookie Dough or Peanut Butter Patties.

Cary

• Brixx Wood Fired Pizza – This regional chain offers dairy-free cheese alternative at no extra charge! Their crust is vegan, their gluten-free pizza dough is dairy-free (but contains egg), and they provide allergen info. See the Asheville Listing above for more details.
• Chicken Salad Chick – Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They also have various dairy-free bread options for sandwiches. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.
• Cinnaholic – This is a vegan cinnamon roll bakery chain. They offer an array of frostings, toppings, other pastries, and dairy-free coffee drinks.
• Honeysuckle Gelato – They typically have a creamy vegan gelato flavor available and a couple sorbetto flavors, which are reportedly quite creamy too!
• LemonShark Poke – They have an interactive allergen menu online, and it brings good news for dairy-free guests. All of their sauces and poke bowl ingredients are dairy-free. The only items that contained dairy at our time of review were the tempura, coconut shrimp, and katsu.
• Vida Dulce – If you love fruit, then this sweet shop is a must. Most of their ice creams contain dairy, but they have a handful of fruity dairy-free and vegan flavors daily, and many dairy-free popsicle flavors – all house made. They also serve slushies, mangonadas, and fruit cups.

Chapel Hill

• Brixx Wood Fired Pizza – This regional chain offers dairy-free cheese alternative at no extra charge! Their crust is vegan, their gluten-free pizza dough is dairy-free (but contains egg), and they provide allergen info. See the Asheville Listing above for more details.

Charlotte

• À la Minute Meal Delivery – They deliver fresh entrees and sides to customers every Monday, and their menu changes weekly. They always list top allergens for ease of ordering and have many dairy-free choices.
• Bartaco – Their allergen menu is so detailed, that it states exactly what in the item contains the allergen. And their dairy-free options are abundant. Most of their tacos, rice bowls, other entrees, and sides are, or can be ordered, dairy-free. But the dessert and kids menus are heavy in dairy.
• Brixx Wood Fired Pizza – This regional chain offers dairy-free cheese alternative at no extra charge! Their crust is vegan, their gluten-free pizza dough is dairy-free (but contains egg), and they provide allergen info. See the Asheville Listing above for more details.
• Burtons Grill – This upscale bar and grill boasts classic American dishes with fresh ingredients and a touch of global flair. Year after year, they’re top rated as an allergy-friendly restaurant. They follow strict allergy protocols, have well-trained staff, and even attentive to allergies with their online ordering and takeout.
• Cheesecake Carousel – This mobile dessert truck also takes special orders or vegan cheesecakes and can cater to various special diet needs.
• Chicken Salad Chick – Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They also have various dairy-free bread options for sandwiches. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.
• Condado Tacos ⭐️ – Their menu is not only labeled with vegan and gluten-free options, they also mark which items contain dairy. All non-vegan mains have dairy, when ordered as is, but you can build-your-own tacos and bowls with plenty of options. Most of their proteins, standard toppings, salsas, guacamoles, and sauces are dairy-free.
• Exposed Vegan ⭐️ – This plant-based restaurants serves juices, smoothies, oatmeal bowls, acai bowls, savory bowls, stuffed sweet potatoes, soups, and cookies.
• Fern – It feels like you’re dining in a garden at this open air restaurant. Their vegetarian menu is dotted with an array of vegan options for brunch, dinner, and even dessert. And we’ve been told they are very attentive with food allergies.
• Flower Child – This healthy restaurant chain serves salads, bowls, and plates with choose your own protein and side options. Their modern “hippie” menu is loaded with organic produce, whole grains (gluten-free, too), and house dressings. Their menu is littered with vegan and paleo options, and most items either are, or can be made dairy-free on request.
• Honeysuckle Gelato – They typically have a creamy gelato flavor, like ube, and creamy vegan sorbetto flavors. It’s located in Optimist Hall.
• I Love Juice Bar ⭐️ – They blend dairy-free smoothies, acai bowls, and smoothie bowls, offer a range of juices and healthy shots, have overnight oats, and also serve vegan-friendly soups.
• Island Fin Poke – Almost everything on their menu is dairy-free, and it includes some unique Hawaiian touches, like spam as a poke bowl option and dairy-free Dole Whip for dessert.
• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – This nationwide chain has a few scoop shops in Charlotte. See our Jeni’s post for more dairy-free details.
• Pepperbox Doughnuts – Tucked away in the Design Center of the Carolinas, you’ll find a little doughnut shop that begins baking their yeast-raised doughnuts at 2am every day. They offer several vegan flavors daily.
• Pinky’s Westside Grill – Thanks to Jessica for letting us know this restaurant “offers vegan options and an allergen menu that outlines what allergens (including dairy) are in each item.” They offer a few non-dairy burgers, tacos, and sandwiches, plus some items that can be dairy-free without cheese.
• Saladworks – Pretty much their entire menu contains dairy, but they offer an interactive allergen menu that tells you how to custom order most items without dairy (or other special diet needs). You can choose between salads, warm grain bowls, wraps, and a few other items. They offer a good handful of dairy-free dressings, and do have gluten-free and vegan options.
• Sanctuary Bistro ⭐️ – For fine dining without worry, visit this vegan restaurant. Their lunch and dinner menus center around local and organic ingredients, and have elevated appeal.
• Slim Chickens – They make dairy-free custom orders easy, and are trained to be friendly to allergen requests. Their grilled chicken tenders are made without dairy, and can be subbed on meals, wraps, or salads. They also have a good allergen menu, with a nice selection of dairy-free sauces and sides. Just use caution when ordering sandwiches. At last check, their brioche sandwich buns were dairy-free, but they are brushed with butter.
• Snooze A.M. Eatery – They serve some plant-powered, dairy-free menu items, like vegan pancakes, tofu scramble, porridge, and buddha bowls. Some additional dishes can be custom ordered dairy free.
• Suárez Bakery ⭐️ – This “friendly” bakery offers several vegan doughnut and twist flavors. But they also have additional menus for items that are “just” dairy-free – just ask! And they do have menus for other dietary needs, like gluten-free and nut-free.
• Sugar Donuts – This is a classic bakery with a simple selection of vegan donuts in vanilla, chocolate, and cinnamon sugar, along with vegan cinnamon rolls and dairy-free sorbets.
• Switchin’ Kitchens ⭐️ – This is a local meal prep service. They prepare the meals, you thaw and cook them. Their menu changes monthly, and they clearly label for dairy-free, gluten-free, and other dietary needs (like diabetes). They typically have a range of dairy-free options.
• Ted’s Montana Grill – Founded by media mogul and rancher Ted Turner, this American chain serves a meat-heavy menu with lots of dairy-free options. See our Dairy-Free Guide for Ted’s Montana Grill for more details.
• The Common Market – This is a local store, deli, and bar with a few locations in Charlotte. They offer a range of special diet options, including local vegan doughnuts and pastries (with gluten-free options) by Move that Dough Baking, and deli sandwiches made wit Boar’s Head meats.
• The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar – This outrageous dessert shop offers Hersey’s Oatmazing dairy-free ice cream in vanilla, chocolate and cookies n cream. You can order it straight up or blended with oat milk for your own crazy milkshake. The staff can share what toppings are made without milk.
• The Local Scoop ⭐️ – They have a decadent menu of creamy non-dairy ice cream flavors, ranging from Chocolate and Vanilla to Cookie Butter to tropical Staycation. Their bases vary, with coconut, soy, and oat milk options. They also serve floats.
• Tifa Chocolate and Gelato – They scoop some creamy vegan gelato flavors (like peanut butter, dark chocolate, and chocolate chip), and also offer fruity dairy-free sorbettos. On the chocolate side, they have a selection of vegan truffles.
• Toppers Pizza – They have three signature vegan pizzas on their menu (two with plant-based chicken), and you can sub their dairy-free mozzarella to make most other pizzas dairy-free. They also offer vegan cheese sticks and have several dairy-free sauces.
• Uncle Maddio’s – This build-your-own pizza or salad chain offers Daiya dairy-free cheese alternative and has two crust options to choose from (including gluten-free). They also offer a plethora of toppings and a good handful of dairy-free sauce and dressing options.
• Uncle Paulie’s Bag O’ Donuts ⭐️ – They don’t yet have a permanent location, but this vegan donut maker does pop ups and sells at local stores and shops. They also take orders, and you can order an assortment.
• Viva Chicken – This is a Peruvian rotisserie chicken joint, that specializes in fresh, authentic Peruvian cuisine. Their menu is simple, with chicken, salads, and sides, most of which is made without dairy. They do offer a quick glance allergen menu, which includes sauce details.

Concord

• Chicken Salad Chick – Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They also have various dairy-free bread options for sandwiches. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.
• Cinnaholic – This is a vegan cinnamon roll bakery chain. They offer an array of frostings, toppings, other pastries, and dairy-free coffee drinks.
• Viva Chicken – This is a Peruvian rotisserie chicken joint, that specializes in fresh, authentic Peruvian cuisine. Their menu is simple, with chicken, salads, and sides, most of which is made without dairy. They do offer a quick glance allergen menu, which includes sauce details.

Creedmoor

• Baton Rouge Cuisine – At last check, many of the dishes at this food truck were dairy-free, including fried chicken wings, chicken nuggets, jambalaya, and gumbo.

Duck

• Donutz On a Stick – They offer vegan donut flavors daily, and reportedly have dairy-free ice cream options too.

Durham

• Alpaca – This is a local chain of Peruvian rotisserie charcoal chicken restaurants. They offer allergen information for dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free guests, and there really is something for everyone. Their chicken is made without dairy, gluten, and soy, and they offer several dairy-free entrees, sides, and sauces.
• Happy + Hale ⭐️ – This is a fast casual salad, bowl, and smoothie restaurants focused on fresh and healthy food. They carefully label which items contain dairy, nuts, and / or soy right on their menu, and also have labels for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. The dairy-free options are abundant, and they offer build-your-own bowls.
• Kanki Japanese House – This isn’t a strictly dairy-free restaurant. In fact they do use cream cheese in some of their sushi rolls, and they cook their hibachi in butter. But they are very accommodating. Their staff is quick to alert you of any items containing dairy, they will cook you a full hibachi dinner in the back to avoid dairy on the grill, and will modify dishes as needed. Reader Jessy said they cooked chicken tenders and rice from scratch without dairy when her son said he wanted some.
• Ninth Street Bakery – Many of their fresh-baked breads are vegan, and they offer vegan tartines, hand pies, sandwiches, curry bowls, chili, cakes, and a few sweet pastries. They also offer dairy-free challah and most sandwiches can be made dairy-free on request.
• Pokeworks – All of their signature poke bowls, and pretty much all of their menu is dairy-free, including the Dole Whip for dessert! They offer raw, cooked, and vegan proteins.
• Sweet Charlie’s – This rolled ice cream chain offers a dairy-free and vegan base that you can customize with various flavor and add-in options or even enjoy as a “milkshake.”
• Ted’s Montana Grill – Founded by media mogul and rancher Ted Turner, this American chain serves a meat-heavy menu with lots of dairy-free options. See our Dairy-Free Guide for Ted’s Montana Grill for more details.
• Tobacco Road Sports Cafe – This local restaurant makes ordering downhome food quite easy. They have a filter on their website, that even tells you how to custom order for your dietary need. This opens up a few dozen menu items for dairy-free diners!

Fayetteville

• Smokey Bones – This Eastern chain has been recommended by a few readers for their volume of dairy-free options. It’s a sit-down BBQ restaurant with ample meats and sides, custom burgers, and other mains to choose from. In the past, they’ve had a spotty allergen chart, so be sure to verify “safe” options with the staff.

Garner

• Alpaca – This is a local chain of Peruvian rotisserie charcoal chicken restaurants. They offer allergen information for dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free guests, and there really is something for everyone. Their chicken is made without dairy, gluten, and soy, and they offer several dairy-free entrees, sides, and sauces.

Gastonia

• Brixx Wood Fired Pizza – This regional chain offers dairy-free cheese alternative at no extra charge! Their crust is vegan, their gluten-free pizza dough is dairy-free (but contains egg), and they provide allergen info. See the Asheville Listing above for more details.
• Viva Chicken – This is a Peruvian rotisserie chicken joint, that specializes in fresh, authentic Peruvian cuisine. Their menu is simple, with chicken, salads, and sides, most of which is made without dairy. They do offer a quick glance allergen menu, which includes sauce details.

Greensboro

• Boba House – This warm vegetarian restaurant serves an array of Thai and Vietnamese-inspired dishes. Almost everything on their lunch, dinner, and dessert menus is vegan and dairy-free. And many items are or can be made gluten-free. Everything is prepared fresh, made to order, and they source locally when possible.
• Brixx Wood Fired Pizza – This regional chain offers dairy-free cheese alternative at no extra charge! Their crust is vegan, their gluten-free pizza dough is dairy-free (but contains egg), and they provide allergen info. See the Asheville Listing above for more details.
• Boombalatti’s – Their homemade ice creams include up to 8 dairy-free and vegan flavors, with a coconut milk base. They have two locations in Wilmington.
• Chicken Salad Chick – Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They also have various dairy-free bread options for sandwiches. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.
• Ice Scraperz Rolled Ice-Cream – You can custom order a flavor with a dairy-free coconut, almond, or cashew milk base. They also offer coconut whipped cream and dairy-free milk beverage for lattes.
• Maxie B’s – Their traditional bakery has added vegan options in recent years, including vegan chocolate cakes by the slice, baby cakes in warm fall flavors, and dessert bars. They also bake custom order layer cakes for all occasions.
• Viva Chicken – This is a Peruvian rotisserie chicken joint, that specializes in fresh, authentic Peruvian cuisine. Their menu is simple, with chicken, salads, and sides, most of which is made without dairy. They do offer a quick glance allergen menu, which includes sauce details.

Hendersonville

• Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

High Point

• Chicken Salad Chick – Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They also have various dairy-free bread options for sandwiches. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.
• Uncle Maddio’s – This build-your-own pizza or salad chain offers Daiya dairy-free cheese alternative and has two crust options to choose from (including gluten-free). They also offer a plethora of toppings and a good handful of dairy-free sauce and dressing options.

Hillsborough

• Whit’s Frozen Custard – This ice cream chain now has several vegan-friendly stores, including the one in this city. They’re now churning vegan custard that’s made with gluten-free oat milk or cultured coconut milk. The flavors can vary, and are sold in pints or by the scoop, and dairy-free cones and toppings are available.

Holly Springs

• Mama Bird’s Ice Cream – They offer a creamy vegan flavor (like salted caramel or vegan “mounds”) and usually three dairy-free sorbet flavors daily.
• Sweetberry – This bowl spot offers all types of dairy-free smoothie bowls (acai, pitaya, coconut, and green) with a range of toppings. They also build poke bowls and salad bowls, with ample dairy-free choices. They also have many vegan options.

Huntersville

• Pinky’s Westside Grill – Thanks to Jessica for letting us know this restaurant “offers vegan options and an allergen menu that outlines what allergens (including dairy) are in each item.” They offer a few non-dairy burgers, tacos, and sandwiches, plus some items that can be dairy-free without cheese.
• Saladworks – Pretty much their entire menu contains dairy, but they offer an interactive allergen menu that tells you how to custom order most items without dairy (or other special diet needs). You can choose between salads, warm grain bowls, wraps, and a few other items. They offer a good handful of dairy-free dressings, and do have gluten-free and vegan options.
• Uncle Maddio’s – This build-your-own pizza or salad chain offers Daiya dairy-free cheese alternative and has two crust options to choose from (including gluten-free). They also offer a plethora of toppings and a good handful of dairy-free sauce and dressing options.
• Viva Chicken – This is a Peruvian rotisserie chicken joint, that specializes in fresh, authentic Peruvian cuisine. Their menu is simple, with chicken, salads, and sides, most of which is made without dairy. They do offer a quick glance allergen menu, which includes sauce details.

Indian Trail

• Cinnaholic – This is a vegan cinnamon roll bakery chain. They offer an array of frostings, toppings, other pastries, and dairy-free coffee drinks.
• Viva Chicken – This is a Peruvian rotisserie chicken joint, that specializes in fresh, authentic Peruvian cuisine. Their menu is simple, with chicken, salads, and sides, most of which is made without dairy. They do offer a quick glance allergen menu, which includes sauce details.

Jacksonville

• The Fuzzy Peach Frozen Yogurt Bar – They offer a couple dairy-free flavors daily, often including Silk almondmilk frozen yogurt (in chocolate or vanilla) and sorbet or dairy-free Dole Whip.

Kill Devil Hills

• The SaltBox Cafe ⭐️ – Their menu is labeled for dairy-free, and includes notes on other top allergens. Dairy-free options include pancakes, sandwiches, and sides.

Knightdale

• Vida Dulce – If you love fruit, then this sweet shop is a must. Most of their ice creams contain dairy, but they have a handful of fruity dairy-free and vegan flavors daily, and many dairy-free popsicle flavors – all house made. They also serve slushies, mangonadas, and fruit cups.

Leland

• The Fuzzy Peach Frozen Yogurt Bar – They offer a couple dairy-free flavors daily, often including Silk almondmilk frozen yogurt (in chocolate or vanilla) and sorbet or dairy-free Dole Whip.

Matthews

• Artisen Gelato ⭐️ – Holy (un)cow! It’s a dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free ice cream shop with certified vegan gelato and sorbet flavors and allergy-friendly waffle cones! They also make ice cream cakes! Have we thoroughly conveyed our excitement with enough exclamation points?!
• Chicken Salad Chick – Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They also have various dairy-free bread options for sandwiches. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.
• MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes – This expanding franchise makes dairy-free burgers with a range of protein, bun, sauce, and topping options. They have a detailed allergen chart to help you order. They also offer vegan, paleo, and gluten-free options.
• The Local Scoop ⭐️ – They have a decadent menu of creamy non-dairy ice cream flavors, ranging from Chocolate and Vanilla to Cookie Butter to tropical Staycation. Their bases vary, with coconut, soy, and oat milk options. They also serve floats.

Morrisville

• Alpaca – This is a local chain of Peruvian rotisserie charcoal chicken restaurants. They offer allergen information for dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free guests, and there really is something for everyone. Their chicken is made without dairy, gluten, and soy, and they offer several dairy-free entrees, sides, and sauces.

Nag’s Head

• Surfin’ Spoon Frozen Yogurt Bar – Their soft serve flavors rotate, but they usually a creamy coconut milk-based flavor and/or a sorbet. They also make vegan ice cream sandwiches with vegan cookies and dairy-free coconut milk ice cream. A staple flavor is Lemon Lavberry, but they usually have a seasonal vegan flavor, too, like Strawberry Shredcake or Pumpin Pumpkin. The sandwiches are available at their shop, and in local stores.

Powell’s Point

• Outer Banks Gluten Free Baker – This bakery is by appointment only. They bake custom order cakes and cupcakes, with many dairy-free and nut-free options. Vegan flavors are also available.

Raleigh

• Alpaca – This is a local chain of Peruvian rotisserie charcoal chicken restaurants. They offer allergen information for dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free guests, and there really is something for everyone. Their chicken is made without dairy, gluten, and soy, and they offer several dairy-free entrees, sides, and sauces.
• Bartaco – Their allergen menu is so detailed, that it states exactly what in the item contains the allergen. And their dairy-free options are abundant. Most of their tacos, rice bowls, other entrees, and sides are, or can be ordered, dairy-free. But the dessert and kids menus are heavy in dairy.
• Bean Sprouts Cafe – Bean Sprouts plants cafés inside family destinations across the country. This one is inside the Marbles Kids Museum. Their playful yet healthy menu is allergy-friendly, and boasts a few different dairy-free breakfast and lunch options for kids and adults.
• Brixx Wood Fired Pizza – This regional chain offers dairy-free cheese alternative at no extra charge! Their crust is vegan, their gluten-free pizza dough is dairy-free (but contains egg), and they provide allergen info. See the Asheville Listing above for more details.
• Element Gastropub ⭐️ – Their casual lunch and dinner menus center around burgers, nachos, cookies and almond milk, and other comfort foods. But everything on the menu is plant-based and dairy-free.
• Happy + Hale ⭐️ – This is a fast casual salad, bowl, and smoothie restaurants focused on fresh and healthy food. They carefully label which items contain dairy, nuts, and / or soy right on their menu, and also have labels for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. The dairy-free options are abundant, and they offer build-your-own bowls.
• Kanki Japanese House – Reader Jessy recommended this restaurant for being extremely accommodating, but she visited the Durham location. Nonetheless, I found the restaurant as a whole to be very responsive on special diet needs and happy to make modifications as needed. They can cook dairy-free hibachi for you on a separate grill, have a couple dairy-free appetizers, and offer a good range of sushi (just avoid the rolls with cream cheese!).
• Rush Bowls – This smoothie and smoothie bowl chain isn’t dairy-free, but they are happy to accommodate. They offer oat, almond, coconut, and soymilk options. Some menu items call for froyo, but you can sub banana for no charge, or acai for an additional charge. At last check, most of their toppers and all of their boosts (except for whey – they do have soy protein available) were made without dairy.
• Seasons 52 – See our Seasons 52 Dairy-Free Menu Guide for full details.
• Sitti ⭐️ – Modern Lebanese cuisine is easy to order at this local restaurant. They clearly label dairy and dairy-free options on their menu.
• The Fiction Kitchen – Laura recommended this popular vegetarian dinner spot. Their menu has comforting Southern appeal with some global inspirations. Almost everything on the menu is vegan – they even serve a house-made vegan pimento cheese and cheddar. Their menu is also labeled for gluten-free options.
• Tobacco Road Sports Cafe – This local restaurant makes ordering downhome food quite easy. They have a filter on their website, that even tells you how to custom order for your dietary need. This opens up a few dozen menu items for dairy-free diners!

Sanford

• Alpaca – This is a local chain of Peruvian rotisserie charcoal chicken restaurants. They offer allergen information for dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free guests, and there really is something for everyone. Their chicken is made without dairy, gluten, and soy, and they offer several dairy-free entrees, sides, and sauces.

Southern Pines

• Brixx Wood Fired Pizza – This regional chain offers dairy-free cheese alternative at no extra charge! Their crust is vegan, their gluten-free pizza dough is dairy-free (but contains egg), and they provide allergen info. See the Asheville Listing above for more details.

Washington

• Blu Farm to Table – This restaurant offers “eclectic, seasonal, globally inspired menus, driven by a commitment to serving local, sustainable and responsibly-sourced ingredients.” And they have vowed to serve “an extensive array of gluten- and dairy-free offerings.”

Wilmington

• Boombalatti’s – Their homemade ice creams include 4 to 6 dairy-free and vegan flavors, with a coconut milk base. They have two locations in Wilmington.
• Brixx Wood Fired Pizza – This regional chain offers dairy-free cheese alternative at no extra charge! Their crust is vegan, their gluten-free pizza dough is dairy-free (but contains egg), and they provide allergen info. See the Asheville Listing above for more details.
• Buzzed Bull Creamery – This create-your-own ice cream chain uses nitrogen to instantly freeze your chosen flavor. You can order it unbuzzed or buzzed (with alcohol), for those over 21. They have a dairy-free sorbet base and a dairy-free almond milk base. They also have guides to the dairy-free and vegan mix-ins on request, and can blend a custom milkshake just for you.
• Chicken Salad Chick – Their menu boasts a range of chicken salads, many of which are dairy-free. They also have various dairy-free bread options for sandwiches. They have a full allergen guide to make ordering easy.
• Epic Food Co – This fresh and healthy restaurant serves salads, bowls, wraps, sandwiches, and smoothies. They have ample dairy-free menu items, and are happy to accommodate gluten-free, vegan, and paleo diners, too.
• MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes – This expanding franchise makes dairy-free burgers with a range of protein, bun, sauce, and topping options. They have a detailed allergen chart to help you order. They also offer vegan, paleo, and gluten-free options.
• The Fuzzy Peach Frozen Yogurt Bar – They offer a couple dairy-free flavors daily, often including Silk almondmilk frozen yogurt (in chocolate or vanilla) and sorbet or dairy-free Dole Whip.
• The Green House Restaurant ⭐️ – This upscale vegan restaurant serves several courses of fine cuisine, starting with “cheese” and pate boards, and ending with decadent house-made desserts.
• Rx Restaurant and Bar ⭐️ – Southern cuisine with fresh seasonal ingredients is just what the doctor ordered at this converted drugstore. They label dairy-free and custom dairy-free items on their main (same for gluten-free and vegan). The dairy-free options include a plant-heavy sandwich, and a few gourmet mains.

Winston-Salem

• Brixx Wood Fired Pizza – This regional chain offers dairy-free cheese alternative at no extra charge! Their crust is vegan, their gluten-free pizza dough is dairy-free (but contains egg), and they provide allergen info. See the Asheville Listing above for more details.
• Camino Bakery – This vegetarian bakery has three locations running from north to south in the city. They each have an array of fresh-baked vegan bread loaves, along with a few other vegan pastries. Sometimes they have additional desserts that are “just dairy free.” They have a petite cafe menu with a couple vegan options, and you can order a dairy-free hot chocolate or mocha – their mocha syrup is vegan. At last check, they had coconut milk and oat milk for coffee drinks.
• Dom’s – This is the town’s first plant-based restaurant, and it’s quite the treat for dairy-free guests. Beyond vegan “meaty” options, they offer several enticing dairy-less items, like pappardelle carbonara with turmeric black salt cream sauce and chik’n parm sandwich with mozzarella, cashew ricotta, and almond parm. They’re open for lunch and dinner, four days per week.
• Lovey’s Natural Foods & Cafe – This is a local shop for natural food groceries, with lots of dairy-free brands. They also have a casual café with healthy burgers, sandwiches, and burritos. They offer vegan cheese and can make most menu items dairy free.
• Viva Chicken – This is a Peruvian rotisserie chicken joint, that specializes in fresh, authentic Peruvian cuisine. Their menu is simple, with chicken, salads, and sides, most of which is made without dairy. They do offer a quick glance allergen menu, which includes sauce details.

Photo from Nine Mile

Restaurant & Grocery Chains found throughout North Carolina

Some recommended restaurant and store chains are getting too big for our city listing britches. They have many locations, or are rapidly growing, and you might stumble across them in a number of towns in this state. Click on them for more dairy-free details.

• Blaze Pizza
• Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – This old-fashioned ice creamery chain churns several dairy-free oat milk ice cream flavors, like vegan vanilla, cookies and cream, white raspberry truffle, and more. They also offer sorbets.
• Chick-fil-A
• Chipotle
• Clean Eatz – This healthy fast casual chain offers a straight-forward allergen guide and many options for building your own bowl, salad, or wrap.
• Clean Juice – They make their own cold-pressed cashew milks and offer dairy-free acai bowls, smoothie bowls, smoothies, toasts, and some other eats. Please note that their flatbread wraps (the bread itself) contain dairy, but all other menu items can be ordered dairy-free by omitting the cheese or substituting vegan protein for the whey protein (in the proteins smoothies).
• Highway 55 Burgers – This is a popular North Carolina chain, with an allergen guide, and several dairy-free options for burgers, sandwiches, platters, handhelds, and custom order salads.
• Mellow Mushroom
• Pelican’s Snoballs
• SweetFrog

Photo from BimBeriBon

Local Dairy-Free Food & Drink Producers in North Carolina

These dairy-free friendly companies don’t have their own retail location, but are in North Carolina. So you have a good chance of finding their products at grocery stores, restaurants, and/or other shops in this state. Keep an eye out!

• Daydream Dessert – This organic, plant-based, vegan, and paleo friendly dessert company makes sweet treats like dairy-free cookie bars and truffles.
• Dolci di Maria – A full range of gluten-free, dairy-free cakes and brownies, produced in Black Mountain, North Carolina.
• Move that Dough Baking Co – This vegan baker sells her vegan doughnuts and other sweet treats at restaurants and shops around the Charlotte area.
• Simple Kneads – They naturally culture whole grain, gluten-free and vegan sourdough breads. Look for them in stores.

Photo from Move that Dough Baking Co

This Guide is Continuously Updated with Recommendations

We welcome you to recommend other dairy-free friendly restaurants. Leave a comment or contact us and tell us why you like a certain restaurant. Restaurant owners and employees are also invited to reach out and let us know how you welcome dairy-free customers.

Please kindly let us know in the comments if any of these restaurants close. We want to keep this list current for you, but aren’t always notified when a restaurant closes. Let us know and we will quickly update!

This Guide is for Informational Purposes Only

Menus, ingredients, kitchen procedures, management, and restaurants are subject to change at any time. Always read the menu and discuss your dietary needs with the staff before ordering. Make sure that they can accommodate your situation.

There is always a risk for potential cross-contamination of allergens in any commercial kitchen. If cross-contamination is an issue for you, always speak with the manager to ensure that your meal can be safely prepared. Listings here do not guarantee that a restaurant is safe enough for your individual needs. Only you can make that decision.

For More Dairy-Free Guidance, Get Go Dairy Free!