Eating Vegetarian in Atlanta

Good restaurants that keep vegetarians healthy and happy are hard to find in any city. The best of restaurants often have few choices for the veg-conscious among us, while strictly vegetarian restaurants won’t please everyone with their options – or their atmosphere. So where can you go in the Druid Hills and Decatur neighborhoods of Atlanta to have a delicious vegetarian meal – with friends who may or may not be vegetarian? Here are two asty options.

Lettuce Souprise You

The catchy name aside, Lettuce Souprise You is more than a gimmick. The family-style restaurant offers a vast salad bar with three types of lettuce, a couple dozen veggies to add in, and even some pre-made salads. (On a recent visit, they had sweet potato salad as well as Italian cucumber salad). And yes, omnivores will find bacon bits and chopped turkey to give their salad that extra boost.

If that isn’t enough for you, the restaurant offers a hot bar option which boasts soups, pastas, a baked potato bar, and unlimited muffins and dessert. There are four soups offered daily, but they rotate through, often with a wholly vegetarian option. Vegetarians can also dip into the pastas and sauces, or they can make a baked potato with all of the fixings (chives, sour cream, cheese … you name it.)

And then there’s the muffins. Lettuce Souprise You is famous for its chocolate-chip muffins. They also offer other flavors, including the equally delicious cranberry. Their dessert bar includes fruit and a make-your-own-strawberry-shortcake option.

All of this, plus a patio, friendly workers, and a clean environment. The best part is that an all-you-can-eat salad bar AND hot bar combo, plus a fountain drink, won’t even run you more than $9. Enjoy!

Lettuce Souprise You
2470 Briarcliff Road NE
404-636-8549
(and other locations in Metro Atlanta)

Madras Saravana Bhavan

Don’t worry about pronouncing the name (regulars call it MSB for short) – instead worry about what to order off of the extensive menu at this family-style Indian restaurant. While meat-eaters won’t find anything with chicken or pork on the menu at this vegetarian South Indian restaurant, they’ll still find plenty they like – plus they’ll discover just how filling vegetarian cuisine can be.

Vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike will delight in the samosas (potato-and-pea-filled turnovers) and dosas (rice and lentil pancakes stuffed with various vegetable fillings) served here. Those more adventurous can sample pav bhaji , a spicy mashed vegetable dish meant to be scooped up with hamburger buns, or any of the chaat dishes on the menu, various Indian street foods ladled with chutney, crunchy noodles and yogurt. Those who want to stick to the tried-and-tested route will also find plenty of familiar Indian dishes here. Don’t forget to try the mango lassi (a mango yogurt shake) and order some hot chai after dinner.

MSB also serves a delicious lunch buffet on weekdays.

Madras Saravana Bhavan
2179 Lawrenceville Highway, Decatur
404-636-4400