FranklinIs Connected

The Best Restaurants in Franklin for Vegetarian Dining

BLUE SKY

The Best Restaurants in Franklin for Vegetarian Dining

Whether you’re vegetarian, have a friend or family member who is, or you’re simply looking to add more veggie-friendly meals to your routine, knowing where to find great vegetarian options can make dining out easier and more enjoyable. Instead of scanning menus and guessing which dishes can be adapted, it helps to know which spots truly cater to plant-forward preferences.

Franklin, TN, offers a growing selection of restaurants that embrace vegetarian dining, from creative meat-free entrées to flavorful sides that don’t feel like an afterthought. These local favorites focus on fresh ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and satisfying flavors that appeal to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

We’ve rounded up some of the best places in Franklin for vegetarian dining, highlighting where to go when you want delicious, reliable options without the stress. Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a night out with friends, these spots make it easy to enjoy a meal everyone can feel good about.

Flower Child

Flower Child in Franklin brings a fresh, welcoming approach to vegetarian-friendly dining with a mission centered on “healthy food for a happy world.” Designed to support a wide range of lifestyles, the restaurant offers thoughtful options for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free diners, and guests looking for a nourishing meal for any occasion. The inclusive menu ensures that everyone can find something satisfying without compromising on taste or values.

Every dish at Flower Child is made from scratch using fresh ingredients that are prepped in-house daily. This commitment to quality shines through in vibrant, flavor-packed meals that feel both wholesome and indulgent. The atmosphere matches the menu’s feel-good philosophy, creating a bright, upbeat space where healthy eating feels joyful rather than restrictive.

With plenty of protein and bold flavors, Flower Child also invites guests to build bowls that are completely their own. Add tofu to any bowl for an easy veggie-friendly option. Customizable options allow diners to tailor each meal to their preferences, making it easy to enjoy food that is both nutritious and deeply satisfying. 

Take a peek at the menu and a few vegetarian favorites below!

Glow Bowl – Sweet potato noodle, shiitake, onion, snap pea, cilantro, mint, sunflower sauce.

Black Bean Falafel (Wrap) –  Hummus, tomato, pickled red onion, arugula, romaine, Mediterranean herbs, tzatziki.

Kung Pow Cauliflower (Side) – Spicy Sichuan sauce, cashew, cilantro.

Location: 1560 W McEwen Dr #150, Franklin, TN 37067

Herban Market

This next one is a Franklin favorite, Herban Market. They offer a unique approach to vegetarian-friendly dining by combining an organic restaurant with a thoughtfully curated market. Founded locally, the concept focuses on showcasing the highest-quality ingredients sourced from around the world and transforming them into made-from-scratch meals prepared by experienced chefs. Every item is crafted with care, using standards that go beyond organic– free from seed oils, artificial sweeteners, dyes, and preservatives, while prioritizing pastured, wild-caught, and responsibly sourced foods.

Open 7 days a week, Herban Market serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner all day, making them an easy choice for any schedule. The diverse menu includes everything from hearty burgers and pizzas to fresh salads and baked goods from the in-house bakery. With a strong emphasis on accommodating dietary needs, the restaurant offers abundant gluten-free and dairy-free options alongside vegan, vegetarian, paleo, and keto-friendly dishes.

Sustainability and transparency are at the heart of Herban Market’s mission. The kitchen uses grass-fed and pastured meats and eggs, wild-caught seafood, and supports regenerative farming practices. By avoiding soy, canola, and all seed oils—as well as MSG and artificial additives—Herban Market creates a dining experience that aligns clean ingredients with bold flavor, making them an ideal destination for health-conscious and vegetarian diners alike. 

Check out a few of their plant-based favorites off the menu, below: 

Build-a-Bowl – 3 local pastured scrambled eggs + your choice of olive oil and 3 toppings.

Avocado Toast – House-made sourdough open-faced, avocado mash, sliced avocado, 2 fried pastured eggs, sprouts, red onions, tomatoes, HM traditional dark balsamic, chipotle cheddar.

Blackbean & Quinoa –  2 house-made veggie patties, tomato, onion, arugula, house-made remoulade sauce, avocado, house-made bun.

Location: 3078 Maddux Way Ste 300, Franklin, TN 37069

1799 Kitchen & Bar Room

A night out in Downtown Franklin, whether for a special celebration or a relaxed date night, doesn’t have to leave plant-based diners with limited choices. At 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room, thoughtfully crafted vegetarian-friendly options are woven into a dining experience that honors both flavor and tradition. The restaurant proves that elevated Southern cuisine can be inclusive, offering satisfying dishes that highlight seasonal produce and locally sourced ingredients.

At 1799 Kitchen, history is more than a backdrop– it actively shapes the menu and the atmosphere. Rooted in Southern culinary traditions yet guided by a forward-thinking approach, the kitchen works closely with nearby farms, fields, and waters to create dishes that feel comforting while still surprising. This connection to place allows plant-based ingredients to shine through careful preparation and timeless techniques.

Here, the past truly sets the table for what comes next. Seasonal ingredients and classic methods come together to create a refined dining experience where vegetarian diners can feel just as considered as any guest, making 1799 Kitchen a welcoming destination for plant-forward guests  in the heart of Downtown Franklin. 

Here’s a look at a few of the plant-based dishes from their menu:

Cauliflower Steak – Crispy Chickpeas, Potatoes and Yellow Curry topped with a Micro Green Salad.

Gnocchi – Mushrooms, Burrata, Swiss Chard.

Salt Roasted Carrots – Labneh, Leiper’s Fork Honey.

Location: 130 2nd Ave N, Franklin, TN 37064

Two Hands

Located in The Factory at Franklin, Two Hands provides a vegetarian-friendly dining experience from breakfast through dinner, offering thoughtfully prepared food and beverages that reflect a conscious approach to health, lifestyle, and sustainability. With options ranging from coffee in the morning to cocktails in the evening, the menu emphasizes fresh ingredients, local sourcing, and plant-forward choices that feel both nourishing and satisfying, with all vegetarian options clearly marked to make them easy to find.

The restaurant is driven by a mission to foster community through collaboration and inclusivity through genuine hospitality. By partnering with organizations and purveyors that share similar values, Two Hands creates meaningful connections that extend beyond the table and into the community.

Each Two Hands location is intentionally designed to reflect the community it serves, creating welcoming spaces that encourage connection. The brand also gives back by matching customer round-up donations to its charitable partner, Many Hopes, reinforcing a commitment to positive impact alongside thoughtful dining.

Here’s a look at a few favorite menu items, highlighting their flavorful and vegetarian-friendly offerings:

Breakfast Burrito – Scrambled eggs, jalapeño, cheese, avocado, mushrooms, and hash browns, served with tomatillo sauce.

Seasonal Scramble – Soft ribboned eggs,* eggplant and tomato kasundi on toasted sourdough, cilantro salad, paprika oil.

Tamari Mushroom Soba Noodle Bow – Warm roasted shrooms, cold soba noodles, fresh vegetables, edamame, wasabi peas, tataki ponzu, jammy egg.

Location: 230 Franklin Rd Suite 1302, Franklin, TN 37064

Burger Up Franklin

Burger Up, located in Cool Springs is a casual and welcoming spot perfect for a night out with friends or family. The restaurant prides itself on serving fresh, flavorful meals made with ingredients sourced from local Middle Tennessee farms, creating a dining experience that feels both comforting and community-focused.

Alongside their all-natural Angus beef burgers, the menu includes a variety of creative and health-conscious options designed to accommodate food allergies and dietary preferences. Each meal is crafted with care, ensuring guests can enjoy both taste and quality in every bite.

Meat-free and gluten-free diners are well catered to with the popular Impossible Burger and Udi’s gluten-free buns. With a focus on socially responsible sourcing and natural flavor, Burger Up makes burger night enjoyable, inclusive, and satisfying for everyone at the table.

Take a look at their plant-based burger option and delicious sides featured on the menu below:

The “Impossible” – Fresh spinach, grilled mushrooms, umami sauce, served on a wheat bun | *plant-based patty loaded with protein, no cholesterol, equivalent in iron and fat content to an 80/ 20 beet patty.

Chopped Kale – Chopped kale, cashews, cranberries, shaved pecorino, served with citrus vinaigrette dressing.

Fried Pickles – Served with buttermilk ranch.

Location: 401 Cool Springs Blvd B, Franklin, TN 37067

Wild Ginger

Another standout option in the Cool Springs area is Wild Ginger, offering a distinctive dining experience, blending creativity with fine dining. Located in the heart of Cool Springs, the restaurant’s eclectic menu ranges from flavorful tacos to vibrant maki rolls, ensuring there’s something to delight every palate– including vegetarian-friendly options.

Wild Ginger showcases a unique fusion of Pan-Asian, South American, and Western flavors crafted in a Pacific Rim style, making it the first restaurant of its kind in Middle Tennessee. The inventive menu highlights fresh, high-quality ingredients, providing plant-based guests with thoughtfully prepared dishes that are both satisfying and full of bold flavors.

With their innovative approach and stylish atmosphere, Wild Ginger creates a memorable dining experience where vegetarian and plant-forward options are just as celebrated as their signature entrees, making them an ideal destination for diners looking to explore bold and creative flavors in the Cool Springs area.

Check out a few of the plant-based items off of their menu below:

Edamame – Steamed edamame, tossed with sesame oil, garlic, hot bean paste.

Wild Ginger Fried Rice (choice of shrimp, chicken, beef or vegetables) – Bell pepper, onions, green onions, beansprout, eggs.

Pad Thai (choice of chicken, shrimp, beef or vegetables) – Rice noodles, fried tofu, eggs, beansprouts, green onions, crushed cashew nuts, lime, chili-tamarind sauce.

Location: 101 Market Exchange Ct, Franklin, TN 37067

Frothy Monkey

Frothy Monkey in downtown Franklin offers a vegetarian-friendly dining experience in a space full of historic charm. As the first Frothy Monkey location outside of Nashville, they welcome a wide range of guests with their inviting wrap-around porch and convenient location just steps from Franklin’s main square. 

Whether stopping by after shopping at local boutiques or before a concert at The Franklin Theater, diners can enjoy thoughtfully prepared food and beverages in a warm, community-centered setting. All food and drinks at Frothy Monkey are made from scratch using original recipes and carefully sourced ingredients, often from regional farmers and purveyors. The menu includes all-day brunch, snacks, and main dishes, with options that cater to both vegetarian and health-focused diners.

Frothy Monkey also features Nashville-based BE Hive vegan products, making it easy for plant-forward guests to enjoy flavorful, satisfying meals along with plenty of protein. By operating in buildings with history and character, Frothy Monkey combines a commitment to quality food with a sense of place, creating a welcoming environment for all.

Take a look at a the veggie-full options on their menu below:

Farm Breakfast – 2 KY Farm Fresh eggs cooked to order, Broadbent bacon or pork breakfast sausage, smoked Gouda grits, orange wedges, and toast 14 (sub BE Hive vegan breakfast sausage for protein 1 / sub biscuit or bagel 2.)

Quinoa & Black Bean Burger – House-made black bean and quinoa patty with tomato, lettuce, BE-Hive vegan garlic mozz and avocado mash on a grilled bun. Served with balsamic tossed greens.

Quinoa Tofu Bowl – Herb-marinated tofu, Mediterranean quinoa, cucumber slices, Roma tomatoes, marinated black beans, pickled red onion and lemon dill Dijon sauce.

Location: 125 5th Ave South Franklin, TN 37064

CoreLife Eatery

Another excellent option for plant-based eating on the go in the Cool Springs area is CoreLife Eatery. The restaurant focuses on clean, feel-good meals made fresh in-house every day, with no fluff or fillers. CoreLife’s menu emphasizes whole, scratch-made ingredients that are easy to recognize and packed with flavor, ensuring every bite is both nourishing and satisfying.

CoreLife Eatery offers a variety of options for quick, healthy meals, including bowls, wraps, and tacos. Everything is prepared on-site—chopped, simmered, roasted, and seared—so diners can enjoy meals that are as craveable as they are wholesome. The focus on bold flavors and clean ingredients makes plant-based eating convenient, exciting, and full of taste.

All menu items can be customized, or guests can create their own combinations, making it effortless to accommodate different preferences and dietary needs. Whether stopping in for a quick lunch or refueling after a workout, CoreLife provides a convenient and delicious way to enjoy plant-forward meals on the go.

Take a look at their menu:

Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl – Roasted sweet potatoes, fresh spinach, quinoa, black beans, and chickpeas, topped with red salsa, cotija cheese, crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, and Green OMG Sauce.

Sriracha Ginger Tofu Wrap – Tortilla, roasted tofu, warm quinoa, napa/romaine blend, carrots, shredded beets, spicy broccoli, ginger, sriracha, carrot chili vinaigrette. Suggested Sauce: Carrot Chili Vinaigrette.

Tofu Box – Purple rice, napa slaw, and organic tofu. Add 2 warm sides and your choice of sauce.

Location: 401B Cool Springs Blvd STE 220, Franklin, TN 37067

Tupelo Honey Cafe 

Also located in Cool Springs, Tupelo Honey offers a convenient and flavorful option for plant-based options when it comes to Southern comfort foods. The restaurant is known for their scratch-made, responsibly sourced Southern cuisine, serving brunch, lunch, and dinner with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Guests can enjoy creative, plant-forward dishes alongside classic Southern favorites, all prepared with care and attention to flavor.

In addition to their food offerings, Tupelo Honey features an extensive bar with hand-crafted cocktails, local craft beers, and carefully selected wines. Guests can take advantage of Happy Hour specials Monday through Friday, making them a great stop for a quick plant-based meal and a relaxed drink after work. The combination of quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and flavorful menu options makes it easy for vegetarian guests to enjoy Southern cuisine without compromise.

Tupelo Honey is celebrated for its warm hospitality and inviting atmosphere. With a menu designed to please everyone, it’s ideal for family dinners, date nights, business lunches, or special events. Plant-based diners will find versions of classic Southern comfort dishes, allowing everyone to savor flavorful, scratch-made meals without compromising on taste or tradition.

Right off their menu, take a look at their Southern dishes for vegetarians below:

Garden Harvest Omelet – 3 eggs or egg white omelet with avocado, spinach, tomato, swiss cheese, basil, red pepper crema, served with choice of stone-ground goat cheese grits, rosemary & parmesan crispy potatoes, or sliced tomatoes.

Avocado Melt – Sliced avocado, cucumber, red onion, swiss, green tomato aioli on multi-grain bread.

Famous Fried Green Tomatoes – Panko-crusted fried green tomatoes over creamy stone-ground goat cheese grits and red pepper coulis, topped with fresh basil.

2000 Meridian Blvd Ste 110, Franklin, TN 37067

Vui’s Kitchen

Vui’s Kitchen in Liberty Station is a top choice for plant-based diners seeking vibrant Vietnamese flavors in a quick, satisfying setting. This charming eatery has become a favorite among locals, offering meals that are perfect for a pre-movie bite or a casual night out. The menu features an array of fresh, made-from-scratch dishes inspired by classic Vietnamese cuisine, including pho, noodle and rice bowls, Banh Mi sandwiches, and flavorful salads.

All dishes at Vui’s Kitchen are prepared daily using whole, fresh ingredients, with an emphasis on herbs and bold flavors. The restaurant’s menu is entirely MSG-free and avoids processed foods and additives, ensuring that every bite is both wholesome and flavorful. Plant-based diners can enjoy a variety of options thoughtfully designed to highlight fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and satisfying plant proteins.

With a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Vui’s Kitchen caters to the whole family while delivering vibrant, authentic flavors. Guests can savor creative, plant-forward meals while enjoying the care and hospitality that make this spot a beloved part of the Liberty Station community.

Their menu has a few great options for vegetarians, take a look below:

Vui’s Original Pho – Tofu and mushroom option available.

Vui’s Bowl – Vegetarian upon request.

Steamed Dumplings – Handmade edamame dumplings, with soy sauce, house chili oil and scallion oil.

1201 Liberty Pike, Franklin, TN 37067

Mojo’s Tacos

With a location in The Factory at Franklin and another in Thompson’s Station, Mojo’s Tacos offers an authentic Mexican dining experience with a unique Tennessee twist, making it a great choice for plant-based folks in Franklin seeking bold, fresh flavors. The menu emphasizes tacos crafted with fresh produce, handmade corn and flour tortillas, and house-made sauces prepared daily from scratch. Veggie options are available, allowing guests to enjoy flavorful, vegetable-focused tacos and bowls alongside their signature “puffy” tacos and all-natural paleta popsicles.

As a fast-casual, quick-serve restaurant, Mojo’s Tacos doesn’t take reservations, but the focus on quality and freshness ensures every meal is worth the wait. The ever-evolving menu highlights vibrant ingredients and creative combinations, providing plant-based diners with options that are both satisfying and full of authentic Mexican flavor.

The restaurant’s warm and welcoming atmosphere reflects the care and hospitality inspired by Mojo the Bull. A resident of middle Tennessee, Mojo is the beloved farm-raised pet and mascot of one of the co-owners. Just as Mojo enjoys life on the farm surrounded by love and great food, Mojo’s Tacos aims to treat every guest with the same attention and hospitality, creating a memorable dining experience for all.

Take a peek at the veggie tacos, bowls, and sides available on their menu

Korean Cauliflower (taco or bowl) – Gochujang sauce, ginger slaw, toasted sesame seeds, Mojo’s sauce.

Fried Avocado (taco or bowl) – Tempura-battered avocado, pickled onions, chipotle slaw, poblano sauce.

Mojo Tots – Pico, queso, pickled jalapeño, and Morita sauce.

The Factory at Franklin location: 230 Franklin Rd #11Y, Franklin, TN 37064

Thompson’s Station: 2000 Tollgate Blvd #201, Thompson’s Station, TN 37179

Eating Plant-Based in Franklin, Tennessee is easier than ever

Whether it’s a lifestyle choice, a food allergy, or simply a desire to add more vegetables to your diet, Franklin, TN is a great destination for vegetarian-friendly dining. With so many restaurants embracing plant-forward cuisine, diners can enjoy meals that are both packed with veggies and full of flavor. Franklin proves that vegetarian dining can be convenient, crave-worthy, and deeply satisfying for all food preferences.