Pop-up turned 50-seat full service restaurant in 2013. Colorful space, focus is on local produce. Reservations are strongly encouraged, and walk-up seating availability may be quite limited. Parties cannot exceed 8 people. Takeout may be possible for scheduled curb-side pick up between 4:30-9:00pm. Walk-up orders are also taken between 4:30-8:45pm Wed-Sat outside of peak business times. Reported fully vegan September 2021. Relocated from 428 S Dawson St. Open Wed-Sat 4:30pm-9:00pm, Sun 3:00pm-8:00pm.
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2409 Crabtree Blvd, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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Last update on 18 Nov 2024 by smk
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Added by turtleveg on 10 Jun 2011
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142 Reviews
First Review by Tracilyn
meribit
Points +196
highly recommend - Edit
It is more on the pricy side but super worth it! Food was very special, beautiful to look at and tastes were well tuned with each dish.
Read moreThe vegan mozzarella sticks were a dream, we got some although they are currently only on the take out menu.
Nice selection of craft beer and cocktails.
Staff was very friendly and nice.
Guest
lise.nox
Points +235
my first chickn & waffles ever - Edit
had my first chickn & waffles ever at this place and it was so good. their crispy vegan chickn is bluffing.
Read moreGuest
veganpatch
Points +5252
Just Ok - Edit
We've only eaten here once but our experience was just ok.
Read moreThe staff were just ok. The food was just ok.
We really just weren't impressed. We are also disappointed they are vegetarian rather than vegan.
Guest
DaveJackson
Points +40
Dissapointing - Edit
The lady that took my order was rude and irritated when I asked basic questions about the menu. Here’s my major problem with this place. The entire front of their store is covered with “woke” slogans and names of violent criminals that assaulted officers. I’m a longtime vegan and it’s stuff like this that is off putting to many, including myself. I was disappointed to see that while this restaurant has all this support black lives stuff covering their storefront, not a single one of the six or so employees in their store were black. They were all white. When I checked their social media and website, I saw nothing mentioned about doing anything to actually advance the black community. This establishment is spreading the wrong message, their display a weak and sloppy attempt to say they stand with a community they know nothing about and do nothing to advance. Food wise, the protein bowl was just okay. It was overly seasoned and too salty. If anything was good about this visit it’s that the vegan chicken and waffles was good.
Read morethefictionkitchen
Hi Mr. Jackson- we already responded to this same review on Google. We had also asked you for more information regarding the encounter with our service staff (specifically on the points of rudeness), the date and time of your visit with us and for more information on the issues with our food. Without the date of your purchase there is no way for us to follow up with the appropriate staff members.
Read moreWe also discussed the representation of POC in our staff. We believe we answered all your questions regarding those points.
Again, we would love to discuss the negative customer service or food experience you had with us, as we requested in our reply email to you. If you choose not to do business with us due to our political beliefs, and our support of minorities and those we feel have dealt with centuries of oppression, that is your right.
I suggest a discussion board on political matters or another such discussion network would be the appropriate place to speak your opinions regarding our signage and not on a review site primarily focused on food.
Guest
LaceeGetter
Points +70
Amazing Vegan Chicken & Waffles and Biscuits!! - Edit
When I lived in Raleigh about 2 years ago I would go here all the time! Their vegan breakfast is killer!!!! The chicken biscuits and chicken and waffles are everything ❤️🔥😩 One of the best vegan places to go!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2020-06-13
Guest
daregister
Points +26
Great vegan brunch - Edit
Went here for brunch one weekend and loved it - food was very good and we had a great experience sitting at the counter. The only downside is the wait - this place is popular, so even arriving before opening there was already a line snaking out the door. Some expanded brunch hours on the weekend could help with this a bit.
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options , Super tasty food , Relatively inexpensive for the quality
Cons: Long wait times
Guest
MáireUíBhrádaigh
Points +219
Southern Cooking w/ a V twist - Edit
Spent the day at the nearby History Museum and chanced a to-go order from FK to be able to walk back to hotel before it got dark. Well, I was so bummed that I didn’t give myself more time as I loved their style! Restaurant had counter service, which is so nice for us single diners. The menu is geared for main (dinner like) entrees as the open in the late afternoon (on most days). I opted for the (not) chicken & waffles. I admit that maple syrup on anything is a WIN for me, however this was tasty. I especially like the crunchy coating on the (not) chicken. Will definitely come back when I’m next in RDU.
Read morePros: Food flavour , Restaurant style, Staff
Cons: Opens later in afternoon
Guest
imaniwilson
Points +11
The Taste Makes You Wonder - Edit
This establishment has a reputation of being Vegan/Vegetarian/Health Conscious, and it has the menu to match.
Read moreI chose to eat here after partaking in a rewarding detox and fast. I ordered a garden salad and soup. To my surprise the dressing and soup was unusually delicious! The flavoring used left a lingering taste in my mouth for hours, and even into the next day! This made me questioned the ingredient used to make it so incredibly delicious, and that leaves a lingering taste on the tongue?
I decided to check out their website to see if they mentioned anything about using high quality or all natural ingredients, as would most authentic vegan and vegetarian restaurants would proudly mention. There is noting mentioned about quality ingredients, nor does it has an "About Us" page? Their website only has the Menu, location, Contact and Seating Policy.
I now question if this establishment has misleading ingredients, which would make since as to why they are constantly packed. It would also make perfect since why it's called FICTION(is a deliberately fabricated account of something) KITCHEN,
Health conscious vegans and vegetarians....beware!
Updated from previous review on 2020-02-07
thefictionkitchen
HI, Chef Caroline here. We source almost our entire menu locally and mostly organic as possible. We make our own stock, soups, dressings and sauces in house and almost daily.
Read moreWe are in fact known for soups and our locavore salad as they are seasonal, change often and keep people coming back.
If you have a question about the ingredients, try reaching out to us. You could ask your server while dining, give us a call or email us through the contact section of our website.
We came up with the name Fiction Kitchen when we were doing pop-ups and did not have a commercial kitchen space. It also lends itself to the description of our Faux meats (fried "chicken" and waffles, Eastern NC style pulled "pork" etc).
I am not sure what ingredients you are implying we would have used that were misleading to make something incredibly delicious?
I think it is actually the way we layer flavors like while creating a soup, deglazing with different acids and using sachets to enhance and elevate flavor combinations.
We also have a list of farms/local vendors on the chalkboard in the restaurant. Also with every farmer's plate and special we usually say where the ingredients are from (check our facebook and instagram pages).
It takes a lot to source quality ingredients, including organic tofu and tempeh, local vegetables and to make everything in house like we do everyday. I don't understand questioning why something was so flavorful that it left an impression on your tastebuds and assuming it was not "authentic" and giving a negative score review based on that assumption even though it was unusually delicious?
If you would like to know more about our ingredients, feel free to contact us from the contact page on our website or give us a call and ask for Chef Caroline.
Until then, I will let this review remind me of how usually delicious our soups and salads are...that they made someone question their ingredients even.
Regards,
Chef Caroline Morrison/The Fiction Kitchen
Guest
Vegan_ACL
Points +2632
Very busy, but worth the wait - Edit
Got there after 9pm thinking the rush would have died down. Definitely not. Still had to wait 40ish min for a table for 2. Totally worth the wait. Staff is very friendly and clearly always busy, but once seated treat you like you’re the only ones in their view. Food is fantastic and all comes vegan as default. Can add real cheese to some dishes by request. Their menu is quite large and has something that could truly please anyone, whether vegan, vegetarian or carnivore. Don’t forget to order dessert!!
Read morePros: Fresh and flavorful, Options, Amazing dessert
Cons: Long wait times
Guest
Rkserne
Points +134
Best vegan food in Raleigh - Edit
Farm to table, fresh, with new specials made every week. Absolutely my favorite vegan restaurant in the Triangle. Hardest part is that they do not take reservations by phone, so go early, put your name on the list, and walk to the other side of the block to the brewery, or BoxCar. They will call your cell when your table is ready. Worth It!!!!!! They update FaceBook & Insta with their farmers plate specials.
Read morePros: The best vegan food in the triangle, farm to table
Cons: have to show up to get on the list
Guest
starling
Points +415
Amazing food, meh service - Edit
It took forever to get a table here and the staff weren’t especially friendly. But...the food I got was incredibly delicious, so it balanced out a little.
Read morePros: Great food, Cool atmosphere
Cons: Staff not that friendly
Guest
Gabrielle1204
Points +48
Can't Wait To Go Back - Edit
Funky atmosphere with hipster vibe but this definitely not cool baby boomer felt welcome and comfortable. Excellent tasting plate appetizer with vegan cheese for me, dairy cheese for my friend, vegan pepperoni, fruit, jam, etc.; awesome noodle bowl, totally satisfying prosecco; and decent lemon vanilla cheesecake (but I wish I would have tried either the pumpkin cheesecake or their chocolate ganache cake instead). Will definitely return the next time I am in town.
Read morePros: GOOD food, Cool vibe, Staff knew and explained their offerings well
Cons: Small place = lengthy wait for tables
Guest
kristiannarae
Points +56
So good! - Edit
We loved this restaurant! I honestly want to move to Raleigh just so we can eat here more often, LOL! I had the Nori Roll with Sashimi Tofu. Goodness gracious it was all delicious! A little spice in the siracha mayo and a delicious braise on the tofu. Yum yum! My boyfriend got the spice level 5 curry bowl! Looked gorgeous and so good. We also showed up super early on a random Thursday and got right in!
Read morePros: Vegan!!! , Delicious, Welcoming
Cons: Can be considered expensive but worth it
Guest
FeleciaB
Points +57
Great food great cocktails great atmosphere - Edit
You know that it’s a great restaurant when you show up 30 minutes before they open and there are people cued up down the street. We have been here for brunch and for an anniversary dinner. Both were great experiences. The cocktails are inventive and fun. The chicken and waffles were perfectly prepared, and served piping hot, and I don’t say that lightly. I know I will have dreams about that dish. We ordered the special salad (charred collards and pumpkin with vegan blue cheese), So incredibly good. We have also had the seasonal fritters, root veg poutine, tingo tacos, grits, biscuits with blackberry jam, and pancakes. Honestly, there isn’t a single item on the menu that I wouldn’t order again.
Read morePros: All vegan except for a few selections of cheeses, Fresh seasonal items, Friendly fun staff
Cons: You will wait to eat here, On the pricey side but definitely worth it
Guest
Vegtastic11
Points +36
Just wow. - Edit
Dishes are complex and balanced. Cocktails are top notch. Dinner for 3, sampled several entrees and appetizers, all were superb. Great place to celebrate a special occasion or spend a date night.
Read moreGuest
KateShaw
Points +796
Fun and delicious - Edit
Enjoyed our dining experience here! Our server was great, the Fiction Fix cocktail was tasty, and our food was delicious. They had a special “crab-like” dip that was mushroom based and was phenomenal. Would definitely eat here again or go for just cocktails.
Read morePros: All vegetarian, mostly vegan, Unique dishes
Cons: A little pricey
Guest
Aerofun
Points +96
Surprise traveling thru vegan desert - Edit
Glad we found this place😊
Read morePros: Lots of vegan food, Vegan with vegetarian options 😊
Cons: Noisy for old people
Guest
DeShieldGreene
Points +123
Very impressed. - Edit
Lots of vegan options. I was only disappointed that i didn’t get to try more of them.
Read morePros: Great vegan options, Something for everyone , Beautiful presentation
Cons: Limited seating
Guest
enof
Points +30
amazing - Edit
i bring friends/family here and they are always impressed
Read moreGuest
alexismccarrick
Points +74
great food!!! - Edit
I went here for birthday brunch it was really good!! I got chocolate chip pancakes which were made from oats. I also got the mock chicken and a side of biscuits so i could create my own chicken biscuit, they gave me butter and it was fantastic. You’d never know the chicken was vegan. I also got the anisette cinnamon roll which was really really good. My mom got the grits and the chicken biscuit and they were both very good. Totally recommend brunch and i can’t wait to come back to try dinner!
Read morePros: Tasty vegan food, Very fast , affordable prices
Cons: Little seating , crowds fast
Guest
kaykaye1996
Points +20
OMG 😍 - Edit
I went here yesterday with my omni brother and we loved everything!!! We started with the bread and spread which included vegan pimento cheese and onion jam. He got tacos with potato and soyizo and I got nachos with "pulled pork" and vegan queso. (I have no idea how they made the pulled pork taste so real!!) We both got a side a vegan Chipotle ranch and when I tell you this is the best ranch even most non vegan ranch don't come close! For dessert my brother had the peanut butter Cheesecake and I had the chocolate ganache with sea salt caramel drizzle. All of the desserts are Vegan! ❤ I am so excited to go back!!!
Read morePros: Amazing food, Knowlegable staff, Can buy Chipotle ranch to go!
Cons: Nothing!
Guest
gabadoodledoo
Points +262
My favorite place! - Edit
I love fiction kitchen! Never had a bad meal here. Recently came here for our anniversary dinner and I got the grits with “brisket” my boyfriend swears by the chicken and waffles. Menu is all vegan by default but some dishes have option for dairy cheese or sour cream. I wish they would switch to all vegan, still awesome to have so many options. We got there right before they opened and there was already a line so plan ahead!
Read morePros: Delicious
Cons: Can be a long wait
Guest
veganrunning
Points +638
Great Vegan Food with Gluten Free entrees - Edit
5 Star Vegan Food with Gluten Free Entrees. Enjoyed this restaurant that has authentic clean Vegan Food. 💜💚❤️
Read morePros: Awesome squash cakes gluten free , Great Strawberry Cider and NC Peanut Noodles, Fantastic Peanut Butter Cheesecake
Guest
moonbeam_magick
Points +130
Phenomenal! - Edit
Everything our party of 5 had was amazing. The tasting plate featuring vegan cheeses was awesome, as was the vegan pimento with the gluten free cornbread. I thoroughly enjoyed the fried “chicken” sandwich- it was so good it felt almost too “real” when biting into it!! Highly recommend.
Read moreGuest
KWdaddio
Points +1441
Dessert stop - Edit
Stopped by for a sweet desert. Had the chocolate cake “something” can’t remember the full name but it was gooood. Also lemon bar with coconut whip cream. Super sweet place with nice neighborhood vibe.
Read morePros: Good choices, Tasty
Cons: Parking was ok but not the best
Guest
krchow
Points +150
Highly recommend! - Edit
Love Fiction Kitchen, it’s a veg-must in the Triangle area! Highly recommend their vegan cheeses and don’t miss the Fiction Fizz — best cocktail I’ve ever had.
Read moreGuest
drandrewest
Points +20
The Best! Try every meal you will not be disappointed! - Edit
Always the best food, friendly and a great experience.
Read moreGuest
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