Diced in Atlanta: What to Know About This Vegan- and Vegetarian-Friendly Spot

If you’re looking for fresh, build-your-own bowls and salads in Atlanta with real options for vegans and vegetarians, Diced is one of the local fast-casual names you’re likely to come across. This guide walks through what Diced typically offers, how plant-based diners can navigate the menu, and what to keep in mind when visiting locations around metro Atlanta.

What Is Diced?

Diced is a fast-casual restaurant concept that focuses on:

  • Build-your-own bowls
  • Salads and wraps
  • Fresh toppings like veggies, beans, grains, and sauces

It’s designed for quick meals that can be made meat-based, vegetarian, or fully vegan depending on what you choose. That flexibility is what makes it appealing if you’re plant-based or just trying to eat more vegetables in Atlanta.

You’ll most often find Diced (and similar bowl/salad concepts) in high-traffic areas such as:

  • Busy in-town neighborhoods
  • Shopping centers and mixed-use developments
  • Areas close to offices, gyms, or colleges

Hours and exact offerings can vary by location, so it’s always smart to check the specific Atlanta-area store you’re heading to.

How Vegan- and Vegetarian-Friendly Is Diced?

Diced is generally very customizable, which is key for plant-based eating. Instead of a fixed menu where you have to remove half the ingredients, you usually:

  1. Pick a base
  2. Add proteins
  3. Choose toppings
  4. Finish with dressings or sauces

That format makes it easy to avoid meat and dairy if you’re vegan or vegetarian in Atlanta.

Common Plant-Based Options You’ll Typically See

Exact ingredients can change, but many Atlanta bowl/salad places like Diced offer:

  • Bases

    • Leafy greens (romaine, mixed greens, spinach, kale)
    • Grains (brown rice, white rice, quinoa)
    • Sometimes cauliflower rice or other low-carb options
  • Plant Proteins

    • Black beans, pinto beans, or garbanzo beans
    • Tofu or marinated tofu (varies by location)
    • Extra veggies or grains if you don’t want legumes
  • Veggie Toppings

    • Tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, onions, peppers
    • Broccoli, carrots, beets, mushrooms (varies)
    • Avocado or guacamole at some locations (often an upcharge)
  • Crunch & Extras

    • Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower)
    • Nuts (if offered; check for allergens)
    • Tortilla strips or crunchy toppings (check for dairy in coatings)
  • Dressings & Sauces

    • Oil-and-vinegar styles that are often naturally vegan
    • Citrus dressings, vinaigrettes, salsa-based toppings
    • Creamy dressings may contain dairy or eggs, so ask for details

For vegetarians who eat dairy and eggs, options expand to include cheeses and some creamy dressings.

Building a Vegan or Vegetarian Bowl at Diced (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a simple way to order confidently at Diced or similar Atlanta bowl shops.

1. Start With a Vegan or Vegetarian Base

Most bases are naturally plant-based:

  • Great vegan/vegetarian bases:
    • Mixed greens + spinach
    • Brown rice or quinoa
    • A half-and-half mix: greens plus grains

Ask whether any warm bases are cooked in chicken stock or butter if you’re strictly vegan.

2. Choose a Plant Protein

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, focus on:

  • Beans (black, pinto, garbanzo)
  • Tofu, if available
  • Double up on beans or grains if there’s no plant protein listed

If staff mention “veggie protein” or a meat substitute, ask whether it contains egg or dairy if you’re vegan.

3. Load Up on Veggies

This is where your bowl becomes more filling and nutrient-dense:

  • Go heavy on leafy greens and colorful vegetables
  • Mix raw and cooked veggies if available (e.g., raw spinach + roasted peppers)
  • Add avocado if you want something more satisfying

4. Watch Out for Hidden Animal Products

Common places where animal ingredients can sneak in:

  • Dressings – many creamy ones include dairy or eggs
  • Cheese – easy to overlook when toppings are added quickly
  • Croutons or crunchy bits – may be cooked with butter or dairy

If you’re strictly vegan, ask:

5. Finish With a Vegan-Friendly Dressing or Sauce

Safer bets often include:

  • Simple olive oil + vinegar
  • Lemon or lime juice plus olive oil
  • Salsa or tomato-based sauces
  • Clearly labeled vinaigrettes that staff confirm are vegan

If you’re vegetarian, you have a bit more flexibility, but it’s still good to clarify whether a dressing contains eggs (like mayo) or dairy (like yogurt or sour cream).

Example Vegan & Vegetarian Orders at an Atlanta Diced Location

These are sample ideas you can adapt depending on what your local Diced offers.

GoalExample Bowl Build (Adjust to Local Menu)
Filling vegan lunchBrown rice + mixed greens, black beans, roasted corn, tomatoes, onions, avocado, salsa, olive oil & lime
High-veg, light lunchKale + spinach, chickpeas, cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, sunflower seeds, balsamic vinaigrette (vegan)
Comfort-style vegetarianWhite rice, black beans, grilled veggies, cheese (if desired), pico de gallo, cilantro-lime dressing
Gym-friendly plant bowlQuinoa, mixed greens, tofu (or double beans), broccoli, corn, avocado, seeds, lemon-tahini or vinaigrette

You can describe something like this at the counter, and staff at most Atlanta locations are used to customizing for plant-based requests.

Navigating Vegan & Vegetarian Needs in Atlanta’s Fast-Casual Scene

Whether you’re at Diced or a similar local concept, Atlanta’s plant-based scene is fairly flexible, especially in in-town neighborhoods and busy corridors.

Where You’ll Most Likely Find Diced-Style Concepts

Look around:

  • Midtown and Downtown Atlanta – Office-heavy areas with lots of quick lunch spots
  • Buckhead – Shopping and business centers that often include salad/bowl restaurants
  • West Midtown, Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward – Trendier neighborhoods with health-focused options
  • Near universities – Around Georgia Tech, Georgia State, and other campuses

Specific shopping centers and mixed-use developments in metro Atlanta frequently host at least one salad or bowl shop with build-your-own options.

If you’re exploring a new part of the city, scanning the tenant list for “bowl,” “salad,” “kitchen,” or “fresh” concepts will often surface places with similar ordering styles to Diced.

Tips for Vegans and Vegetarians Eating at Diced in Atlanta

Here are some practical, local-minded tips:

  • ⏱ Go slightly off-peak
    Lunchtime in busy areas like Midtown can be crowded. Going a bit early or late can give you more time to ask about ingredients without feeling rushed.

  • 📝 Ask for ingredient details at the start
    Atlanta staff at fast-casual chains are used to hearing:
    “I’m vegan—can you tell me which bases, proteins, and dressings are completely vegan?”

  • 📍 Pay attention to neighborhood norms
    Locations near gyms, yoga studios, or wellness-oriented communities often carry:

    • More plant-based proteins
    • Extra veggie options
    • Sometimes clearly labeled vegan dressings
  • 📦 Consider takeout vs. dine-in
    For Piedmont Park picnics, office lunches in Downtown, or grabbing something before a game, a build-your-own bowl travels well if you:

    • Keep sauces on the side
    • Avoid delicate greens if it will sit for hours
  • 🥜 Watch allergens
    If you have nut or gluten concerns, ask staff about:

    • Cross-contact on the serving line
    • Ingredients in crunchy toppings and sauces

How Diced Compares Within Atlanta’s Vegan & Vegetarian Landscape

Atlanta’s plant-based restaurant scene has grown noticeably, especially in areas like Midtown, East Atlanta, and West End. Diced fits in the category of everyday, fast-casual food rather than specialty vegan cuisine.

You might choose Diced when:

  • You need a fast lunch near work or school
  • You want something lighter than a traditional Southern meal
  • You’re with a group that includes meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans

Fully vegan restaurants in Atlanta may have more creative, chef-driven dishes, but Diced-style spots are helpful for:

  • Consistency – You know you can piece together a bowl that works for your diet
  • Convenience – Often near major roads, offices, or shopping areas
  • Customization – Easy to adjust portions and ingredients

Questions to Ask At Any Atlanta Diced Location

When you walk into a Diced or similar restaurant in Atlanta and want to eat plant-based, ask:

  1. “Which bases are vegan?”

    • Clarify if any grains are cooked in chicken stock or butter.
  2. “What plant proteins do you have today?”

    • Listen for beans, tofu, or meat alternatives.
  3. “Which dressings and sauces are vegan?”

    • Get staff to point out the fully plant-based options.
  4. “Are any toppings cooked with meat, butter, or cheese?”

    • Especially important for sautéed veggies and crunchy bits.
  5. “Can you change gloves or use a clean utensil?”

    • If you’re concerned about cross-contact with meat or cheese.

These questions work well at any fast-casual bowl or salad place across Atlanta, not just Diced.

When Diced Is a Good Fit for You in Atlanta

Diced is likely a solid option if you:

  • Live or work near an Atlanta neighborhood with plenty of quick lunch spots
  • Need a flexible meal to match vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore preferences
  • Prefer simple, ingredient-based food that you can customize
  • Want something you can grab on the way to the BeltLine, Piedmont Park, a Falcons or Hawks game, or the airport

If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying in a hotel near a business district or major shopping area, checking for Diced or similar bowl concepts nearby can make it easier to stay on track with vegan or vegetarian eating while traveling.

By knowing how the menu is structured and which questions to ask, you can reliably build a satisfying, plant-based meal at Diced locations across the Atlanta area.