The Rathskellar on Hillsborough Street (across from NCSU) has many selections of vegetarian food, and the food is excellent. They're also flexible and will make vegan dishes when possible and often will substitute tofu for meat in their meat dishes. Many Italian restaurants have good vegetarian selections. Ragazzi's at Cary Towne Center is great when you're watching the budget. Aurora's at Carr Mill Mall in Carrboro is excellent when you're splurging. India Mahal on Hillsborough Street in Raleigh and India Garden at Cary Towne Center have wonderful vegetarian Indian dishes. For a REALLY special occasion and "fine" dining, the Fearrington House at Fearrington Village always has a vegetarian entre. The cafe (great for brunch and dinner) also has good vegetarian options. Simple Pleasures at Glenwood Village in Raleigh (off Glenwood Avenue at Oberlin Road) has great lunch entrees for vegarians. And the desserts are to die for! Pyewacket in Chapel Hill has some vegetarian options, but they're rather tired from having been on the menu so long.
Raleigh-Durham, NC