Pure Soul

Vegan versions of lots of popular southern dishes. We were blown away by how flavorful everything was! Omnivores will like it too — this food is good, not just good for vegan food. The ambiance is pleasant, too — while food is served in takeout containers, there are indoor and outdoor tables to enjoy the food, and the decor and music choices are great. Updated from previous review on 2026-02-22

Amazing food, best vegan options I have ever had. Staff is full of southern hospitality and the deal of the day price was great. Will be coming back, didn't even know it was here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best vegan spot in Durham. The food is fire (only place I know where I can get a vegan cheesesteak), staff is friendly, music and ambience is chill. Love this place

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love this place. Thank you for the delicious food and great service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Friendly staff and the food was delicious

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Just here to second all the other stellar
reviews. As a vegetarian Southerner, I so rarely have the opportunity to enjoy Southern cuisine so thoroughly. The food here is satisfying and delicious. Staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. This is one of my favorite restaurants in Durham from the food to the vibes to the service. Incredible experience. I cannot say enough good things about Pure Soul.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

MY GOD, THE BEST DAY EVER!!! Pure Soul, pure delicious okay!!! Andrew, thank you for being a light on a gloomy day. The love was felt!! The carrot cake is my new favorite cake!!! We will be back for sure💪❤️!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Loved everything about this place — the food, the atmosphere, the staff. So glad to have found an amazing vegan spot in Durham!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

So delicious! Loved the amount of options on the menu, and ended up having the philly cheese sub with mushrooms (so cheesy/ooey gooey). Can't recommend the cornbread enough, and the sweet potato pie was amazing.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We got catering for 30 people last night. Andrew and RJ were super helpful when I was ordering and Andrew delivered it and helped us to get it all set up and kept warm for the few hours we had it out. The food was so good and everyone loved it. We were on a budget and it was reasonably priced. Would definitely get catering from here again!

Food: 5

Service: 5

1/17/2026 13:05 I played 3 rounds of scrabble 2 sad things is 1 I can't talk during the game unless the game is pause 2 I got to put bag on head other than that it went good and I drank 2 cups of sweet tea 1 with ice which I didn't need ice in it 2 I did get sweet tea no ice taste really good I'll come back real soon

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The black eyed aka cow peas plate was is excellent with cornbread. Full flavor and all ingredients blended well. Customer service friendly and welcoming. Packed menu, a lot to select. Definitely a spot which makes meals based on plants rather than boxes or at least a minimum, if applicable. Pure soul is definitely in the cuisine.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

They just keep getting better and better. Tweaking recipes and making things taste incredible! Best vegan food I’ve had in awhile

Food: 5

First time eating at an all plant based restaurant. I was thoroughly shocked by how fantastic the food was. The bbq was immaculate. The shrimp had me wigging out cuz I have shellfish allergies. I was able to eat a shrimp dish but it was plant!! The texture and taste was spot on. Took me back to the last time I had shrimp before my allergy developed. The cheesy fries 🤤 were so good. 👀 Looking into seeing if I can get catering from this business. The employee at the front was so nice and easy to talk to. Answered any questions I had. Highly recommend this place. Seriously try it out.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The NC BBQ Plate, Mac-N-Cheese, Shrimp Plate

Absolutely delicious😩 I wish I took pictures of my food but no worries because I will be back. As someone who has never had vegan food/meals before- I’m so shocked that everything is plant based. The Mac, The Yams, THE HUSHUPPIESS!! The Eastern BBQ plate? TOO GOOD. I also got the seasonal watermelon lemonade- bomb. I love this place. If you’re reading this & wondering if you should get it, don’t wonder…just get something because you won’t be disappointed.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5