Zada Jane’s $$

1601 Central Ave., 704/332-3663, www.zadajanes.com [1]

HOURS: Mon.–Tues. 8 a.m.–3 p.m., Wed.–Thurs. 8 a.m.–10 p.m., Fri.–Sun. 9 a.m.–10 p.m.

Since opening in 2007, Zada Jane’s has fast become a Plaza Midwood staple. The breakfast dishes are amazing and the menu has a ton of vegetarian options, including some of the best soups and salads around. In the kitchen, there are two grills—one for meats and one for veggie entrées—and organic and local produce is used as often as possible. The baked goods are made fresh in the mornings and packaged to go (along with steaming hot cups of coffee and tea from Tea Rex in Charlotte). Those who want to hang around can lounge in the restaurant or on the patio. Just be warned that the outdoor shuffleboard court can be an addictive way to spend an afternoon.