Highlights:
Unique Vegetarian Restaurants in Washington, D.C.:
1. Experience Plant-Based Fine Dining at Elizabeth’s Gone Raw
Elizabeth's Gone Raw is an exclusive fine dining experience in a historic Washington, D.C. townhouse, offering a creative six-course raw vegan tasting menu on Friday nights only. Founded by Elizabeth Petty after her cancer journey, the restaurant showcases the healing power and elegance of plant-based cuisine.
Recommended For: Special occasions, upscale vegan dining, and adventurous foodies seeking a unique culinary journey.
- Reserve in advance for an elegant Friday-only dining experience in a historic townhouse.
- Savor a six-course raw vegan tasting menu with refined touches like porcini paper and spirulina powder.
- Enjoy complimentary kale chips and an optional organic wine pairing curated to elevate each course.
- Celebrate in a serene setting perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones.
- Discover how a health-inspired culinary concept can become an indulgent fine dining event.
1341 L St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005
Phone: 202-347-8349
2. Savor Culture and Comfort Food at Busboys and Poets
Busboys and Poets is a vibrant Washington, D.C. cultural hub that combines a café, bookstore, and performance space, named in honor of poet Langston Hughes. Founded by Andy Shallal, this creative enclave is a magnet for artists, activists, and food lovers alike.
Recommended For: Vegetarian and vegan diners, literary and arts lovers, casual meetups, and brunch with a purpose.
- Dive into a diverse menu featuring standout vegan nachos, plant-based crab cakes, and creative “tuna” salad.
- Browse through books on social justice, literature, and art in the in-house bookstore.
- Attend spoken word nights, author readings, or panel discussions in the venue’s performance space.
- Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere with eclectic décor and a strong commitment to community and activism.
- Visit one of several D.C.-area locations including Takoma, Hyattsville, Brookland, and Mount Vernon Triangle.
2021 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
Phone: 202-387-7638
Day Trips:
3. If You Love Creative Veggie Tacos, Head to Chaia
Chaia is a trendy fast-casual taco shop that evolved from local farmers markets into a thriving Georgetown staple, beloved for its inventive, plant-based street fare.
Recommended For: Vegetarian and vegan foodies, quick bites in Georgetown, sustainable dining, and casual outdoor meals.
- Savor vegetarian and vegan tacos on gluten-free corn tortillas filled with kale, potato, pickled onion, poblano crema, and more.
- Pair your tacos with flavorful sides like green rice and black beans for a complete meal.
- Admire the modern, minimalist setting with communal tables and sunny patio seating.
- Choose from a selection of beverages including aguas frescas and local kombucha.
- Feel good knowing your meal is crafted from seasonal produce sourced from local farms.
3207 Grace St NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
Phone: 202-333-5222
4. Dine Sustainably and Elegantly at Equinox
Equinox delivers an elegant dining experience with a focus on seasonal market cuisine and exceptional plant-based offerings, all just steps from the White House.
Recommended For: Fine dining enthusiasts, vegans and vegetarians, Sunday brunch lovers, and those seeking sustainable, locally-sourced meals.
- Enjoy innovative vegan and vegetarian dishes like artichoke soup, tempura cauliflower, and charred asparagus with cashew cheese.
- Customize your experience with à la carte options or curated three, five, or seven-course tasting menus.
- Indulge in the acclaimed vegan buffet brunch offered every Sunday—a local favorite.
- Relax in a refined, contemporary setting ideal for romantic dinners, business lunches, or special celebrations.
- Appreciate the commitment to sustainability with locally sourced, organic, and seasonal ingredients.
900 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-331-8118
5. If You Crave Fast, Fresh Vegan Eats, Grab a Bite at HipCityVeg
HipCityVeg brings crave-worthy, plant-based comfort food to the heart of Washington, D.C., with a fun, eco-conscious twist and a fast-casual vibe.
Recommended For: Vegans, vegetarians, eco-conscious diners, and fans of quick, healthy meals on the go.
- Feast on 100% organic, non-GMO dishes like the Ziggy Burger with smoked tempeh and creamy special sauce.
- Enjoy fan favorites like the Crispy HipCity Ranch, a battered chick’n sandwich with peppercorn ranch.
- Pair your meal with sweet potato fries, fresh smoothies, and plant-based desserts for the full experience.
- Support sustainability—HipCityVeg composts and recycles daily and operates with a zero-waste mindset.
- Stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, seven days a week, for fast and flavorful plant-powered fare.
712 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Phone: 202-621-8057
FAQ:
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Is Washington, D.C. known for vegetarian and vegan cuisine?
- Washington, D.C. has long had a reputation as a solid steakhouse town, so one might assume that finding vegetarian and vegan options would be difficult.
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Are there good vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Washington, D.C.?
- Contrary to popular belief, there is a wealth of excellent strictly vegetarian or vegan restaurants, as well as restaurants that offer both meat and vegetarian options but excel in plant-based cuisine.
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What types of vegetarian and vegan dining options are available?
- From fast-casual fare to fine dining experiences, Washington, D.C. has some of the best non-meat-centric places to eat.
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