The Tastiest Vegan Restaurants in Washington DC
While D.C. is known as the birthplace of the half-smoke, as well as their number of steakhouses, the rise of plant-based diets throughout the United States has led to an influx of plant-based restaurants. Restaurants are becoming bolder, incorporating these types of dishes on their menu and we’ve seen an influx in delicious Vegan restaurants throughout the city. With a lot of restaurants having both Vegan and non-Vegan options, these restaurants are great to order with a group of friends. Here is a list we’ve put together for some of our favorite Vegan restaurants in Washington DC.
1. Equinox Restaurant
818 Connecticut Ave NW — Washington, D.C.
Chef Todd Gray, a five-time James Beard Award nominee, runs one of D.C’s top-rated restaurants with a menu packed with Vegan-friendly options. Headlined by their Vegan-based brunch highlighted by their crispy tofu & cauliflower curry served on a bed of saffron rice, Equinox provides you with fantastic Vegan-friendly options. If brunch isn’t your thing the Hand-rolled Spinach Rigatoni, and Butternut Squash Shakshuka are fantastic plant-based options along with their absolutely decadent Vegan Truffled Macaoni & Cheese. If you’re looking for something sweet Equinox also provides a luxurious Triple-Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake that can’t be missed. Check the menu frequently as it changes based on seasonality!
2. HipCityVeg
(Multiple Locations) 712 7th Street NW, 1300 Connecticut AVE NW
If you’re looking for a quick bite at a Vegan Restaurant in Washington DC – you can’t go wrong with HipCityVegan and their full menu of Vegan-friendly options. From soy-based milkshakes to a Beyond Meat burger, HipCityVegan gives you plenty of items to choose from to complete your meal. The Smokehouse Burger utilizes Beyond Meat topped with crispy onions, tangy BBQ, and smoked gouda cheese. Bread not for you? They also provide gluten-free options as well. The sweet potato fries come with their housemade HipCity sauce, organic ketchup, and sriracha aioli. Feeling thirsty? HipCity also provides organic fountain drinks, smoothies, and lumi juices. Their philosophy of eating well is prevalent throughout the menu and is a great place to grab a quick meal.
3. Chaia Tacos
(Multiple Locations) 615 1st Street NW, 3207 Grace Street NW
A 100% Vegetarian restaurant, Chaia Tacos provides visitors with a complete Vegan option as well. Chaia Tacos takes pride in their house-made corn tortillas, and on it, a variety of decadent, delicious options including their mouth-watering citrus-roasted beet taco that comes with a ricotta salata, cilantro-lime yogurt, and fresh jalapenos. The best part of their tacos is that you can pick them in packs of three and choose three different ones so you can explore the entire menu before finding your favorites. Along with tacos, Chaia has a braised mushroom enchilada with salsa asada and served with herby green rice. Chaia also has kombucha, and tea on tap to complement your meal and the caneta which is a cinnamon and coconut cookie to complete your Vegan experience.
4. Elizabeth’s Gone Raw
1341 L St NW Suite 1
Another one of D.C.’s fantastic full Vegan restaurants, Elizabeth’s provides you with a fantastic full-Vegan fine dining experience. With a rotating, seasonal menu you have the option of their Pre Fixe dining in which is highlighted by a stunning Salsify & Black Truffle Crepe, or their expanded take out menu which is headlined by the grilled vegetable Chorizo which is a Christmas bean stew that comes with sundried tomatoes, and roasted fennel. If dessert is on your mind the Ruby Port Poached Pear comes with a decadent mascarpone mousse, cinnamon caramel sauce, and vanilla crumble. If you’re looking for a cocktail – Elizabeth’s cocktails are all 160 ounces and their fresh-pressed juices are often the star. Make sure to check out the menu before you go because Chef Francisco Hernandez likes to give you new options to enjoy.
5. Shouk
(Multiple Locations) 655 K St NW, 395 Morse St. NE
Shouk provides you with a unique experience because not only are they a plant-based market, they have gluten-free options, and they are certified Kosher as well. Their mushroom shawarma, pictured above, comes with oyster mushrooms, pickled green cabbage, cucumber & onion salad, arugula, and tahini is just one of their delicious options for you to munch on. If shawarma isn’t your thing, the shouk burger, or falafel are fantastic options as well. The red lentil soup gives you a gluten-free side option to add onto your meal, and their choco cardamom cookie is the perfect end to any meal. If you truly like what you eat at Shouk – they also have a pantry where you can purchase things like their harissa mayo, almond feta, or shouk spice and more.
6. Fruitive
(Multiple Locations) 1094 Palmer Alley NW, 1330 Connecticut Ave NW
Fruitive provides D.C. with yet another great, full plant-based dining option along with their unique “meals at home” initiative where meals are delivered to your home as frequently as you would like. The millennial in us has to bring up the avocado herb toast that comes with delightful basil pesto to go along with oregano on whole grain bread. If you’re looking for a sweeter option try the almond chocolate banana waffle that comes with tasty whipped coconut cream and chocolate drizzle. If you’re on the go – they have a number of smoothies and juices to choose from as well.
7. NuVegan Cafe
(Multiple Locations) 2929 Georgia Avenue, 2397 6th Street NW
With a 100% Vegan menu, NuVegan Cafe has all types of food options for you to enjoy. The Vegan chick’n drummies are perfectly breaded and fried to perfection giving you a nice crisp to your entree. Go with the two side option and you can add on two of their flavorful sides like their vegan mac & cheese, and okra & tomatoes. The fun doesn’t stop there as their baked goods section gives you delicious Vegan dessert options such as their can’t miss cinnamon rolls. If on the go, NuVegan also has you covered with delicious smoothies that come with four different milk bases (soy, rice, almond, hemp) so all your bases are covered. This selection of vegan options made NuVegan Cafe an essential on our tastiest Vegan Restaurants in Washington DC list.
8. Beefsteak
800 22nd St. NW, Washington, DC
The star power alone makes you want to try out Beefsteak as it’s headline by James Beard Award winner Chef José Andrés – one of Time’s 100 most influential people. Currently takeout only – Beefsteak is known for their stunning Beefsteak burger which is a marinated beet base with chipotle mayo and a gorgeous olive oil brioche bun. If burgers aren’t your thing Beefsteak also has a number of bowls available including the delicious Fall of the Wind which comes with a deliciously creamy pumpkin seed romesco sauce, and maple apple cider dressing. Bring your non-Vegan friends as well because you have the option to also add different types of protein to your meal as well.
Enjoyed our Tastiest Vegan Restaurants in Washington DC list? Check out our other restaurant reviews in Washington DC.
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