Best Vegan Restaurants in Washington, DC
Washington, DC is a food lover’s paradise, with a plethora of restaurants and dining options to choose from. But what if you are vegan? No fear – the city is home to amazing vegan restaurants offering incredible plant-based options.
In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into the best vegan restaurants in Washington, DC. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a luxurious dinner experience, we’ve got something for everyone. Join us as we explore the exciting world of vegan cuisine in the nation’s capital!
What is the best vegan restaurant in DC?
The best vegan breakfast comes from DonutRun, the best vegan lunch are the tacos from Chaia, and the best vegan dinner comes from the incredible Fancy Radish.
For all the best insider information about the best vegan restaurants in Washington DC, read on!
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue may house the president of the US, but DC houses our vegan heart’s delight! Explore our favorite vegan venues – what we consider to be the best vegan restaurants in Washington, DC.
"1600 Pennsylvania Avenue may house the president of the US, but DC houses our vegan heart’s delight!"
1. DC Vegan
This is Vegan TLDR: An iconic staple and one of the first in the DC vegan game. The history of the restaurant is almost as good as the Italian American vegan food they serve. Leah Curran Moon, PHD and animal activist, and Michael Jantz Moon, a musician who has toured with Paul Simon, bring you this incredible vegan deli.
If you’re looking for some amazing, iconic vegan food in the Washington, DC area, you have to check out DC Vegan! What sets this place apart is their creative and diverse menu, featuring a variety of plant-based dishes from different cuisines around the world.
One standout item on their menu is the “Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich,” made with crispy soy-based chicken, gochujang sauce, and pickled daikon radish. They also offer a “Jackfruit Carnitas Bowl,” with tender jackfruit, black beans, and avocado. And for those who love a classic, they have a “Vegan Mac and Cheese,” made with a creamy cashew cheese sauce. The eggplant parm with almond ricotta.. *drool*
What’s special about DC Vegan is their commitment to using high-quality and organic ingredients, including locally-sourced produce and non-GMO tofu. They also offering some gluten-free and soy-free options. Overall, DC Vegan is a must-visit for anyone, who loves really iconic and good, vegan food. If you’re in the Washington, DC area, make a reservation and try this delicious menu.
2. DonutRun - the best vegan Donuts in Washington, DC
This is Vegan TLDR: A doughnut shop, need we say more? Flavors vary day to day and you can stalk their instagram before heading over to secure a freshly made vegan donut. Contrary to their name, run to get there early – these donuts sell out quickly!
If you’re looking for some amazing vegan donuts in Washington DC, you have to check out Donut Run!
What sets this place apart is their creative and delicious vegan donut flavors, which are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. One standout item on their menu is the “S’mores” donut, with a graham cracker crust, chocolate ganache, and marshmallow fluff. They also offer a “Maple Bacon” donut, with vegan bacon bits and maple glaze. And for those who love a classic, they have a delicious “Vanilla Glazed” donut.
What’s special about Donut Run is their commitment to using high-quality and organic ingredients, including locally-sourced flour and non-GMO oils. They also offer a variety of gluten-free options, making it easy for anyone with dietary restrictions to enjoy their treats.
Overall, Donut Run is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious and creative vegan donuts. When you’re in the Washington DC area, make sure to stop by and try some of their amazing flavors! So, will you go for breakfast or dessert?
3. Pow Pow - Award winning Asian vegan cuisine
This is Vegan TLDR: An award winning, plant-based, Asian, kosher, fast-casual restaurant? Yeah, it’s an earful and get ready for a mouthful of really good eats. World renowned plant-based Chef Margaux Riccio created the menu and anyone who can dream up those Trolley Fries with kimchi, cashew cheddar sauce, and Korean ketchup gets a win on our site.
If you’re looking for some amazing vegan Haitian food, you have to check out Pow Pow in Washington, DC! What sets this place apart is their creative fusion of Haitian and other international flavors, resulting in some truly unique and delicious dishes.
One standout item on their menu is the “Tofu Creole,” which features marinated and pan-fried tofu in a spicy tomato-based sauce with bell peppers and onions, served over a bed of rice. They also offer a “Pesto Tofu” sandwich, with homemade vegan pesto, avocado, and tomato on a baguette.
What’s special about Pow Pow is their commitment to using fresh, organic, and non-GMO ingredients whenever possible. They also offer a variety of gluten-free and soy-free options, making it easy for anyone with dietary restrictions to enjoy their food. Overall, Pow Pow is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious and innovative vegan cuisine.
So if you’re in the Washington DC area, make sure to stop by and try some of their amazing dishes!
4. NuVeganCafe - The best waffles in town
This is Vegan TLDR: This vegan soul food restaurant is calling your name for a vegan brunch in the city. They have a few locations so pick whichever is closest to your hotel in order to enjoy their soy substituted “chicken” “crab” and “steak” platters!
One standout dish is their vegan “chicken” and waffles, made with crispy seitan and a fluffy, sweet waffle topped with maple syrup and plantbased butter. Another favorite of us is the lentil shepherd’s pie, loaded with veggies and topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Not only is the food delicious, but it’s also presented beautifully, with colorful and artistic plating. Their “cheezy” grits are incredible, too!
So if you’re looking for some tasty and wholesome vegan food, NuVeganCafe is definitely worth a visit!
5. Chaia Tacos - more than Tacos!
This is Vegan TLDR: Another favorite vegan chain in DC, with locations all over. This plant-powered taco shop is sure to be your new favorite spot for hand-made tacos. Further, their entire menu is vegetarian, but everything can be made vegan instead. Everything is made in house, from the tortillas and salsas, to tacos and sides!
What makes this place so special is their unique twist on traditional Mexican dishes, incorporating flavors and ingredients from different cuisines around the world.
One standout item on their menu is their Braised Mushroom taco, made with spicy salsa and cilantro. Another must-try is their famous roasted butternut taco, with pepperjack, salsa verde & pickled red onion.
What sets Chai Tacos apart is their commitment to using high-quality and fresh ingredients, making everything from scratch in-house. They also offer a variety of sides and sauces to complement their tacos, such as Mexican street corn and mango salsa. On top all of their products are 100% nut-free, soy-free, and gluten-free.
So if you’re looking for a unique and delicious taco experience, head over to Chai Tacos and be prepared to have your taste buds blown away!
6. HipCityVeg - Vegan wraps and more!
This is Vegan TLDR: You know when there are multiple locations in the same city, someone is doing something right. Purely vegan ingredients, compostable materials, and delicious food are literally their sustainability mission. Yeah, a sustainability mission, we know, we know. Amazing. Almost as amazing as their blackened chipotle fajita wrap and vegan grilled disco chick’n. You’re welcome.
If you’re looking for some fast and delicious vegan food in the Washington, DC area, you have to check out HipCityVeg! What sets this place apart is their commitment to creating tasty and wholesome plant-based dishes, with a focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing.
One standout item on their menu is the “Ziggy Burger” made with a smoky black bean patty, lettuce, tomato, and special sauce on a whole wheat bun. They also offer a “Crispy HipCity Ranch” with crispy vegan chicken, lettuce, and ranch dressing. And for those who love a refreshing drink, they have a variety of organic and fair-trade iced teas and lemonades.
What’s so cool about HipCityVeg is their dedication to using organic and non-GMO ingredients, including locally-sourced produce and environmentally-friendly packaging. They also offer a variety of gluten-free and soy-free options, making it easy for anyone with dietary restrictions to enjoy their food. Overall, HipCityVeg is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious and sustainable vegan fast food.
So if you’re in the Washington DC area, make sure to stop by and try some of the delicious dishes in HipCityVeg!
Find more vegan Restaurants & Cafes in Washington DC
You want to check more vegan restaurants in Washington DC? Then we recommend you visit Happy Cow. There you will find over 300 vegan and vegetarian-friendly Restaurants.
Happy Cow is a comprehensive guide to vegan and vegetarian restaurants, cafes, and food trucks, and it has an extensive list of options in the nation’s capital.
From cozy cafes to fine dining establishments, Happy Cow has got you covered with reviews, ratings, and photos from fellow vegans. You can easily search for vegan-friendly restaurants near your location, and filter your results by cuisine, price range, and dietary restrictions.
So next time you’re craving some delicious vegan fare in Washington DC, check out Happy Cow for all the latest and greatest options!
What is your favourite vegan restaurant in Washington DC?
Do you know some more really good food spots, street food, vegan cafes or restaurants in Washington DC? Leave a comment below to inspire others to go there. Help us show everyone how delicious plant based food can be!
Ani Arzoomanian
Nature lover, dog mom & travel addict. School teacher by day and blogger by weekend, doing it all surrounded by loving friends and family. You'll find me writing for This is Vegan food magazine and Try This There travel blog.
All pictures in this post have been sourced from the corresponding establishments’ Instagram accounts. You can visit the Instagrams by clicking on the photographs. We do not own the rights to the pictures and no infringement is intended. / Some pictures are from Pexels. Thank you.
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