Did you know that yesterday, November 1, was World Vegan Day? It was originally established in Britain in 1994 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vegan Society’s founding. Celebrations and recognition of veganism have since spread worldwide, taking many different forms. This includes everything from the increasing availability of ethical fashion picks to cruelty-free beauty and wellness products. And then there are the most obvious options of all—those that offer mindful alternative food and menu selections across the board.
As a devoted lover of animals and vegan myself, it warms my heart to see far more vegan-friendly food options in existence now, more than ever before. That wasn’t always the case, as I remember all too well those times when a restaurant frequently offered just one meat-free alternative option on an otherwise extensive, overpriced menu as an afterthought at best or a glorified side at worst. More often than not, said alternative wasn’t even vegan per se (pungent-smelling eggplant parmesan or full-dairy mac and cheese, anyone?)
Thankfully, we’ve grown beyond that, especially here in the Mid-Atlantic region, which rightfully offers a versatile array of cultural cuisine suggestions. Now even specialty restaurants have adopted a host of vegan alternatives in their lofty lineups. From Latin flavors to Asian fusion, deli delights to baked sweet treats, here’s an extensive list of featured favorite vegan food picks throughout the DMV.
DC
Chaia Tacos
A vegetarian taco shop where nearly everything can be customized to vegan standards. Specialties include braised mushroom tacos, black bean enchiladas, smoky collard green tacos, and even sweet treats.
Multiple locations can be found around DC. Visit the website for details.
DC Dosa
It’s Indian cuisine that adheres to strict vegetarian and vegan standards. As the name suggests, dosas, which are more or less lentil crepes stuffed with various fillings and toppings, are their specialty.
Find them at Union Market in DC and the National Landing Water Park in Arlington, Virginia. More information is listed on their website.
DC Vegan
This is the DC vegan answer to a viable dairy-free deli and cheese shop that even serves up meat-free and seafood-free twists of robust flavor. Indulge in trumpet mushroom “calamari” rings or enjoy a BBQ cauliflower wings flight. They even offer Philly Cheesesteaks done the vegan way.
Find them at 1633 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036. More details are on the site.
Donut Run
For a donut fix adhering to all the vegan standards, this daytime establishment is your dream come true. Not only do they provide a fresh spin on donut takes, but some of their signature favorites include novelty flavors such as tiramisu, French toast, and pineapple upside-down cake.
You can visit the shop at 6904 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012. Click here to find out more.
Elife Restaurant
Elife, or rather Everlasting Life Vegan Restaurant, is known for offering up traditional soulful comfort cuisine done up vegan-style. Some of their most successful substitutes include pot roast, jerk chicken, jambalaya, mac and cheese, and Salisbury steak. They also serve featured brunchy favorites every Sunday.
Elife Restaurant has multiple locations throughout DC and Maryland. Visit their webpage to learn more.
Mita
The vegan spin on curated Latin-inspired cuisine is nothing less than phenomenal at this sleek restaurant, which formerly operated as a pop-up in Union Market’s La Cosecha food hall before receiving its own brick-and-mortar location on V Street. The brainchild of noted Venezuelan Chefs Miguel Guerra and Tatiana Mora, the concept is all about “vegetable-forward” cuisine with a Latin flair. The menu is entirely free of any animal products whatsoever.
Find Mita at 804 V St NW, Washington, DC 20001. More information can be found on the website.
Oyster Oyster
Pescatarians take note; this is not the latest seafood sensation but rather a crowning hidden gem among plant-based eaters. James Beard Award-winning chef Rob Rubba demonstrates firsthand the versatility of the nutrient-dense, flavorful oyster mushroom with a broad range of bountiful menu selections, creatively tailored and profusely packed with precision. Their impressive all-vegan tasting menu is nothing short of impressively executed on every epicurean level.
Oyster Oyster is located at 1440 8th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001. Read more and book your table today here.
PLANTA Queen
The globally inspired Asian spin on the vegan food concept is exceptional on every level. Their specialty watermelon mock ahi tuna sushi rolls are especially popular must-try items, as are many other signature selections.
PLANTA Queen locations can be found in Dupont Circle in DC as well as in Bethesda, Maryland. Follow the link to discover more.
PowPow
PowPow delivers another Asian-inspired plant-based concept, focused primarily on “bowls and rolls.” Some of their most remarkable featured eats include Taiwanese fried cashew mozzarella, teriyaki and fried “chick’n”, hoisin plant-based steak, Mongolian “beef and rice,” peanut butter chili chow mein, and so many others. Weekend dinner brunch menu specials are also featured on Saturdays and Sundays.
Find them at 1253 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Click on the webpage for more details.
Vegz
Specializing in Indian street foods, Vegz delivers an array of appetizing plant-based alternatives. From samosas to stir-fried okra, cauliflower florets tossed in chili-garlic sauce, to mixed vegetable curry, there’s plenty to explore in the way of options, all made possible by chef Swarn Singh.
Visit Vegz at 2120, 18th Street N.W BSMT, Washington, DC 20009. Visit the site link for additional information.
Maryland
Cielo Rojo
Get ready for Mexican-inspired cuisine classics that have been tailor-tweaked to suit vegan interests. Hot hits include gorditas, quesadillas stuffed with tequila-sauteed mushrooms or grilled cactus, and cashew cheese and cream.
Visit them at 7211 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park, Maryland 20912. Click on the website for full details.
Cisu Vegan House
Chinese classics get a vegan overhaul with an impressive presentation utilizing traditional flavors in unbelievable mimicry.
They can be found at 2649 Annapolis Rd Ste B, Hanover, Maryland 21076. Browse their site link for all additional information.
Dodah’s Kitchen
Discover first-hand the delights of Afro-inspired vegan cuisine, featuring impressive plant-based tweaks to classic soul food selections.
Multiple locations are found throughout Maryland. Visit the website for these and more.
Great Sage
The answer to top-notch gourmet done up in an entirely plant-based format can be found at this Clarksville favorite. They utilize only the highest quality standards, sourced organically and mindfully, remaining focused and committed to gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free initiatives in addition to vegan formats.
Great Sage is located at 5809 Clarksville Square Dr, Clarksville, Maryland 21029. Click here to read more.
Harmony Bakery
This specialty bakery takes dietary restrictions seriously, providing gluten-free bakery and deli items in addition to an entirely plant-based lineup of vittles. They also serve up pizza and special salads to boot.
Visit Harmony Bakery at 3446 Chestnut Ave, Baltimore, Maryland 21211. Find out more on their website.
Hippy Chick Hummus
A Frederick County foodie favorite, this quaint café satisfies vegan tastes by offering a whole foods curated menu with original juice bar compilations in addition. Featured hits include their Hawaiian Bowl (acai bowl), “Cheesyyyyy Potato Nachos” (gluten-free), and even a Ricotta Grilled Cheese signature.
They can be found at 237 N Market St, Frederick, Maryland 21701. Visit the website for more details.
Land of Kush
It’s soul food satisfaction with a vegan spin at this Baltimore-based business, which redefines the food scene and proves that meat holds no label in fine traditional cuisine hits. Novelties here include everything from baked mac and cheese to their contested vegan crab cakes. They’ve even been named a best brunch spot with their featured Sunday menu.
Discover the Land of Kush at 840 N Eutaw St, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. More can be found on their webpage.
My Mama’s Vegan
Another stellar example of Baltimore vegan acclaim, My Mama’s Vegan redefines comfort food classics in an all-new, entirely plant-based approach. Get your favorites with all the works, from bountifully packed burgers to flavorful sandwiches, wraps, and more.
Visit them at 3433 Greenmount Ave, Baltimore, Maryland 21218. Click the link for more.
Oleum Vegan Kitchen
Here’s a cool new concept for upscale eating. The focus is primarily focused on eatery-style delights, including artisanal pizzas, hand-crafted pastas, and international inspirations in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and North African flavors.
Oleum Vegan Kitchen is located at 701 S Bond St, Baltimore, Maryland 21231. Go to their website for all other information.
PHAT Vegan
Here you’ll find a hip new approach to healthy eating via entirely plant-based creature comforts. The primary focus is on quintessential cuisine hits from the best around the globe. One such star substitute in the enticing ingredient field is jackfruit.
Visit them at 990 Swan Creek Rd E, Fort Washington, Maryland 20744. Click the page link for more.
PLNT Burger
One of the most increasingly popular vegan approaches can be found via PLNT Burger, with so many variations to the burger that may even outdo anything traditional meat patties can come up with. Their abundant menu is completely free from animal products, including beef, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy.
PLNT Burger is a growing chain with multiple locations throughout the greater DMV. Find all the details on the website.
Rooted3
Here’s an all-organic, plant-based, and entirely gluten-free restaurant that defies the odds of healthy eating without sacrificing flavor. While menus are profuse and tailored to those with restrictions specifically, all bowls and meal features can be customized accordingly. They even offer air-fried takes on normally fatty foods and do up classics like avocado toast without allergens like gluten.
Visit Rooted3 at 4916 Cordell Ave, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. Explore their website for more.
St. Veg
It’s plant-based customization to a T at this locally loved establishment known for made-from-scratch bowls as well as other deli delights, including sandwiches and wraps. One of their most contested attributes is the vegball sub. Various burgers and cauliflower bites also take the cake.
Visit St. Veg at Shady Grove Rd #14929-M, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Click here for more.
Virginia
Bar Botanical
Featuring American lite bites, small platters, and novelty pizzas, this fresh find is committed to plant-based and gluten-free offerings, specifically. They also raise the “bar” literally, as their food features pair perfectly with their signature house libations.
Bar Botanical is located at 2025 Library Ave, 4R, Crozet, Virginia, 22932. Visit their website.
Beyond Vegan Cell Food
Focusing primarily on southern-style creature comforts, this local favorite is famous for its health-conscious and plant-based approach to meals. One of their most iconic enticements is, of course, their signature mock chicken and waffles.
Visit the restaurant at 615 High St, Portsmouth, Virginia 23704. Find out more by clicking here.
Botanical Plant
Featuring mostly whole foods, this plant-based eatery stands out for its sandwiches, salads, bowls, and more. They feature fusion flavors inspired by European and American hits alike.
Visit at 421 E Main St, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902. More can be found on their website.
Desmond’s Island Soul Grill
With “soul” in its name, the obvious anchor at Desmond’s is soul food with a vegan twist.
More specifically, it is a “Guyanese-influenced vegan Caribbean restaurant” of acclaim. In place of meat, some of their most fashionable substitutes include jackfruit, mushrooms, lentils, and others.
Desmond’s Island Soul Grill is located at 977 Reon Dr Ste 102, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464. Click here to learn more.
Dieu Huong
This Vietnamese restaurant is praised highly for its ability to recreate any of the national traditional stellar classics, sans animal products. Their delivery on faux meat and seafood is especially impressive.
They are located at 6795 Wilson Blvd Unit 37, Falls Church, Virginia 22044. Learn more on the site link.
GreenFare Organic Café
Organic and vegan-sourced food favorites are at the forefront of this fresh café in Herndon.
Some of their craveable classics include Organic Spinach and Sweet Potato Lasagna, Jackfruit Barbecue Sandwich, Wild Mushroom Enchilada, Quinoa with Baked Sesame Tofu and Vegetables, and Maitake Quinoa Black Bean Burger with Spring Greens and Golden Chips.
Visit GreenFare at 408 Elden St, Herndon, Virginia 20170. Additional information can be found on their website.
Jikoni Cafe at The House of Consciousness
This all-vegan restaurant and cultural boutique, located inside the House of Consciousness in Norfolk, packs a punch in flavor and robust offerings in the way of savory comfort cuisine picks. Per the name, their key ingredient in most of their creations is Jikoni Kush, a non-hybrid tropical African grain. It is utilized in various savory dishes. Some of their most popular menu selections include the Kuku Sandwich, Beast Burrito, Jibini Loaded Pasta Bowl, and Kush Pocket (with options like the Bourbon Kush Pocket).
Visit Jikoni Café at 633 W 35th St, Norfolk, Virginia 23508. Click to discover all other additional information.
JMT Vegan Eats
This baked goods shop is all about vegan burgers, sandwiches, shakes, and even vegan ice cream. Family-owned and operated, they are committed to quality and customization in a caring, personalized way.
Find them at 5660 Indian River Rd Ste 110, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464. Find out more on the website.
Minglewood Bakeshop
Here you have Richmond’s first entirely vegan bakery of acclaim. All the products in their lineup are free of eggs, dairy, honey, meat, gelatin, figs, or confectioner’s glaze. They are also allergen-conscious and can customize many items by omitting gluten and nuts. Menu highlights include primarily baked goods and deli items.
Visit Minglewood Bakeshop at 3337 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221. Explore more on the webpage.
My Vegan Sweet Tooth
Another fully vegan bakery, this hidden gem can be found in the heart of Virginia Beach. Not only are their bakery items free of animal products, but many other dietary needs are fulfilled here as well, including those of gluten intolerance. Even better, all tips are donated to local animal shelters and charities.
Stop in My Vegan Sweet Tooth at 3916 Virginia Beach Blvd, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23452. Click here to find out more.
Native Soul Bar & Market
The culmination of herbal health, fresh and comforting vibes, and cultural cuisine classics can’t be beat here. Largely operating as a customizable juice bar, their soulful meals and bowls also stand out for entirely plant-based enticements that keep flavors robust and interesting.
Native Soul Bar & Market can be found at 9 E Mellen St, Hampton, Virginia 23663. Visit the website for more.
NuVegan Café
Tasty, entirely vegan soul food is possible, as you will discover when you stop by. From burgers to lasagna, they inspire healthy eating and delectable flavor beyond measure, attracting fans from outside the vegan community as well.
NuVegan locations can be found throughout the DMV. Click the link to discover more.
Palm Tree Vegan and Juice Bar
Get schooled in what it means to find flavorful vegan cuisine and fresh juice at this fan favorite located at Herndon University. Some of their featured delights include fried oyster mushrooms (also available as a wrap), tacos, mushroom Philly cheesesteak takes, BBQ pulled jackfruit, vegan crab cakes, and many enticing others.
Come in at 1040 Settlers Landing Rd, Hampton, Virginia 23669. Click here for more.
Philly Vegan
This family-owned and operated business, based in Richmond, prepares fresh plant-based cuisine with all the flavor and precision any meaty medleys try to stand for. Their signature selections are, of course, their Philly Vegan Cheesesteaks in various options, including sliders and meat-free chicken substitutes. Other highlights include burgers, eggrolls, desserts, and more.
Philly Vegan is located at 1126 Hull Street, Richmond, Virginia 23224. Discover more on their website.
Taco Vegana
The vegan variations at this Mexican eatery rule the roost of authentic flavor, making believers out of even carnivores. Some of their most iconic concoctions include tacos, burritos, and other cantina classics, along with delectable desserts, including their irresistible tres leches cake.
Prepare to be impressed by visiting them at 1004 Oakwood Ave, Richmond, Virginia 23223. All other information can be found on their webpage.
Tiny Vegan
It’s about enjoying the little (or in this case “lentil”) things at this stellar take-out operation, which is women-owned and operated. All featured items are entirely free of animal products and gluten as well. Some of their favorite meal requests include their Cuban Special, Messy Boy, and various others, along with satisfying sandwiches and breakfast specials.
Come visit at 104 S Sheppard St, Richmond, Virginia 23221. Explore all that Tiny Vegan has to offer on their website.
Vegan Planet Café
Discover deli delights and classic comforts done up in a versatile vegan concept. Best-loved options to dive into include their plant-based mac and cheese, mushroom burgers, stellar subs, sandwiches, and other curated and customized picks.
Find them at 2718 Granby St, Norfolk, Virginia 23510. Click on the link for more.
Yummvees
Another vegan establishment boasting quintessential comfort classics is this praiseworthy takeout restaurant in Richmond. Featured favorites include handcrafted burgers, sandwiches, and even immune-boosting salads to boot.
Visit Yummvees at 2118 W Cary St, Richmond, Virginia 23220. More information can be found on their website.
I am proud to proclaim that the DMV, specifically, has grown to become a haven for vegan eaters looking for viable, unlimited options that pack so many different cuisine selections to choose from. As explained in some of the aforementioned examples, many venues, as well as other specialty locales, do double duty in offering allergy-friendly and kosher picks to embrace in addition. This is a positive sign that we are on the right track to fulfilling the ever-increasing customizable needs in society today.