11 Best Vegan Restaurants in Washington DC
A trip to the nation’s capital guarantees that you’re in for a review of everything that you slept through in High School US history class, but you may be wondering if you’ll also get to fuel all that learning at amazing vegan restaurants in Washington, DC?
DC doesn’t come up on lists touting the best US cities for vegan food, but I took a chance, bought the plane ticket, and started searching. I happily found various vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants, vegan bakeries, ice cream options, and more!
This was one of the tastiest history lessons I have ever had!
If you’re headed to Washington DC and wondering if it’s vegan-friendly, wonder no more — just be sure to check out these restaurants for the best vegan food to ensure you have the tastiest trip.
This article contains affiliate links (paid links) and Veggies Abroad is a member of Amazon Services LLC Associated Program. At no cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — this helps keep Veggies Abroad churning out free content! For an explanation of our advertising partnerships, please review our privacy policy.
Must-Visit Vegan Restaurants in Washington DC
Washington DC is very vegan-friendly — there is an amazing diversity of food to try. Get ready to enjoy everything from Belgian waffles to fried rice with vegan shrimp!
DC Vegan
1633 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036
$$ Hearty vegan sandwiches, bowls, salads, & more — 100% vegan
Tucked into a quiet neighborhood street just steps from DuPont Circle puts them in striking distance for all your DC activities! When you wander up, you will notice two entrances (both lead to excellent vegan food, so no worries there); the upstairs entrance will take you to a small deli and upstairs seating, perfect if you’re on the go, but if you want to stay awhile and would like a drink head downstairs.
The Italian/American menu delivers a street food vibe — crispy calamari, antipasti, meatballs, chick’n parm sandwiches, plus a creative lineup of cocktails and mocktails. Everything on the menu looks irresistible, but you really can’t go wrong with one of their bowls, either the Antipasti with cured tofu mozzarella or a meatball bowl with almond ricotta!
Fruitive
1094 Palmer Alley NW Washington, DC 20001
$ Fast casual spot with waffles, wraps, smoothies, & more — 100% vegan
Finding a vegan restaurant for breakfast or brunch can be tricky, but finding one that serves vegan and gluten-free options is like looking for a needle in a haystack! That is until you wander into the plant-pushing Fruitive!
This fast-casual spot is da bomb — I wanted to pack them up and bring them back with me to Detroit! This is the perfect spot for a quick and healthy vegan breakfast — golden waffles topped with coconut whipped cream, superfruit bowls, fresh juices, toasts, and more — but you have to come back for lunch or dinner! The menu is loaded with a mix of nutrient-dense options to keep you on the healthy track, plus things we all love — pizza, wraps, and salads. When I first came across Fruitive, I admit I thought it was just another smoothie shop; I am so glad I was wrong!
Chaia
Two locations in Georgetown & Chinatown
$$ Vegetarian Mexican spot with tons of vegan options.
Holy chic tacos! As soon as you walk in, you’ll be captivated by the relaxed beachy vibe — beautiful wicker lighting lights the place up while the cozy pastel sofas invite you to stay awhile (which you will do with one bite). It’s quite a dining experience if you ask me!
This vegetarian restaurant has an amazing Mexican menu that features veggie-packed (no Beyond or Impossible Meat here) tacos in house-made tortillas, mountainous nachos topped with sweet potatoes and black beans, quesadillas, and tostadas — the list is a mile long! Everything is so fresh and creative; absolutely no corners are cut — you’ll never look at another taco the same way once you eat here! Good to know: just about everything can be made vegan, and most of the menu is gluten-free.
Pow Pow
Two locations: Franklin Square & H Street Corridor
$$ Fast casual Asian — 100% vegan
You might be a little confused by this plant-based Asian eatery — inside their menu proudly proclaims plant-based, but in other spots, you might find chicken or beef on the menu — are they having an identity crisis?
Initially, they started selling meat dishes, but their plant-based options were the most popular! They fully embraced customer demands and went vegan; cool, right? Their menu features a variety of mock meats — shrimp, chick’n, beef — but you can always skip it and stick with a Purity Bowl loaded with fresh veggies and their signature house-made sauces.
Whatever you choose, make sure it either comes with, or you get a side of, their fantastic cashew siracha sauce — you will want a bottle of it after one taste! The creamy sauce is slightly spicy and nutty and perfectly enhances any dish! This is one of the most creative vegan restaurants in Washington DC — don’t miss it! Good to know: they mark which items are spicy, gluten-free, and contain nuts.
Lapis
1847 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009
$$ Vegan-friendly Afghan restaurant.
I almost didn’t get a table here — on a Monday night; this place was on fire with activity! After 30 minutes, I thought about giving up, maybe a table for one was just out of the question, but the litany of awards (they are Michelin Bib Gourmand winners) that covered their front door piqued my interest. Maybe it’s worth this crazy Monday night wait?
The family behind this modern Afghan restaurant set out to recreate childhood flavors they have long missed since fleeing the country over three decades ago. The menu is very vegan-friendly — they even joke that most people think they (Afghans) are meat-eating mountain people, but in actuality, their veggie dishes are their best-kept secrets (I would have to agree). Many of the veggie dishes are on the smaller side, giving you the perfect opportunity to sample various authentic flavors.
It is suggested to start with the Bolani — traditional Afghan bread with multiple veggie fillings, but sadly, it’s not gluten-free, so I opted for the Shore Nakhot. This tangy chickpea potato dish is a cross between a soup and a salad — it’s unusual but refreshing! I promise if you take a meat-eater here and load them up on all these veggie dishes, they won’t once say, “where’s the meat?”
Sticky Fingers Eats & Sweets
314 Carroll St NW, Washington, DC 20012
$ Vegan bakery & cake shop.
This cute vegan bakery has been delighting customers’ tastebuds for ages — it’s a DC institution! Sticky Fingers is also famous — owner, Donna Petersan, is a two-time winner of the Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” baking competition and the author of “Sticky Fingers’ Sweets: 100 Super-Secret Vegan Recipes.” The bakery features a lineup of everyone’s favorite sticky things — cookies, cupcakes, brownies, cakes, and more! Plus, they have a great selection of gluten-free baked goods; I honestly did a double-take; I didn’t believe it was gluten-free; it was so tender and delicious!
Donut Run
6904 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012
$ Vegan donuts.
Even though this donut heaven is outside downtown DC, it is worth the trek! Seriously, donut walk, run! I know, I am funny. This is DC’s only vegan donut shop, and it doesn’t disappoint — behind the brightly lit glass case are rows and rows of magnificent pillows of sweet dough topped with sweet icing, sprinkles, cookies, and so much more — you can’t help but smile.
You will have trouble deciding which donuts to gobble up, so I suggest sticking with their best sellers — Boston cream, maple cream, and French toast, but it will be hard to pass up their cinnamon rolls and everyone’s favorite chocolate sprinkle (their donut boxes are a pretty good size so I think you might be able to take them all)! Unfortunately, they don’t have any gluten-free donuts, but they do have nut-free options.
Pro tip: pack Tupperware in your suitcase so you can safely bring home sugary sweets like this!
PLANTA Queen
1200 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
$$ Chic Asian-inspired menu — 100% vegan
If you’ve been to NYC, Miami, or Toronto, you might have already checked out this sophisticated Asian-inspired restaurant, but if you haven’t, don’t miss it in DC’s Dupont Circle! This is one of the best vegan spots for a chic dining experience — a great place to take a date! The menu is incredibly creative — Ahi watermelon tuna, hearts of palm ceviche, plump veggie-filled dumplings, and so much more. First-time visitors shouldn’t miss the spicy tuna roll made with their unique Ahi watermelon and a giant Pad Thai slaw — the mix of textures and flavors is a party for your taste buds!
HipCityVeg
712 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
$ Vegan fast food spot.
I wish every city and town had a HipCityVeg! This innovative plant-based spot is redefining fast food with a focus on sustainability, health, and flavor. You’ll find a diverse menu with signature items like the Oh Maitake sandwich (crispy Maitake mushroom burger with zesty Goddess dressing) and a Ziggy Burger (juicy bacon cheeseburger) showing naysayers that anything they can eat, we can eat vegan!
Beyond their mouthwatering sandwiches and burgers, HipCityVeg also has tasty salads, flavorful wraps, and indulgent desserts. Whatever you decide to order, make sure you don’t skip one of their ultra creamy milkshakes — they usually have special seasonal flavors, too!
Need More East Coast Vegan Recommendations?
Washington DC is in a great location to explore other East Coast cities with great vegan food, like NYC and Philadelphia, and you know what? I’ve got everything you could possibly need to plan the best vegan adventure! Check it out:
Vegan-Friendly Hotels in NYC
The Best Vegan Brunch in NYC
12 Spots for Vegan & Gluten-Free Food in NYC
10 Best Restaurants for Vegan Food in Philadelphia
I can’t wait to explore your recommendations for DC since I just transitioned to a plant-based diet in the summer.
Amazing news! Congratulations to you, if you have any questions or need any support in your veggie journey don’t hesitate to reach out 🙂
We are headed to DC this summer – thank you so much for this list! 🙂