Everyone enjoys getting together with friends or family and eating a good meal from time to time. It’s typically a fun experience from start to finish, from the light-hearted conversations to the tasty food and getting to try new cuisines. Finding vegan friendly restaurants in D.C. is not always easy though.
Whether you’re grabbing takeout on the way home or planning to meet some friends for a quick bite, being mindful of everyone’s menu preferences is a must.
Many people choose vegan or vegetarian diets, and knowing the difference between the two can help ensure you choose a restaurant everyone can enjoy. The diets are similar, but the simplest differentiator is that vegans do not consume animal products or bi-products like eggs, honey, or dairy while vegetarians do not eat animals but may eat their bi-products.
The good news is that we have some of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Washington, D.C., as well as locales that offer vegan and vegetarian options. There’s always something for everyone, especially at these locations near our DARO Apartment communities.
Dupont Circle Neighborhood Vegan Restaurants
Dupont Circle is the quintessential neighborhood to live in if you love eating at the best vegan restaurants in D.C. From the vibrant community vibe, to the lively nightlife, there’s never a shortage of hip vegetarian eateries in this neighborhood.
Nearby DARO communities:
Sweet Green
Whether you order online, grab take-out, or dine-in, Sweet Green offers a menu almost as sweet as the name suggests—with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options right in the Dupont Circle neighborhood—that includes protein-packed greens and everything from chicken chimichurri plates to harvest bowl salads made with almonds and kale, and much more. Their homemade Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Greengoddess Ranch or Hot Honey Mustard are a great vegetarian side dish or a perfect afternoon treat, and we are loving their Harvest Bowl for a quick lunch that will keep you going through the afternoon.
Hip City Veg
This small, plant-based fast-food chain has two D.C. locations and offers various specialty burgers and sandwiches. At Hip City Veg, you can choose from zesty, spicy, and tangy sauces for your burgers. The flavors complement their organic smoked tempeh and tofu options, or you can order a grilled jerk chick’n or udon salad if you’re looking for a more organic meal. If you ask us, the Disco Chick’n sandwich and their sweet potato fries make this place one of the best vegan restaurants in Washington D.C.
Frutive
Frutive also has two D.C. locations and is a great alternative to your chain pizza locations. They are 100% plant based which makes them a great choice for vegan restaurants in D.C. They offer plant-based pizzas made with whole wheat crust and delicious Superberry Bowls made with oat or almond milk. For early mornings, you can grab steel-cut oats with granola, chia seeds, and your favorite fruits or some delicious avocado toast. We love their Southwest Salad and Roasted Veggie Pizza too!
Vegz
Offering both vegan and vegetarian options, Chef Swarn Singh created Vegz from the comfort of his mother’s kitchen. You can feel the love in the dishes offered from this hidden vegan/vegetarian gem. You’ll find delicious homemade Samosas and Papdi Chat as appetizers, then circle into your main course and enjoy items like Masala Dosa and Paneer Uthappam crepes, mixed vegetable korma, and other Indian-styled options.
The portions are generous—great for sharing— and at an affordable price. If you’re vegan or vegetarian and love Indian food…Vegz is a must try vegetarian restaurant in D.C.
Teaism
If you’re looking for a vegetarian restaurant in D.C. Teaism has vegetarian options with three locations throughout D.C. They have spots in DuPont Circle, Lafayette Park, and Penn’s Quarter. Teaism serves mouthwatering dishes that are perfect for a mixed diet and keep you coming back for more.
As you go through the menu, try their Okonomiyaki—a crispy cabbage pancake with wasabi and okonomi sauces— a vegan cheeseburger, or some tasty sweet potatoes with miso.
Teaism is also a great place to stop in for an afternoon tea and treat. We are head over heels in love with their Jasmine Creme Brulee and their Ginger Scones. Don’t forget to try their specialty boba tea or our favorite— iced chai!
The Little Beet
The Little Beet is a vegetarian-based restaurant with a new menu that includes Whole30, Paleo, and Keto options. They offer a wide variety of make-your-own bowl options, including basmati rice, quinoa, and leafy field greens to start things off. You can choose between warm or cold veggies to mix in and include proteins like baked falafel or sweet ‘n’ spicy tofu. If you’d prefer to order something off the chef’s specialties, you can opt for a Brussel Hustle Bowl, Yuzu Poké Bowl, or a short list of other options. Our favorite dish on the menu…The Beet Falafel Bowl!
Vegan Restaurants in the Cleveland Park Neighborhood
The Cleveland Park Neighborhood has it all…friendly neighbors, charm, tree lined streets…and great vegetarian restaurants.
Nearby DARO communities:
Indique
Staying true to Indian cuisine, Indique mixes in unique flavoring to bring you meals you won’t forget. If you’re looking for vegetarian restaurants in D.C. with a great vibe—Indique has amazing veggie options, great staff, and it’s affordably priced.
Their dinner menu provides spicy street snacks such as Vegetable Mini Dosa, and their main courses bring you options like Bagara Baingan which is made with baby eggplant. Enjoy their Morel Vegetable Stew on rainy or cooler days, and Punjabi Chole for a delicious take on potatoes and chickpeas. If you live at the Sedgwick Gardens apartments, Indique is only a 5-minute walk away.
True Food Kitchen
True Food Kitchen thrives on bringing you “crave-able food that boosts your mood.” A few vegan favorites on the menu are the Teriyaki Quinoa Bowl and Ancient Grains Bowl. They also serve a homemade Butternut Squash Pizza made with caramelized onions and roasted garlic that’s perfect for sharing. You dine with True Food for brunch, lunch, or dinner, then take your leftovers home with you for a second round at their appetizing menu.
Mount Pleasant & Columbia Heights Neighborhood
If you happen to live in Mount Pleasant or Columbia Heights you already know there’s no shortage of delicious cuisines in the area. Whether you are looking for an upscale dining experience, late night drinks at your favorite dive bar, the best vegan pizza, a cafe lunch, or a vegan cupcake…the neighborhood doesn’t disappoint.
Nearby DARO communities:
Nu Vegan Cafe
Formerly known as Woodlands Vegan Bistro, Nu Vegan Café is D.C.’s number one spot for vegan soul food. Menu items include Herb-infused Seitan Roast, Vegan Chick’n Drummies, Ginger Spiced Tofu, Black Bean Burgers, and more vegan favorites. No matter what you’re craving, when it comes to vegan restaurants in D.C, Nu Vegan has a dish for everyone and every food mood. Vegan Crab Cakes? Yes, please! Did we mention they have weekend brunch?
Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats
You can find all of your vegan baked goods at Sticky Fingers. Choose from crazy delicious flavors of cupcakes, small and big bites, and bakery sweets. A sticky finger lunch favorite is their black bean and green chile quesadilla, and you can’t help but follow it up with one of their crumb cakes or sticky buns.
If you’re feeling extra generous and buying treats for everyone, try some of their classic cookies or not-so-daily-donuts on select days. We love that they sell vegan baking mixes and decorating kits to take home for some messy fun too!
Are you moving to the Washington, D.C. area or simply looking for a new community to call home? Contact DARO Apartments to speak with a leasing specialist. We’re happy to discuss your needs and desired location, then schedule a time to tour one of our open floor plans.
We have apartments in the best neighborhoods in D.C. including:
- Cathedral Heights
- Cleveland Park
- Columbia Heights
- Dupont Circle
- Foggy Bottom
- Georgetown
- Mount Pleasant
- Thomas Circle
- Upper 16th NW
- Kalorama
- Logan Circle
- Van Ness
- Woodley Park
- Hyattsville
DARO residents enjoy a complimentary Motion Mindset membership that offers virtual fitness classes, live virtual cooking lessons and more to support your vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
DARO residents also have access to private personal trainers and personal nutrition plans available for an additional cost. New to the vegan lifestyle? A personal nutrition plan can help you to be sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need to stay healthy and strong.
There’s great vegetarian and vegan options in all of our neighborhoods, so get in touch—we can’t wait to meet you!
