Restaurants across the country are increasingly embracing plant-based foods and adding creative vegetarian and vegan dishes to their menus.
As Washington, D.C., is a mecca for top-notch restaurants, it's no surprise that you can find amazing vegan options throughout the city. Here are some of the best vegan restaurants in Washington, D.C.
Note: At the time of publication, not all restaurants on this list are offering dine-in service, but delivery or take out is available. Please check with each restaurant individually to see how they are operating.
Where: 1528 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036 and 800 22nd St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20052
Developed by one of the country's leading chefs, José Andrés, this fast-casual spot isn't strictly plant-based, but is one of the best vegan restaurants in D.C.
Head to Beefsteak in Dupont Circle or Foggy Bottom to enjoy delicious veggie bowls, fresh salads and hearty sandwiches.
Where: 3207 Grace St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20007 and 615 I St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
Chaia Tacos partners with local farmers to grow seasonal vegetables for its delicious tacos that are prepared with handmade corn tortillas. Unique combinations include creamy kale and potato, pepper jack, poblano crema, salsa verde and pickled red onion; chipotle sweet potato hash, feta, arugula pepita salsa and cilantro; and rainbow carrot and pea shoot with lemon ricotta, salsa de tomatillo crudo and mint.
The fast-casual restaurants are located in Georgetown and Chinatown.
Where: 1341 L St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20005
Open every Friday and Saturday night, Elizabeth's Gone Raw offers an elegant seven-course vegan tasting menu in a Federalist-era townhouse. The private venue offers a unique fine dining experience and can accommodate 80-seated guests. The menu is always different and inspired by a focus on the powerful healing benefits of a plant-based diet.
Where: 818 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20006
Owned by Chef Todd Gray, a leading advocate for sustainable farming, Equinox is an upscale award-winning restaurant serving seasonal cuisine and well-known for its vegan options.
The menu features a wide range of dishes, such as black bean and walnut chili, spinach rigatoni with black Perigord truffle and roasted Hawaiian hearts of palm cakes. A plant-based Sunday brunch and a plant-based tasting menu are available.
Where: 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE, Washington, D.C. 20020, 341 Cedar St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20012 and 9185 Central Ave., Capitol Heights, MD 20743
Everlasting Life Restaurant & Lounge is a cafeteria-style restaurant that fuses ethnic soul food with a vegan menu of fresh salads, whole plant-based entrees and side dishes, vegan desserts, juices and smoothies.
A hearty weekend brunch includes dishes, such as spiced tofu scramble, vegan sausage, orange steamed broccoli, organic corn grits and whole wheat pancakes. Elife is located inside the Anacostia Arts Center and has locations in Takoma Park and Capitol Heights.
Where: 600 H St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
Located in the heart of the vibrant H Street Corridor, the vegetable restaurant Fancy Radish features a creative menu of seasonal ingredients that ranges from cold dishes and vegetable charcuterie to single seasonal vegetables to richer, more composed plates.
Standout dishes include Singapore noodles, seared maitake mushrooms and rutabaga fondue. The bar features natural wines, craft beers and a creative cocktail list.
Where: 406 H St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
Fare Well is a vegan diner, bakery and bar offering veggie-centric comfort food. Favorite dishes include carrot cake pancakes, French toast casserole topped with fruit and coconut whipped cream, Southern-fried steaks made with chickpeas, potato pierogies, and the Mexacali burger.
Located in the heart of the H Street Corridor, the bakery is a prime spot to buy a cake or cookies.
Where: 1094 Palmer Alley NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 and 1330 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
Fruitive is a plant-based, certified organic, fast-casual restaurant with locations in Washington D.C. and Virginia Beach.
The menu includes smoothies, super berry bowls, salads, wraps, tacos, soups and sandwiches. One-, three- and five-day vitamin-rich juice packs are available to purchase and take home.
Where: 2928 Georgia Ave., Washington, D.C. 20001 and 2397 6th St. NW Washington, D.C. 20059
NuVegan Cafe is a cafeteria-style vegan restaurant that offers a range of dishes ranging from kale salad to mac and cheese to jumbo-sized cinnamon rolls. Online ordering and catering are available. Favorite menu items include vegan crab cakes, vegan fried chicken sandwich, ginger spied tofu, Caribbean chickpeas and vegan mac and cheese.
Where: 655 K St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 and 395 Morse St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
The fast-casual Shouk offers Israel-inspired all plant-based and Kosher pitas, bowls and salads. The acclaimed veggie burger combines chunks of beets, mushrooms, cauliflower, lentils, black beans, onions and dresses it with tomato, pickled turnip, arugula, charred onion and tahini.
Rachel Cooper is a freelance writer and author with more than a decade of online journalism and content creation experience. She has written for About.com, Washingtonian, Federal City Council, Montgomery Parks, Destination Maryland, Conde Nast Traveler, Payscale, Valpak, Grandparents.com, Washington Parent and more. Her books include Quiet Water: Mid-Atlantic, AMC’s Canoe and Kayak Guide to the Best Ponds, Lakes and Easy Rivers; 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Washington, D.C. and Images of Rail: Union Station in Washington, D.C.