20 DELICIOUS PLACES TO EAT VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN FOOD IN WASHINGTON DC

Washington DC has so many sustainable things to do so it’s no surorise that it has an incredible plant-based food scene, and we’ve gathered the best vegan and vegetarian spots that truly stand out for their flavour, creativity, and welcoming atmosphere. From cozy neighbourhood cafés to vibrant eateries near iconic landmarks, these restaurants show just how exciting and diverse meat-free dining can be in the nation’s capital. It also reflects the city’s melting pot of cultures. Read on to discover where to eat, what makes each place special, and why from our experience, we think vegan and vegetarian food in Washington DC may just be some of the best options in the US.

Pin & Save

Short of time? No problem, Pin & Save to Pinterest to refer to at your leisure!

What This Guide Includes

• Not exclusively plant based – Vegetarian and vegan-friendly  cafes, restaurants, bars and outlets that are not ALL just exclusively plant-based but also offer meat protein as we often travel with a mix of dietary requirements. For example only one half of us is vegetarian! The number of dishes for veggies and vegans are quite a few.
• Google Map – Locations of all the places we’ve featured here are listed on a Google Map.
• Be-lavie Suggestions – We’ve included our personal recommendations based on what we have tried ourselves.
• Meal investment – Price plays a major part in budgeting so we try and give a rough estimate on the bill.
• What fellow diners think – Many people go off reviews so we have included TripAdvisor comments where possible.
• What to wear – Dress code and reservations, because you always need to know what to wear and you don’t want to miss out on an amazing restaurant if you’re not prepared and need to book in advance!
• Vegan milk alternatives – All of the cafes, coffee shops serve milk alternatives. Oat milk is a standard alternative but many do serve soy, almond and coconut for a charge of around $0.50-$1.00.
• Dietary requirements – Note that many of the restaurants featured here are also gluten free but it’s best to check with the eatery prior to visiting to be certain.

What Food is Washington DC Known for (Suitable for Vegetarians)?

Amidst all the museum, state buildings and grand architecture, DC has many sustainable things to do so as well as local small places to eat and drink. it’s is known for foods such as the local sausage – a half smoke that is like a hot dog but with more spice, Chesapeake Oysters and Blue Crab as well as a wonderful range of international cuisine brought to the city by its many communities of immigrants. It’s also not short of some hidden local variety spots, recreating the era of prohibition, so keep an eye out for speakeasy bars with deep stories and inventive cocktails. 

Vegetarians and vegans, apart from the grilled cheese, which is incredibly tasty of course, the choice of food around Washington DC is vast and centred around a thriving coffee culture, wellbeing, cute cafes as well as local cuisines such as Italian, Mexican, Indian, South East Asian, Greek, Turkish and Ethiopian to mention a handful. Farmers markets and Food Halls are also a great hive of locally sourced vegetarian and vegan ingredients and dishes with a focus on non meat products. 

As a vegetarian, I would recommend opting for international cuisines as this is where the best options that we found. Think open sandwiches, Ramen, vegan food and plant-based specialist dining at Planta Queen or Elizabeths (upscale), coffee shops that offer a variety of Matcha as well as alternative milk options, Tiki bars and Speakeasy’s that serve small plates and bar snacks for light lunches or nights out. When we talk about vegan food in Washington, we don’t just mean dishes with tofu as a plant protein alternative but menus that celebrate the humble vegetable. 

Map of Places to Eat

How to use the map: tap the image to reveal a Google Map with all the places to eat in this article and their locations. There are also locations of other places that have been included in all of our Washington DC guides.

Cafes, Coffee & Brunch

If you’re a coffee lover like us, more specifically responsibly-sourced coffee served with an accompaniment of a sweet treat, then we have a bunch of great local places lined up below.

Be-lavie Pro Tip: Many coffee shops and cafes serve hot drinks such in card cups as opposed to ‘real cups’ even if you’re sitting in. If like us, you prefer your coffee in a proper cup then take your own or alternatively ask for a ‘real cup’ Many just use paper cups so even after asking you may not get the desired answer. We find this such a waste of trees but also coffee just doesn’t taste the same!! We have therefore included photos at each location, which will give you an idea of how each spot serves their coffee. 

#1. Dua DC Coffee

Hands down, Dua has to be one of our favourite coffee places in DC. It is the first Indonesian speciality coffee shop in DC and is woman owned since opening in 2019. All their coffee-cased drinks use single-origin beans from the islands that make up Indonesia. They are sourced telling unique stories from the farms they are derived from, where ecological practices and sustainability are at the core of the business model. 

We loved the family feel at Dua DC Coffee and is served in the most beautiful earthenware cups. The pastries are fresh and the service is so helpful with the baristas helping with getting you your perfect cup of coffee. 

Try their signature drinks such as an Aran latte, Oat Pandan Brew or a Kopi Sus latte. Spot their store mural designed by an Indonesian-American artist, Sita Sadeli.

Be-lavie Recommendations: The 8 oz cappuccino is a perfect way to start the day, accompanied by a warm, fresh almond croissant (not overly sweet). Grab a window counter seat to people watch!

• Address: 923 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States.
• Find it Here: Map Location & Hours:
• Reviews: What other diners are saying.
• Price Point: ££
• Reservations: Not applicable.
• Dress Code: Casual.

#2. Baker’s Daughter Cafe & Market

Located adjacent to and inside our hotel, Eaton DC, this all day cafe opens from 07:00 and literally has something for everyone. It is a concept by Michelin Star Chef, Matt Baker who is also responsible for the small plates concept at the same hotel. It serves hot and cold breakfast, coffee, baked goods, packaged salads sandwiches, muesli yoghurt bowls and fruit. Diners can opt for a carry out meal including even alcoholic beverages such as beers cocktails and wine. 

This neighbourhood cafe has a lovely corner space with cool decor, busy vibe as well as a fab choice of vegetarian and vegan options such as all day breakfast burritos and bowls, sandwiches, cold and hot drinks. 

Be-lavie Recommendations: The shakshuka is great for veggies, salads, avocado toast, fruit and muesli are a couple of examples of vegan options. Personally we popped in for a quick breakfast to go and grabbed a black coffee, cappuccinos, lemon and poppy seed bread slice and frosted Danish pastries.  

• Address: 1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States.
• Find it Here: Map Location & Hours.

• Reviews: What other diners are saying

• Price Point: ££
• Reservations: Not applicable.
• Dress Code: Casual.

If you’re looking for a downtown DC well locate hotel, we’d throughly recommend the very cool community-first boutique, Eaton DC. Check it out below. It also has four great places to eat, a rooftop and a speakeasy bar.

#3. Flor Coffee & Books

We spent a whole day in Georgetown and stumbled upon Flor Coffee & Books owned by an Argentinian couple, is a combination of a wellness and literature cafe that serves up delicious food with a healthy focus in terms of fresh, locally sourced ingredients together with a balancing list of hot and cold drinks. Its spit over two floors and has an outdoor courtyard mezzanine level which is great to sit in during the summer and as we did on milder day in November when we visited Washington DC. 

We loved the books focussing on gratitude and mind wellness as well as the first floor space where there are designated ‘quite’ times. The decor is simple and relaxing with white and sage hues.

The cafe gets very busy at weekends especially so go early. We visited on a Sunday afternoon and it was difficult to find somewhere to sit and headed outside but luckily the weather was on our side!

We were drooling over the empanadas, parfait breakfast bowls and pastries but alas, had to be sensible with my eyes are bigger than my belly attitude!!

Be-lavie Recommendations: After exploring Georgetown on foot we were so ready to experience Flor and decided upon, a small pot of the Jasmine Pearls tea which is a light, floral, aromatic green tea with jasmine flowers rolled into pearls. We accompanied that with a grilled cheese filled with melted Swiss and mozzarella cheeses, homemade green pesto and honey roasted cherry tomatoes in two slices of buttery toasted sourdough.

• Address: 1220 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States.
• Find it Here: Map location.
• Reviews: They’re not on Tripadvisor but the lines speak for themselves!
• Price Point: ££
• Reservations: Not applicable.
• Dress Code: Casual.

If you want to discover the foodie scene in the neighbourhood of Georgetown, then the Taste of Georgetown Walking Food Tour is a great way to see the area as well as experience stops for drinks and snacks over three hours. This small group tour of eight people maximum is quite intimate and personal.

#4. For Five Coffee

With a few locations in DC, we loved the clean lines of this DC Downtown coffee outlet, just a couple of blocks from our hotel with a great story of being founded by two friends from Queens in New York, For Five Coffee is quite a popular spot. The company selects its ‘green beans’ direct from global coffee farmers forging direct relationships.

As well as a good variety of coffees, and other beverages, equipment and pastries, the cafe serves breakfast and lunch menus, spanning from granola bowls, bagels, omelettes, pancakes to falafel Mediterranean bowls and Italian sandwiches to mention a few. 

Be-lavie Recommendations: We enjoyed a quick breakfast before work and had a flaky almond croissant and a slice of banana & walnut loaf, accompanied by drip coffee.

• Address: 2000 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States.
• Find it Here: Map location.
• Reviews: What other diners are saying.
• Price Point: ££
• Reservations: Not applicable.
• Dress Code: Casual.

#5. Tatte Bakery & Cafe City Center

If you’ve read our Boston cafes and brunch guide, you’ll know how much we love Tatte. It was founded by self-taught pastry chef, Israeli born Tzurit. Tatte Bakery has grown to over 18 locations throughout Boston and Washington DC, since the days Tzurit baked in her home kitchen. 

The drinks list is varied and all intolerances and dietary requirements are taken care with milk alternatives and the like to suit. The drinks list may be incredible, but it doesn’t stop there, the café serves the most delicious pastries, breads, bowls, soups, tartines, sandwiches and a steller brunch menu on the weekends. Tatte may have grown but each bakery still retains a sense of individuality in terms of décor, customer service, ambience and building style.

A café with beautiful French styled bistro décor and consistent for personal service is what Tatte is all about.

Be-lavie Recommendations: We popped in for a mid morning snack and paired our cappuccinos with a pistachio croissant and a cheese filled flaky croissant.

• Address: 1090 I St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States.
• Find it Here: Map location.
• Reviews: What other diners are saying
• Price Point: ££
• Reservations: Not applicable.
• Dress Code: Casual.

#6. Soleluna

If you’re looking for fresh out of the oven pastries, then between 7 am and 8 am daily, then Solenuma in Adam’s Morgan is your spot! Each pastry here is made from scratch as well as attracting visitors who love their coffee and know their coffee. Their craft espresso’s are pretty darn incredible.

We arrived at 9 am on a Sunday morning and the queue was right outside the door and down the street. It moves fast but thats all we needed to know to tell us this place is very very popular with the locals! So instantly joined the queue. 

There are a couple of tables against the wall inside and three outdoor but with a long line, you won’t get a chance to sit inside so we’d say either grab your coffee and goods to go or grab a seat outside like we did.

Be-lavie Pro Tip: Soleluna is also very reasonably priced with their bakes and pastries. You’ll be able to get a bake plus a coffee for the same price you’d pay for just a coffee elsewhere! The almond milk (100% plant-based) at this cafe is house-made and also contains no sugar.

Be-lavie Recommendations: We grabbed a seat outside on a mild November morning and enjoyed a quick breakfast of a cappuccino, drip coffee and frosted cream cheese Danish pastry, which was still warm! One word, Delicious!

• Address: 1787 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009, United States.
• Find it Here: Map location.
• Reviews: They’re not on Tripadvisor but their popularity speaks for itself.
• Price Point: £
• Reservations: Not applicable.
• Dress Code: Casual

#7. Mamma Dos

This brunch restaurant is perfect for an early coffee or a later brunch stop. They have a great choice of breakfast burritos, omelettes and egg dishes, pastries, beignets, sandwiches as well as hot and cold drinks. They also do a wonderful range of salads, buddha bowls and also have a children’s dedicated menu with smaller portions. 

It’s a chilled spot in the heart of DC city centre with fast service and friendly staff who go the extra mile with suggestions on their dishes. 

Be-lavie Recommendations: I had a little solo brunch here and opted for a honey lavender latte with Espresso with milk, sweet honey, and floral lavender. I also had a signature grilled cheese sandwich with toasted artisanal farm bread filled with melted cheddar cheese and a dressed rocket salad. It’s a lovely light sandwich and perfect for brunch time. 

• Address: 1275 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States.
• Find it Here: Map location.
• Reviews: They’re not on Tripadvisor.
• Price Point: ££
• Reservations: Not applicable.
• Dress Code: Casual.

#8. Call Your Mother 

The owners of Call Your Mother are chef Daniela Moreira and chief baker, Andrew Dana, began this wild and wonderful journey at farmer’s markets in DC and opened their store in 2018. It’s a Jewish led bakery with a fun pink exterior in the heart of Georgetown. It’s all about the bagels here, and  they’re a cross between a slightly sweeter Montreal style bagel and the classic NYC bagel. The menu is inspired the chefs childhood foods. 

We loved that their community focus in supporting organisations like Urban Alliance to offer career training to the communities youth, AYUDA to help transform the lives of underserved immigrants, Food Rescue and Martha’s Table to help end hunger in DC. The bakery is  committed to making a positive impact in their community. If this interests you, learn more about the “BENKADY” Black Lives Matter mural at their flagship location in Park View, commissioned by artist Chérif Mamadou and the Park Morton Kids Camp.

Be-lavie Recommendations: We started our day in Georgetown by having breakfast here and opted for a cappuccino, drip coffee and the most warm, delicious raisin and cinnamon bagels slathered in butter. 

Note their is no seating at the bakery so most people just grab and go but we managed to grab a seat on the side bench and tucked into our express brekkie. 

If you are looking for somewhere to stay in Georgetown that has a sustainable focus then head to our guide of 6 sustainable hotels in Washington DC by neighbourhood.

• Address: 3428 O St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States.
• Find it Here: Map location.
• Reviews: What other diners are saying.
• Price Point: ££
• Reservations: Not applicable.
• Dress Code: Casual.

#9. Georgetown Cupcakes 

Co-founded and owned by Sisters Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne opened Georgetown Cupcakes, inspired by their grandmothers bakes back in 2008. This small shop with a few tables has over 100 different flavours of cupcakes which can also be shipped nationwide. 

The cupcakes here are pretty famous and have been features on programs such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Washington Post, CNN, Better Homes and Gardens, Food & Wine, People, InStyle, Town & Country, NBC’s Today Show, Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, and The Martha Stewart Show.

We loved that the sisters are quite active with charity work, focussing on children’s health charities. We think you’ll be absolutely spoilt for choice here, many people just grab a box to take out for parties but we enjoyed sitting in and watching the kitchen staff packing cupcakes for delivery! As well as having classic flavours the store also has month specific flavours, during our visit in November, you’d naturally find options like, Pumpkin Spice and Maple Chocolate Chip to mention a few.

Be-lavie Recommendations: We shared the Apple Pie with caramel and apple cheesecake with a crust topped with a caramel and apple buttercream frosting and finished with a diagonal drizzle of caramel, and a burgundy fondant heart and  salted caramel chocolate chip cheesecake, coffee cookies & crème cheesecake with an Oreo cookie crust and a coffee and Oreo cookie-infused buttercream frosting, topped with Oreo cookie crumbles.

• Address: 3301 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007, United States.
• Find it Here: Map location.
• Reviews: What other diners are saying.
• Price Point: ££
• Reservations: Not applicable.
• Dress Code: Casual.

Lunch & Dinner

These are places that are great for lunch and an evening dinner although many of them are also open for and a brunch menu, especially at weekends.

#10. Chai Pani

This has to be one of the best vegan and vegetarian places to eat in Washington DC. Chai Pani provides vibrant, colourful Indian food in the heart of the Union Market area. Almost all dishes are shareable at this James Beard Award-winning concept. Whether it’s small plates, signature dishes, or street style sides, including desserts and interesting cocktails, you can’t go wrong here. The decor is very bright and colourful – think pink and orange hues, bright lights and bright yellow marigold encrusted thrones at the entrance.

Chai Pani is most definitely a feast for the senses and I’m not just saying that because I’m of Indian heritage- go and find out for yourself! You’ll also see a lot of Indian natives dining here, so you know it’s going to be good!

We had such a great time that we completely by passed taking photos and only managed to get a few of the outside!

Be-lavie Recommendations: We’d recommend getting bits to share such as the Vada Pau, sweet potato chaat, matchstick okra fries and panner tikka. Don’t leave without trying the gulab jamun for dessert. We loved the cardomom old fashioned and the jeera cup cocktails.

• Address: 1325 5th St NE Suite A, Washington, DC 20002, United States.
• Find it Here: Map location.
• Reviews: What other diners are saying.
• Price Point: ££
• Reservations: Recommended, especially at weekends.
• Dress Code: Smart Casual.

#11. Michele’s by Matt Baker

Situated at the front of the Eaton DC, where we stayed during our visit, Michele’s is named after Michelin-starred Chef, Matt Baker’s late mother. The bistro and brasserie style fare fuses the chefs classical French training with modernity and seasonality. The result of his vision is most definitely a refined and upscale American dining scene in the form of classic comforting dishes, for lunch and dinner including small plates to share, a brunch menu, burgers, salads, delicious desserts and pastries as well as a daily happy hour between 3 pm and 6 pm.

The decor is classic with a beautiful bar area, perfect to see the bartender shake up some cocktails, plus high top tables and more casual laid back seats and tables looking out onto the main road surrounding by the restaurants green foliage and modern accents. 

Be-lavie Recommendations: We had a small meal here after arriving late from the airport and opted for something lite. I really enjoyed the potato and black truffle tarte flambee which was puff pastry topped with Gruyère cheese, caramelised onions, Crème fraîche and chives. I also had a spirit free cocktail, ‘Into the Garden’, which was a refreshing blend of Seedlip Garden alcohol free spirit, rosemary, lime juice, ginger , spiced syrup and club soda.

• Address: 1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States.
• Find it Here: Map location.
• Reviews: What other diners are saying.
• Price Point: ££
• Reservations: Not applicable.
• Dress Code: Business Casual.

#12. Planta

Ok, this has to be our most favourite Asian restaurant in the USA after we first tried it in Chicago. We’ve included it in our vegetarian-friendly food in Chicago guide! We were elated to learn that they had a branch in D.C located in the Dupont Circle area.

If you’re unfamiliar with Planta, it’s a 100%  plant-based Asian restaurant that serves incredible sushi, dumplings and wok-based specialities. It has multiple locations around the USA, and gets pretty busy so our advice is to book well in advance if you’re planning on getting a table here. 

The atmosphere is lively and the restaurant has a bar area, some cosy booth style seating for date nights as well as stand alone tables. The decor is pretty with Asian-inspired florals on a dark wallpaper. When it comes to the menu, we’d recommend one of their fab cocktails but they also do Sake, wines and beers too. Order a medley of dishes to share, the servers are very friendly and helpful when helping you make a choice with regards to portion sizes. The flavours are completely incredible at this vegan restaurant and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular spot with vegans as well as carnivores.

Be-lavie Recommendations: We generally tend to order from the ‘snack and share section of the menu and pick the crispy gyoza, bang bang broccoli, avocado beetroot tartare with taro chips and kimchi baos. To drink, we tend to opt for the ‘Mezcal me Maybe’ made with mezcal, ginger, passionfruit and lime.   

•  Address: 1200 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States.
• Find it Here: Map location.
• Reviews: What other diners are saying.
• Price Point: ££
• Reservations: Not applicable.
• Dress Code: Casual.

#13. Elizabeth’s 

Elizabeth’s is Washington’s original 100% vegan fine dining restaurant, which concentrates on multi-course tasting menus curated by Executive Chef Francisco Hernandez and located in Downtown Washington. 

Housed in a historic townhouse, this is intimate dining with the main eating space upstairs and the Onyx Bar downstairs where guests can enjoy wine  flights and small plates from a taster of the menu serviced upstairs. 

We were lucky enough to meet the founder and owner Elizabeth, who told us about her inspiring story being introduced to plant-based foods during her breast cancer treatment as a point of better health and peace of mind. 

We enjoyed a ten course meal in the rather grand surroundings with incredible service and attention to detail. The restaurant also does spirit free/non-alcoholic wine pairings as well as featuring beverage pairings with intentionally sourced variety of artisanal, sustainable, organic, and house made beverages.

If you’re looking for a special vegan meal in Washington, Elizabeth’s comes highly recommended by us and you can read all about it in our dedicated Elizabeth’s dining review article!

Be-lavie Recommendations: We started with cocktails; Hemingway in Havana and an Amaretto Sour, followed by a glass of Gelsomoro full bodied red from Le Marche, Italy, 2018. The ten course menu changes seasonally but a few things that really stood out on ours was the white seven purple cauliflower, fermented cashew cheese medallion soup and the balsamic & strawberry sauce, dark chocolate, pistachio-vanilla gelato. 

• Address: 1341 L St NW Suite 1, Washington, DC 20005, United States.
• Find it Here: Map location.
• Reviews: What other diners are saying.
• Price Point: £££
• Reservations: Essential.
• Dress Code: Smart dressy for evenings.

#14. Via Sophia

Via Sophia is located on the ground floor of the Hamilton Hotel, Via Sofia is perfect for vegetarians and vegans as it reimagines classic Italian dishes, fresh from the pizza oven, salads, as well as cocktails and a fine range of Italian wines.

The modern downtown locations decor has a welcoming feel and the space is perfect to enjoy a good quality Italian Osteria experience, especially if you’re located in the city Centre area of Washington D.C.

Be-lavie Recommendations: We shared a bottle of red wine, the Punzi, Sangiovese Chianti from Italy and went straight to the mains of freshly made pizza, the Margherita topped with high quality San Marzano tomato sauce, basil and buffalo mozzarella.  If you prefer a more well done crispy, base these are perfect for you, however we prefer our crust a little softer and easier to bite into. The taste was spot on though! To end we tried the Zeppole, based on our servers suggestion, which are Italian doughnuts filled with ricotta and served with butterscotch. They were really very good but we’d recommend sharing!

• Address: 1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States.
• Find it Here: Map location.
• Reviews: What other diners are saying
• Price Point: ££
• Reservations: Recommended.
• Dress Code: Business Casual.

#15. Zaytinya

A concept by chef José Andrés, Zaytinya offers a range of innovative mezze inspired by Turkish, Greek and Lebanese cuisines served in a modern and sleek restaurant, flooded with light through its floor to ceiling glass windows. There’s a fancy looking bar on the elevated space in the middle of the restaurant and an open kitchen that guests can look inside. 

Zaytinia was awarded a Bib Gourmand in 2019, 2020 and 2021 in the Michelin Guide to Washington DC. 

The restaurant is the perfect place for sharing plates with fresh delicious tasting flavours, its success is demonstrated by the fact that it is really busy throughout lunch and dinner service and thus we would definitely advise making a reservation here.

Be-lavie Recommendations: We were here for lunch hours before returning home so opted for two of their spirit free drinks. The Aegean sunset; cardamom, cherry and peach & the Lemonatha; lemon, soda water, orange blossom, are both such different and refreshing drinks. We feasted on a medley of vegetable mezze including, Spanakopita; house made phyll, spinach feta cheese, Falafel; traditional crispy chickpea fritters, turmeric, pickles, cherry tomatoes and served with tahini, Zaytinya fries; crispy potatoes, house mushroom salt, with roasted garlic yoghurt  and Fattoush, a salad of tomato, cucumber, red onion, green pepper, radish, pita chips, pomegranate vinegar dressing. You also get a bottomless supply of warm pittas and olive oil. 

• Address: 701 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States.
• Find it Here: Map location.
• Reviews: What other diners are saying.
• Price Point: ££
• Reservations: Essential for lunch and dinner to avoid disappointment.
• Dress Code: Casual, Business Casual.

#16. Mi Vida

This high-end Mexican fare restaurant has a couple of locations in Washington DC and we decided on the outlet at The District Wharf which is a glass bi-level building with waterfront views and perfect for a sunset dinner date.

Mi Vida refers to My life and is the concept of Mexican City native chef, Roberto Santibañez who has been an ambassador of Mexican cuisine for over three decades. The restaurant is pretty upscale but the food is authentic coming from the chef’s native routes and lifelong experience in cooking it. Mi Vida also has several locations around the US and is widely known and popular by those who love Mexican Cuisine. 

The decor is modern with low lighting, beautifully curated bar areas, foliage and nods to Mexico with wall adornments and artefacts.

Be-lavie Recommendations: being at a Mexican restaurant, of course we started with a classic and spicy Mezcal Margarita. To start we shared the vegetarian empanadas with Mushrooms, Cheese, Tomatillo Quemado Salsa. Mains were pretty large, so again we shared the Fajitas with Smoked Carrots, Cauliflower, Kale, Pistachio Pipián. The dish includes, Melted Cheese, Sautéed Peppers & Onions, Cornbread, Guacamole, Crema, Pico de Gallo, Flour Tortillas on warm griddle and diners can make up their fajita wraps. When we saw Churros on the menu, we had to share a portion and they did not disappoint. They are served hot with a trio of sauces.

• Address: 98 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024, United States.
• Find it Here: Map location.
• Reviews: What other diners are saying.
• Price Point: ££
• Reservations: Recommended for dinner.
• Dress Code: Casual.

Bars & Rooftops

Washington DC has a a number of wonderful bars as well as rooftops. We particularly liked the Speakeasy prohibition style ‘secret’ concealed bars of which there are quite a few in the capital city. It’s best to go with word of mouth of the locals as they always know best!

#17. Allegory

Allegory is found behind a grey unassuming door in the Eaton DC’s Progress LIbrary. A speakeasy that features a one-of-a kind artwork by Erik Thor Sandberg depicting Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland & ALice Through the Looking Glass BUT with a much deeper meaning that the tale is told through the eyes of Ruby Bridges. She is the first black child to desegregate the William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana in 1960. An inspiring story of activism and how she passed a deliberately difficult assessment to change the schooling system for black people forever. The cocktails at Allegory are imaginative and the recent menu, ‘Banned in DC’ is a storybook of highly creative concoctions that will leave you wanting to try more.

The bar also serves a selection of snacks to accompany drinks such as deviled eggs, sammies, stir fried rice and more. We didn’t eat here but popped along for post-dinner cocktails. The music is fun and lively and the vibe is perfect for date nights to friends gatherings. The bar is walk-ins only and it’s not uncommon for wait time at weekends to be 2-3 hours so get there early!!

Be-lavie Recommendations: It was a difficult choice from the Banned in Dc menu but we opted for the Leaving Babylon; Caravedo Pisco, Peruvian Groundcherry, vermouth and Urupan – the mixologist describes it as a ‘bold Peruvian Martini’. The Bluest Eye was also a great choice and described by its creator as ‘juicy, bright corpse reviver’ with a fine mix of Botanist Gin, Brilliant Orange, blueberry dill, lemon liqueur, fruit roll on the glass.

• Address: 1201 K St NW #1, Washington, DC 20005, United States.
• Find it Here: Map location.
• Reviews: What other diners are saying.
• Price Point: ££
• Reservations: No reservations, strictly first come basis.
• Dress Code: Casual.

#18. Wild Days 

An indoor/outdoor bar located on the 10th floor of the Eaton DC in Downtown Washington DC. It has panoramic views of the capital and boasts a fab line-up of DJs and acts in this intimate evening hang-out and gather enjoying the fire-pit on cooler nights alongside the rooftop urban farm space. The space that looks very much like a green-house has a striking mural that you’ll notice as you walk in, by local DC/ Baltimore artist Zoe Charlton.

We managed to sneak in a quick visit to Wild Days, one evening but its good to note that the space is often hired out for private events so it’s best to check via their website when they’re open to the public and do make reservations in advance. As well as a robust cocktail and drinks menu the rooftop serves limited food to accompany your beverages. 

 Be-lavie Recommendations: The mezze board is perfect with a cocktail of your choice and includes a good serving of hummus, pita, cucumber and radish.

• Address: Rooftop, 1201 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005, United States.
• Find it Here: Map location.
• Reviews: What other diners are saying.
• Price Point: ££
• Reservations: Essential to avoid disappointment.
• Dress Code: Casual (dressy for events).

If you love small plates and cockails, then we think you’d love the U Street’s Jazzed Up Cocktail Tour which is three hours in duration and stops at four places for cocktails and small plates and also has some photo stops with an experienced guide.

Washington Markets

When it comes to food halls and purchasing fresh locally grown produce, DC has a great number of farmer’s markets, we’ve included two that we went to for dinner and to grab some picnic items.

#19. Union Market

Union Market is a vibrant and lively shopping district in the NoMa area of DC. As well as plenty of great independent local small atelier shops selling a variety of cool and wonderful things from clothing to homewares, to records, there is a dedicated upscale food hall with between 40-60 food and beverage stalls. They serve a huge range of foods that includes a medley of dishes, American and international, cooked right in front of you under one roof and that can be taken-away or eaten in the communal high tops and tables. 

It’s a casual affair and no booking is required, choose from Indian street food, Italian pizza and pastas, bao buns and Dim Sum spots to cakes, sandwich specialists and specialist tea and cocktails, just to mention a few. Ingredients are seasonal and fresh. 

If you’re short of time, we’d suggest booking on a Union Market Private Food Tour. During this three hour tour, local guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of Union Station, Capitol Hill, Swampoodle, NoMa, and Union Market which are pretty close to each other. There will be opportunities to sample carefully selected food and drink showcasing the very best of DC’s very local eateries.

Be-lavie Recommendations: It was a little dark by the time we got to Union Market on an early November late afternoon and after doing a couple of laps for the food hall we decided on Dc Dosa with all the trimmings and a mango lassi and to end popped to the crepe stall for a cinnamon and pistachio crepe to share!

• Address: 1309 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States.
• Find it Here: Map location.
• Reviews: What other diners are saying.
• Price Point: ££
• Reservations: Not applicable.
• Dress Code: Casual.

#20. Eastern Market

This cool Eastern Market is located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and has outdoor vendors and stalls during the weekends as well as indoor options during the week in it’s food hall space. The market place is bustling and has been going since 1873 selling a variety of products, artisan produce, handmade crafts as well as flowers, cheeses, beverages, foods and more. As well as their farm fresh foods, they also have community events on at the weekend. They also hold a dedicated Fresh Farmer’s Market each Tuesday where local farm owners come and sell their produce.

If you’re a bit of a foodie, then then you’ll love the Eastern Markets Eats Tour which is three hours long and includes five stops to try food from local outlets plus a special dessert stop!

Be-lavie Recommendations: We would recommend taking away some artisan cheese and bread to make a little picnic that can be enjoyed at many of the green outdoor spaces around the city. There is also great local coffee and teas available here to go with your picnic as well as a number of homemade wines and non-alcoholic drinks. 

• Address: 225 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003, United States.
• Find it Here: Map location.
• Reviews: What other diners are saying.
• Price Point: ££
• Reservations: Not applicable.
• Dress Code: Casual.

Food Tours in Washington DC

If you love nothing more than a foodie jaunt we can personally recommend some great tours that include not just going from restaurant to restaurant but also combining the local neighbourhoods of the city to give a more in depth look into the food that it’s specifically known for. For example, the Georgetown Food Tour includes many well known spots in this upscale area whilst walking up and down the hills and passing by the beautiful houses.

Most tours are small group sizes no more than eight people and you’ll be accompanied by a local guide who knows all about the food scene in DC. We personally researched the food tours for our DC trip and think the Union Market and Eastern Market walking tours are other great options to consider to scope out more locally sourced farm products too.

If you love local street food, then the Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide is not just informative but takes you to selected spots to try specialities you may not know about already.

Many people aren’t aware that the state of Virginia is a small but very good wine growing region, so wine buffs can so end the day, learning all about the states wine culture at one of the many day tours, which also include transportation. We’d select the Premium Virginia Wine Country Tour with Tastings that lasts six hours and also includes bread, cheese and olive oil to snack on alongside the wine tastings.

Be-lavie Pro Tip: Take ID as the age in the US to legally consume alcohol is 21

Vegan and Vegetarian Food in Washington DC FAQ’s

Vegan and Vegetarian Food in Washington DC Round-Up 

We found Washington DC’s vegan and vegetarian food scene brilliant for its vibrant café culture, where milk alternatives such as oat are standard and creativity thrives in every cup. We loved how rooftops and bars showcased transparent ingredients and plant-forward options, making it easy to enjoy great views without compromising our preferences. We also appreciated the mix of local markets and both dedicated and non-dedicated plant-friendly restaurants that highlight seasonal, locally sourced produce.

From casual, take-out, mid-range to fine dining Washington has a wonderful vegan and vegetarian dining scene, which we hope we’ve showcased in this guide. We were really surprised by the standard of plant-based food options the capital of the US has. And as we learned from our own experiences, making reservations, noting dress codes, and following our recommended favourite dishes and drinks will inspire you to enjoy vegan and vegetarian food in Washington DC.

Related Articles

• Sustainable Things To Do In Washington DC 
• 14 Vibrant Washington DC Neighbourhoods for First-Time Visitors
• 6 Sustainable Hotels in Washington DC by Neighbourhood
• Elizabeth’s Vegan Fine Dining in Washington DC
• Spend One Day in Georgetown, Washington DC: An Itinerary

À bientôt

Pin & Save

If you enjoyed this article, Pin & Save to Pinterest to refer back to in the future.