Vegan, vegetarian and plant-based diets are on the rise, with more people making a conscious decision to eat less meat, less dairy or just have a goal of eating more plants. Here are some of the top spots in D.C. if you’ve already implemented these guidelines into your diet or if you just want to give it a try.
NuVegan Cafe
NuVegan serves only 100% vegan food with a menu that goes on for miles. With a goal to “serve delicious vegan food that stirs the soul and be a place for cultural community building,” they do just that with their imitation meat dishes, sandwiches, brunch options, cold selections, hot selections, fresh pressed and squeezed juices, smoothies and shakes.
The milkshakes at NuVegan come in over 22 mouthwatering flavors, such as banana cream, pina colada and peanut butter. With your choice of hemp, soy, rice or almond milk, you will be able to indulge in the savory goodness that is NuVegan.
Where: 2928 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
How: Nebraska Avenue & New Mexico Avenue M4 bus toward Tenleytown Station. Get off at Nebraska Avenue and Nebraska Avenue. Walk to Wisconsin Avenue & Tenley Circle stop. Take H2 bus eastbound toward Brookland Station and get off at Irving Street & Georgia Avenue. Three minute walk to NuVegan Cafe from there.
VEGZ
If you didn’t pick up on it from the name, this place serves lots of vegetables. With vegan and vegetarian options, VEGZ serves up Indian-inspired cuisine. The restaurant holds a firm belief that a plant-based diet is the healthiest choice for everyone. They live out their ideology by serving traditional Indian dishes such as Indian crepes, which is part of their vegan special.
“[The] food I create is reflective of my tradition, drizzled with my love for nature and a pinch of humanity to enhance its goodness,” said senior chef Swarn Singh in his chef statement on their website. With this passion in the kitchen, VEGZ is a place you should definitely try if you are also a passionate veggie-lover.
Where: 2120 18th St NW BSMT, Washington, DC 20009
How: Tenleytown-AU metro station Red Line train towards Glenmont. Get off at Dupont Circle. Fifteen minute walk to VEGZ from there.
Evolve Vegan
Evolve Vegan, also known as Elife for short, has gotten rave reviews about their vegan and vegetarian meals like their vegan mac and cheese, as well as their customer service. With a menu similar in length to that of NuVegans, there is plenty of plant-based options to choose from. Each day has a new special, offering an exciting, new menu every day of the week. With two locations in the District, it is easy to make a quick stop and try something off their menu.
Where: 341 Cedar St NW, Washington, DC 20012
How: N4 bus eastbound toward Farragut Square from Massachusetts Avenue and Ward Circle stop. Get off at Connecticut Avenue and L Street, then walk to Farragut North station. Take metro Red Line toward Glenmont to Takoma. Two minute walk to Evolve Vegan from there.
Elizabeth’s Gone Raw
Elizabeth’s Gone Raw is not your typical plant-based restaurant. It highlights a raw vegan diet: everything served as nature created it to be. This high-end establishment is only available by reservation on Fridays and Saturdays. It offers a vegan, seven-course tasting menu and a unique eating experience with some of the best raw dishes such as marinated cylindra beets and heart of palm “crab cake.”
According to the Elizabeth’s Gone Raw restaurant website, “Plant-Based food speaks clearest with all of nature’s elegant power.”
Where: 1341 L St NW, Washington, DC 20005
How: Tenleytown-AU metro Red Line towards Glenmont. Get off at Farragut North. Eleven minute walk to Elizabeth’s Gone Raw from there.
Flower Child
Flower Child has it all. This spot serves up both an amazing plant-based menu and a picture-worthy atmosphere. With options for vegans, vegetarians, gluten-free eaters and those that choose to eat organic food, there is an item for everyone. Flower Child offers breakfast options, as well as great lunch specials of soups, salads, entrees and delicious rice bowls. The restaurant is on “a simple, soul-satisfying mission to radiate positively delicious vibes,” and between the beautifully-decorated environment and the gut-happy food, you will get just that.
Where: 2112 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 101, Washington, DC 20037
How: Tenleytown-AU station Red Line metro towards Glenmont. Get off at Farragut North. Thirteen minute walk to Flower Child from there.
