The District of Dining can please any palate, especially those looking for vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options at the city’s restaurants.
The Korean fast-casual spot features a menu that is entirely gluten and tree-nut free. The build-your-own layout offers base options including a rice bowl, a Korrito (Korean-style burrito), noodles or a salad bowl. You can then customize with your choice of protein, vegetables, sauces and extras.
The “criminally delicious,” dedicated gluten-free bakery serves up breads, pastries and desserts, but also pizza, sandwiches and khachapuri. Also operating as a test kitchen, Sweet Crimes is always churning out new goodies and accepts custom requests.
Head to Dupont Circle for a too-good-to-be-true gluten-free experience. Across the Pond offers pub fare, including crispy and crunchy onion rings, fried pickles, fish and chips and chicken tenders. Nope, there’s no gluten. Yes, it all tastes great. Dig in.
Among the eclectic and historic nooks and crannies of Adams Morgan is Rise Bakery. The 100% gluten-free bakery offers a plethora of goodies, from flaky croissants and jalapeno cheddar bread to gooey cinnamon rolls and cupcakes. The menu also features paninis and breakfast sandwiches.
Vegan & Vegetarian Options
Like its name suggests, HipCityVeg offers a fully plant-based menu with fast-casual coolness. Choose from a variety of burgers, chick’n sandwiches and salads. There are also breakfast items and a rotating selection of seasonal vegan milkshakes.
Nourish your soul with all-natural options from NuVegan Cafe. The expansive menu is sure to satisfy any vegan craving, with selections ranging from crab cake sandwiches and weekend brunch offerings to smoothies and baked goods.
Indulge in plant-based comfort food such as potato-filled pierogies, a BBQ sandwich and southern-fried wings at Sticky Fingers Diner on H Street. The beloved neighborhood spot also offers all-day breakfast. Save room for dessert as the owner, founder and two-time Food Network Cupcake Wars winner, Doron Petersan, serves up vegan sweet treats from Sticky Fingers Bakery.
Upstairs, the fully vegan delicatessen offers Italian American-inspired sandwiches, bowls and salads, as well as cheeses and daily deli and bakery case specials. Downstairs, the Botanical Bar features local beer, vegan-certified wines, creative zero-proof options and craft cocktails featuring plant-based ingredients.
Nosh on pillows of pita stuffed with falafel, shawarma and burger patties – all made with 100% vegetables, beans and grains. With four, wind-powered locations throughout the metro area, Shouk is hoping to improve our health and planet with sustainable practices and pure ingredients.
Enjoy your favorite Asian flavors in plant-based fashion at the kosher certified, fast-casual restaurant. The menu boasts loaded egg rolls, fried rice and noodle varieties and chick’n enhanced with teriyaki, sweet and sour, sesame and peanut sauces.
This vegan and vegetarian restaurant presents a menu with an Indian twist that features thoughtful and nutritional ingredients. Choose from more than 10 sweet and savory varieties of dosa (a thin pancake), flavorful curries and traditional appetizers.
Indulge in sushi selections, small plates, dumplings and noodle dishes created with plant-based ingredients, like ahi watermelon, hearts of palm “crab” and beetroot tuna tartare. The upscale, Asian-influenced hot spot also features lunch, brunch and weekly discounts.
Elevate your vegan dining experience with a six-course tasting menu at Elizabeth’s Gone Raw. Discover the decadence of plant-based foods with seasonal options such as cassava gnocchi with potato roulade, vegetable gateau, celery cured onion and morello cherry sauce.
Gluten-Free & Vegetarian Options
Eating your vegetables is no challenge at Chaia. The vegetarian, gluten and nut-free taco concept features tacos of five veggie varieties at a time, crave-worthy quesadillas and enchiladas and fresh sides, including green rice with herb pesto, feta and pepitas. Almost all items can be made vegan if not prepared so already.
Feed your dietary and literary needs at this DC-based restaurant and cafe. Busboys and Poets is a hub for activism, culture, literature and the arts. The restaurant features a range of choices for gluten-free and/or vegetarian diners, including gluten-free pancakes, coconut tofu bites and vegan meatballs.
Prioritize healthy eats without sacrificing flavor and convenience at Flower Child, which makes sure to specify every gluten-free, vegan and/or vegetarian menu option. Favorites include the gluten-free white cheddar mac and cheese and green chile queso with chickpea "chorizo".
Silver Diner delivers a classic diner experience with diverse gluten-free, vegetarian and plant-based options made from locally sourced ingredients. Standout menu categories include all-day breakfast, seasonal selections, “flexitarian” items and vegan milkshakes.
