Are you vegan? Vegan-curious? Or just likely to go out to dinner with someone who’s plant-based? Tom Sietsema from the Washington Post talked to us about the best of D.C.’s burgeoning vegan and vegetarian dining options.
Oyster Oyster (Shaw, $$$)
Chef Rob Rubba curates a new set menu every season, comprised completely of vegetables and oysters (which vegans often allow because they lack a central nervous system). “What I appreciate about Oyster Oyster is not just the chef's creative approach to vegetables, but also his commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly food practices,” said Sietsema. The restaurant will reuse food scraps and oyster shells and even uses electric stoves, as Rubba proudly told us.
Chay (Falls Church, $$)
This mom-and-pop Vietnamese spot is worth the drive from D.C. During the pandemic, co-owner Lan Tran gained experience cooking in a Buddhist temple (famously plant-based) and has brought her learnings to the kitchen at Chay. The totally vegetarian menu has everything from bun bo hue and hot pot to favorites like curry noodles and pad thai.
VEGZ (Adams Morgan, $)
This casual vegetarian Indian joint feels like dining in someone's kitchen. They serve the best dosas in D.C. with fillings like mysore masala, curried spinach, and paneer. Many of the dishes are entirely vegan but leave you so full you can barely finish them.
A thali platter at Bombay Club. (Washington Post/Getty Images)
Bombay Club (Downtown, $$)
Not strictly a veggie spot, but Bombay Club has a plethora of vegetarian options that even overshadow the popular meat dishes. Sietsema’s favorite order is the Bombay thali, which is like your own personal vegetarian buffet served on a silver platter for just $26.
Mita (Shaw, $$$)
This South American plant-based spot earned its first Michelin star last year. You choose either a four- or six-course prix fixe menu or their tasting menu. Items include creative arepas, mole, and miso pineapple mousse.
Galaxy Hut (Arlington, $)
This hippie hangout is totally out of place in Clarendon, but they serve some of the best vegan fast food. Dig into vegan fried chicken, burgers, or grilled cheese with sides like eggplant fries and loaded tater tots. If you’re not vegan, you can request dairy cheese.
