Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Washington DC

"5 out of 5 stars Restaurants Contemporary American Dupont Circle. Johnny Monis is gathering quite a following for himself in his tiny Dupont Circle restaurant. Komi’s low-key dining room, a straight shot from front window to kitchen window, is home to some of the most adventurous eating in the city; the youthful chef is essaying New American cuisine with nods to his Mediterranean heritage and whatever else strikes his fancy."

"Johnny Monis opened Komi in Dupont Circle in 2003, making the restaurant he owns with his wife and partner, Anne Marler, the oldest on this list. It’s also, arguably, the most influential. In its early years, Komi still carried some of the DNA of the Alexandria, Va., sandwich and pizza shop owned by his Greek-immigrant parents, where Mr. Monis worked growing up."

"Dinner at Komi, which is a set-menu, hours-long affair, is more of a culinary experience than a meal. The many Greek/Mediterranean dishes could include fried octopus with olives and raisins; slow roasted lamb neck with homemade pita; and Greek doughnuts..."

"4 out of 5 stars Restaurants Contemporary American Farragut Square. Chef Todd Gray is known for his emphasis on the seasonal and regional; Equinox’s three- to six-course tasting menu generally includes such delicacies as Chesapeake Bay crab, Carolina grouper and locally grown organic vegetables. The suited power brokers who frequent the place may or may not appreciate Gray’s efforts to acquire sustainably farmed fish and humanely raised meat, but they surely appreciate the deceptively simple preparations in which such ingredients shine."

"Equinox prides itself on its commitment to the organic, sustainable food movement that’s currently sweeping the nature. Using ingredients sourced within 100 miles of the restaurant itself, the menu takes its inspiration from regional gastronomic traditions. The Sunday brunch at Equinox is entirely plant-based, or vegan, so you’re in for a unique culinary experience."

"This round, slightly plump wafer studded with morsels of dark chocolate may look like any other chocolate chip cookie, but it’s a revelation. For its taste, yes — it’s spiced with just the right amount of cardamom — but also because the Middle Eastern-inspired vegan eatery uses no milk, butter or eggs, instead preparing the cookies, which are 100-percent plant-based, with coconut oil and almond milk. The recipe is more like making a complicated cake than a simple cookie, founder Ran Nussbacher says, which sounds about right given that it certainly doesn’t taste simple."

"All the dishes, from vegetable- or legume-stuffed pitas to salads and soups, are plant-based. Shouk has gone to such an end of veganism that it serves labneh (a traditional Lebanese dairy spread) made from fermented cashews. Everything served at Shouk is “‘ whatever your diet is’ friendly,” so you can tag all of your friends to this plant-based K Street eatery."

"Everything offered at Shouk is "'whatever your diet is' friendly," so you can bring all of your friends to this plant-based K Street eatery. Choose from seven different pita creations, or go for the rice and lentil bowl option to enjoy your veggies sans-pita. You can also get a pita pizza, fries, soup, salad, a tomato "burger," and house-made drinks."

"It’s said that there are vegetarian options on the menu at The Imperial Indian in Shirlington."

"Evolve Vegan Restaurant takes a different approach to food by offering heart-warming, belly-filling fare comprising 100% vegan soul food. Boasting a warm and welcoming ambiance that has won rare rave reviews, the full-service restaurant also provides a lineup of local brews alongside classic and original cocktails to accompany the delicious fare. Favorites on the menu include eggplant Parmesan, Southern-fried chicken, vegan mac and cheese, German chocolate cake, and cheesecake for dessert."

"With a full vegan bar and nightly Happy Hour, Evolve is the District's only full-service vegan restaurant. Noted for its friendly atmosphere, which is self-described as "casual sophistication," Evolve is also located in Takoma and offers a various vegan takes on traditionally cheese- and chicken-centered dishes, as well as rotating chef specials."

"Even at noon on a sunny weekday, the lights are dimmed, the shades are closed, and the air is musky with incense at this white-tablecloth Ethiopian dining room. Nobody seems to care—all the better to focus on the cooking, which serves vegetarians and vegans particularly well. No veggie sampler in the area comes close to the one here, with its round of injera holding a rainbow of vivid little piles."

"Came here right at opening and was in awe with how nice and clean this sweet green is. The staff were so nice and friendly. I got the fish taco bowl, abs..."

"American University Museum (AU) is located on American University’s main campus at the Katzen Arts Center. It consists of a three-story, 30,000 square-foot museum and sculpture garden. It hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary art from around the globe."

"The National Museum of African Art, located on the National Mall, is a Smithsonian Institution. The Museum currently has 11,861 objects from both Sub-Saharan and Arab North Africa in its collection, of which 10,746 are traditional and 1,115 contemporary. Its objects range from 15th-century sculptures and masks to multi-media contemporary art, and the photographs from photojournalists Eliot Elisofon and Constance Stuart Larrabee."

"Touted as one of the most important research facilities for African art in America, at this museum, you can expect to find over 9,000 pieces of ancient African art. There are exhibits dedicated to Egyptian carvings, sacred objects, and musical instruments. The National Museum of African Art reopened in July 2021, following renovations."

"The National Museum of African Art houses an extensive collection of traditional and contemporary African art. The collection includes over 300,000 photographs and 50,000 volumes of library. It is considered as the main venue for African art on an international platform."

"The African American Civil War Memorial Museum preserves and shares the largely ignored stories of enormous contributions made by the 209,145 members of the United States Colored Troops to the American Civil War. The Museum's collection includes artifacts, documents, primary sources, and technology."

"More than 200,000 African-American soldiers and sailors fought in the Civil War. At the African American Civil War Museum, these individuals are remembered through photography, newspaper articles, replicas of uniforms, and a memorial. The museum is currently being redeveloped."

"The African American Civil War Memorial, along with the African American Civil War Museum across the street, memorializes nearly 220,000 members of the United States Colored Troops involvement in the American Civil War."

"Couple at Yards Park Bridge in Capitol Riverfront - Washington, DC. DC’s lively Capitol Riverfront neighborhood is home to the always-exciting Yards Park, which has an iconic bridge and plenty of adventures nearby, like Ice Cream Jubilee for when you’re feeling extra sweet."

"Named for the mythical dragon-like beast said to terrorize the region at the turn of the century, Snallygaster is DC's largest beer festival. It features a beastly display of over 250 unique craft beers, sourced from the best local, domestic, and..."

"A waterfront park with a boardwalk running along the Anacostia River. Home to well-known ‘outdoor rooms,’ visitors to this park can wander near the dancing fountains at the entrance that welcome visitors to this special space."

"With 19 stainless steel statues depicting a platoon on patrol in full combat gear amidst strips of granite and juniper bushes meant to represent Korea’s rugged terrain, the Korean War Veterans Memorial has a chilling effect upon first sight. Located at the southern edge of the Reflecting Pool, it was dedicated in 1995 by President Bill Clinton."

"The Korean War Veterans Memorial is one of the most moving war memorials I’ve ever visited. It features life-size soldier statues with haunting faces that appear to be moving cautiously throughout the garden. I found that contrasting the statues which reflect the horrors of war with their peaceful surroundings made for some great photos."