What to Eat In The DMV: Plant-Based Eats
CAVA
I’ve been a fan of CAVA since they first began to pop up in the DMV area while I was in high school. Over the last few years, the chain has expanded to beyond the DMV area, so my NJ folks can enjoy this one too.
CAVA is a line style restaurant that allows you to mix and match a customized Mediterranean style bowl. If you looking for good food that’s prepared fast and economical I highly suggest CAVA.
What I ate: Supergreens and rice bowl with half seasonal veggies and falafel. Topped with double hummus and harissa, tons of veggies, and tahini.
NU VEGAN
Soul food is so damn good. But soul food is also a labor of love. If you want some soul food without whipping up your own greens or mac n cheese, I would definitely recommend Nu Vegan, a 100% vegan restaurant. I typically get something different every time I go, and I’ve been happy with that decision most of the time. If you’re looking for suggestions, the chicken wings, crabcakes, sweet potatoes, cabbage, and cheesecake are my personal favorites.
TRUE FOODS
This restaurant is based on an alkaline-based diet but not center around solely meat/dairy-free options. They have options for any diet which makes it a great lunch/brunch spot. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and the service was fair. I order 3 courses because I wanted to get a full taste of the menu and was really happy with my appetizer and dessert, but I will say that my pesto pizza was disappointing.
What I ate: kale salad (no cheese and extra breadcrumbs), roasted cauliflower, spinach & mushroom pizza, and key lime pie
FIRST WATCH
A great breakfast/brunch spot that had options for a standard diet and plant-based diet. I’ve been to both locations in Montgomery County, and the service at the Rockville location is a lot better than the service at the Muddy Branch location.
I usually get savory foods because I love a savory breakfast. The avocado toast with potatoes or spring greens is my usual go to. If you’re looking for something on the sweeter side I suggest an açaí bowl!
OYAMEL COCINA MEXICANA
I typically think the best type of cuisine to appease both plant-based and standard diet eaters is Mexican food. If you’re in the china town or Penn quarter area in DC I’d recommend Oyamel Cocina Mexican restaurant. While my partner's brother and his girlfriend were visiting the city we met up with them to enjoy some good food, and of course, a good margarita. The atmosphere was nice even though I’m pretty sure the host intentionally gave us the worst seats in the restaurant, but that’s another post for another day.
What I ate: Col de Bruselas estilo San Quintín and Coliflor Frito
TANDOORI NIGHTS
I love Indian food! After living above a vegetarian Indian restaurant in South Africa for 5 months it’s safe to say Indian food is on my top 3 best cuisine list. There are a few Tandoori Nights locations across the DMV, I’ve visited the Gaithersburg and Bethesda locations. The food is good and the portions are decently sized. They also have a lunch buffet w a few plant-based option. This restaurant has both plant-based and meat options.
What I ate: vegetable biryani, chana masala, yellow daal
NADA
If you’re looking for a cute restaurant with good drinks and good food I’d suggest Nada. It’s located in Pike&Rose in Rockville, MD so it’s a cute spot for a day date. There were two vegan options and a few vegetarian options that you can modify to make vegan. The habanero salsa and cauliflower tacos are a must!
What I ate: 3 street tacos - caramelized cauliflower, fried tofu, and crispy kale + mushrooms. Sweet chili-glazed potatoes. Rice + Beans.
MOBY DICK
If you’re looking for something a bit more casual with great food Moby Dick is a great option. They specialize in Persian and Mediterranean cuisine, with a ton of locations across the DMV area. I’ve been eating Moby Dick years before I was living a plant-based diet so I can say that both their meat and plant-based options are full of flavor with good portion sizes.
What I ate: Falafel and hummus, Veggie kabobs, the Veggie platter.
CAFE RIO
I love tacos and burritos and have found Mexican and Tex-Mex food to be great options while transitioning to a plant-based diet. If you’re interested in an alternative to Chipotle the DMV and a few parts of California have Cafe Rio! The tortillas are made fresh in front of you and they serve their burritos ‘enchilada’ style which is a total game changer.
What I ate: Veggie Burrito w no cheese, topped with tomatillo. Pinto and Black bean Tacos.
LEDO’S PIZZA
If you’re from Maryland then you already know how good Leod’s Pizza is. I’m not a huge fan of pizza sauces on the sweeter side but somehow Ledo’s pulls it off. The sweet pizza sauce has such a memorable flavor but paired with the right toppings that touch of sweet creates a perfect combination
What I ate: Pizza with no cheese, olives, basil, spinach, and mushrooms. Spaghetti with red sauce.
