When you’re trying to stick to a vegan or vegetarian diet, dining out can be pretty difficult. But Virginia has several vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants that offer more than a few meat-free alternatives on their menu.

Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or an open-minded diner just looking to sample some veggie-based fare, these vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Virginia are worth a visit.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant—Vienna

One of Northern Virginia’s most popular vegetarian spots, Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant serves inventive Asian-inspired fare, creating mock-meat dishes that are incredibly delicious. Start with the Teriyaki Mock Sesame Eel or the fried “chicken,” then order one of their meatless entrees, like the veg shrimp in your choice of General Tso’s, lemon, or sweet & sour sauce, or the Adventure of Tempeh Land—a marinated baked tempeh sautéed with red pepper, snow peas, asparagus, baby corn, and white mushrooms in a Thai curry sauce.

Finish off the meal with one of their vegan desserts, such as the tiramisu (both vegan and gluten-free!) or the avocado and lemon pie.

Other Veggie-Friendly Options in Northern Virginia:

  • Hidden Julles Cafe in Haymarket — Try the vegan breakfast burrito or several vegetarian lunch specials 
  • Loving Hut in Falls Church — International fast food chain with Asian-inspired vegan meals
  • Galaxy Hut in Arlington — All-vegan spot with live music Sunday nights 
  • Jodhpur in Herndon — Indian spot with all-you-can-eat Thalis
  • Bubbie's Plant Burgers & Breakfast in Arlington — Plant-based diner fare including burgers and breakfast sandwiches 
     

CENTRAL VIRGINIA

Ellwood Thompson's

Ellwood Thompson's

Ellwood Thompson’s—Richmond

Since 1989, Ellwood Thompson’s has served the Richmond community as a fresh grocery store, bringing organic produce and products from local farmers, artisans, and businesses. But they also have an in-house kitchen offering a wide array of vegan and vegetarian prepared foods.

Vegan chicken nuggets, tempeh mock chicken salad, and veggie wraps are just a few of the vegetarian and vegan friendly dishes at this community staple.

Other Veggie-Friendly Options in Central Virginia:

  • NuVegan Cafe in Petersburg — Plant-based soul food 
  • Addis Ethiopian Restaurant in Richmond — Try the spiced lentils, collard greens, and veggies in curry sauce
  • Philly Vegan in Richmond — Locals love the vegan cheesesteaks 
  • Botanical Fare in Charlottesville and Crozet — Plant-based, seasonal menu
  • Vu Noodles in Charlottesville — Mostly takeaway spot on the Downtown Mall with plant-based menu including a vegan banh mi
      

SHENANDOAH VALLEY

The Little Grill exterior

The Little Grill

The Little Grill—Harrisonburg

A community staple since 1940, The Little Grill offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with vegetarian options on all menus. Try the tempeh reuben or the tofu banh mi for lunch, or the grilled tofu skewer and king oyster mushroom "scallops" for dinner. 

Other Veggie-Friendly Options in the Shenandoah Valley:

  • Chicano Boy in Staunton — Taqueria with vegetarian fillings including chorizo and potato, sweet potato and black bean, and tofu al pastor
  • Thai Staunton in Staunton — Add veggies and tofu to classic Thai dishes
  • Taste of India in Staunton — Try vegan specialities like the Dal Tadka and Saag Sabzi
  • Friendly City Food Co-op in Harrisonburg — The hot bar at this community-owned grocery store has a lot of variety and packs a flavorful (and affordable) punch
     

VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS

Taaza Indian Cuisine

Taaza Indian Cuisine

Taaza Indian Cuisine—Roanoke

If you’re looking for vegetarian and vegan friendly options in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, consider dining at Taaza, an Indian restaurant in Roanoke. They offer about a dozen different options for the vegetarian and vegans, like the cocktail samosas appetizer, filled with spiced potatoes, green peas, chickpeas, and a mint and tamarind chutney, or the Channa Pindi, a traditional Indian entrée made of chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, and fresh herbs served over Basmati rice.

Their menu even features a separate vegan and gluten-free section, with creative, flavorful entrees including Tandoori grilled portabella mushrooms with curried lentils and roasted eggplant bartha.

Other Veggie-Friendly Options in the Virginia Mountains:

  • Evie's Bistro and Bakery in Roanoke — Don't miss the Veggie Favorites section of the menu with filling lunch and dinner options 
  • Green Leaf Vegan Kitchen in Roanoke — Vegan food truck with specials including jackfruit tacos and cashew ricotta lasagna 
  • Dogwood Restaurant in Vinton — The Veggie Plate comes with any three vegetable dishes 
     

SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA

Gillie's in Blacksburg

Gillie's Restaurant

Gillie’s Restaurant—Blacksburg

Gillie’s has been a favorite dining spot for Blacksburg residents and Virginia Tech students alike since 1975. The restaurant blends your classic down home cooking with progressive vegan and vegetarian fare, using the freshest ingredients to craft healthy, casual cuisine. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with each menu having several vegan, vegetarian, and even gluten-free options clearly marked.

Vegan lunch options include the hummus salad, tempeh BLT, and Gillie’s Burger, made with a black bean patty. For vegetarians, there’s the tofu reuben, mushroom burger, and the peanut tofu wrap.

Other Veggie-Friendly Options in Southwest Virginia:

  • The Pakalachian in Abingdon — Pakistani-Appalachian eats with vegan and vegetarian offerings
  • 128 Pecan in Abingdon — Several vegetarian options at this quirky spot 
  • Red Pepper Indian Restaurant in Bristol — Regional specialties can be prepared with tofu or mixed vegetables
     

COASTAL VIRGINIA

Jikoni Cafe—Norfolk

The all-vegan eats at Jikoni Cafe are made with their signature meat substitute, nicknamed "Jikoni Kush." Try a variety of dishes, from loaded up nachos to pizzas, pastas, and salads. Don't miss the sauces, which are made in-house. 

Other Veggie-Friendly Options in Coastal Virginia: 

  • Desmond's Island Soul Grill in Virginia Beach — Guyanese-inspired vegan Carribbean eats
  • Civil Libation in Virginia Beach — Specialty Beyond Burger creations available, plus shareables 
  • Pico Taqueria in Chincoteague — Try the roasted cauliflower taco with pico and crispy shallots
     

CHESAPEAKE BAY

The Local Irvington

The Local

The Local—Irvington

Start your day off with a fresh treat at The Local. Whether you're in the mood for a green smoothie, a sandwich or wrap, or a salad or bowl, this community spot has a plethora of vegetarian and vegan options. Try the plant-based sausage on a breakfast sandwich or eat The Garden Sink wrap loaded with spinach, tomato, cucumber, carrot, avocado, red onion, microgreens, and roasted red pepper hummus. 

Other Veggie-Friendly Options in Chesapeake: 

  • Orchid Thai in Colonial Beach — Vegetarian menu selections include Panang tofu and stir fried eggplant
  • NN Burger in Tappahannock — Burgers available with Plant-Powered Patties, plus mac and cheese, salads, and apps 

 

Find even more standout restaurants across Virginia with our local dining guides.