Plant-based food options are increasing in popularity, and it’s never been easier to veg out. Diners who prefer to go meatless are finding a whole lot more than salads on local restaurant and takeout menus. Here are 10 great spots where the vegetarian and vegan options aren’t an afterthought.
Ambar
A prime spot for grazing on Balkan-inspired small plates, this buzzy Clarendon bistro recently revamped its menu to include more vegetarian and vegan dishes. At $27.99, the all-veggie unlimited lunch menu is a steal, featuring all-you-can-eat small plates such as beet tzatziki yogurt dip, fire-roasted red peppers, slow-cooked baked beans and a mushroom flatbread with leeks and caramelized onions. Got a sweet tooth? The house-made raspberry and peach sorbets are vegan, and the signature baklava is vegetarian. // 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Bakeshop
Both the Clarendon and Falls Church locations of this homegrown bakery carry a selection of amazing vegan sweets. Find vegan cupcakes ($3.75 each) in everyday flavors such as confetti, red velvet and strawberry shortcake, plus 11 additional flavors that can be special ordered, like taro and Vietnamese coffee. Chocolate chip, gingersnap and salty oatmeal apricot cookies ($3.50 each) are also vegan, as are the ice cream cookiewiches and pumpkin bread and pie. // 1025 N. Filmore St., Arlington (Clarendon); 100 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church
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Bubbie’s Plant Burgers & Fizz
The plant-based and kosher-certified burgers at this kiosk at Water Park in National Landing include a house-made beet patty or Impossible burger. New to the menu is the Fig Bacon Burger ($14) with fig jam, almond goat cheese, fried shallots, arugula and black garlic aioli. Prefer something akin to white meat? Try the PBJ Fried Chick’n Sandwich ($12), featuring a plant-based patty tossed in a grape jelly glaze and topped with peanut butter sauce. Or dig into the new Vegan Baddie ($13), which has mumbo sauce, grilled pineapple and bacon ranch sauce. Round out your meal with potato or avocado fries, a salad and a hand-spun milkshake made with oat ice cream. If you’re in the mood for something more breakfast-y, the menu also includes bagels with cashew cream cheese and carrot lox. // 1721 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Chay Restaurant
This Vietnamese vegetarian restaurant (whose name is pronounced “chai”) specializes in a meatless hot pot ($48 for 2-3 people; $65 for 4-6) made with tamarind broth, tofu, soy protein, vegetarian “fish” and rice vermicelli. Take out the vegetarian fish (which contains peanuts and dairy) to make it vegan. Other tempting dishes at the Barcroft Plaza eatery include Shaky “Beef,” Fried Lemongrass Tofu and Vegan Crab Noodle Soup with veggies, tofu, vegetarian ham and vegan crab patties. // 6351 Columbia Pike, Falls Church
Delhi Dhaba
A Courthouse staple since 1991, this beloved local institution serves traditional Indian fare, much of it veggie-based. Snack on an order of potato-filled samosas ($6.95) or vegetarian Desi poutine ($13.95)—masala fries topped with chutney, paneer and spiced chickpeas. The list of some 13 vegetarian entrees ($16-$18) includes stews like vegetable korma in cashew-onion sauce, jackfruit curry in coconut sauce, and chole—slow-cooked garbanzo beans in onion-tomato sauce. Note that naan pizzas are now available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. // 2424 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Courthouse)
Falafel Inc.
This chain serves only falafel, which you can choose to enjoy in sandwich or bowl form. Stuff the fried chickpea balls into a fresh-baked pita with lettuce, pickled red cabbage and pali salad; or enjoy them atop a bed of greens, red cabbage, tabbouleh and pickles with zaatar chips and your choice of sauce (try the signature Habibi, garlic or tahini-based mazbout). Everything on the menu is less than $7, and owner and entrepreneur Ahmad Ashkar donates a portion of sales to refugees in partnership with the World Food Program. // 175 District Ave., Fairfax (Mosaic District); 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons Corner; 1631 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
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Galaxy Hut
The entire menu at this self-described “vegan-friendly grill and good beer bar” in Clarendon is plant-based, although dairy cheese is available on request. Try pub food favorites such as the Swedish Canadian (vegan meatballs in mushroom poutine gravy, for $13); Impossible burgers ($9-$17) dressed up with toppings like fried jalapeño and pickled onions; and “Totchos” ($8-$13), a riff on loaded nachos that subs out the chips for tater tots. Sister bar Spacebar in Falls Church (709 W. Broad St.) can also turn any menu item on its menu vegan or vegetarian, although it also serves meat to those who want it. // 2711 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Preservation Biscuit Co.
This fast-casual spot in The Little City offers vegan versions of its signature biscuits made with flour, vegan butter and almond milk. Hearty fare such as the sausage gravy-laden Southern Belle ($6-$9) and the PBC sammie with cheese, chicken strips and bacon ($12.50) can both be made vegan. Same goes for sweet treats such as the Strawberry Shortie with macerated strawberries, and the Jammin’ Sampler, which comes with three house-made jams. // 102 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church
Thanh Son Tofu
When a place with tofu in its name has a cult-like following, it’s worth a closer look. Since 2003, this no-frills storefront in the Eden Center has specialized in the soy-based protein, making fresh tofu in-house daily with non-GMO soybeans. The fried tofu cubes seasoned with onion-mushroom or lemongrass-chili-pepper ($5 per pound) are addictive. For dessert, dig into tofu puddings or bowls of sticky rice with flavorings such as yellow hominy corn, red baby jackfruit, or mashed cassava with shredded coconut and salted peanuts. // 6793 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church
Troy’s Italian Kitchen
This mom-and-pop pizzeria in Lyon Park has an extensive plant-based menu. Start with vegan garlic knots, cheese bread or “wings” before diving into a vegan Chicken Tikka Masala pizza ($21.99 for a large), made with coconut milk masala sauce, vegan cheese and vegan chicken. For handhelds that lean more Italian, go for a vegan chick’n parm sub, or a vegan meatball marinara sandwich (both $10.99). The desserts are vegan, too, including cakes in flavors like chocolate mousse, cookies and cream, and chocolate peanut butter. // 2710 Washington Blvd., Arlington (Lyon Park)