2024 has started off with a bang in the D.C. area, with lots of new venues opening their doors and highlighting cuisines from around the world. Several of these new venues are serving exciting, innovative vegetarian dishes that are packed with flavor and are almost too beautiful to eat. I know that many of you are looking to lower your meat consumption in 2024 so here are five new D.C. restaurants with vegetarian dishes that will make you keep your resolution to eat more vegetables!
Italian – Grazie Mille
Trendy and chic, Grazie Mille, located behind its sister venue, Grazie Nonna, is already a hit amongst locals. Low lighting, invigorating tunes, and an opulent décor create a fun and energetic vibe at this bar/restaurant. For a dreamy vegetarian dish to pair with one of their sensational drinks, try the stracciatella. Served with sweet, garlicky roasted tomatoes and a hunk of chewy bread, the creamy cheese is sinfully good. As noted, drinks are great; I recommend the Vatican, a bright, boozy martini, as well as a glass of their rose Lambrusco. Gather with friends at the bar or in their cozy circular booths over drinks, drinks and snacks, or a full-on dinner – just be sure to get the stracciatella!
Mexican – Amparo Fondita
This long-awaited Mexican spot is officially open in Dupont Circle, and reservations are already getting booked up. Come to Amparo Fondita for the herbed guacamole and margaritas, and stay for the decadent corn quesadillas stuffed with cheese and huitlacoche, the potato and chard tacos, and the chile relleno, doused in a spicy tomato infused salsa frontera. For dessert, don’t skip the luscious, coffee-flavored flan.
African – Almeda
Located in the same spot as former hotspots Himitsu, Pom-Pom, and Little Vietnam, Almeda serves up a small but delightful menu with a memorable vegetarian jollof rice risotto, which is warm and creamy, topped with crunchy peanuts for texture and pickled plantains for a tart note.
Vietnamese – Muoi Tieu
Formerly a food truck, Muoi Tieu moved into their Takoma Park brick and mortar in late 2023 and just recently opened their doors to the public in January 2024. Muoi Tieu is another new restaurant offering vegetarian dishes packed with flavor. The menu is mini but with several tempting vegetarian items, including crispy, savory spring rolls filled with shiitake mushrooms, crispy cabbage, lettuce, slivered carrots, sweet jicama, and fresh herbs. From there, try the steamed rice cakes topped with tofu, a turmeric-infused vegan crepe filled with mushrooms, or the vegan pho.
Spanish – Casa Teresa
Feast on all the veggie tapas at Casa Teresa, which range from garlicky Catalan tomato bread, grilled veggies served with a nutty Romanesco sauce, piquillo peppers, crispy and addictive patatas fritas, roasted eggplant drizzled in a sherry dressing. Pair your dishes with a sherry or vermouth from the extensive list or a bottle of Spanish wine.
D.C. Restaurants with Vegetarian Dishes: Practical Tips
Maybe you’re already a vegetarian, or perhaps you want to eat more vegetarian dishes while dining out. Here are some tips: For a seamless vegetarian dining experience, start by identifying vegetarian options on the menu, often marked or in a separate section. If you need help, ask the staff about ingredients and see if they can make any substitutions. Happy veggie eating!
