Richard's Restaurant List

This is a partial list of my favorite places to eat in the Washington, D.C. area. All of these restaurants are vegan-friendly; it is possible to order a meal at these establishments without any animal products (meat, dairy, eggs, fish, etc.)

Asylum
Asylum is still a dark, smoky bar where unsavory-looking punkers, old-school scenesters, and assorted dark types hang out by night, but come during the weekend during the day, and witness their kick-ass vegan diner menu. The vegan brunch at Asylum is not to be missed: fruit pancakes, french toast, and vegan grilled cheese with tomato and tempeh stand out.
2471 18th Street NW
Washington, DC 20011
(202) 319.9353
www.asylumdc.com
Sticky Fingers Bakery
If you have ever wondered how you were going to cook a vegan birthday cake or a dairy-free wedding cake, you could just leave the baking to Sticky Fingers. They offer vegan baked goods, and can also do wheat and gluten free confections on special order. Their sticky buns alone would be enough to keep their neighbors coming back for more. A visit to Sticky Fingers is now mandatory whenever I head into that part of the city.
1904 18th St NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 299-9700
www.stickyfingersbakery.com
Sunflower Vegetarian Restaurant
Sunflower is an all-vegetarian restaurant, part of a global Taiwanese chain. A meal at Sunflower is a good way to introduce people not familiar with vegetarian or vegan diets to the variety and succulence possible without involving meat. The menu varies from noodle soups, pasta, and Indian-inspired curries to vegetable sushi and entrees made with sauteed vegetables, tofu and wheat gluten. Brown rice comes with most dishes.
2531 Chain Bridge Road
Vienna, VA 22181
(703) 242-7331
A Taste of Morocco
This Morroccan restaurant offers the aromatic soups, stews, and couscous dishes particular to that cuisine. Many of the diners get seated on long couches arrayed with cushions, and on Saturdays, a bellydancer entertains the guests. The vegetarian choices are limited in number but satisfying. For example, the vegetable tagine, fragrant with saffron, offers tender chunks of potatoes, squash, and even a little bitter melon. I recommend the Atlas fixed-price offering that includes the full treatment: soup, olives, marinated vegetable salad and bread, couscous and tagine, patries, mint tea, and a fruit plate.
3211 Washington Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 527-7468