Eating a healthy vegetarian (or even vegan) diet on campus doesn’t have to be bland or difficult if you have a variety of fun restaurant options to choose from. Avoid falling into a daily boxed mac and cheese rut with our ultimate GWU vegetarian restaurant guide, with delicious options on or close to campus.
ON CAMPUS
Flower Child
This health-focused, casual eatery has had locations open across the country since 2014, but only recently has opened its DC branch. Most menu items are vegetarian or vegan, by default, with options to add tofu or other proteins. One of our personal favorites is the hearty Mother Earth bowl, which comes with ancient grains, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, onions, and avocado.
Toryumon Japanese House
Toryumon Japanese House is a relatively new addition to the GW dining plan and is an amazing spot for a group dinner where everyone can be satisfied. Try a variety of affordable vegetable sushi rolls as well as some larger options like vegetarian hibachi, fried rice, or ramen.
Sweetgreen
Sweetgreen is a GWU vegetarian restaurant favorite for good reason. The salad chain offers a huge menu of seasonally focused creations as well as build-your-own options. Even those who claim to hate salad are often converted by one of the classic menu items, such as the Harvest Bowl bowl–which contains apples, almonds, roasted sweet potatoes and goat cheese. See a menu item you like that contains meat? Ask them to sub it out for tofu!
Devon and Blakely
The sheer amount of options makes this a haven for vegetarians no matter what you’re craving. In the mood for something light? Try one of their dozen soups or a build-your-own salad. Something hearty? Get a hot and fresh tomato mozzarella panini. Say yes to the side of cornbread, you’re welcome.
OFF CAMPUS
Chaia Tacos
Chaia Tacos, with locations in both Georgetown and Chinatown, offers a seasonally-rotating menu of 100% vegetarian tacos, side dishes, and house-made drinks. With substantial and filling options like creamy kale and potato or braised mushroom tacos, even long-time carnivores won’t miss the meat.
Fruitive
Fruitive is an entirely plant-based, fast-casual restaurant with convenient locations in Dupont Circle and Downtown. Stop by for breakfast to try a gourmet vegan waffle or acai bowl. Alternatively, hop in for lunch for a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, and wraps. We recommend the avo portobello panini–with roasted mushrooms along with onions, avocado, pesto, and vegan cheese on a flax and spelt bread.
Bangkok Joes
This Thai restaurant located on the Georgetown waterfront is a fun and exciting spot for a group dinner that will satisfy vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The Pad Thai with tofu and veggies is sure to fulfill all of your deepest noodle cravings. Be sure to split an order of the crispy chive dumplings to start as well.
Zaytinya
If you’re looking to splurge on a special-occasion dinner that actually has some serious vegetarian options, Zaytinya is the way to go. While they certainly serve up plenty of meat, the Mediterranean restaurant’s vegetable dishes are some of the best ones on the entire menu. Start with an order of hummus for the table, and don’t dream of skipping the greek fries with garlic yogurt or the crispy brussel sprouts.