13 Vegan, Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Restaurants to Try in RVA
One of the hardest questions to answer in life is, “What should we get for dinner?” And that question is even harder to answer when you’re trying to cater to different dietary restrictions. Whether you’re looking for vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free restaurants in Richmond, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots to try.
Image Source: Juan More Taco
Juan More Taco
This taco spot says they “don’t play when it comes to allergies and dietary restrictions,” and to that we say, “thank you very much!” Juan More Taco offers vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options throughout their menu, so nobody feels left out or gets stuck ordering a side salad as their main.
Location: 304 N Robinson St (Museum District)
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Image Source: Tiny Vegan
Tiny Vegan
Tiny Vegan has mastered the art of making plant-based food that even your most skeptical friend will happily enjoy. Everything there is vegan and vegetarian, and there are plenty of dishes that can accommodate gluten-free diners too. Their menu is packed with comfort-food favorites like biscuits and gravy and creative specials like their Cashwrap. It’s delicious, filling, and worth a visit even if you’re not vegan.
Location: 104 S Sheppard St (Carytown)
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Image Source: The Daily Kitchen & Bar
The Daily Kitchen & Bar
If your group text includes one vegetarian, one gluten-free friend, and someone who’s just plain hangry, The Daily’s menu is a win for everybody. They offer plenty of customizable options along with fresh bowls, salads, sandwiches, and pizzas that accommodate a variety of dietary preferences, so everyone can order something they’ll actually be excited about.
Locations: 2934 W Cary St (Carytown) and 12201 W Broad St (Short Pump)
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Image Source: Pinky’s
Pinky’s
If you think you don’t like veggies, Pinky’s is about to prove you wrong. Their menu is packed with hearty salads (highly recommend the Caesar on the Coast), tapas (looking at you, Crispy Artichoke Hearts), and mains (their Seasonal Risotto is a must try). Most of their items are vegan and vegetarian, and their fryer is always 100% gluten-free so you don’t have to worry about cross-contamination.
Location: 3015 Norfolk St (Scott’s Addition)
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Image Source: Philly Vegan
Philly Vegan
Even lifelong carnivores have been known to leave Philly Vegan singing its praises. Their fully plant-based menu recreates classic cheesesteaks, loaded fries, and sandwiches, and many dishes can also be made gluten-free. Bring your meat-loving friend and see if they can even tell the difference.
Location: 1126 Hull St (Manchester)
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Image Source: Harrison St Café
Harrison St Café
Breakfast lovers, this one’s for you! Harrison Street Café has been slinging vegetarian and vegan fare long before it was trendy. Check them out for plant-based breakfast burritos, French toast (YUM), and even lunch sammies.
Location: 402 Harrison St (The Fan)
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Image Source: Cobra Cabana
Cobra Cabana
Cobra Cabana's menu has developed quite the cult following. With vegan fried chicken sandwiches and mac and cheese plus gluten-free options, it's one of the few places where diners with dietary restrictions don't feel like an afterthought. Bonus points for the strong drinks and one of Richmond’s best patios.
Location: 901 W Marshall St (Carver)
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Image Source: Devil’s Lettuce
Devil’s Lettuce
Don’t let the name fool you, Devil’s Lettuce has more than just salads. They also serve up all-vegan and vegetarian wraps, sandwiches, and bowls with gluten-free options available too. They also have a large selection of sauces to choose from, so there’s no shortage of flavor here.
Location: 9050 W Broad St (West End)
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Image Source: Minglewood Bake Shop
Minglewood Bake Shop
Minglewood takes classic sweet treats like poptarts, oatmeal cream pies, and milkshakes and makes them vegan friendly. Their bakery flavors rotate daily, and they have a rotating selection of gluten-free options available. They even offer vegan pup cups for your fur baby.
Location: 3337 W Cary St (Carytown)
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Image Sources: Blue Atlas
Blue Atlas
Blue Atlas makes accommodating dietary restrictions feel effortless. Their globallyinspired menu always includes creative vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes like their Crispy Harissa Cauliflower and shareable Mezze Plate.
Location: 1000 Carlisle Ave #200 (Fulton Hill)
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Image Source: Bottoms Up
Bottoms Up
If you know anything about being vegan or gluten-free, you know how hard it is to find good pizza. Luckily, Bottoms Up’s got you covered thanks to their gluten-free crust and an entire section of their menu dedicated to vegan and vegetarian pizzas.
Location: 1700 Dock St (Shockoe Bottom)
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Image Source: Sen Organic Small Plate
Sen Organic Small Plate
Sen Organic’s menu is focused on organic ingredients (duh) and features vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Stop by the next time you’re in Carytown for Vietnamese-inspired dishes like Braised Octopus, Golden Potato Pie, and Lemongrass Turmeric Tofu.
Location: 2901 W Cary St (Carytown)
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Image Source: Taco Vegana
Taco Vegana
You don’t have to be vegan to appreciate Taco Vegana — this Church Hill favorite serves the kind of flavorful tacos, burritos, and shareables that win over just about everyone. Inspired by co-owner Milton’s journey from Baja to Southern California, Austin, and now Richmond, the menu blends traditional Mexican flavors with Cali-Mex and Tex-Mex influences in every bite. Plus, you can stop by on a weekday from 5 - 7 pm for happy hour with $5 house margaritas, palomas, and select apps.
Location: 1004 Oakwood Ave (Church Hill)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A born and bred Richmonder, Christine’s love of RVA runs deep. So does her love of words. She’s wanted to be a writer since she was 8 years old, leading her to earn a degree in Communication Studies from Roanoke College. Since then she’s edited and contributed to a handful of local and national publications. When she’s not working on her next article, you can find her taking walks throughout the city with her fiancé and their adorable rescue pitty Rosie. You can also find her on Instagram @christinewinder where she posts way too many photos of her cats.
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