9 VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY LOCAL RESTAURANTS
Find some new plant-based favorites here.
Doesn’t matter if you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just a fan of #MeatlessMonday, this guide will help you find some delicious plant-based meals around Richmond.
Look no further for flavorful favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
From restaurants with 100% vegan menus to spots with great vegetarian options, you’re sure to find a new place to add to your list.
By Bonnie Dunkel - Contributor Writer
Image Credit: @ipanemaveg
Image Credit: @roam_rva
Union Market
Union Market is my go-to whenever I’m craving a killer plant-based sandwich that tastes amazing. Their menu is packed with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, but their Vegan Club and Tempeh Bahn Mi keep me coming back over and over again. Enjoy your meal on their outdoor patio or order takeout for a picnic at nearby Jefferson Park!
Address: 2306 Jefferson Ave (Union Hill)
Hours: Daily, 9 am - 9 pm
Image Source: @frescaonaddison
Fresca on Addison
Fresca on Addison has been serving up plant-based favorites to the Richmond area since 2010. Their entire menu is vegan — yep, you read that right — and they offer everything from pizzas and burgers to tacos and desserts!
Address: 22 S Addison St (The Fan)
Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 11:30 am - 8 pm
Image Credit: @ipanemaveg
Ipanema Cafe
The next time you find yourself in VCU territory, duck on into Ipanema Café. One of the OG vegetarian/vegan-friendly restaurants in Richmond, Ipanema’s live music scene and a full bar makes this the perfect spot for a night out. Their quaint outdoor patio is a great spot to hang out and people watch as you enjoy your meal!
Address: 917 W Grace St (VCU)
Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 3 pm - 9 pm
Image Source: @goatocado
Goatocado
If you’re looking for a quick meal on the go, Goatocado is your spot. You’ve probably seen their food truck around town at festivals and farmers markets, but Goatocado also serves their full menu at their brick and mortar location in The Fan. Their fast-casual menu is filled with plant-based options for wraps, bowls, and even ramen. I personally can’t get enough of the Japanese and Californian bowls!
Address: 1823 W Main St (The Fan)
Hours: Tuesday - Thursday, 11 am - 9 pm | Friday - Saturday, 11 am - 10 pm | Sunday, 11 am - 7 pm
Image Source: @821cafe
821 Cafe
Where are my brunch lovers? This list wouldn’t be complete without a great weekend brunch spot! Vegan Chai French Toast, Tofu Scramble, and Vegan Breakfast Burrito are just a few of the vegetarian/vegan menu items at 821 Café. Grab a mimosa and go to town!
Address: 825 W Cary St (VCU)
Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 9 am - 9 pm | Saturday - Sunday, 9 am - 3 pm
Image Source: @creativemurph
Addis Ethiopian Restaurant
If you’ve never tried Ethiopian food, you’re in for a treat! Slow-cooked vegetables and lentil dishes are served atop spongy injera, a traditional East African bread that soaks up all the delicious flavors. Addis Ethiopian Restaurant, located in the 17th Street Farmers Market, serves several vegetarian dishes like Misir Wot (spiced red lentils cooked in a red pepper bebere sauce) and Yeabesha Gomen (finely chopped collard greens slowly steamed with onion). Add some vegan Sambussas to your order and you’ve got yourself a meal!
Address: 9 N 17th St (Shockoe Bottom)
Hours: Monday - Wednesday, 5 pm - 10 pm | Thursday - Sunday, 12 pm - 10 pm
Image Source: @piymouth
Phoenix Garden Vegetarian Restaurant
In the mood for Vietnamese food? Phoenix Garden is home to authentic vegan and vegetarian Vietnamese cuisine. All of their entrees are vegan and they are best known for their vegetarian Pho. Sounds perfect for these crisp autumn days!
Address: 7103 Brook Rd (Lakeside)
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 12 pm - 4 pm, 5 pm - 9 pm
Image Credit: @thecobracabanarva
Cobra Cabana
Join the Snek Cult and check out Cobra Cabana in Jackson Ward. Known for their over-the-top drinks and rock and roll vibe, most of their sandwiches and sides can be made vegetarian or vegan, and their menu features vegan creations like the Prince of Tides vegan lobster roll. Start your Sunday off right and place an order for their vegan Gay-Fil-A sandwich — don’t wait, they sell out fast!
Address: 901 W Marshall St (Jackson Ward)
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 11 am - 12 am | Sunday 12 pm - 12 am
Image Credit: @soultacorva
Soul Taco
If you’ve got tacos on the brain, look no further than Soul Taco! Their menu is brimming with plant-based options like Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Eyed Pea Tacos, Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos, Hush Puppy Nachos, and a Smoked Mac and Queso-dilla. Pair with a margarita and dig in.
Address: Jackson Ward, 321 N 2nd St // Shockoe Slip, 1215 E Main St
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 11:30 am - 9 pm | Sunday 11:30 am - 4 pm
Thanks to ROAM RVA for contributing this guide!
This City Guide was contributed by Bonnie Dunkel, author of the blog ROAM RVA.
ROAM RVA is a blog that provides dining recommendations, travel guides, weekend itineraries, and more for the Richmond region and beyond. Learn more on Instagram here.