Last Updated September 2020! This is a collection based on research and reader recommendations (send yours!), that’s divided into local restaurants (first) and chains (second).
Local Washington, DC Restaurants Recommended for Dairy-Free Eats
The restaurants listed below are ones that we’ve discovered with a solid dairy-free selection. We’ve listed these recommendations alphabetically by restaurant or shop name.
⭐️ = Restaurant is either dairy-free, has a dairy-free menu, has dairy-free labels on their menu(s), or lists top allergens with menu items. (At the time of our last review.)
- Astor Mediterranean – We love the selection at this casual restaurant. You can order pizza with dairy-free cheese, or one of their naturally dairy-free Mediterranean dishes, like Falafel, Baba Ghanooj, Kabobs, and various sides and salads. They have several vegan options available, too.
- Fare Well ⭐️ – This intimate bakery, diner, and bar is a spin-off vegan restaurant from the founders of Sticky Fingers Bakery (details below). Their cuisine is modeled after casual New York eateries, with a range of comfort food dishes. The menu includes everything from standard mains like Burgers and Pierogis to modernized small plates like Buffalo Cauliflower Dip and Polenta Fries. And of course their bakery has fresh pastries, croissants, and various breads.
- HipCityVeg ⭐️ – Philly’s favorite vegan fast food chain found its way into D.C. Their menu includes burgers, sandwiches, golden nuggets, salads, sweet potato fries, and a full breakfast menu. They also offer smoothies, banana whip, and dairy-free milkshakes.
- NuVegan Café ⭐️ – Formerly Woodland’s Vegan Bistro, this is a casual vegan soul food restaurant. They have a huge menu of sandwiches, entrees, and sides, and two locations in the DC area.
- Pizzeria Paradiso – Any of the pizzas at this local chain restaurant can be made dairy free by substituting their vegan mozzarella. They seem to be helpful in picking the right sauce and topping options, too. They also have a few salads and appetizers that are dairy-free, or can be made so on request.
- Sticky Fingers Bakery ⭐️ – It all started with Cowvin sandwich cookies, Little Devil chocolate cake sandwiches, and Sticky Buns in Doron Petersan’s kitchen. But now this eatery is one of the most popular all-vegan bakeries in the country. Theymake cupcakes, custom cakes, and an array of bakery sweets, but they also have savory menus. They serve brunch and have a petite line up of quesadillas and wraps.
- Taberna del Alabardero – Gretchen W. recommended this upscale Spanish restaurant. “Taberna del Alabadero in Washington DC is simply amazing. They even worked with me to be sure I had a vegan wine as I’m so allergic that even wine fined with casein is a problem. Cannot recommend them enough! Definitely high end, special occasion, but worth it.” Their menus include a generous array of tapas, paellas, fideuas, and several other entrees.
- Uno Pizzeria & Grill – This popular chain restaurant has one location in Colorado. See our Uno Dairy-Free Menu Guide for details.
Most Popular Chains in Washington, DC for Dairy-Free Diners
There are many more chains in this state, but these are the ones we recommend most for dairy-free options.
This Guide is Continuously Updated with Recommendations
We welcome you to recommend other dairy-free friendly restaurants. Leave a comment or contact us and tell us why you like a certain restaurant. Restaurant owners and employees are also invited to reach out and let us know how you welcome dairy-free customers.
Please kindly let us know in the comments if any of these restaurants close. We want to keep this list current for you, but aren’t always notified when a restaurant closes. Let us know and we will quickly update!
This Guide is for Informational Purposes Only
Menus, ingredients, kitchen procedures, management, and restaurants are subject to change at any time. Always read the menu and discuss your dietary needs with the staff before ordering. Make sure that they can accommodate your situation.
There is always a risk for potential cross-contamination of allergens in any commercial kitchen. If cross-contamination is an issue for you, always speak with the manager to ensure that your meal can be safely prepared. Listings here do not guarantee that a restaurant is safe enough for your individual needs. Only you can make that decision.
For More Dairy-Free Guidance, Get Go Dairy Free!
