Best Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-Free Restaurants in Downtown Richmond

Looking for the best vegetarian restaurants in Richmond, VA? If so, Downtown Richmond is calling your name! From savory meals and mouth watering vegan breakfast to delicious desserts, the choices are endless. Check out our round up of the best spots for V, VG & GF options downtown.

This easygoing, family-owned restaurant serves classic breakfast food with a gluten-free spin. From breakfast sandwiches to waffles and scones, 521 serves Richmond guests quality food that encourages everyone to rise and shine!

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Neighborhood: Financial District

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Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 8 AM-11 AM; Saturday-Sunday, 8 AM-1 PM

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Website: 521rva.com

Bottoms Up is a Downtown Richmond staple and they've made it easy for everyone to enjoy their pies! Special toppings include vegan cheese, vegan sausage, vegan pepperoni, vegan ground beef, vegan chicken.

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Neighborhood: Shockoe Bottom

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Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 AM-10 PM; Friday-Saturday, 11 AM-11 PM; Sunday, 11 AM-9 PM

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Website: bottomsuppizza.com

Who said waffles were just for breakfast? Capitol Waffle Shop is changing the narrative on this breakfast staple and making waffles the perfect choice all day. Build it your way and go savory or sweet all while meeting your dietary needs!

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Neighborhood: Financial District

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Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9 AM-3 PM; Monday-Tuesday 9 AM-2 PM

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Website: capitolwaffle.com

Cheddar Jackson serves up inventive grilled cheese sandwiches that can be enjoyed by all! Try out the Billie's Holiday with portobello mushroom and vegan cheese or the vegan ham and cheese.

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Neighborhood: Jackson Ward

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Hours: Sunday-Wednesday, 12-4 PM; Thursday-Friday, 12 PM-12 AM; Saturday, 12-8 PM

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Website: cheddarjackson.com

In charming Shockoe Slip on E. Cary Street sits City Dogs is a family-operated business working 365 days a year to provide delicious dogs. All hotdogs can be substituted for soy dogs! See for yourself why it’s been voted best hot dog in the city by Richmond Magazine!

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Neighborhood: Shockoe Slip

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Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 AM-10 PM; Friday-Saturday, 11 AM-12 AM

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Website: citydogsrva.com

Step into the world of African cuisine with a modern twist at Elegant Cuizines, where each dish tells a story of passion for clean eating! Not only is every dish dairy-free, but there are also plenty of options for those who avoid gluten, soy and meat!

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Neighborhood: Monroe Ward

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Hours: BRUNCH: Monday-Saturday, 12-4 PM DINNER: Monday-Thursday, 4-9 PM; Friday-Saturday, 4-10 PM

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Website: elegantcuizines.com

GWARBar is an experience unlike any other. The fake blood-splattered bar serves up some of the best vegan food in Richmond, VA inspired by the heavy metal band Gwar. This fantasy land of food and beverage is said to cater to local punk metal freaks, rock stars, businessmen, celebrity chefs and starving artists.

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Neighborhood: Jackson Ward

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Hours: Monday-Sunday, 4 PM-2 AM

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Website: gwarbar.com

Serving dishes inspired by global street food with Asian and American influences, Native Plate is sure to excite your palate. This women-owned business uses only the freshest ingredients to create a culturally enriched experience for its customers.

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Neighborhood: Shockoe Slip

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Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 AM-10 PM

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Website: nativeplaterva.com

Ms. Bee’s is juicing up a storm! Ms. Brandi Battle-Brown started this black, woman-owned business in 2018 after falling in love with the healthy juice lifestyle. Her beverages are derived from the healthiest of herbs such as turmeric and ginger. Check out their vegan-friendly menu for some energy to get through the day!

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Neighborhood: Court End

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Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 AM-5 PM; Sunday 10 AM-3 PM

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Instagram: @msbeesjuicebar

NuVegan’s mission is to redefine the perception of vegan cuisine. The café caters to all customers from the transitioning to vegan eater to the hardcore health enthusiast. All the food is made fresh in their kitchen and includes endless options for quick bite handhelds. With amazing hospitality, NuVegan is your new home away from home.

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Neighborhood: Arts District

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Hours: Monday-Saturday, 12-8 PM; Sunday, 12-7 PM

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Website: ilovenuvegan.com

If you’re looking for an intimate outdoor setting from vegan restaurants in Richmond, look no further than Patio Thai. Its brick-accented patio mixed with classy Thai food gives an authentic, cozy feel to any meal. The courtyard garden offers everything from traditional fried rice to elaborate curry noodle dishes.

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Neighborhood: Monroe Ward

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Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 AM-3 PM / 4:30-9:30 PM; Friday-Saturday, 12-10 PM; Sunday 12-9:30 PM

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Website: patiothairva.com

“It’s Yiddish for Delicious!” Perly’s Richmond offers traditional Jewish deli bites and dinners with a creative, modern twist. This Richmond favorite is a funky, retro restaurant enticing its customers with mouth watering plates and great service.

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Neighborhood: Monroe Ward

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Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9 AM-3 PM

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Website: perlysrichmond.com

At Philly Vegan their motto is, “Plant-Based, Tastes Great” and they’re not wrong! This family owned and operated business has over 25 years of Philly cheesesteak cooking experience. Stop in to try the popular cheeseburger quesadilla and famous $6 dairy-free milkshakes! This vegetarian restaurant in Richmond also offers free meals to community members regularly. Check their Instagram for more.

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Neighborhood: Manchester

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Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 11:30 AM-7 PM; Friday, 11:30 AM-9 PM; Saturday, 12-9 PM

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Website: phillyvegan9.com

Tio Pablo is Shockoe Bottom’s 100% gluten-free Mexican cuisine connoisseur. This hip, contemporary taqueria serves traditional Mexican quick eats for dine-in and take-out. Don’t leave without trying their carne asada tacos and a house margarita!

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Neighborhood: Shockoe Bottom

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Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 AM-9 PM; Friday-Saturday, 11 AM-10 PM; Sunday 11 AM-8 PM

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Website: tiopablotacos.com