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

7/5/22

Looking for Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-Free Restaurants Downtown?

YOUR GO-TO-GUIDE

Have dietary preferences? If so, Downtown Richmond is calling your name! From savory meals to delicious desserts, the choices are endless. Check out our round up of Richmond’s best spots for V, VG & GF options.

1. Native Plate

1203 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23219

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.

Neighborhood: Shockoe Slip

Hours: Monday thru Saturday, 11AM-10PM; (Closed Saturday and Sundays)

Website: https://www.nativeplaterva.com/

2. GWAR Bar

217 W Clay St, Richmond, VA 23220

GWARBar is an experience unlike any other. The fake blood-splattered bar serves up tasty, vegan pub food 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.

Neighborhood: Jackson Ward

Hours: Sunday thru Saturday, 4PM-2AM

Website: https://gwarbar.com/

3. Philly Vegan

1126 Hull St, Richmond, VA 23224

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!

Neighborhood: Manchester

Hours: Tuesday thru Thursday, 11:30AM-7PM; Friday, 11:30AM-9PM; Saturday, 12PM-9PM; (Closed Sunday and Mondays)

Website: https://phillyvegan9.com/

4. Patio Thai

103 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23219

If you’re looking for an intimate outdoor setting, 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.

Neighborhood: Monroe Ward

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

Website: https://www.patiothairva.com/

5. Charm School

311 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220

Got a vegan sweet tooth? You’re in luck! Sitting in Richmond’s Arts District, Charm School is a retro ice cream parlor serving up delectable vegan sundaes. All of their vegan flavors are made in house to ensure that they are 100% vegan for guests. Cool off this summer and try a sorbet or today’s ice cream special!

Neighborhood: Arts District

Hours: Thursday thru Saturday, 3PM-8PM; Sunday, 1PM-6PM; (Closed Monday-Wednesday)

Website: https://www.charmschoolrva.com/

6. NuVegan Café

417 W Grace St, Richmond, VA 23220

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.

Neighborhood: Arts District

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

Website: http://www.ilovenuvegan.com/

7. Capitol Waffle Shop

1110 E Main St Ste B, Richmond, VA 23219

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!

Neighborhood: Financial District

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

Website: https://capitolwaffle.com/

8. Ms. Bee’s Juice Bar

1015 E Clay St. Richmond, VA 23219 (The Valentine)

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!

Neighborhood: Court End

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

Website: https://msbeesjuicebar.com/

9. Saadia’s Juicebox

402 1/2 N 2nd St, Richmond, VA 23219

Saadia’s is a unique shop where juice meets yoga. Saadia's JuiceBox & Yoga Bar is on a mission to bring a health-conscious eatery to RVA with a fitness kick. The shop provides a plethora of food and beverage options for those on a plant-based diet and those looking to find a one-stop for health and fitness.

Neighborhood: Jackson Ward

Hours: Monday thru Saturday, 8:30AM-4:30PM; (Closed Sundays)

Website: https://www.saadiasjuicebox.com/

10. 521 Biscuits & Waffles

521 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23219

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!

Neighborhood: Financial District

Hours: Wednesday thru Friday, 8AM-11AM; Saturday and Sunday, 8AM-1PM; (Closed Monday and Tuesdays)

Website: https://521rva.com/

11. Tio Pablo

1703 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23223

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!

Neighborhood: Shockoe Bottom

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

Website: https://www.tiopablotacos.com/

12. Perly’s

111 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219

“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.