Remember that time I was a vegan? For a couple of months I decided to eat a vegan diet (no meat, no dairy, no animal products) and let me tell you… it’s not easy. It really limits the foods you can eat, especially out. But it's not impossible! Now I'm "officially" a lacto-ovo pescetarian (I don't eat meat, but I will still eat fish, eggs, and dairy) - but I still eat a vegan diet about 50% of the time. When I was eating a 100% vegan diet – here were my favorite places to eat out in Herndon/Reston VA area that could accommodate a meat-free dairy-free diet.
Chipotle – My go-to. Black bean burrito with brown rice, fajita veggies, roasted corn salsa, medium tomato salsa, lettuce, and guacamole (which doesn’t cost extra when you get a veggie bowl!). No Cheese - No Sour Cream (try it without... I bet you won't miss it). Yummmmm
Mellow Mushroom - This little gem just opened in Herndon in July of this year. Pizza is something I missed a lot when I was vegan. They have so many tasty options on the menu other than just pizza and they have daiya (vegan) cheese!
Harris Teeter – Say wha? Hear me out… they have a DELICIOUS roasted veggie sub at their deli. One of those and a bolthouse farm or odwalla smoothie and i'm a happy girl.
Mellow Mushroom - This little gem just opened in Herndon in July of this year. Pizza is something I missed a lot when I was vegan. They have so many tasty options on the menu other than just pizza and they have daiya (vegan) cheese!
Harris Teeter – Say wha? Hear me out… they have a DELICIOUS roasted veggie sub at their deli. One of those and a bolthouse farm or odwalla smoothie and i'm a happy girl.
The Counter - Best. Veggie Burger. Ever. I’m not kidding folks. You’ve probably had a boca burger or something similar and turned your nose up at it for the lack of flavor – but fear not. The vegan veggie burger is so beyond delicious I can’t even explain. And they have a variety of gourmet toppings like artichokes, spinach, grilled pineapple, roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms…. The list goes on. It’s amazing.
Sorrento Grill – This is a cute little Mediterranean restaurant in Herndon. They have a bunch of fresh tasty dishes at a really reasonable price. And… They actually have 11 items in their “vegetarian selection” menu. I ate the grilled portabello mushroom wrap and it was very yummy. They have outdoor seating too!
Busara Thai – This restaurant is in Reston town center and also has outdoor seating. Lots of yummy dishes here – my favorites are pad see ew and pad thai. You can have them with extra vegetables or tofu. And if you want to make either dish vegan, just ask them to make it with no egg.
Angeethi – I’m not a huge fan of indian food, but they do have a fair amount of curries and vegetarian dishes. I got the Navrattan Korma (A combination of fresh vegetables and fresh herbs in a creamy curry sauce.) It is really tasty. I haven’t had anything else there – but they also have an extensive list of vegetarian entrees. Be brave – pick one and try it!
Did I miss any great places? I'm always looking to try new restaurants, especially when they have vegan/vegetarian/locally grown options!
Sorrento Grill – This is a cute little Mediterranean restaurant in Herndon. They have a bunch of fresh tasty dishes at a really reasonable price. And… They actually have 11 items in their “vegetarian selection” menu. I ate the grilled portabello mushroom wrap and it was very yummy. They have outdoor seating too!
Busara Thai – This restaurant is in Reston town center and also has outdoor seating. Lots of yummy dishes here – my favorites are pad see ew and pad thai. You can have them with extra vegetables or tofu. And if you want to make either dish vegan, just ask them to make it with no egg.
Angeethi – I’m not a huge fan of indian food, but they do have a fair amount of curries and vegetarian dishes. I got the Navrattan Korma (A combination of fresh vegetables and fresh herbs in a creamy curry sauce.) It is really tasty. I haven’t had anything else there – but they also have an extensive list of vegetarian entrees. Be brave – pick one and try it!
Did I miss any great places? I'm always looking to try new restaurants, especially when they have vegan/vegetarian/locally grown options!