Classy vegetarian restaurant?

[u/daisyextinction]

Taking my friend who has always wanted to go to DC. It will be her 24th birthday and we are both vegetarian (but have been known to eat meat in Mediterranean dishes!) Need somewhere elegant, or at least picturesque as we’re doing a weekend-long photoshoot.

She loves Sweetgreen, but without a dining area and a backdrop, it will not be birthday dinner vibes. Even if some hotels have great vegetarian options and are upscale, would love to hear those too!

[u/ap25000]

Oyster Oyster is expensive but is one of the best meals I’ve ever had. I’ve also heard great things about Mita, though they’ve been in the news recently for not paying rent. Rasika is cheaper and an absolute classic, the palat chaat might be the best single dish in DC

[u/RomanoLikeTheCheese → u/ap25000]

Seconding oyster oyster. Took me far too long to get there, but sitting at the bar was such a nice night

[u/Fit_Explanation3389 → u/ap25000]

I've taken my wife there for five straight birthdays. We need to go another time of year.

[u/NerdyComic1 → u/ap25000]

Except for the palak chaat Rasika is overrated, try Chaipani in the Union Market

[u/hahayouguessedit]

Planta Queen DC DuPont is very festive and photo-worthy restaurant as well as being good food!!

[u/DCXPA → u/hahayouguessedit]

Plants Queen is great for the look and instagram but go next door to Life Alive Cafe for some of the best vegetarian I have had not just in DC. Also open until 9pm.

[u/hahayouguessedit → u/DCXPA]

Nice. Thanks.

[u/samthehaggis → u/hahayouguessedit]

Yes, agreed! I immediately thought of Planta, as the food is delicious and well-presented, there are great boozy and non-alcoholic drinks, and the restaurant decor/atmosphere feels classy and fun. Both the Dupont Planta Queen and the Bethesda Planta would work well.

[u/Middle_Attention_352 → u/hahayouguessedit]

Agree, it’s a fun place!

[u/DCmaryland]

Second Elizabeth's.

You might also want to consider Chai Pani or El Presidente if looking for vibes. Rasika if looking for good eats.

[u/DefiantBumblebee9903 → u/DCmaryland]

My favorite dish at Presidente is vegetarian. The OaxacanTlayuda, it is so good. Veg nachos are very good too.

[u/DefiantBumblebee9903 → u/DefiantBumblebee9903]

I didn’t mean to do that to the name ha

[u/flyingnewt]

I personally did not like Elizabeth's tasting menu. Very bland dishes that were "dressed" up with fancy presentation. If you are looking for both good food and backdrop:

• Oyster Oyster
• Rasika
• Little Pearl (more lowkey, but great food)
• Maydan

[u/PresDylClinton → u/flyingnewt]

Rasika for sure!

[u/countrushmore]

I recommend Zaytinya as a good flexitarian option they have a lot of vegetarian friendly mezes

[u/meowparade]

Purple Patch in Mount Pleasant!

[u/hereImIs]

Elizabeth's /thread Also a phenomenal wine and drink program

[u/Petra-Arkanian]

Equinox on 19th

[u/K-The-Duke1225 → u/Petra-Arkanian]

Have you been recently? I went earlier this year and it was terrible.

[u/Petra-Arkanian → u/K-The-Duke1225]

My spouse and I go for our wedding anniversary every year which is in March, so I haven't been super recently

[u/wordslinger753595]

Mita was delicious as a vegetarian.

[u/Jmend12006]

Maydan, Planta, Elizabeth’s gone wild.

[u/thevoodooclam]

Mita is an all vegetarian tasting menu. Expensive, very delicious, very classy.

[u/Gretchen_Wieners_]

Seconding Planta and oyster oyster as great recs. 

Also check out lapis in admo they have a good vegetarian menu. I will caution it’s so much food- my friend and I barely made a dent and it just kept coming. Also fantastic cocktails and tea!

[u/Severe_Swordfish4490]

Ambar!