By Finley Wittkamp

Carytown has always been known for its personality, with thrift stores, murals, and restaurants that feel anything but generic. Recently, it’s also become a go-to area for vegetarian and vegan-friendly food that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. Dining choices that were once limited to side salads or one special option have evolved into something more intentional, flavorful, and accessible. Whether you’re fully plant-based or just out for Meatless Monday, these are a few of the Carytown staples that make it easy and enjoyable to eat meat-free. 

One of the most popular stops for a plant-based breakfast is Chewy’s Bagels. Chewy’s offers vegan, house-made cream cheese in both plain and scallion varieties to top any of their bagels, most of which are vegan, along with fresh veggies, to form a delicious bagel sandwich. If you’re not in the mood for a traditional bagel, try the vegan pepperoni bagel pizza. Or, if you don’t want a bagel at all, their monkeybread is a delicious breakfast treat. Whatever you plan to order, be sure to get there early, as there are always lines out the door, and everything sells out quickly.

Baskets of fresh bagels at Chewy’s. Photo credit: Chewy’s bagels via instagram @chewysbagelsrva.

Another restaurant that has embraced plant-based eating fully is Tiny Vegan on South Sheppard Street, a small business with a strong following. Everything on the menu is entirely vegan, and the food is known for being both filling and packed with bold flavors. One of the most popular items, the Cashwrap, provides a hearty and familiar meal with a vegan twist. The restaurant attracts a wide range of customers, from those committed to a vegan lifestyle to people simply looking to try something new. Tiny Vegan works well as a breakfast or lunch stop, and its cookies have become a favorite among regulars.

Short Stack Plate at Tiny Vegan. Photo courtesy of Tiny Vegan.

While fully vegan restaurants are becoming more common, flexibility remains important, especially for group dining. Mellow Mushroom offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options that make it a reliable choice for mixed groups. The restaurant’s vegan cheese has gained particular praise, with vegan Upper School science teacher Sandra Marr saying that “their vegan cheese is amazing.” Customers can build their own pizzas using vegan ingredients or choose from options like the avocado hoagie or tempeh hoagie. In addition, Mellow Mushroom offers several vegetarian pizzas and customizable choices, allowing everyone at the table to find something that they enjoy.

Holy Shiitake Pizza at Mellow Mushroom. Photo credit: Mellow Mushroom via instagram @mellow.richmond.

For those looking for a more ingredient-focused dining experience, Sen Organic Small Plate provides a menu that emphasizes organic ingredients and thoughtful preparation. The restaurant offers several vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, often presented as smaller plates. This approach encourages sharing and variety, making it easier to sample different flavors in one meal. Impressed with their menu, vegetarian VCU student Morgan Smartt said: “Sen is the only restaurant I have found in Richmond that offers vegan pho, and it’s amazing!” The pho is one of many indulgent meals available daily.

Photo courtesy of Sen Organic Small Plate.

Another major player in Carytown’s plant-based scene is The Daily Kitchen & Bar, which has built its reputation around fresh, health-forward food. Its vegetarian and vegan offerings don’t disappoint, and JK-12 Capstone Director Rhiannon Boyd, who maintains a vegetarian and gluten-free diet, said it offers “eaters of all kinds the ability to find common ground on the menu.” The menu includes bowls, salads, pizzas, and appetizers, many of which can be made vegetarian or vegan. Plant-based protein options include Twin Oaks tofu, falafel, tempeh bacon, and veggie patties, giving customers flexibility without limiting flavor. Vegan cheese is also available for pizza, making customization easy. Boyd also praised one of the owners, Collegiate parent Michelle Williams, saying she “has been committed to sourcing humanely, locally, and sustainably for decades.” The Daily’s emphasis on seasonal ingredients keeps the menu interesting while still offering dependable options for plant-based eaters. 

Spicy Avocado Bowl. Photo credit: @dailykitchenbar via Instagram.

No discussion of Carytown dining would be complete without dessert, and Minglewood Bake Shop continues to set the standard. Entirely vegan, Minglewood is beloved far beyond the vegan community. The bakery offers lattes, pastries, milkshakes, and more. Minglewood works just as well for a quick stop between shops as it does for sitting down and catching up with a friend. The decadent brownie sundae is a personal favorite, great for splitting with a friend. Minglewood’s success challenges the idea that vegan desserts are somehow less indulgent or satisfying. 

Chocolate Strawberry Pistachio Tart. Photo credit: @minglewoodbakeshop via Instagram.

Together, these restaurants represent a broader shift in how people think about food. Vegetarian and vegan eating is no longer seen as restrictive or niche. Instead, it has become part of the mainstream dining experience, especially in areas like Carytown that value individuality. Restaurants are no longer just accommodating plant-based diets; they are embracing them.