Dairy-Free in Virginia: Recommended Restaurants by City

Last Updated February 2021! Comfort food is still the mother cuisine in the Old Dominion state. Even their “plant-based” options are loaded with indulgences, like “chicken” and waffles, donuts, cakes, and pizzas. You can learn more about them, and even more dairy-free options, in this Virginia guide. It’s a collection of restaurants and other food retailers based on our dairy-free research and reader recommendations (send yours!). We’ve divided it into local restaurants (first) and chains (second).

Note: You can ignore the date on this post going forward. We’ll update the information below whenever we’re alerted to a new restaurant recommendation, change, or closure. 

Photos clockwise from top left: Smoothies from Fruitive, Baked Goodies from Bakeshop, Bowls at Fruitive, Vegan Paffles from Iron Paffles & Coffee, Vegan Burgers and Donuts from Sugar Shack.

Local Virginia Restaurants Recommended for Dairy-Free Eats

You won’t have to look hard to find local foods like blue crabs, oysters, and peanuts. But some regional recipes, like apple butter, country cured ham, and New Brunswick stew are typically dairy-free, too. And of course, there are many fresh new restaurants, bake shops, ice cream parlors, and cafes that offer dairy-free cuisine. We’ve listed these recommendations alphabetically by city, and then by the restaurant or shop name.

⭐️ = Restaurant is either dairy-free, has a dairy-free menu, has dairy-free labels on their menu(s), or lists top allergens with menu items. (At the time of our last review.)

Alexandria

• Casa Rosada Artisan Gelato – In addition to vegan sorbettos, they offer a handful of creamy dairy-free and vegan gelato flavors, like vanilla, chocolate, and pistachio.
• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – You can read more about the dairy-free ice cream options at this scoop shop chain on our Jeni’s Ice Cream post.
• Ted’s Montana Grill – Founded by media mogul and rancher Ted Turner, this American chain serves a meat-heavy menu with lots of dairy-free options. See our Dairy-Free Guide for Ted’s Montana Grill for more details.
• Village Brauhaus ⭐️ – German and Austrian cuisine tends to be dairy heavy, but this restaurant labels dairy-free and gluten-free options. They are light on sides, but there is a good selection of bratwursts to choose from, and of course, plenty of beers to wash them down.

Arlington

• Bakeshop – This is a from-scratch, family-owned, traditional bakery with the full range of treats. But they also offer oodles of vegan goodies daily. They have vegan cupcakes, cookies, and even ice cream cookie sandwiches. They also take custom cake orders.
• Pizza Fusion – It’s easy to order dairy-free pizza at this small chain. All of their pizza doughs are vegan, their pizza sauce is vegan, and they offer two dairy-free cheese alternatives: Daiya and Follow Your Heart. They can also customize sandwiches and salads as needed. And for dessert, they have gluten-free vegan brownies!
• Ted’s Montana Grill – Founded by media mogul and rancher Ted Turner, this American chain serves a meat-heavy menu with lots of dairy-free options. See our Dairy-Free Guide for Ted’s Montana Grill for more details.
• True Food Kitchen – See our True Food Kitchen post for full details.
• Zoup! Eatery ⭐️ – Whether you’re craving salad, sandwiches, bowls, or one of their popular soups, this

Ashland

• 7 Muffins a Day ⭐️ – This dedicated dairy-free and gluten-free bakery makes a big range of sweet and savory bread products, doughnuts, cakes, mousse cups, muffins, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and more. They also bake custom cakes and gifts, and have vegan and sugar-free options available.

Bristow

• Sweet Zen7 Nature’s Cafe ⭐️ – Ice creams made with oat milk or bananas, smoothies and smoothie bowls, buddha bowls, zen burgers and nachos – it’s all dairy-free, with gluten-free options, at this holistic cafe.

Burke

• Coal Fire Pizza – This regional chain offers Daiya cheese alternative, and they’ve told us that their pizza crusts are dairy-free, and their classic, signature, and spicy pizza sauces are also made without dairy. So they can customize a variety of dairy-free pizzas. They also said their wings and fries are also made without dairy, and they can customize several salads, sandwiches, and even an appetizer or two to be dairy-free.

Charlottesville

• Iron Paffles & Coffee – Paffles are puff pastry waffles, and this shop uses them to make all types of sweet and savory sandwiches. They offer vegan paffles, gluten-free dairy-free waffles, and gluten-free vegan waffles when you custom build your own. They also have all types of dairy-free toppings, like dairy-free cheese, vegan mac, chia jelly, and coconut whipped cream.

Chesterfield

• Green Ghost Pizza – They do offer “regular” pizzas, but they specialize in fully vegan ingredients, cooked in dedicated vegan equipment. And the vegan menu is just as extensive as the “regular” one, complete with Not Wings, Cheese Bread, a variety of seasoned Popcorns, and of course, pizzas.
• Luther Burger – Dairy-free variety abounds at this hip burger joint. they have a full vegan menu, complete with cheezbergers, a variety of seasoned waffle fries, and even vegan shakes! This means you can order other burgers, like traditional beef, without dairy, too.

Fairfax

Falls Church

• Bakeshop – Their Arlington location was so successful, they opened this second location. It’s a traditional bakery, but they offer a big range of vegan sweets daily. They have vegan cupcakes, cookies, and even ice cream cookie sandwiches. They also take custom cake orders.
• Loving Hut ⭐️ – This fast food vegan chain has one location in Virginia, at last check. See our Loving Hut post for more details.

Fredericksburg

• Kickshaws Gluten-Free Bakery ⭐️ – This bakeshop is a 100% dedicated gluten-free facility that’s pretty much dairy-free too. They focus on allergy-friendly baked goods made without top allergens. All of their traditional baked goods are vegan, with the exception of a few grain-free goodies.

Gainesville

• Inspired Cravings Vegan Bakery & Cafe ⭐️ – This isn’t just a vegan bakery. They’re free of dairy, eggs, peanuts, soy, and tree nuts. They bake pretty vegan cupcakes and layer cakes, and have gluten-free options available.

Loudoun County

• The Difference Baker – Their certified gluten-free facility is also free of nuts and soy. They aren’t dairy-free, but do have dairy-free options available for most of their products, both sweet and savory. And there are some vegan options on the menu.

Manassas

• The Lemonade Bakery ⭐️ – Everything is egg-free, nut-free, and peanut-free at this allergy-friendly bakery. They also have a full dairy-free and vegan menu, with tons of cookies and cupcakes. They do bake custom order treats and cakes for weddings and other special occasions.

McLean

Mechanicsville

• AnnaB’s Gluten Free – This bakery runs a dedicated gluten-free and peanut-free facility, and can easily cater to dairy-free and vegan requests. They have an array of vegan cookies right on their menu, make some other dairy-free items (with eggs), and take special orders.

Midlothian

• The Urban Farmhouse Market & Café – Homestyle brunch and lunch are the focus at this healthier coffeehouse. They have vegan options for sandwiches, soups, and salads, and many more items, including some egg dishes, can be made dairy-free on request. They offer vanilla soy, almond, oat, and coconut milk beverages for their coffee and tea drinks, and have dairy-free smoothies on the menu.

Norfolk

• Fruitive ⭐️ – Their organic, plant-based menu is dairy-free, vegan, and quite varied. They have wellness smoothies and juices, superfood smoothie and acai bowls, salads, sandwiches, produce-packed wraps, pizzas made with cashew cheese, waffles topped with coconut whipped cream, and more. Gluten-free options are clearly labeled, and they offer guides for keto, whole30, paleo, and raw vegan customers.
• Pizza Fusion – It’s easy to order dairy-free pizza at this small chain. All of their pizza doughs are vegan, their pizza sauce is vegan, and they offer two dairy-free cheese alternatives: Daiya and Follow Your Heart. They can also customize sandwiches and salads as needed. And for dessert, they have gluten-free vegan brownies!

North Chesterfield

• Sugar Shack Donuts – A few years back, their head baker removed the eggs and milk from their yeast dough recipe. So their raised donuts are now vegan, but not all of the toppings. They label the fully vegan donuts, which often include apple fritters, cinnamon rolls, Boston cremes, maple bars, and more. They also have a full line of gluten-free cake donuts (most of which are vegan), but those are only available on Mondays and Fridays. For their coffee drinks, they offer almond, coconut, oat, and soymilks. And guess what – they have vegan burgers, fries, and milkshakes, too!

Reston

Richmond

• 521 Biscuits & Waffles – This is a gluten-free cafe. Their biscuits contain dairy, but their waffles are dairy-free, and there are several sweet varieties.
• Ellwood Thompson’s – Think Whole Foods, but smaller and more local. This grocery store has a great selection of special diet foods and hot food to go. Their regular menu includes many dairy-free and vegan options (like empanadas!).
• Ipanema Cafe – This dark and moody vegetarian restaurant has vegan and gluten-free options for almost everything on the menu. They serve an eclectic little array of sandwiches, salads, and entrees for lunch and dinner, and also offer dessert.
• Luther Burger – Dairy-free variety abounds at this hip burger joint. they have a full vegan menu, complete with cheezbergers, a variety of seasoned waffle fries, and even vegan shakes! This means you can order other burgers, like traditional beef, without dairy, too.
• Organic Krush ⭐️ – This regional chain is located in the suburb of Short Pump. Almost everything on their menu is or can be dairy-free, and they have dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan  labels right on their menu. Service includes breakfast all day, custom bone broth soups, and build your own wrap, salad, bowl, or tacos, with flavors ranging Tex Mex to Thai. They also serve acai bowls, snacks, and a kids menu. For dessert, they have treats like Mamma’s Breakfast Cookies (a recipe they shared with us!).
• Sugar Shack Donuts – This is their flagship location. Their raised donut dough is dairy-free and egg-free, so most of their donuts are vegan – it just depends on the toppings. The vegan options are labeled, and often include apple fritters, long johns, Boston cremes, and various iced and glazed options. They also have a full line of gluten-free cake donuts (most of which are vegan), but those are only available on Mondays and Fridays. For their coffee drinks, they offer almond, coconut, oat, and soymilks. And for lunch, they have vegan burgers (regular burgers alos), fries, and vegan milkshakes.
• Sweet Spot Ice Cream Café – Head to the Shockoe Bottom neighborhood to find this friendly ice cream shop. In addition to traditional ice cream, they have non-dairy soy and coconut based ice cream, sorbet, and Italian ice flavors on rotation. They also offer dairy-free options for coffee drinks.
• The Daily Kitchen & Bar – This health-forward cafe is located in the Carytown area. They clearly note vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options on their menu, and almost everything on the menu can be made dairy free. They have plant-based shareables like buffalo cauliflower with vegan ranch dip and vegan queso queso. And for mains, you can order bowls, burgers or all types, entrees made with fish, chicken, or grass-fed beef, and pizzas made with dairy-free Teese or Daiya cheese alternative (and a gluten-free crust, if needed).
• The Urban Farmhouse Market & Café – Homestyle brunch and lunch are the focus at this healthier coffeehouse. They have vegan options for sandwiches, soups, and salads, and many more items, including some egg dishes, can be made dairy-free on request. They offer vanilla soy, almond, oat, and coconut milk beverages for their coffee and tea drinks, and have dairy-free smoothies on the menu.

Sterling

• Coal Fire Pizza – This regional chain offers Daiya cheese alternative, and they’ve told us that their pizza crusts are dairy-free, and their classic, signature, and spicy pizza sauces are also made without dairy. So they can customize a variety of dairy-free pizzas. They also said their wings and fries are also made without dairy, and they can customize several salads, sandwiches, and even an appetizer or two to be dairy-free.

Virginia Beach

• Baladi Mediterranean Cafe – They have an impressive small range of vegan entrees, and many more dishes that are authentically dairy free. Enjoy kebabs, moussaka, falafel, and more.
• Brixx Wood Fired Pizza – This regional chain offers dairy-free cheese alternative at no extra charge! In fact, their classic pizza crust and sauce are vegan, and they can make any veggie pizza vegan. They also have a fantastic allergen list. It tells you the specific items with dairy AND the items that contain dairy even when you hold the cheese.
• Fruitive ⭐️ – Their organic, plant-based menu is dairy-free, vegan, and quite varied. They have wellness smoothies and juices, superfood smoothie and acai bowls, salads, sandwiches, produce-packed wraps, pizzas made with cashew cheese, waffles topped with coconut whipped cream, and more. Gluten-free options are clearly labeled, and they offer guides for keto, whole30, paleo, and raw vegan customers.
• My Vegan Sweet Tooth ⭐️ – Get ready to cave to your cravings at this bakery and dessert shop. They offer frozen treats and every baked good imaginable – from cookies and cheesecakes to bagels and savory pies. And they do bake custom cakes for weddings and other events.
• The Green Cat Juice Bar & Market – The menu at this wholesome spot includes dairy-free smoothies, smoothie bowls, juices, oatmeals, toasts, salads, soups, raw desserts, and more. They’re plant-based, with many gluten-free options, and open daily for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner.
• Zeke’s Beans n Bowls – This Hawaiian-style acai and poke bowl shop makes ordering vegan easy. They have vegan options for their egg breakfasts, pitas, and salads, too. But most of their menu is naturally dairy-free, or can be made dairy-free with ease.

Woodbridge

• Brixx Wood Fired Pizza – This regional chain offers dairy-free cheese alternative at no extra charge! In fact, their classic pizza crust and sauce are vegan, and they can make any veggie pizza vegan. They also have a fantastic allergen list. It tells you the specific items with dairy AND the items that contain dairy even when you hold the cheese.

Pizzas and Smoothies from Fruitive.

Most Popular Chains in Virginia for Dairy-Free Diners

There are many more chains in this state, but these are the ones we recommend most for dairy-free options.

National Chains

Dairy-Free Gluten-Free Waffles at 521 Biscuits & Waffles.

This Guide is Continuously Updated with Recommendations

We welcome you to recommend other dairy-free friendly restaurants. Leave a comment or contact us and tell us why you like a certain restaurant. Restaurant owners and employees are also invited to reach out and let us know how you welcome dairy-free customers.

Please kindly let us know in the comments if any of these restaurants close. We want to keep this list current for you, but aren’t always notified when a restaurant closes. Let us know and we will quickly update!

This Guide is for Informational Purposes Only

Menus, ingredients, kitchen procedures, management, and restaurants are subject to change at any time. Always read the menu and discuss your dietary needs with the staff before ordering. Make sure that they can accommodate your situation.

There is always a risk for potential cross-contamination of allergens in any commercial kitchen. If cross-contamination is an issue for you, always speak with the manager to ensure that your meal can be safely prepared. Listings here do not guarantee that a restaurant is safe enough for your individual needs. Only you can make that decision.

For More Dairy-Free Guidance, Get Go Dairy Free!