Every year, my husband dives into a unique diet. One year, it was cutting out sugar. Another, he ate greens at every meal. This year? Veganuary. I’m joining him.
In the first couple of weeks, finding recipes has been a breeze. I don’t really miss meat or dairy. But date nights? Those are tricky.
Remember the marshmallow test? Kids were left alone with a marshmallow. If they didn’t eat it, they’d get two when the testers returned. I’d probably munch that marshmallow right away. Going out to a restaurant with tempting meat around would be a challenge for me.
So, I decided to seek out fully vegan restaurants to avoid those temptations.
One great spot is Araya’s Place. It’s been around for years and offers a delicious vegan menu that even non-vegans love. Their avocado curry is a must-try. They also have a lunch buffet and dinner service. You can find them in Bellevue and the U District.
In Georgetown, my husband and I enjoy The Georgetown Liquor Company. Since 2020, the new owners have switched to a completely vegan menu. Their wraps are really flavorful, and I’m excited to try their brunch soon.
If you crave diner vibes, head to Wayward Vegan in Roosevelt. Their burger is impressive, and it even looks like a classic burger. My friend loved her strawberry matcha, saying it was as delightful to drink as it was to see. I enjoyed my tempeh-based BLTA, and the breakfast and dessert options there look tempting too.
For a fine dining experience, visit Harvest Beat in Wallingford. It was the first vegan restaurant I ever tried, and it changed my perspective on plant-based dining. They serve a five-course meal that’s perfect for a special occasion, so be sure to make a reservation.
I’ve also been thinking about Chu Minh Tofu in the International District. They serve Thai food with great comfort options. The spicy noodle soup has been on my mind constantly. My husband tried the “duck” bahn mi and loved it, plus they have a hot bar to sample various dishes—great for colder days.
After our meal, we headed to Dough Joy on Pill Hill for donuts, but they were mostly sold out. We settled for donut holes, and the staff kindly doubled our order. Next time, I think we’ll start with dessert.
One of my top picks for dessert is Frankie and Jo’s. They offer unique flavors, like beet, strawberry, and rose sorbet. If you’re not a beet fan, you might still enjoy it—it’s subtle yet delightful. Their coconut-based options are fantastic too.
With Veganuary nearing its end, I’m excited to try more vegan spots. Box Bar in West Seattle has a tempeh-based BLTA I’m eager to compare to Wayward Vegan. Life on Mars also sounds promising, especially with their cauliflower bites that everyone raves about.
If you’re curious about plant-based eating, all these places are worth visiting. Even if I decide to go back to bacon one day, I know I’ll want to return to these vegan delights!
For more insights on vegan and plant-based diets, check this report on plant-based eating trends.
Let’s see where this journey leads us next!
