Travel and Leisure Magazine named Norfolk “America’s Favorite City” last year and gave us second place for “America’s Favorite Cities for Food.”Our region is undoubtedly diverse in cuisine cultures, local farms, and craft breweries, but we have also seen the work of climate-change and green initiatives enriching our communities and businesses. In turn, the demand for plant-based products, foods, and services is growing. You don’t have to be vegan anymore to appreciate the fine work of Hampton Roads’ local chefs.
So, if you’re thinking about incorporating a “Meatless Monday” to break up the routine or you’ve been a long-time veg-lover, here are our top spots for plant-based dishes with no sacrificing taste.
French: Nouvelle, North Colley, Norfolk “Patt-a-touille" Roasted Patty Pan Squash stuffed with Eggplant, Squash, Tomato, Micro Basil with House-made Cherry Sauce
Latin: Mojitos Cafe, Virginia Beach “Fricassee Latin” with a side of plantains (and do not miss the Traditional Mojito)
Italian: La Bella in Ghent, Norfolk “Vegan Chicken Marsala” with Chianti Classico
Indian: Nawab, Military Hwy, Norfolk Saturday lunch buffet, rotating options like Veggie Samosa, Veggie Pakora, Chana Masala, Aloo Gobi, and more
Café: Cutting Edge Café, Chesapeake “BLACKEND VEGAN CHIK'N” with mango, onion, spinach, vegan aioli on flatbread
American: Legend Brewery, Portsmouth “Vegan Sloppy Joe” with BOCA and Spicy Pickles
Eclect
ic: Starving Artist Café, North Colley, Norfolk
“Tasty Bird” pan seared seitan with roasted red potatoes, local heirloom grape tomatoes, roasted local corn, and a basil drizzle
Japanese: Kotobuki, Ghent, Norfolk “Hugged Rolled Salmon and Seaweed” (sushi) and the Veg Sesame Chicken with Brown Rice
Healthy: Green Cat Juice Bar and Market, Virginia Beach “Traveling Yogi” and “Post-Workout” Smoothie, “Vegged Out” Toast with No Chix Salad, made to order juices
AND DESSERT:
Sugar Shack Donuts and Coffee, Virginia Beach
Vegan donuts galore (maple, glazed, cinnamon & sugar, chocolate with coconut, strawberry) and coming in August – cream filled!
Chartreuse Bistro, Downtown Norfolk Ask Chef Chris what he’s got hiding – the best sorbet of your life or a Chocolate Hazelnut Torte
Hummingbird Macarons and Desserts, Norfolk Vegan chocolate chip cookies (go in the morning, limited)