Richmond round-up: Top five vegetarian-friendly restaurants

The city of Richmond is home to many restaurants that offer an endless possibility of dining options. Whether in downtown, Short Pump or Carytown, there are always restaurants that can cater to a variety of cuisines and preferences.

Here is a list of five places that not only have good reviews but are also vegetarian-friendly. 

1) Palani Drive

Palani Drive is a Hawaiian-inspired restaurant that serves health-conscious wraps, burgers, appetizers and salads. It prides itself on “well-built food” and has a balance between vegetarian and meat options. 

Senior Claire Griffiths went to Palani Drive with her friends last year and really enjoyed it, she said. 

“We stumbled upon the place accidentally last spring when we saw that there was a nice outdoor seating area so decided to give it a try," she said. "The food turned out to be really good -- I had a vegetarian wrap and was happy with the overall experience ... It was healthy, close to campus, had a great atmosphere and tasty food.”

2) Fresca on Addison

Fresca on Addison is a family-owned and operated restaurant that serves sandwiches, "burgers," salads, tacos and pizza. Everything on its menu is vegetarian and can be made vegan upon request. The restaurant focuses on “local, organic, fresh, and tasty” food, according to its website, and makes its pita fresh every day. For dessert, Fresca offers homemade cookies and vegan cupcakes. 

3) The Daily Kitchen and Bar

The Daily Kitchen and Bar has locations in Carytown and Short Pump. With brunch, lunch and dinner, The Daily uses “organic, all-natural, local and sustainable ingredients” and offers “an extensive selection of vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and paleo options," according to its website. 

Sophomore Maya Lieberman loves The Daily because she doesn’t have to look at a separate menu for gluten-free options, she said. 

"Having celiac disease, it’s not common for me to be able to get anything I want off a menu, so I love eating at The Daily," she said.

4) Ipanema Cafe

Ipanema Cafe is a full vegetarian restaurant with appetizers, salads, sandwiches and desserts. Almost all of its food has gluten-free options, although some of the food is gluten-free already. With an outdoor patio and $3.50 Taco Night every Wednesday from 5-10 p.m., Ipanema is a must-go for all vegetarians and anybody who is looking for a healthy restaurant with delicious food. 

5) Charm School Social Club

Charm School Social Club is an ice cream store with always-changing flavors and vegan frozen desserts. All the ice creams and vegan frozen desserts are made in house and the vegan products use a house-made combination of cashew and coconut milk, according to the store's website. 

“Charm school is one of my favorite places to go for vegan ice cream in Richmond,” said sophomore Caroline Dembiczak. “With unique flavors that change every day, such as cherry limeade and lavender, and their unique toasted marshmallow topping -- there is a vegan alternative as well -- Charm School creates a fun dessert experience for a wide range of customers.”

Contact lifestyle writer Kaitlin Edwardson at kaitlin.edwardson@richmond.edu.