🕒 Updated: March 2, 2025 | Published: February 28, 2025 | Written by: Joenid
I recently discovered Elizabeth’s Gone Raw in Washington DC, a vegan main course fine dining that honestly exceeded my expectations. If you know me, you know I’m all about finding the best vegan options while traveling.
That’s why in this article, I’ll take you through my full journey. From making the reservation to savoring the last delicious bite of this hidden gem 💎 vegan restaurant in Washington DC.
*This post reflects my personal experiences and opinions. It is not sponsored or paid for by any company.
Disclaimer: I am vegan and gluten-free by preference. This information reflects my personal experience and is not intended as dietary advice. I also mentioned some non-gluten-free options that my husband enjoyed, so always confirm the ingredients with the staff.
The Story Behind Elizabeth’s Gone Raw Washington DC
Elizabeth’s Gone Raw Washington DC, first opened its doors in 2010. The vegan restaurant is located at 1341 L St NW. After her cancer diagnosis, owner Elizabeth Petty found inspiration in Kris Carr’s book 📕 Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips. Through her journey, Elizabeth discovered healing through significant changes to her eating habits and a plant-based lifestyle.
The restaurant’s original concept was raw vegan options, formerly known as Elizabeth’s Gone Raw. However, the restaurant has shifted its focus and now operates under the name Elizabeth’s to reflect its evolution away from raw offerings. This YouTube video interview by Melanie Bridgens goes deeper into Elizabeth Petty’s healing and plant-based journey.
Elizabeth’s Gone Raw Washington DC offers a full vegan-tasting six-course experience, showcasing local and fresh produce. The menu is seasonal, meaning what I was able to savor might be a little bit different from what you can find today. Since the ingredients selection is based on produce availability.
What You Need To Know For Reservations
While it’s not mandatory to make reservations at Elizabeth’s Gone Raw Washington DC, I highly recommend doing so, as the dining salon has limited space. This vegan restaurant is open only three nights a week (Thursday to Saturday), and getting a spot can be challenging. You can easily book your reservation on the Elizabeth’s Gone Raw website.
As someone who follows a gluten-free diet (not celiac), I notified them of my dietary restrictions when making the reservation, and they were more than happy to accommodate me.
Note: Most of their dishes include nut ingredients, and unfortunately, they state that they cannot 🚫 accommodate nut 🥜 allergies.
I visited this vegan restaurant in Washington DC, to celebrate my wedding anniversary. When you make the reservation, they ask if you are celebrating a special occasion. My husband noted our anniversary, and they went above and beyond, making it an unforgettable experience (you’ll see what I mean…).
First Impression of Elizabeth’s Gone Washington DC
I visited Elizabeth’s Gone Raw restaurant in October, and the weather was chilly. As soon as you walk in, you will find a convenient coat 🧥 check on the first floor. They also have a gorgeous onyx backlit bar on the first floor, where you can enjoy a selection of vegan small plates, cocktails, and mocktails.
The main vegan dining experience unfolds on the second floor. The ambiance transports you to an intimate, charming English country dining decoration, enhanced by a perfect backdrop of jazz and neo-soul music.
What Makes It Worth It: Service & Experience
When you visit Elizabeth’s Gone Raw Washington DC, you must be prepared to stay at least two hours because each dish is served individually. I was truly impressed by the attentive staff, each one demonstrating deep knowledge of the ingredients for every course. More than just a meal, this dining experience felt like a masterclass in healthy ingredients.
Elizabeth’s Chef, Francisco Hernandez, clearly dedicated thoughtful creativity to each dish. Additionally, the in-house sommelier, Michael Markarian, possesses vast expertise in recommending the perfect wine 🍷 pairings to elevate your dining experience.
DON’T FORGET TO READ:
What Did I Eat at Elizabeth’s Gone Raw in Washington DC?
Every dish is a work of art, beautifully prepared and presented. Initially, I thought the portions might be too small, but by the time I reached my fourth course, it was clear that the portions were the perfect size to fill you.
Opening course
The dining experience starts with a delicious yucca crisp accompanied by fava butter and oil gremolata, a perfect dip for the yucca.
First Course
Cauliflower Couplet. This course includes two creations. The Blossom is a cauliflower blancmange with trundle-lime pearls and black currant. The Bud is a machaca-style cauliflower bread pudding paired with shishito cream.
Second Course
Sage Advice: Yes, Honeynut. This course is a delicious pumpkin velouté, with candied honeynut squash and spaghetti squash, all complemented by dill vegan cream cheese.
Third Course
Caramelized, charred, and infused. This course was a refreshing surprise. It combines cured daikon, cinnamon-spiced turnips, infused watermelon radish, and caramelized parsnip cream.
Fourth Course
Rose & Rave. This course begins to cleanse the palate, featuring a lovely blend of rose petal sorbet, vanilla, and apple “espuma“.
Fifth Course
Where in the wild’shrooms flourish. This course dish has a mix of sherry-poached and breaded lion’s mane, sweet potato puree, flageolet beans, and fig. In my opinion, this was the best-breaded lion’s mane I have ever tasted.
Sixth Course
Heaven’s cake and Lilith’s pear. This course is a layered cake with coffee crema, pear and roasted cashew milk ice cream, and pear anglaise. Since we were celebrating our anniversary, the staff served it with a lit candle and added an anniversary letter with a touch of our tasting menu.
Elizabeth’s Gone Raw Washington DC: Overall Experience
I genuinely loved this restaurant and wouldn’t hesitate to go back, whether for an upscale dining experience or just a delicious evening out with friends or family. There’s no reason not to visit, whether you follow a plant-based diet or not.
The flavors in every dish are so incredible that you won’t even think about it being entirely vegan. If you’re looking to impress your partner or simply want to try something different, Elizabeth’s Gone Raw in Washington, DC, is an absolute must-visit.
