Brian Nagele
As the state’s most populous city, New York City has something for every visitor or resident to enjoy. From its towering skyscrapers to its bustling Theater and Garment Districts, it’s a cultural center for people speaking any language to enjoy a trip to the museum or a sports event. New York City is also a go-to destination for people to sample quality food in unique dining settings.
However, some people might find it challenging to find a restaurant they like if they follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. Thankfully, several places in the Big Apple offer healthier alternatives to their classic steakhouses and seafood restaurants. With several options available, you might ask yourself this: which ones are the best? Luckily, I compiled a list narrowing down the best vegan & vegetarian restaurants in NYC. With several options available, you’re bound to find delicious menu options that even meat-lovers can enjoy. Best of all, this list covers restaurants scattered throughout multiple regions of the city.
Divya’s Kitchen
25 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-477-4834
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The next restaurant I recommend is Divya’s Kitchen, a lush and tranquil establishment located on 1st Avenue. They prioritize creating quality dishes by following Shaka Vansiya Ayurveda traditions and using the freshest ingredients. Divya’s Kitchen also hosts online Ayurvedic cooking and workshops to encourage a healthier lifestyle.
I recommend their vegetable curry in cashew sauce, vegan lasagna, carrot risotto, or a custom entree bowl with roasted sweet potatoes or a buttermilk biscuit on the side. They also offer brunch on the weekends. My favorite drinks are their ginger mint limeade, herbal ginger tea, and organic coffee. Don’t miss out on their pineapple upside down cake!
HanGawi Restaurant
12 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-213-0077
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The first place on my list of the best vegan & vegetarian restaurants in NYC is HanGawi Restaurant, located on East 32nd Street, minutes away from The Cutting Room. This upscale restaurant specializes in Korean fare and incorporates a zen-like atmosphere that relaxes your body and mind. They also encourage you to remove your shoes as you immerse yourself while enjoying your meal. I recommend their HanGawi Stone Bowl Rice, tofu steak, vegetable dumplings, or vegetable and mushroom wrap. They also offer gluten-free options and a Mini Prix Fixe Lunch special on the weekends. If you have room for dessert, try their tiramisu or soy cheesecake with green tea.
Jajaja Plantas Mexicana
Multiple locations
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If you’re in the mood for Mexican fare, Jajaja Plantas Mexicana might be the place for you. You can find this restaurant throughout several neighborhoods, including West Village and the Lower East Side. In addition, this contemporary eatery offers a wide selection of vegan dishes and cocktails for you to enjoy. You can also ask about their catering services for social gatherings or other events. I recommend their chorizo burrito, turmeric cauliflower rice bowl, chipotle sweet potato taco, and Azteca Chile Relleno. My favorite cocktails you should try are Frozen Agave Margarita and Matcha y Coconut. They also offer these drinks as mocktails.
P.S. Kitchen
246 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-651-7247
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Located on West 48th Street, near the Longacre Theatre and Walter Kerr Theatre, P.S. Kitchen is another excellent place where you can find vegan food in NYC. This restaurant has a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere suitable for people looking to relax after walking through the busy streets. They also donate their profits to several charity partners. In my opinion, you should try their chicken pot pie, orzo alfredo, buffalo maitake wings, or Beyond Burrito. They also offer weekend brunch options, such as their Tuscan toast or tofu scramble wrap. Don’t forget to try their Butterfly Lemonade or Shirley Temple with their gluten-free, vegan desserts.
The Original Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant
5 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
Phone: 212-566-8388
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Located on Mott Street, in the heart of Chinatown, The Original Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant is your destination for the best vegetarian food in New York City. This casual restaurant offers delectable dim sum and Chinese dishes using mock meat to satisfy any vegetarian or Keto diet. I recommend their Bee Chi Mushroom Rice Roll, Cedar Fried Rice, Fried Taro Duck, or Seaweed Bean Curd Soup. They offer a lunch special every weekday from 11AM to 4PM, along with gluten-free main courses. Try their mango pudding with their Kiwi Kooler drink if you’re in the mood for something sweet.
Dirt Candy
86 Allen St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: 212-228-7732
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Nestled on Allen Street, Dirt Candy is another vegetarian restaurant I recommend for visitors exploring New York City’s Lower East Side. Chef Amanda Cohen creates unique vegetable-based entrees in a modern and stylish setting. Dirt Candy also offers five-course seasonal tasting menus for you to enjoy in their dining rooms or outdoor patio. In my opinion, their best seasonal dishes are their portobello mousse, zucchini takoyaki, smoked cabbage hot pot, and Tower of Terror salad. You should also sample their vegetable cocktails, such as Safflower or Popcorn Old Fashioned, or their non-alcoholic vegetable sodas, such as Cucumber Cilantro Serrano, and Roasted Brussels Sprout Chocolate Cream dessert.
Toad Style
93 Ralph Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11221
Phone: 347-789-1589
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Located off the corner of Ralph Avenue and Putnam Avenue, Toad Style is a Brooklyn-based casual restaurant that serves scratch-made vegan food. Additionally, they offer delivery services through food apps for people who don’t have time to dine in. They also received several awards and recognitions, including “The Best Vegan Restaurants in NYC” by L’officiel. Toad Style’s menu offers 100% vegan dishes free of soy and palm oil. I recommend their California burrito, BBQ Jackfruit, or Grilled Cheese with a cup of chili on the side. They also offer daily brunch until 4PM and can make sandwich menu options into a taco or salad if you want a gluten-free meal.
Avant Garden
130 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009
Phone: 833-328-4588
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Nestled on the corner of East 7th Street and Avenue A, a short walk from Tompkins Square Park, Avant Garden serves excellent vegan dishes and international wines in a comfortable yet refined setting. Its brick interior and branch chandelier give it a lush feel. Avant Garden offers several cold, hot, and toasted vegan dishes that match most diets. My favorite menu options are their house-made spaghetti, paella, scorched cauliflower, and Hen of the Woods. Although these dishes are small, they’re rich in flavor. They offer excellent beer and cider, but I recommend their non-alcoholic house-made soda or Young Thai Coconut.
Beyond Sushi
Multiple locations
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With locations on West 37th Street, West 56th Street, Mulberry Street, and the Upper East Side, Beyond Sushi is a chef-driven restaurant specializing in vegan and Kosher dishes. Chef Guy Vaknin creates high-quality hearty entrees in an energetic environment. From sushi to other international dishes, this restaurant has something for everyone to enjoy. I recommend their Shiitake Truffle Dumplings, Eggplant Unagi sushi, Philadelphia Maki Rolls, and Rainbow Rolls. They also host happy hour every weekday from 5PM to 6:30PM with half-price beer, wine, and sake. Don’t forget to try their Black Sesame Avocado Cookie or Ube Cashew Cheesecake for dessert.
Le Botaniste
Multiple locations
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Le Botaniste is a casual yet refined vegan restaurant on Columbus Avenue, Grand Street, Lexington Avenue, and 3rd Avenue. Their menu items are 99% organic and 100% plant-based. They also prioritize running an establishment that wastes less energy as a CO2-neutral company. I recommend starting with their Summer Roll or Red Beet Caviar, and their Spicy Chili Sin Carne, Botanical Salad, Magic Miso, or Tibetan Mama as an entree. If you want something lighter, try their Botanical Therapy special. They also offer organic desserts, such as Chocolate Chia Mud and Apple Volcano, but if you have nut allergies, try their Red Fruit Chia Pudding.
Modern Love Brooklyn
317 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: 929-298-0626
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Next on this list of the best vegan + vegetarian restaurants in NYC is Modern Love Brooklyn, located on Union Avenue. Its sleek ambiance incorporates a modern and retro feel and serves elegant dishes that match specific diets and appeals to countless others. Their establishment also offers compostable utensils and napkins to encourage eco-friendly dining. I recommend their Seitan Garlic Parmesan Wings or Fried Cashew Mozzarella as an appetizer and their modern veggie cheeseburger, Jerk Tofu Bowl, or 20-piece wing bucket, or Nacho Mac & Shews as your main course. They also have a vast menu of vegan ice cream, shakes, and floats if you’re in the mood for dessert.
Delice & Sarrasin
20 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: 212-243-7200
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Are you having trouble finding a French restaurant offering vegan food in NYC? If so, book your next reservation at Delice & Sarrasin, located on Christopher Street. Head Chef Yvette Caron creates meals with authentic French flavors and fresh ingredients, including galettes and crepes. This quaint and cozy restaurant also has full-service catering. I recommend trying their Tagliatelle aux Fruits de Mer, Tartine Club Sandwich, Ratatouille Niçois, or Steak Tartare Végétal et Frites Maison. They also have an extensive selection of vegan wines. If that’s not your style, they also offer fresh-squeezed orange juice or lemonade, and café favorites, such as Café au lait or dark hot chocolate.
Franchia Vegan Cafe
12 Park Ave, New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-213-1001
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Nestled on Park Avenue, Franchia Vegan Cafe is another vegan restaurant incorporating dishes with Asian inspiration. It has a casual and tranquil vibe, replicating the atmosphere of a traditional tea house, the perfect space to relax after a busy day of exploring the Murray Hill neighborhood. If you stop by for Monday dinner, I recommend their Crispy Korean Chili Tofu, Vegetarian Curry Hot Pot, Avocado Bibimbap, or Coconut Tom Yum Noodles. They also offer vegan lunch boxes or ramen bowl specials for midday meals. If you want to try their Korean cocktails, I recommend Soju Mojito or Tao of Love.
Champs Diner
197 Meserole St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Phone: 718-599-2743
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Located on Meserole Street, near the Lions Roar Karaoke House, Champs Diner is another place I suggest visiting as you travel through Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood. This refined restaurant serves dishes made with 100% vegan ingredients that anyone can enjoy. Besides indoor and outdoor dining options, they also offer delivery and pick-up. Champs Diner’s best dishes are their double cheeseburger, vodka chicken parm sandwich, Açaí bowl, and enchilada burrito. I also recommend starting with their cauliflower wings or gluten-free tater tots. Additionally, you can try their delicious shake options, including Cookie Dough, Banana Cream Pie, and Nut Cruncher if you want something different from soda or lemonade.
Screamer’s Pizzeria
Multiple locations
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Screamer’s Pizzeria is another go-to destination for vegan residents and tourists eager to try New York City’s best pizza without disrupting their diets. You can find this casual restaurant in several places around the city, including Manhattan Avenue and Franklin Avenue. Additionally, each location offers different menu options, encouraging you to try everything. I recommend their Napoleon Dynamite, Margherita, or White Pie pizza. Their Crown Heights location also offers fries, sandwiches, and vegan calzones if you want something else. Additionally, you can make your own pizza and select the sauce, protein, and toppings you love. Don’t forget to take a plain or chocolate cannoli to-go!
NY Dosas
50 Washington Square S, New York, NY 10012
Phone: 917-710-2092
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Don’t have time to sit and enjoy a hearty vegan or vegetarian lunch? Then, why not stop by NY Dosas on Washington Square South? This famous food cart offers several small dishes of South Indian fare to-go. It’s an excellent solution if you want a quick bite before leaving Washington Square Park. Be sure to arrive early to avoid the long lines. I recommend their Masala Dosa, spicy Singapore noodles, and vegan drumsticks. NY Dosas also offers over 40 drink selections to enhance the taste of your lunch. These lunch options are gluten-free, making them ideal for people following specific diets or eager to try something new.
abcV
38 E 19th St, New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-475-5829
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Located on East 19th Street, abcV is a chef-driven restaurant that prioritizes using high-quality ingredients from local and global small or family farms. Helmed by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, his team creates seasonal vegan dishes for NYC residents and tourists alike. The dining rooms have ABC carpeting framed on their walls. I recommend their whole roasted cauliflower, Saison-battered eggplant, mushroom walnut bolognese, or celery root katsu. This restaurant offers brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11AM to 3PM. It also offers vegan-friendly cocktails, house-made sodas, and locally made kombuchas. My favorite dessert options on their menu are their chocolate mousse parfait, stone fruit tart, and rice ice cream mochi.
Kajitsu
125 E 39th St, New York, NY 10016
Phone: 212-228-4873
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Located on East 39th Street, Kajitsu is an upscale Japanese restaurant that offers a wide selection of vegetarian meals. It has a peaceful atmosphere to help you escape from the loud excitement of the city. Kajitus also serves its dishes in traditional dishware created by the most skillful ceramic potters. Kajitsu offers a ten-course Omakase dinner menu that changes every month to incorporate seasonal vegetables and protein. My favorite menu items are their signature Kuchidori, Owan chestnut soup, and Udon noodles. Don’t forget to check their extensive wine, beer, and sake menu to find a drink that enriches your meal’s flavor.
Bunna Cafe
1084 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Phone: 347- 295-2227
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Located on Flushing Avenue, Bunna Cafe is the best place to try Ethiopian vegan fare while exploring Brooklyn. This outpost has a bustling atmosphere and dimmed indoor lighting to set the mood for an excellent night out. They also offer outdoor dining if you want fresh air. Bunna Cafe lets you create your own Beyaynetu meal, served with a side of Injera flatbread. Of course, the amount you scoop depends on the size of your dish. My favorites are Gomen, Shiro, and Keysir Selata. I also recommend their Butecha, Durba Firfir, or Kosta entrees if you want to visit during their weekend brunch.
Bodhi Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant
77 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013
Phone: 212-233-2921
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Overlooking Mulberry Street, minutes away from Columbus Park, Bodhi Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant is another place I recommend checking out during your visit to New York City. This vibrant and warm restaurant specializes in vegetarian Chinese and Cantonese cuisine that’s also Kosher-friendly. They also use the freshest ingredients to make each daily meal worthwhile. If you plan on making reservations for lunch or dinner, I recommend their BBQ Vegetable Meat Fried Rice, Vegetable Chicken Lo Mein, Sesame Vegetable Chicken, or Shiitake Mushroom Duck. If you stop by before 4PM, you should try their Sticky Rice Shumai or Sweet Sticky Rice Sesame Ball.
Blossom
Multiple locations
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You can find Blossom on University Place in the Greenwich Village neighborhood and Columbus Avenue in the Upper West Side. It has a comfortable modern ambiance, ideal for enjoying meals matching your vegan lifestyle or as a healthier alternative to the city’s meat and seafood hotspots. Its Columbus location is also certified by the International Kosher Council. I recommend starting with their roasted cauliflower or blistered shishito peppers, and ordering their Lasagna Rollatini, Blossom Burger, Tofu BLT, or Pesto Pizza as an entree. They also offer weekend brunch from 11:30AM to 4PM, and have a vast selection of beers, soft drinks, and wines.
Superiority Burger
430 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009
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Located on East 9th Street, across from the Mr. Throwback vintage clothing store, Superiority Burger offers the excellent taste of burgers without meat! This small eatery has a compact and civil atmosphere, making it the perfect stop to have a vegan or vegetarian lunch in the East Village neighborhood before watching a game or stage performance. I recommend their Sloppy Dave, Superiority Wrap, Mega Mouth, or Burnt Broccoli Salad. Although this restaurant doesn’t offer alcoholic beverages for your meals while dining in or taking it to-go, you should try their Arnold Palmer to add extra flavor to your afternoon or night.
May Kaidee East Broadway
215 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002
Phone: 917-443-7885
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If you’re in the mood for Thai vegan food, May Kaidee, located on East Broadway, is the best option for you. It’s an excellent casual environment for trying plant-based dishes made with locally sourced ingredients after spending the afternoon at Seward Park. They also deliver meals to most of Manhattan via e-bikes and offer Thai cooking classes for innovative food-lovers. I recommend trying their Fried Rice with Pineapple, Pad Kee Mao, or Green Curry after starting with their Fresh Spring Rolls. Their dishes are also gluten-free, making them ideal for vegans and non-vegans alike. You should also try their Banana in Sweet Coconut Milk for dessert.
Ladybird
111 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009
Phone: 833-328-4588
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Can’t find a vegan restaurant with a sleek wine bar and refined atmosphere? Look no further than Ladybird, nestled on East 7th Street, within walking distance from Tompkins Square Park. Whether you want to take your friends out for a drink or book a date night, this restaurant has an excellent selection of vegan tapas and cocktails. In my opinion, their best menu items are their Potato au Gratin, Buffalo Maitake Buns, Ricotta Toast, and Chocolate Fondue. They also host brunch from noon to 4PM, so I recommend their grilled cheese or scallion pancake. Don’t forget to stop by their bar and ask for a Ladybird Reunion, Fiery Bluebird, or Budgie cocktail.
Beatnic
Multiple locations
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Whether you’re in the Fashion District, Rockefeller Plaza, or the Seaport District, Beatnic is another hotspot you should consider visiting to satisfy your vegan needs. It has a comfortable atmosphere, highlighted by its funky striped flooring and colorful food options. Beatnic’s specialties include salads and veggie burgers. I recommend trying their Crispy Chicky Salad, The Guac Burger, Hot Chicky, or BCB as a separate sandwich or a meal with air-baked fries. Still want more? Ask for their dessert menu and try their banana walnut bread or toasted s’mores bar. Don’t forget to wash it down with their classic or strawberry lemonade or Arnold Palmer.
Seasoned Vegan
55 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10026
Phone: 212-222-0092
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Located off the corner of St. Nicholas Avenue and West 113th Street, in the heart of Harlem, Seasoned Vegan is another excellent place where you can find the best vegan options in the city. Chef Brenda Beener recreates popular dishes with organic ingredients and gives them an international touch. Although you can’t dine-in, they offer delivery through food apps. I recommend their Harlem Chopped Cheeseburger, BBQ Crawfish Sandwich, Po’ Boy Sandwich, or BBQ Riblets with sauteed broccoli or a sweet potato souffle on the side. Don’t forget to try their Salted Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookie if you want to treat yourself.
Urban Vegan Kitchen
41 Carmine St, New York, NY 10014
Phone: 646-438-9939
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Last but not least on my list of the best vegan & vegetarian restaurants in NYC is Urban Vegan Kitchen, located on Carmine Street in the West Village neighborhood. This restaurant offers a comfortable atmosphere where visitors can enjoy organic plant-based menu options. They also offer catering services and host private events. I recommend trying their chorizo empanada, chickpea tuna sandwich, chick-un avocado ranch salad, or gluten-free lasagna with a side of rice or marinated kale. If you’re dining in, try their fresh juice, house-made lemonade, or cocktails, such as UVK Cosmo, The Bee Gees, or It’s Time for the Melonator.
