Hungry in Manhattan? Half-Starved on Staten Island? Find NYC’s Hit Vegan Food Here
In New York City, vegan dining options are plentiful. And since social, feeling animals should never be used for food, check out this enticing roster of our favorites among the Big Apple’s must-try hot spots. Arranged by borough and budget to make any vegan NYC search easy, these juicy joints are sure to have your taste buds hopping all over this sprawling metropolis. Drop down past Manhattan if you’d like—click here: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, or Staten Island.
Vegan in NYC? Make Your Hunger Scarce Among the Skyscrapers of Manhattan
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Beyond Sushi
If it’s sushi that you’re after, spare sentient sea life and float to one of this all-vegan eatery’s three Manhattan locations. Our favorite menu items include the Five Spice Chick’n dumpling; the Spicy Jackfruit Crab roll; and the Nutty Buddy Wrap with rice paper, cashews, baked tofu, and jalapeño peanut butter sauce.
Orchard Grocer
This Lower East Side nook serves scrumptious sandwiches, salads, and even vegan soft serve that leaves bovine mammary secretions in the dust. Try The Francis—a sandwich with seitan ham, pickles, plant-based cheese, and Dijon mustard—or The LES Kale Caesar Salad with tempeh bacon and capers. (And be sure to step next door for a stylish pair of city-walking footwear at MooShoes.)
Spicy Moon
If you have been craving vegan Szechuan but don’t know whether to feast in the East or West Village, this Asian destination is in both. Devour the Dan Dan Noodles, savor the Kung Pao Style Mixed Veg and Tofu, grab some Crabless Rangoon, and fly yourself to the (spicy) moon.
Tamam
Feel like fantastic falafel? Jump over to this Upper East Side joint for a top-notch Pita Sandwich with Israeli salad, pickles, and tahini or nosh on the Shawarma (Cauliflower) Hummus Bowl.
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Bodhi Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant
Did someone say, “downtown vegan dim sum”? You bet, and Bodhi Kosher boasts some of the best. The House Special Buddha’s Delight with tofu skins, eggplant, and a side of pig-free BBQ pork is also divinely flavorful.
Caravan of Dreams
Eager to gobble up an organic meal in the East Village? Caravan of Dreams will carry you away with a mouthwateringly delicious Shiitake Mushroom Burger, a Dragon Salad with smoked tempeh and blanched vegetables, or a Creamy Sesame Miso Ramen with bok choy.
Coletta
If adding Italian fine dining in Midtown East to your must-try list sounds tempting, Coletta is calling. Ideal for a date or a nice group dinner in the Gramercy area, this all-vegan and kosher restaurant’s menu includes Puttanesca “Meatballs” in a lemon brown butter sauce, the Rigatoni alla Norma with roasted eggplant, and the Sunchoke and “Scallop” Risotto with micro seagrass.
The Fragile Flour
Sometimes, a plant-based dessert-and-wine bar is the perfect solution for a sweet tooth. Nosh on creative confections like the S’Mores Cake with toasted marshmallow pastry cream, the Red Velvet Classic Cake with cream cheese frosting, or the fresh-baked Fudgy Chocolate Brownies.
Neat Burger
Now that expert F1 driver and PETA U.K.’s 2018 Person of the Year, Lewis Hamilton, has opened his burger chain in New York, you need to race to this joint. Steer your lips toward the classic Neat Burger with cheez and Neat special sauce, the Patty Melt with grilled onion, or the BBQ Stack with plant-based bacon and double cheez. We bet each bite will have your wheels spinning.
peacefood cafe
Peace begins on your plate. Whether you’re craving sweet or savory dishes, this kitchen and bakery on the Upper West Side and near Union Square will win you over with the seitan medallion panini drizzled in walnut pesto, the fluffy quinoa salad with mustard lime vinaigrette, and the japanese pumpkin sandwich with cashew cheese.
P.S. Kitchen
What’s that about a “Beyond Burger”? That’s right—Midtown Manhattan’s P.S. Kitchen offers the P.S. Burger, made with a Beyond Meat patty, Thousand Island dressing, and queso. This Theatre District gem’s Maitake Wings with sweet Thai chili sauce and potato salad, Homemade Lasagna with herbed tofu ricotta, and Chicken Pot Pie with flakey crust are also delectably dramatic.
Red Bamboo
The food at Red Bamboo is delicious and beautiful. The Greenwich Village eatery offers “vegan global cuisine,” including Cajun Fried Shrimp, a Chicken Gyro, a Philly Cheese Steak, Chicken Parmesan, and Garlic and Scallion Fried Rice.
Willow
This cozy, innovative vegan bistro featuring American comfort food in Chelsea is a choice pick. Try the Porcini Chick’n Marsala, the Lemon Pepper “Steak,” and the roasted seitan BBQ Ribs.
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Avant Garden
For an eclectic dinner excursion, try Avant Garden. Aside from having an adorable name, the East Village restaurant offers vegan fine dining at its best. Try the Scorched Cauliflower with fried capers, the Paella with red pepper cream, or the Roasted Carrot with farro and cucumber tzatziki.
Blossom
Nested in the Upper West Side, Blossom is an ideal choice for any vegan (or not-yet vegan). The Sweet Potato Gnocchi, Jackfruit Tacos, and Tofu Benedict flower with fabulous flavors.
Délice & Sarrasin
If innovative, all-vegan French food in an intimate setting on Christopher Street piques your appetite’s interest, this unique restaurant is sure to please. Ease into a rich meal with the Poulet Basquaise (pea protein chicken legs with veggie chorizo), the Ratatouille Niçoise (vegetable stew with eggplant), and the La Bryan (salted caramel crêpe with coconut whip).
Dirt Candy
This prix fixe paradise on the Lower East Side takes vegetarian fine dining to the next level—and most dishes can be vegan. Veggies are “candy” from the ground, and each plate at Dirt Candy is a treat presented as a culinary work of art. Try exquisite courses that change seasonally—such as Carrot Mille Feuille (“sizzling with yuzu and ginger snap”) or the Pickled Broccoli with fermented Serrano chilis.
Etérea
Prepare for tasty Mexican flair at this plant-based, gluten-free restaurant and cocktail bar in the East Village. Savor Quesabirria Tacos with pulled jackfruit, vegan mozzarella, and chile consome; Flautas with avocado crema; or Envueltas with sizzling peppers and guacamole.
HanGawi
Pick from an à la carte or prix fixe menu for an all-vegan Korean dinner based on greens, grains, and mountain roots that sustained ancient humans in the East. Feast on the Spicy Mongolian Hot Pot with wild bracken shoots, the Black Truffle Dumplings, and the Spicy Tofu in Ginger Stew.
Ladybird
Ideal for a delectable date night or bonding with good friends, this globally inspired tapas-and-wine bar brings East Village vegan dining to a new level. Once you’re planted in the bar’s plush banquettes, sample the Truffle Mac & Cheese with mushroom bacon or the Potato au Gratin with cauliflower cheese sauce and caramelized onions. Ladybird will have you taking flight in tapas delight.
PLANTA Queen
The upscale atmosphere of this plant-based restaurant and bar makes it ideal for a special meal. Let this Queen crown your cravings as you try the Truffle Fried Rice with mushroom bacon, the Baked Crab Roll with hearts of palm, or the Avocado Lime Tartare with beetroot tuna.
Wake Up to NYC’s Finest Vegan, Latin-Inspired Breakfasts in the Bronx
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H.I.M. Ital Health Food Market
This vegan market and juice joint proves that Ital food is vital, blessing the Bronx with lip-smacking Ackee Patties, a revivifying Red Peas Stew, and—depending on the day—a rockin’ Carrot Cake.
Mae Mae Café + Plant Shop
Are you seeking Latin-inspired take-out options for breakfast or lunch? This affordable vegan café at 2417 Third Ave. in the Bronx boasts delectable plant-based dishes and plants. We recommend that you try the Mushroom Mole or Sri Lankan Katarica with eggplant and marinara.
Sun Life Total Health
This Black-owned, revitalizing, and holistic vegan restaurant and juice bar gives organic food a fresh flourish. The menu, with vibrant Caribbean flavors and many herbal tonic drinks, changes daily.
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Urban Vegan Kitchen
Currently open for takeout and delivery only, this American and Latin-inspired locale has Chick-un & Waffles, Korean BBQ wings, tostadas, burgers, and many more flavorful favorites.
The Vegan Factory
This cozy restaurant features vegan Dominican fare, which includes a palate-pleasing patacon sandwich, mofongitos, and signature desserts.
Vegan Grill
Geared up to get your fix fresh off the grill? This compassionate corner spot’s got you covered. Choose a Spicy Chick’n Sandwich, a Crunch Wrap Supreme, or a Beyond Nacho Platter—or order it all!
Grab NYC’s Best Vegan Doughnuts and Freshly Baked Bread in Brooklyn
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Dun-Well Doughnuts
If you’re battling a sweet tooth in Brooklyn, pop over to Dun-Well Doughnuts to crush that craving with a Boston Cream, a raspberry Chambord-glazed doughnut, or a pistachio-frosted Yoda. Go ahead and wrap your lips around these creative confections—they’re all vegan.
Screamers Pizza
For an unbeatable Brooklyn pizza joint with two locations (Greenpoint and Crown Heights), don’t miss Screamers. You’ll enact its name as you try a Napoleon Dynamite slice (available at the Crown Heights location) topped with tater tots, the Mac N Chz pie with Sriracha aioli, or the Fancy Kale pizza drizzled with spicy pesto.
Terms of Endearment
This top-rated vegan bakery in Williamsburg makes mouthwatering croissants, fresh focaccia, and decadent pastries. If you’re in Brooklyn, be sure to stop by and accept these “terms.”
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Clementine Bakery
For a sweet and savory taste of Clinton Hill, Clementine is sure to satisfy. The bakery boasts a Tempeh Reuben with sauerkraut, a Po Boy sandwich with deep-fried cauliflower on ciabatta, and irresistible pastries—such as the Chocolate Babka, the Cream Cheese Brownie, and the Peanut Butter Blondie.
Earthen
This globally inspired restaurant and wine-and-beer bar in Brooklyn is about to shake the ground under your feet. Get into Earthen’s orbit by trying the Saffron Arancini with vegan mozzarella and Parmesan, the Mushroom Lavash with cashew cream, and the Chana Masala with basmati rice.
Modern Love
If “swanky vegan comfort food” sounds like your cup of tea, march over to Modern Love. Menu options include the Garlic Parmesan Wings, a Hot Honee Chick’n Sandwich with pickled jalapeños, Cacio e Pepe With Fried Mozzarella in a creamy cashew pepper sauce, and the Blackberry Lemon Cheesecake with graham cracker crust and coconut whip.
Ras Plant Based
This Black-owned, farm-to-table restaurant features organic Ethiopian cuisine. Try the highly recommended Sambusas with savory lentils or mixed veggies, the Ras Special Tibs with sautéed seitan and zesty Berbere sauce, and the Dulet with diced royal trumpet ’shrooms and spice-infused grapeseed oil.
Quell Your Vegan Hunger and NYC Thirst in Queens
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Didi’s Healthy Delight
This Astoria spot sports fantastic tempeh or tofu sandwiches, satisfying soups, and some of the best smoothies in the borough. Stop your taste buds from twitching—drop by Didi’s for a delight.
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Jujube Tree
If you’re craving cozy, all-vegan, Pan-Asian cuisine in Queens, give Jujube Tree a try. Sample the supreme Spring Rolls, the Smoked Teriyaki Seitan, and the Vegan BBQ Ribs for a delightful dinner.
Urban Vegan Roots
Making American and Latin-inspired flavors its focus and specializing in pizzas, this vegan restaurant has unquestionably rooted itself in Queens. Check out the Chick-un & Waffles, The Hollyhood Special pizza with fried Korean BBQ seitan, and the lemon-caper Zucchini Scallopini.
Investigate NYC’s Best Vegan Soul Tray Aboard Staten Island
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Vodega Deli & Grocery
This vegan deli and grocery brings the classic NYC-style bodega up to date, sparing animals and helping end speciesism. From stellar French toast to killer avocado toast, Vodega wins.
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Bario’s
Although it isn’t all-vegan yet, this popular pizzeria steals Staten Island hearts with plenty of plant-based options. Try its Cashew Cream Vodka Pie with sautéed portobello mushrooms.
TRI Lounge & Café
This Black-owned, all-vegan comfort-food lounge boasts a host of hunger-curbing combinations that’ll keep you ferrying back to the Island for more. Make sure to “TRI” the Soul Tray, the Chkn Sandwich, and the Buffalo/BBQ Cauli pizza with ranch drizzle for a transcendent trip.
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Animals are living, feeling beings with distinct personalities. They play, learn, and think—and they don’t deserve to be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner in New York City or anywhere else.
Learn How to Be Vegan All the Time
Whether in NYC or anywhere else, going vegan is more doable than ever, thanks to PETA’s vegan starter kit. Click the button below to request a free copy—and to gain access to recipes, tips on making the compassionate switch, and so much more.
