The Best Vegan Restaurants In NYC
Where to get plant-based croissants, dumplings, mac and cheese, and more.
If you're vegan, you already know that the days of being restricted to tofu, lush greens, and an infinite number of french fries are long gone. Instead, the top restaurants in the city come up with innovative methods to provide delicious meals without using animal products. Most locations in this directory are entirely vegan, but you won't have any problem finding many alternatives that will suffice if they aren't.
Ras Plant Based
Rating 8.1
ETHIOPIAN
BROOKLYN
$$
739 FRANKLIN AVE, BROOKLYN
https://www.rasplantbased.com/
One of the rare places in the city that serves plant-based Ethiopian cuisine, such as soft mushroom tibs and a meatless diet, is Ras Plant Based. The food at this Crown Heights restaurant is noteworthy, from the crisp sambusas and crispy cauliflower wings to the enormous plates of Ethiopian favorites like Kitfo prepared with pea protein. Bring a date or drop by for a light supper on a weekday. Because of the vibrant murals, you'll get the impression that you're at a multisensory art show.
Vegan Hood
Rating 8.1
VEGAN
HARLEM
$$
2100 FREDERICK DOUGLASS BLVD, NEW YORK
https://veganhood.net/
The pea protein fake chick'n that lies under the skin of Vegan Hood's fried chicken doesn't taste like an afterthought, even though the skin has been perfectly seasoned. The creamy macaroni and cheese are lovely and gooey, and the flavorful greens are bursting with flavor. Things can only get better from here. On the weekends, there is a vibrant brunch scene on the terrace, and it sometimes seems like the whole of Frederick Douglass Boulevard is there to enjoy it with you.
Anixi
VEGAN
CHELSEA
$$
290 EIGHTH AVE, NEW YORK
https://www.anixinyc.com/
This restaurant in Chelsea serves vegan and vegetarian Mediterranean cuisine that is shamelessly extravagant. A "meat"-the heavy menu is featured at Anixi, and most of the foods are spectacular mock-meat creations. Examples of these meals include family-sized plates of absurdly long kebab skewers, lamb cigars, and arak-cured fish. You consume all of this in a lavish dining area illuminated by a series of crystal chandeliers from ceiling to floor. Come here on a Saturday night with a group of vegans or vegetarians that take their fake fur fashion seriously and are party animals.
Aunts Et Uncles
VEGAN
FLATBUSH
$$
1407 NOSTRAND AVE, BROOKLYN
https://www.auntsetuncles.com/
The plant-based kitchen at Aunts et Uncles never ceases to amaze us with the delectable creations that may be produced there. Hearts of palm may be made into fresh, herbaceous lobster rolls or substituted for saltfish in a fresh bake. The dairy-free dough used to make their patties is always flaky and delicious. The establishment in Brooklyn is also a concept store, and while you wait for your chagaccino, you may take your time perusing the clothing and books for sale there while someone behind the counter mixes you a drink.
Buddha Bodai
Rating 7.9
CHINESE
CHINATOWN
$$
5 MOTT ST, NEW YORK
http://www.chinatownvegetarian.com/
In the heart of Chinatown is Buddha Bodai, a vegetarian and kosher restaurant. Although the menu does not entirely consist of vegan options, everything that contains eggs or dairy products is prominently labeled. A lengthy menu includes items such as dumplings, spring rolls, and a variety of noodle dishes, in addition to satisfying vegetarian renditions of chicken, duck, and lamb. This is also an excellent place to get some dim sum, in case you're interested. This restaurant is BYOB, so you won't have to spend much money on alcoholic beverages. As a result, it doesn't become very crowded, and most items are priced at less than $15.
Bobby
Greedi Vegan
Rating 8.1
VEGAN
BROOKLYN
$$
326 TOMPKINS AVENUE, NEW YORK
https://greedivegan.com/
At Greedi Vegan, they serve a dish that will change your life called soy fish and grits with country gravy. You may enjoy this dish in their stylish dining room or adorable back patio. Crispy oyster mushroom soul bowls and rich banana pudding are all they need to keep customers going through the door. Still in addition to that, they carry items from companies that are owned by Black people and arrange enjoyable events. Check their Instagram for updates on upcoming events.
Dirt Candy
VEGANS
LOWER EAST SIDE
$$$$
86 ALLEN ST, NEW YORK
http://www.dirtcandynyc.com/
This restaurant on the Lower East Side that focuses on vegetables is one of a kind since other tasting-menu establishments do not readily accommodate vegan guests. This is one of the reasons why it is so special. You could get zucchini soup dumplings with squash blossoms or eggplant with black sesame tahini on the seasonal menu. Almost all of their meals can be adapted to be vegan. Five dishes are included in the tasting menu that cost $90, and the price already includes gratuity.
Seeds & Weeds
Rating 7.8
VEGAN
SOUTH STREET SEAPORT
$$$
96 SOUTH ST, NEW YORK
https://www.tinbuilding.com/restaurants/SEEDS__WEEDS
Within Jean-Georges' Tin Building is where you'll find the vegan eatery Seeds & Weeds. After beginning with green juice in a wine glass, you may go on to the blue corn sourdough bread served with a great hazelnut butter or the sweet, spicy, and umami-rich tomato soup with corn-and-shiitake-stuffed wontons, which is one of our favorite things to order at this restaurant. This restaurant is located on the second level and has a variety of potted plants, furnishings made of light wood, and chairs in pastel green. It is also the only spot to dine in the Tin Building that offers a view of the East River. Therefore, make every effort to get a seat in a nearby window.
Ladybird
Rating 7.8
VEGAN
EAST VILLAGE
$$
111 E 7TH ST, NEW YORK
http://www.ladybirdny.com/
This restaurant is typical of those in the East Village; it is cramped, dimly lit, often full, and has significant background noise. However, Ladybird stands apart because their menu is entirely composed of plant-based items. As a result, vegans who are looking for a place to go out and have a good time often visit this establishment. The kitchen is particularly skilled in the preparation of cheesy and creamy foods. They offer the greatest vegan mac & cheese we've ever tasted, and it's a real achievement if you can stop eating the coconut-based crème brûlée topped with fresh raspberries before it's completely gone.
Next Level Burger
VEGAN
DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN
$
292 ASHLAND PLACE, BROOKLYN
https://www.nextlevelburger.com/
Next Level Burger is the place to go if you're looking for delicious plant-based fast food since this is exactly what they provide. If you purchase one of their trademark burgers with an order of fries and a shake, you will almost certainly experience an improvement in your mood. Some of their burgers are prepared using Beyond meat seasoned with a special mix created in-house, while others are constructed from the ground up using a wide array of meat-free components. In addition, they can produce something quite similar to a chicken patty, which has an extremely delicious flavor when served on a bun, doused with sauces, and topped with crunchy veggies.
Clementine Bakery
Rating 7.7
BAKERY/CAFE
CLINTON HILL
$$
395 CLASSON AVE, BROOKLYN
https://clementinebakery.com/
Whenever we eat a vegan croissant, our standard reaction is to comment, "That's pretty good, but we still miss the butter." However, you won't hear that here at Clementine. The flaky pastries at this bakery and café in Clinton Hill, such as the chocolate banana kouign-amann and the pain au chocolat, are the greatest products on the menu, even though the establishment offers a wide variety of sweets such as cupcakes and donuts. You can get something savory by ordering the BEC morning taco, served on a flour tortilla the size of a burrito, or the crispy buffalo cauliflower, served with a flavorful dill ranch sauce.
Spicy Moon
CHINESE
EAST VILLAGE
$$
328 E 6TH ST, NEW YORK
http://www.spicymoonnyc.com/
Spicy Moon in the East Village offers vegan Szechuan cuisines such as dan dan noodles, veggie wontons in chili oil, and mapo tofu that is so delicious that you will question whether or not the addition of meat would improve the meal. This restaurant is perfect for a laid-back supper on any night of the week, and it also has a branch in the West Village.
Omakaseed
Rating 7.3
VEGAN
NOMAD
$$$
1204 BROADWAY, NEW YORK
https://omakaseed.com/
Plant-based sushi may seem like a gimmick, but we appreciate the meal at Omakaseed. You'll eat all sorts of quirky things created from vegetables, such as an astonishingly tasty savory mushroom latte and a tomato nigiri that's a dead ringer for akami. We genuinely enjoy the food at Omakaseed, where you'll eat all kinds of whimsical things made from vegetables. For the low price of $65, you will be given 15 lightning-fast dishes delivered over an hour. This is a terrific place for those who regularly want to be taken by surprise since the menu rotates every week or two, and the cuisine is creatively prepared.
Délice & Sarrasin
Rating 7.3
FRENCH
WEST VILLAGE
$$$
20 CHRISTOPHER ST, NEW YORK
The meals at the vegan French restaurant Delice & Sarrasin, which is located in the West Village, have the appearance of plates that have just been brought out of a kitchen in Paris. The foie gras made with tahini, the buckwheat crepes filled with smoked "salmon," and the orange crème brûlée all have a flavor profile similar to the original meals on which they are based. This restaurant is an excellent choice for you to visit if you identify as vegan and like French cuisine.
What is Vegan Food?
Vegan gastronomy is an intriguing culinary paradigm that resolutely eschews the utilization of animal-derived commodities. Instead, this incorporates a wide spectrum of edibles, from the meats of various species, including avians and marine life, to dairy products, ovum, and even the seemingly innocuous honey bees produce. In place of these, vegan cuisine embraces a diverse repertoire of botanical components, featuring an array of vegetables and fruits, a multitude of grains, a selection of legumes, and an assortment of nuts and seeds.
Numerous vegan culinary creations ingeniously employ substitutes for traditional animal products. Examples of these substitutions abound: tofu or seitan can serve as stand-ins for protein, while the likes of almond milk or oat milk can supplant dairy milk. In baking, eggs can be replaced by nutritious flaxseeds or chia seeds. Moreover, a cornucopia of these plant-derived provisions is densely packed with essential nutrients. When curated with care and attention, it can lay the foundation for a nutritionally balanced and robust diet.
However, it's crucial to note that for many, veganism is more than a mere dietary preference; it's an overarching ethos influencing all aspects of one's lifestyle. In this broader context, the goal is to completely eradicate the exploitation of animals in any capacity, extending to clothing, cosmetics, and more. This lifestyle choice is often driven by various factors - ethical considerations, environmental consciousness, and health concerns, to name a few.
What is the difference between Vegan and Vegetarian food?
Both veganism and vegetarianism are dietary philosophies that principally gravitate towards the consumption of plant-derived sustenance, eschewing, to varying extents, the inclusion of animal-derived edibles. However, the distinction between the two is primarily encapsulated by the extent to which they proscribe the utilization of animal products.
Lacto-ovo vegetarianism, the most prevalent iteration of vegetarianism, proscribes the consumption of flesh sourced from animals, such as meat, poultry, and seafood. Nevertheless, this dietary framework permits the integration of animal derivatives like eggs (implied in the term "ovo") and dairy products (indicated by "lacto"). Consequently, a representative vegetarian repast could incorporate elements like cheese, yogurt, or other dairy-derived ingredients and feature egg-infused culinary components.
Veganism, a more rigorous offshoot of vegetarianism, unequivocally forbids the consumption of all products derived from animals. This signifies that not only are flesh sources like meat, poultry, and seafood excluded from the menu, but so too are dairy products, eggs, and even honey, a byproduct of bees. Instead, vegan dishes comprise plant-sourced elements, encompassing fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Moreover, vegans commonly employ plant-derived alternatives for conventional animal products, such as utilizing almond milk as a substitute for dairy milk or deploying flaxseeds as a surrogate for eggs in baking.
For a considerable proportion of adherents, veganism transcends dietary considerations and morphs into a more comprehensive lifestyle predicated on avoiding all animal exploitation. This could extend to eschewing commodities like leather, wool, silk, and cosmetics subjected to animal testing, which is not customarily a stipulation for those who adhere to a vegetarian lifestyle. The impetus driving these choices is often complex and diverse, encompassing ethical considerations about animal welfare, environmental concerns, or personal health motivations.
How is the culture of Vegan food in NYC?
In the vibrant tapestry that constitutes New York City's culinary scene, the vegan food culture has emerged as an illustrious thread, weaving an intricate narrative of health, sustainability, and plant-based gastronomic indulgence. The city's vegan cuisine landscape is not only burgeoning, but it is also characterized by a remarkable dynamism that mirrors the city's multicultural ethos.
The distinguishing attributes of the burgeoning vegan food panorama in the metropolis are manifold:
- Diversity of Culinary Experiences. From vegan renditions of iconic pizza and burgers to exotic sushi and delectable Indian fare, the spectrum of plant-based offerings in NYC is truly eclectic. The opportunity to embark on vegan culinary expeditions extends across all boroughs, with guided vegan food tours amplifying the gastronomic journey.
- Commitment to Pristine Ingredients. A defining characteristic of the city's vegan establishments is the commitment to procuring fresh, local produce. This not only guarantees a superior gustatory experience but also aligns with the principles of health consciousness and environmental sustainability.
- Inventiveness in Gastronomic Creations. The vegan chefs in NYC are ceaselessly pushing boundaries, reinventing traditional dishes and devising innovative culinary concepts. This ensures that the vegan food scene is continually revitalized, and diners always have novel delicacies to explore.
- An Affable and Diverse Community. The vegan fraternity in NYC is characterized by a palpable sense of camaraderie and inclusiveness. Throughout the year, numerous vegan-centric events and meetups are organized, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. The inclusivity even extends to the realm of personal relationships, with vegan-specific dating applications enhancing connectivity within the community.
In summary, if the allure of a thriving vegan food culture stirs your interest, then New York City is a culinary Eden awaiting your exploration. The city's diverse and dynamic vegan offerings assure that every palate, from the discerning to the adventurous, finds an exquisite match.
Conclusion
New York City, the proverbial melting pot of cultures, is a veritable Eden for vegan gastronomes. Several neighborhoods, each with their distinct ambiance and attributes, boast a plethora of vegan eateries, contributing to the city's culinary tapestry. Here's an illustrative, albeit not exhaustive, list:
- Greenwich Village: Steeped in history, this district is a vibrant haven for vegan establishments. Its illustrious vegan repertoire includes establishments like Blossom, Candle 79, and Peacefood Cafe, each contributing unique flavors to the Village's burgeoning vegan scene.
- Chelsea: A neighborhood celebrated for its eclectic blend of art galleries, boutiques, and gastronomy, Chelsea is home to a multitude of vegan dining spots. Avant Garden, By Chloe, and Dirt Candy are some of the gems adorning its vegan crown.
- Williamsburg: Renowned for its distinctive hipster ambiance, compelling street art, and vegan epicurean delights, this Brooklyn neighborhood offers a dynamic range of choices. Champs Diner, Superiority Burger, and Veggie Grill are among the popular vegan rendezvous points.
- Astoria: A neighborhood in Queens, with a significant Greek and Italian diaspora, Astoria has seen a vegan resurgence. Comfortland, Modern Love, and Queens Comfort are establishments that have cemented their place in the hearts of vegan connoisseurs.
- Bushwick: Bushwick, another neighborhood in Brooklyn, is notable for its vibrant graffiti art, pulsating music scene, and an ever-growing vegan ethos. Faro, Isa Chandra Moskowitz's Kindness, and Veggie Grill are just a few vegan havens contributing to its diverse culinary panorama.
This overview highlights but a fraction of the manifold neighborhoods in NYC, each a bustling epicenter of vegan cuisine. The city's gastronomic landscape is so broad and diverse that finding something to satiate your vegan cravings is guaranteed.
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