Veganism continues to be on the rise. And with a growing population of vegan Americans, it’s no surprise that more and more restaurants are hopping on the bandwagon and serving up dishes that cater to our fellow herbivores. Plus, with new meat and dairy replacements being introduced all the time, there’s a ton of opportunity and inspiration to get creative with plant-based menus.
There’s no shortage of vegan restaurants throughout NYC alone, and so we decided to gather together a few of our favs to share with you. Here’s a list of some of our go-to NYC vegan restaurants that will fill your tummy and leave you feeling satisfied.
1. Jajaja, Multiple Locations
South-of-the-border flavor meets NYC flair at Jajaja to create global experiences rooted in local heritage. Serving the most delicious lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekends, you’ll find it hard to believe their food is even vegan—we certainly did! Their cocktails are also to die for, such as the “Pineapple y Mezcal,” which brings together Peloton Mezcal, cilantro, jalapeño, pineapple, and lime. Come for the food, stay for the drinks, and enjoy the vibes.
2. Orchard Grocer, Lower East Side
Start your morning off the right way with the ultimate sandwich from Orchard Grocer. An all-vegan grocery store and deli, Orchard Grocer specializes in delicious and filling vegan sandwiches, bagels, and homemade sweets (even soft serve ice cream!). They describe themselves as a “deli for a better world,” and we certainly agree.
📍 78 Orchard Street
3. Spicy Moon, Multiple Locations
Spicy Moon is a vegan Szechuan spot offering cool vibes and even better food. They have a menu that is to die for, so we suggest ordering a bunch of items to share because you physically won’t be able to pick just one. We recommend the dan dan noodles, dry pepper style tofu, vegetable wontons in chili oil, and the peppercorn brussels sprouts.
4. Delice & Sarrasin, Greenwich Village
Delice & Sarrasin is a 100% vegan French bistro that specializes in authentic dishes, reimagined with plant-based ingredients. From a decadent Coq au Vin and savory crêpes to their famous vegan escargot, made impressively from oyster mushrooms and vegan garlic butter, it’s the perfect place to transport the tastebuds to Paris without taking a step out of NYC!
What’s even better, members of the Secret Club can enjoy 50% off the viral French Girl Dinner, which includes the vegan escargot, truffle fries, and a glass of wine! And it doesn’t stop there; members can also enjoy a $2 coffee and croissant from their adjacent bakery, Delice de Berney. Unlock these exclusive perks at the Secret Club, here.
📍 20 Christopher St
5. Franchia Vegan Cafe, Midtown
Franchia, the sister restaurant of Hangawi, is a casual take on refined Asian fusion vegan dining. They have no shortage of delicious items to choose from and it may be hard to pick. We suggest the soy “chicken satay” sticks, the peking buns, the crispy korean chili tofu, and the bibimbap bowl…along with every other dish on the menu!
📍 12 Park Ave
6. Ladybird, East Village
Ladybird is a vegan tapas and wine bar that absolutely deserves your attention! It’s small, filled with plants, and has a great atmosphere. Plus, their menu of shareables is incredible too…like the Truffle Mac & Cheese, Blistered Shishito Peppers, Po’Boy Buns, and a whole lot more. It’s perfect for every occasion really, whether it be a first date or some late night drunk vegan food.
📍 111 E 7th St
7. PLANTA Queen, NoMad
PLANTA Queen serves tasty vegan Japanese-inspired dishes. Their all-day menu offers items like ahi watermelon nigiri, coconut ceviche, and peking jackfruit, while their brunch menu features a spirulina smoothie bowl and banana waffles. Their drink names are puns and must be ordered, such as the “Sake to Me” made of sake, cointreau, watermelon, and lime, and the “Been There Thai’d That,” made of seedlip spice 94, watermelon, thai basil, yuzu, and agave.
📍 15 W 27th Street
8. Jerrell’s BETR BRGR, SoHo
Jerrell’s BETR BRGR is a SoHo plant-based staple serving up all the dishes that vegans usually have to skip out on–burgers, loaded chili fries, and milkshakes. They use Impossible meat as a substitute, as well as oat milk soft serve in their shakes, and the results are absolutely drool-worthy.
📍 117 6th Ave
9. HAGS, East Village
HAGS is a tiny restaurant in the East Village“by Queer people, for all people.” They serve an all-vegan 6 course tasting menu plus dessert that’s constantly changing with the seasons but is always out of this world. If your dinner guest isn’t about the vegan lifestyle, they also offer an omnivore menu as well.
📍 163 1st Ave
10. Bunna Cafe, Bushwick
Bunna Cafe is an all-vegan Ethiopian gem in the center of Bushwick where only $26 gets you what they call a “feast.” The feast includes 7 dishes like steamed collard greens, red lentils, and yellow split peas. Each meal is served with injera, an Ethiopian sourdough flatbread traditionally used in place of utensils.
📍 1084 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn
11. Avant Garden, East Village
After years of running top cocktail bars, CEO & Founder Ravi DeRossi opened Avant Garden, a modern vegan restaurant, in 2015. With an emphasis on fresh, natural vegetables and global flavors, Avant Garden is an essential plant-based restaurant in the NYC restaurant scene–it even earned its way onto the Michelin Guide! We love the Scorched Cauliflower and Paella, but honestly all the dishes are good.
📍 95 Avenue A
12. Next Stop Vegan, Cobble Hill
Next Stop Vegan puts an absolutely delicious twist on Latin flavors that you’ll definitely want to try for yourself. With menu items like mofonguitos (stuffed plantain cups), loaded nachos, a pulled pork sandwich, and tostadas, it’ll be hard to choose which one you want to chow down on. As for us, we’ll take one of each, please.
📍 88 Livingston Street
13. Vegan Grill NYC, Multiple Locations
Vegan Grill NYC is a vegan spot that uses the highest quality ingredients. They serve a mix of Mediterranean-inspired food, burgers and sandwiches, salads, and breakfast. They even have a bunch of tasty appetizers to choose from such as mozzarella sticks, wings, onion rings, french fries, and more.
📍 Multipl eLocations
14. Anixi, Chelsea
At Anixi you can get top-level dishes consisting of a fusion of traditional Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist. We highly recommend their star dish, the Arak Cured “Salmon” risotto with arborio rice, cream, asparagus, and micro parsley.
📍 290 8th Ave
15. Vodega Deli & Grocery, Staten Island
The first vegan deli in all of Staten Island, Vodega Deli & Grocery is the place to go when you’re looking for a hearty sandwich. The best part—they serve breakfast all day. Can you think of anything better than chowing down on a vegan baconeggcheezz at 8pm on a Saturday night? No? Us either.
📍 829 Castleton Avenye
16. Ras Plant Based, Multiple Locations
This spot serves up vegan Ethiopian vibes in the cutest atmosphere. We cannot recommend their sambusas and injera nachos enough, and of course you’ll have to save room for one of their platters afterwards.
📍 Multiple Locations
17. Pinche Vegana, Multiple Locations
Pinche Vegana is a food truck that travels around NYC serving up delicious vegan Mexican food. You must try their deep fried tacos, and their nachos are also never a bad choice.
📍 Find out where they’ll be parked on their Instagram
18. Third Kingdom, East Village
If you’re into shrooms (no, not the psychedelic kind) this fungi-focused restaurant needs to be on your radar. Third Kingdom focuses on all fungi varieties for every dish they prepare–yes, even dessert! And each dish more delicious than the last. The best part, the dishes are all meant for sharing, so grab your friends and try a bit of everything! Read more about Third Kingdom here.
📍 21 East 7th Street
19. Omakaseed, Midtown
Through 11 or 15-course experiences, guests will be treated to everything they love about omakase at Omakaseed–minus the fish! Omakaseed serves all of the classic Japanese-inspired bites you’d find on any other omakase menu, but with a focus on natural, minimally processed ingredients and highlights on seasonal and local produce. Read all about what they’re offering here.
📍 132 W 47th Street
20. HAAM, Williamsburg
HAAM, standing for Healthy As A Motha, began as a as a ghost kitchen and popping up at NYC night markets, but they finally opened up their first brick and mortar in Williamsburg this past November! The plant-based Caribbean eatery was first inspired by Chef/Owner Yesenia Ramdass’s Dominican heritage and her husband Randy’s Trinidadian background, so you just know it’s good. Read more here.
📍 234 Union Avenue
21. Slutty Vegan, Fort Greene
The menu at Slutty Vegan features “slutty burgers” made from either Impossible or Beyond Meat and sides like Skinny Dippers (fried pickles with blackberry mayo sauce) & Slutty Fries (covered in their signature Slut Dust), and it will leave you mindblown that it’s vegan. Read more here.
📍 690 Fulton Street