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, separated by borough.
Best vegan restaurants in NYC
Manhattan
1. Eleven Madison Park, Flatiron
The pandemic forced many restaurants to shut down across NYC, including fine-dining favorite Eleven Madison Park. But when they reopened they opened with a twist—an entirely vegan menu! CEO and Chef Daniel Humm mentioned that he had chosen to live with a more plant-based diet himself over the past year and believes that this decision will continue to challenge the restaurants creativity and understanding of ingredients. Find out more info here.
Where: 11 Madison Ave, Flatiron
When: Monday-Saturday 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
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 definitely agree.
Where: 78 Orchard Street, Lower East Side
When: Monday-Sunday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
3. 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.
Where: 162 E Broadway, Lower East Side / 63 Carmine Street, West Village /119 Kent Avenue, Williamsburg
When: Sunday-Thursday 11am – 11pm, Friday-Saturday 11am – 12am / Sunday-Thursday 11am – 11pm, Friday-Saturday 11am – 12am / Monday-Sunday 11am – 11pm (for take out and delivery), 5pm – 11pm (for dine-in)
4. Spicy Moon, East & West Village
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 brussel sprouts.
Where: 68 W 3rd St, West Village / 328 E 6th St, East Village
When: Sunday-Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 9:15 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. / Tuesday-Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
5. Delice & Sarrasin Restaurant, The Village
Delice & Sarrasin (translation meaning “delicious” and Sarrasin, the name of the buckwheat flour used in preparing the savory crepe) is a French vegan restaurant that specializes in authentic french dishes along with crepes and galettes. If you’ve ever wanted to try French food now is your chance—they even have vegan escargot (made impressively from oyster mushrooms)! They also offer a selection of tasty vegan wines to enjoy along with your meal.
Where: 20 Christopher Street, Greenwich Village
When: Monday-Sunday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
6. 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!).
Where: 12 Park Ave, Midtown
When: Sunday-Thursday 12 p.m. – 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 12 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
7. Lekka Burger, Tribeca
Chef Amanda Cohen has been wowing New Yorkers for years with the amazing way she uses vegetables at her renowned restaurant Dirt Candy on the Lower East Side, and now she’s adding Lekka Burger to her resume. The main feature of the menu is the Lekka Burger, which is based on a 900-year-old recipe Cohen started experimenting with in the Dirt Candy kitchen. But they also have other delicious items, like their chili cheese fries and ice cream. Find out more here.
Where: 81 Warren St, Tribeca
When: Tuesday-Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
8. 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.
Where: 15 W 27th St, NoMad
When: Sunday-Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
9. Cadence, East Village
For delicious vegan soul food Cadence is the place to go. Executive Chef Shenarri Freeman taps into her Virginia upbringing and pours her heart into tasty dishes such as smoked grits and her southern fried lasagna, layered with pasta, pine nut ricotta, spinach, and a red wine Beyond Meat Bolognese.
Where: 122 E 7th St, East Village
When: Wednesday-Sunday 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
10. Jerrell’s BETR BRGR, SoHo
Jerrell’s BETR BRGR is a SoHo plant-based staple serving up all the dishes that make it so hard to be vegan–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.
Where: 117 6th Ave.
When: Sunday-Thursday 11a.m. – 1a.m., Friday-Saturday 11a.m. – 4a.m.
Brooklyn
11. Modern Love Brooklyn, Williamsburg
Modern Love Brooklyn puts a vegan spin on that good comfort food we all love. With menu items like a crispy chick’n bacon torta, a seitan pot pie, and cauliflower buffalo mac and cheese, this hip vegan joint is definitely not playing around. If you still have room after your meal (however, we wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t), don’t hesitate to try one of their delicious milkshakes.
Where: 317 Union Avenue, Williamsburg
When: Sunday-Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
12. Sol Sips, Bushwick
Female and Black-owned Sol Sips has a backstory that is just as amazing as the food they serve up. Francesca Chaney got the idea to open this place while she was in college working three jobs and struggling to eat healthy food at affordable prices. She started selling healthy smoothies and juices to her friends, family, community, and at various events, and then realized she was sitting on an amazing business idea.
Sol Sips hosts weekly sliding-scale brunches, free cooking classes, and partners with community organizations that align with their vision to make affordable vegan food accessible for all.
Where: 276 Knickerbocker Ave, Bushwick
When: Wednesday-Saturday 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
13. Screamer’s Pizzeria, Multiple Locations
Screamer’s Pizzeria is a pizza lover’s heaven, and they’re serving up pies like no other. With choices like “The Fancy Kale” with spicy pesto, vegan cheese, house made seitan sausage, marinated fancy kale, and oregano oil drizzle and the “Vampire” with vegan cheese and garlic oil, seitan pepperoni, red onions, caramelized onions, and garlic, you truly can’t go wrong no matter which pie you choose. The Crown Heights location also serves up more than just pizza with items such as onion rings, buffalo fries, and zeppoles.
Where: 620 Manhattan Avenue, Greenpoint / 685 Franklin Avenue, Crown Heights
When: Monday-Sunday 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Greenpoint) / Monday-Sunday 12 p.m. – 11 p.m. (Crown Heights)
14. Champs Diner, Williamsburg
Stop by Champs Diner, Brooklyn’s favorite all-vegan diner, that’s serving up Americana comfort food with a no-fuss, laid-back attitude. Whether you’re here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner their menu is bound to blow you away. From an enchilada burrito for breakfast to a Philly cheesesteak for lunch and a vodka chicken parm for dinner, we suggest you stop by to see what everyone’s talking about.
Where: 197 Meserole St, Williamsburg
When: Monday-Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
15. Bunna Cafe, Bushwick
Bunna Cafe is an all-vegan Ethiopian gem in the center of Bushwick, where only $17 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, and we’ve never been happier to eat with our hands.
Where: 1084 Flushing Ave, Bushwick
When: Sunday-Monday 12 p.m. – 10 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday 12 p.m. – 10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.
16. Loving Hut, Williamsburg
Loving Hut serves up a wide range of tasty vegan food that you won’t be able to get enough of. Their crispy rangoons are to die for as well as their king oyster mushrooms which are a twist on fried calamari. We also suggest their hot and sour soup, any flavor of their mac and cheese, and their general Tso’s seitan.
Where: 76 Bushwick Ave, Williamsburg
When: Monday-Friday 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 2 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Queens
17. HipCityVeg, Sunnyside
HipCityVeg is serving up purely vegan ingredients using compostable materials to create some truly delicious food. With a menu full of burgers, fries, salads, wraps, and shakes, it’s way too good of a place to miss out on.
Where: 40-05 Skillman Ave, Sunnyside (currently delivery only) / 28 E 12th Street, Greenwich Village
When: Monday-Sunday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
18. Healthy As A Motha, Sunnyside
Healthy As A Motha is a 100% plant-based restaurant bringing the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean to life. Their menu offers dishes like empanadas, Jamaican patties, a sweet plantain boat, and curry chicken tacos, with other delicious seasonal dishes. They offer delivery services and to-go only.
Where: 40-05 Skillman Ave, Sunnyside
When: Monday-Thursday 11am – 9pm, Friday-Saturday 11am – 10pm, Sunday 11am – 8pm
19. Jujube Tree, Astoria
Jujube Tree is a delicious vegan restaurant in Astoria serving up tasty asian dishes. From tender seitan skewers and curry puffs to sweet and sour sesame chicken and BBQ ribs, Jujube Tree has all the tasty and popular asian dishes you had to say goodbye to when turning vegan.
Where: 35-02 30th Ave, Astoria
When: Monday-Thursday 11:45am – 10:30pm, Friday 11:45am – 11:15pm, Saturday 11:45am – 11pm, Sunday 12pm – 10pm
Bronx
20. Next Stop Vegan (The Vegan Corner Hub)
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.
Where: 1818 Archer St, Bronx
When: Tuesday-Sunday 12 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
21. 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.
Where: 1201 Castle Hill Ave, Bronx / 58 St Marks Pl, East Village / 187 Montrose Ave, Williamsburg
When: Open 24 hours / Sunday-Wednesday 10am – 10pm, Thursday-Saturday 10am – 12am / Monday-Sunday 7am – 10pm
22. Vegan’s Delight Oasis, East Bronx
Vegan’s Delight Oasis is a vegan food spot and health food store in the Bronx. They have a rotating menu so not every day will be the same, but some tasty dishes they offer include vegan stewed oxtail, vegan spare ribs, an assortment of patties, rice and peas, and curried seitan.
Where: 3565C Boston Rd, Bronx
When: Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Staten Island
23. Nacho Mama, Bulls Head
Nacho Mama offers a nice range of vegan dishes, from burritos, quesadillas, and tacos to bandeja, jambalaya, and sausage and pepper pasta—all equally as tasty. Be sure to save room after you eat for their churros or blueberry empanadas!
Where: 1949 Richmond Ave Store 7, Staten Island
When: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday-Sunday 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
24. Vodega Deli & Grocery, Port Richmond
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.
Where: 829 Castleton Ave, Staten Island
When: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
25. Tri Lounge & Cafe, Grasmere
Tri Lounge & Cafe is Staten Island’s go-to comfort food spot serving up more options than you could imagine. From your everyday soul food like fried chicken, collard greens, and mashed potatoes, to other items like pizza, burgers, and pastas, no matter what you order you’re bound to be satisfied.
Where: 1938 Clove Rd, Staten Island
When: Monday-Sunday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.