Lately it’s becoming easier than ever to enjoy a vegetarian diet. And, as one of the culinary capitals of the world, restaurants all over NYC are increasingly offering more and more vegetarian options. Rather than viewing a vegetarian diet as limiting, chefs are finding that offering veggie-forward dishes poses the perfect opportunity to get creative–and us vegetarians definitely are not mad about it.
You don’t have to sacrifice flavor when choosing to cut meat from your diet, and these restaurants are definitely making that fact well-known (while serving menus that can even make the world’s biggest carnivore’s mouth water!)
Here are some of our fav vegetarian restaurants in NYC:
1. Jerrell’s BETR BRGR, SoHo
For all the vegetarians and vegans who so desperately miss a good burger, you need to head to Jerrell’s BETR BRGR asap. Literally, we’re not kidding. Their burgers may actually make you question if they’re actually vegan (don’t worry, they are!) and don’t even get us started on their loaded chili fries and milkshakes…because we literally won’t stop. Everything here is 100% plant based and 150% delicious (which is exactly why they received our Secret NYC Stamp of Approval!)
Where: 117 6th Ave
2. HanGawi, Koreatown
“A vegetarian shrine in another space and time,” according to their motto, HanGawi acknowledges that eating green can be difficult…but it’s not difficult when you’re digging into food as good as theirs. Founded by native Koreans, HanGawi incorporates the principles of um and yang (the Korean version of yin and yang) to deliver fresh, healthy, and balanced meals to diners. Plus, you can get comfy here with their “no shoes allowed” policy and a zen music-filled tranquil aura.
Where: 12 E 32nd St
3. Modern Love, Williamsburg
With both indoor and outdoor seating available, Modern Love provides an authentic New York dining experience. Here you’ll find vegan comfort food such as wings (both buffalo and garlic parm), a chickpea parmesan hero, and mushroom fried chick’n (highly recommended). Plus, they even serve brunch, and their Spiked Butterfly Lemonade is the perfect accompaniment to your meal.
Where: 317 Union Ave, Brooklyn
4. Spicy Moon, East & West Village
Known for its dan dan noodles, Spicy Moon offers the most delicious vegan Szechuan food you’ll ever eat. Everything on their menu is a must-try, but if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed may we suggest the vegetable wontons in chili oil, peppercorn brussels sprouts, dan dan noodles (of course), and dry pepper tofu.
Where: 328 E 6th St
5. Délice & Sarrasin, West Village
With a 100% vegan menu specializing in French recipes, Delice & Sarrasin combines Parisian flair with New York style. The West Village location offers authentic galettes and vegan sweet crepes made with the buckwheat flour that provides the restaurant’s namesake (Delice meaning “delicious” and Sarrasin referring to the flour). This spot is focused on providing a unique and traditional French dining experience, and it’s definitely a must-visit.
Where: 20 Christopher St
6. The Original Buddha Bodai Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant, Chinatown
Offering a ton of Chinese mock meats, this is a vegetarian dim sum lover’s heaven. From vegetarian jellyfish and duck to chicken and BBQ beef, this spot is a Chinatown staple. And, of course, you’ll want to bring friends along when coming here so you can try a bit of everything!
Where: 5 Mott St
7. abcV, Flatiron
abcV will literally blow your mind with how far the vegetarian diet has come (remember when all we had to choose from was salads and veggie burgers?!) Here they offer “high vibration foods, embracing balance with beauty wellness wisdom and love to nurture our personal and planetary ecosystems,” and whatever they’re doing, they’re doing it right.
Where: 38 E 19th St
8. P.S. Kitchen, Hell’s Kitchen
P.S. Kitchen helps its customers feel good while eating, offering delicious dishes such as western bbq chicken salad, maitake wings, and homemade lasagna. Plus, this spot promotes three goals that set it apart from other vegetarian restaurants in NYC: creating jobs for marginalized populations, donating 100% of earnings to non-profit organizations, and providing good-tasting and sustainably sourced meals to its customers.
Where: 246 W 48th St
9. Vegetarian Dim Sum House, Chinatown
Vegetarian Dim Sum House is perfect for all the vegetarians who find themselves craving a steamed pork bun every once in a while–which are made here with mock pork! This spot also serves mock chicken, mock beef, and even mock seafood! Plus, they have outdoor street seating so when the weather is nice we suggest opting for a seat outdoors!
Where: 24 Pell St
10. Little Beet Table, Gramercy
Little Beet Table is a full-service “vegetable-forward” restaurant. Here, you’ll find something for everyone, whether you go for their mushroom reuben, rigatoni, or beet and kale salad. Their belief is that food should make people feel their best, and it’s hard not to feel good eating food this delicious.
Where: 333 Park Ave S