The Top Vegan Restaurants in NYC That You Need To Visit
This blog post is about fancy vegan restaurants in NYC!
As a vegan for almost a decade, I’m very grateful to live in New York City! There are SO many great spots for vegan and vegetarian restaurants that I’m never lacking on what to eat. Whether you are looking for cheap spots, somewhere for date night, or fancy vegan restaurants in NYC, this blog is perfect for you. It wasn’t always the case, but after a decade of eating vegan here, I can say New York City is now a great spot for any vegan!
Use this blog as your guide to discovering NYC’s vegan restaurant scene.
Why NYC is a Vegan Foodie’s Paradise:
New York City is a vegan foodie’s paradise because it’s bursting with creativity and diversity. From trendy cafes to upscale dining, the city offers so many options that make plant-based eating delicious. The culinary scene is constantly evolving with chefs pushing the boundaries of vegan cuisine, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to try.
Plus, the city’s vibrant food culture means you’re never far from a fantastic vegan meal, making NYC the ultimate destination for anyone passionate about plant-based eating.
A List of The Best Vegan Restaurants
East Village: A Vegan Haven
The East Village is a great neighborhood for vegan cuisine. There are so many options, but here are my top three:
Avant Garden
Avant Garden is a great place for gourmet plant-based dining! They are known for their modern vegan food and plant-based menu, served tapas style. They have a cozy ambiance and delicious food. It’s the perfect place for a date night! The prices range from $50 -$100 per person.
Popular Dishes to Try:
- Paella
- Tamal
- Scorched Cauliflower
- Risotto
Location:
- 95 Avenue A 2nd floor, New York, NY 10009
Spicy Moon
Spicy Moon is one of my FAVORITE vegan restaurants! I’ve been going here since 2019, and I love the success that they’ve had throughout the years. Spicy Moon is a very popular and trendy vegan restaurant that even a complete carnivore will love. They are known for their Asian Fusion Vegan food such as its dan dan noodles, mapo tofu, and dry pepper style! They originated in the East Village, but they have opened two more locations in the West Village and Bowery. Their prices range from $20- $30 per person.
Popular Dishes to Try:
- Dan Dan Noodles
- Kung Pao Tofu
- Dry Pepper Style
- Mapo Tofu
Location:
- 265 Bowery NY, NY 10002
- 68 W 3rd NY, NY 10012
- 328 E 6th St NY, NY 10003
Superiority Burger: Renowned Veggie Burgers
While Superiority Burger is not fully vegan, they have an extensive vegan menu. They are known for their renowned veggie burgers and delicious sides. The prices range from $30 – $50 per person. Great for a quick bite or to meet with friends after work.
Popular Dishes to Try:
- Superiority Burger
- Collard Greens Sandwich
- Sloppy Dave
Location:
- 119 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
Candence:
Candence is a popular spot in the East Village, known for its vegan soul food with a twist. Their chef Shenarri Freeman is incredible! I loved their Fried Green Tomates and Southern Fried Lasagna. Cadence also has an extensive menu of vegan wines and cocktails to try! It’s a perfect place for a date night or going out with your friends. The prices range from $50 – $100 per person.
Popular Dishes to Try:
- Crab Cakes
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- Fried Lasagna
- Collard Green Wraps
- Maple Buttermilk Cornbread
Location:
- 111 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009
Chinatown and Beyond: Vegan Dim Sum and More
Buddha Bodai: Authentic Vegan Dim Sum
Buddha Bodai is an authentic Vegetarian and Vegan dim sum restaurant! It is one of my favorite spots to eat vegan Asian food.
Popular Dishes to Try:
- Vegetarian BBQ Meat
- Steamed Vegetable Dumpling
- Sesame Vegetarian Chicken
Location:
- 5 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
NY Dosas: South Indian Vegan Street Food
NY Dosas is a takeaway spot with Indian cuisine that’s located right by Washington Square Park! They are known for their plant-based options and affordable prices. NY Doases is very popular with NYU students.
Popular Dishes to Try:
- Masala Dosa
- Singapore Noodles
- Vegan Drumstick
Location:
- 50 Washington Square S, New York, NY 10012
Brooklyn’s Vegan Gems
Ras Plant Based: Ethiopian Flavors in Crown Heights
One of the things I love about being vegan is exploring different cuisines. It has broadened my palate, and one cuisine I absolutely LOVE now is Ethiopian food! Ras Ethiopian is a fantastic vegan Ethiopian restaurant in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. It’s owned by Chef Regalli and his daughter, Milka Regalli.
The decor is vibrant and adorned with stunning murals. Be sure to make a reservation because they are always busy! They also have a great happy hour. Prices range from $20 – $30 per person. I highly recommend the Mercato Plate! It’s a large platter that’s perfect for two and includes five delicious dishes with injera bread. They also offer a delightful brunch with great booze options.
Popular Dishes to Try:
- Mercato Plate
Jackfruit Kitfo
Kitfo Burrito
Mac n Cheese
Location:
- 739 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Modern Love
Modern Love is a plant-based restaurant focused on comfort food and Italian food. They have elegant plates served in a cozy cafe with modern-retro decor! They have delicious vega food and great cocktails. The prices range from $30 – $50 per person.
Popular Dishes to Try:
- Buffalo Wings
- Kale Ceasar
- Hot Honee Chick’n Sanwich
- Classic Mac & Shews
Location:
- 317 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Fancy Vegan Restaurants NYC
Eleven Madison Park
Eleven Madison Park is a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant with a vegan menu. Their chef, Daniel Humm, is famous for their plant-based cuisine such as the renowned sunflower butter-topped kabocha squash. This upscale eatery features a variety of innovative dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients, offering a unique dining experience.
This place is all about seasonal, innovative dishes that make your taste buds dance. Some crowd favorites include the cucumber melon salad with smoked daikon, black sesame tortellini, and roasted maitake mushrooms with a hint of ginger and lemon. Every dish is a work of art, making Eleven Madison Park a must-visit for anyone who loves great food and a memorable dining experience!
Popular Dishes to Try:
- Black Sesame Tortellini
- Roasted Maitake Mushrooms
Location:
- 317 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Dirt Candy
Dirt Candy is a trailblazing vegetarian restaurant that’s all about celebrating vegetables in the most exciting ways possible. Chef Amanda Cohen is the mastermind behind this vibrant spot, creating dishes that are as delicious as they are inventive. The menu is packed with veggie-forward delights like the portobello mousse, which is a creamy, savory wonder, and the carrot sliders that are bursting with flavor.
Dirt Candy isn’t just about great food; it’s about an unforgettable dining experience. They even have a show-stopping cauliflower dish that looks almost too good to eat (but you’ll definitely want to!). Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or vegetarian or just love amazing food, Dirt Candy is the place to be. From the fun and quirky decor to the bold and creative dishes, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy vegetables in a whole new way.
Popular Dishes to Try:
- Portobello Mousse
- Korean Fried Broccoli
- The Fennel Fizz
Location:
- 86 Allen St, New York, NY 10002
Beyond Sushi: Creative Sushi Rolls and More
It’s so hard to find good sushi when you are vegan, that’s why I’m SO grateful for Beyond Sushi! They definitely deserve the hype with their sushi and innovative meals. Even my father, who is not vegan, loves this place! They have several locations in the city and the price ranges from $20 – $30 per person.
It’s perfect to meet after work, for lunch to get their lunch special, or for a date night. Their menu does change with the seasons, but some cuisines stay year-round. I love their Spicy Mang Roll and their Fried Chick’n Bao.
Popular Dishes to Try:
- Spicy Mang Roll
- Fried Chick’n Bao
- Spicy “Tuna”
- Ginger “Beef” Dumplings
Location:
- 134 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018
- 62 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
Planning Your Vegan Food Tour in NYC
Wrapping up your vegan food tour in NYC, you’ll find an amazing variety of delicious plant-based dining options. From Michelin-starred experiences to quirky and creative spots, the city has something for every vegan food lover!
Be sure to hit up top spots like Eleven Madison Park and Dirt Candy for unforgettable meals that celebrate the art of plant-based cuisine. With these must-visit restaurants and some handy tips for navigating the city’s vegan scene, you’re all set for an amazing, vegan-friendly adventure in the Big Apple!
Enjoyed this blog? Check out my other blogs here:
- 10 Best Vegan Restaurants NYC | From a Local
- The Best Black-Owned Vegan Restaurants in NYC
- The Ultimate One-Day Itinerary in Brooklyn: From A Local
- 8 Cheap Spring Activities in Brooklyn
