Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in NYC – Top Picks and Where to Eat

Visit Avant Garden in the East Village for an avant tasting that sets the standard for vegan dining. The set menu ranges from lentil tartare to miso-glazed mushrooms, delivering an array of small plates with massive depth of flavor. Expect something beyond what you expect, with a cashew-soft-serve dessert that tastes indulgent but light. The space uses willow decor and a calm mood, making your visit feel effortless. You’ll want to come back for that lingering feeling.

Head to Superiority Burger for a casual, popular bite that defines NYC plant-led dining. The signature veggie burger delivers a crunchy crust and a surprisingly meaty texture, paired with celery root slaw and dill pickles. Expect pricing around $8–$12, with daily specials such as chickpea fritters and mushroom Bolognese on bread as add-ons. Finish with a small soft-serve or sorbet if available.

Dirt Candy on the Lower East Side offers an upscale, vegetable-forward experience that highlights texture and aroma. The tasting sequence ranges from roasted carrot with curry to sesame-smoked corn, with lentil croquettes showing up as a crunchy centerpiece. You’ll notice an array of techniques: roasting, pickling, and delicate emulsions that let plant flavors speak. For dessert, a coconut mousse with berries closes the evening.

abcV sets a clear standard for plant-forward dining with a refined, upscale approach. Expect crisp vegetables, inventive sauces, and an array of small plates – from kelp-wrapped greens to mushroom tartare. For a stop near madison avenue, you can pair a light starter with a vibrant juice or a glass of natural wine while the city hums behind you.

Red Bamboo in Greenwich Village serves hearty vegan comfort with bold flavors. Their coconut shrimp, peppery mock chicken, and stuffed peppers deliver familiar textures without meat. Expect dishes around $10–$20, with fries and other sides fueling long strolls through the neighborhood. It’s popular for late dinners when you want something satisfying and plant-based.

Although NYC keeps expanding, the best picks remain reliable: Avant Garden and Dirt Candy prove that plant-based meals can be exciting, flavorful, and memorable. This mix of spaces suits any mood, from something quick after a show to an upscale tasting, with options ranging from casual to refined.

Practical guide to NYC’s vegan and vegetarian dining: picks, tips, and planning

Plan a Saturday loop: washington-area spots kick off with a Mediterranean mezze, nydosas delivers artisanal dosas, and a final stop offers refreshing sushi and salads–all within a compact space and easy transit. Bookings help you avoid waits, and menus are stocked with plant-based options that actually taste vibrant.

Where to go now, with concrete picks you can visit this week:

• washington area (Manhattan): Mediterranean-focused restaurants boast vegan menus, bright salads, and generous sides that pair well with a light, refreshing drink.
• nydosas: Based in the East Village, nydosas offers artisanal dosas with a range of fillings and vegan parm-style toppings to elevate each meal.
• Brooklyn, space-conscious spots: compact spaces that don’t compromise on flavor, offering sushi-style vegan options, crisp salads, and citrusy dressings.
• Queens, especially Astoria: Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors shine, with bowls and plates that trade parmesan for vegan substitutes and still feel fine for a larger meal.

Practical tips for planning a smooth dining day:

• Check each restaurant’s menus online to spot clearly marked vegan and vegetarian choices, including sides and tastings that fit a single meal.
• Map a simple route that minimizes backtracking–start near washington, move toward the East Village, then swing to Brooklyn or Queens for a diverse spread.
• Look for places that offer multiple courses, so you can taste a salad course, a main Mediterranean or sushi option, and a sweet finish without overindulging.
• Call ahead to confirm kitchen timelines and whether vegan parm or other dairy-free toppings are stocked that day.
• Ask about catering options if you plan a small private event; many NYC spots can tailor a plant-based meal plan for guests.

A simple three-course sample you can replicate locally:

1. Starter: a bright salad with cucumber, tomato, olives, and a lemon-herb vinaigrette from a Mediterranean counter; request no feta and an extra set of sides like hummus and pita.
2. Main: a plate featuring vegan sushi rolls or a Mediterranean bowl with grains, roasted vegetables, and a sprinkle of vegan parm for a finishing touch.
3. Dessert: a sweet sorbet or almond-coconut dessert from a bakery window, pairing well with a refreshing tea.

Other practical considerations to keep everything smooth:

• Visit popular spots during off-peak hours to enjoy shorter lines and quicker seating–many places stock quick lunch and late-afternoon options.
• Stocked drink menus often include sparkling water, cool teas, and refreshing citrus blends that complement plant-based meals.
• Space matters: in tight venues, order strategically to avoid crowding and keep courses flowing smoothly.
• Use a mix of restaurants that showcase different cuisines–Mediterranean, Mediterranean-inspired bowls, and sushi–so you get a true range of textures and flavors.
• Consider a meal plan that includes both dietary-friendly dishes and creative plant-based twists to keep things varied and satisfying.

Concrete places to bookmark for a well-rounded day or weekend crawl:

• A compact Mediterranean spot near washington that stocks olive oil, lemon, and crisp vegetables for refreshing meals.
• nydosas, where crisp artisanal dosas shine and vegan toppings elevate the parm-like intensity without dairy.
• A sushi-forward venue with extensive vegan rolls, light salads, and fresh cucumber and seaweed sides.
• A dessert-focused bakery that offers sweet plant-based options to round out the meal.

This approach actually keeps you within a manageable plan while offering everything you need: great menus, dining space that respects pace, and a variety of courses that cater to vegan and vegetarian lifestyles across the city.

31 Slutty Vegan: locations, signature burgers, and ordering tips

Order ahead online to skip lines and pick up your burger at the nearest NYC location.

In NYC, this concept plays out across street-front spaces and grocery-anchored spots, with many regulars visiting after a quick shop or commute. The grocer-adjacent venues let guests combine a snack run with a satisfying bite, and some locations even feature a hangawis corner for sharing plates. Expect a diverse crowd and a straightforward line that moves fast when orders come through online.

Signature burgers center on a double vegan patty base, bold sauces, and toppings that complement different tastes. A mushroom stack adds sautéed fungi for depth, while a dosa-wrapped option brings a crisp, feather-light bite. You’ll also find fried editions that deliver extra crunch, and a few spots experiment with bread variations, including bagels, to mix up the textures. Cuisines across the menu stay within a simple idea: flavor-forward, plant-based comfort that accommodates meat-free cravings, street-friendly to-go formats, and wraps that travel well for a packed schedule.

Tips to maximize your visit: order ahead, choose a pickup window during lighter hours, and consider breakfast or late-night cravings when bagels or wraps become appealing. If you want to try multiple items, share portions with a friend to taste the range without overdoing the order. Because spaces stay busy, streetside lines can form, so plan next steps or a quick split with a friend to keep the momentum going.

Next steps: check the restaurant’s page for the latest locations, grab a quick bite, then share a few bites with friends to compare the variations. The idea is to explore the most available options without slowing down your day, whether you’re just exploring NYC’s diverse food scene or sticking to a favorite go-to after work.

Iconic Manhattan vegan spots: must-try dishes and neighborhoods

Kick off with kajitsu in eastern Manhattan, where yuba skin rolls meet a lime-kissed glaze for a refined bite that sets the tone for a vegan day in the city.

In the East Village, Superiority Burger turns a plant-based patty into a crave-worthy burger, with fries on the side that stay crisp.

Over in Chelsea, Beyond Sushi serves inventive rolls and veggie bowls, with smoothies available and verde accents that brighten every plate.

Greenwich Village hosts By CHLOE, a reliable stop for a green burger, fries, and a quick meal that satisfies a crowd with different tastes.

For comforting bites and bold textures, head to the Lower East Side where pierogies–vegan fillings and golden crusts–appear on winter-friendly options, paired with lime-dressed greens.

Born from the city’s appetite for plant foods, these spots get busy; each spot keeps pace with demand and delivers vivid, satisfying foods away from typical fast options.

Brooklyn and Queens picks: diverse vegetarian options for all budgets

Try the Szechuan Veg Eatery in Sunset Park for bold plant-based flavors, bowls that are tasty and served hot. In Brooklyn, a bryant-area plant-based eatery brings vegan bagels and quick meals, with regulars love the casual vibe, because sharing plates here keeps veggies options affordable and delicious. This spot loves to experiment with flavors. These picks bring cuisines from szechuan to Korean, which keeps a broad palate satisfied on weeknights and weekends. Listen to locals at the counter; you might hear someone trade a mapo for bibimbap, proving that urban, live counter-service can satisfy a mix of tastes. They support veggie rights by offering clear labeling and meat-free options.

• Brooklyn picks

  • Szechuan Veg Eatery – Sunset Park. A plant-based eatery serving bold szechuan flavors, with dishes like mapo tofu and spicy greens. Dishes are served hot, with generous portions under $15. Perfect for a quick dinner with friends; veggies shine and the heat can be dialed to taste, making it easy to eat with a crowd.

  • Bibimbap & Beyond – Williamsburg. A bibimbap-focused joint where you customize bowls with mushrooms, spinach, bean sprouts, and tofu. The menu stays tasty and affordable, with regular lunch and dinner service, and side dishes that highlight kimchi and gochujang–veggies all the way.

  • Plant-based Bagel Bar – Greenpoint. Bagels with vegan schmears, avocado-topped bites, and veggie-centric toppings. A reliable breakfast or casual lunch stop; the shop also offers a few plant-based milkshakes for dessert.

  • Roti & Co. – Crown Heights. Roti wraps and plates layered with dal, veggie curries, and flame-kissed veggies. Roti staples are easy to share, and prices stay friendly for regular visits.

• Queens picks

  • Astoria Veg Chinese Kitchen – Astoria. Local Chinese veg eatery with veggie dumplings, kung pao veggies, and mapo tofu. The dishes feel vibrant and are served quickly, often under $12 during lunch. It’s a great spot to listen to the energy of a busy neighborhood eatery.

  • Flushing Bibimbap House – Flushing. Korean-inspired bowls with mushrooms, spinach, and tofu; customizable gochujang heat. Great for a casual meal and easy to share among friends.

  • Elmhurst Indian Veg Café – Elmhurst. Crisp roti, dal, sabzi, and curry combos that make a solid vegetarian dinner or takeout option. Prices stay approachable, and portions fit into a budget. These treats pair nicely with roti or rice.

  • hangawis Veg Eatery – Jackson Heights. A quirky local joint offering Hangawi-inspired vegetarian plates with seasonal greens and tofu. The menu celebrates multi-cuisine flavors and keeps things fresh, with this joint keeping the vibe casual and welcoming.

  • Milkshakes & More Café – Jackson Heights. Dessert-focused spot with plant-based milkshakes and light bites to finish a meal, perfect for a sweet finish after a day of exploring neighborhoods.

Weekend brunch and lunch: best times to visit and menu highlights

Open on Fulton Street, aim for 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays and 12:30 p.m. on Sundays to avoid crowds. Thats the pace that lets you settle in with a strong, friendly welcome and anixi energy in the room.

The menu highlights avocado toast and grain bowls, each made from scratch with fresh herbs and a citrus twist. Look for wraps and plates that balance protein and greens, pastries stocked in a glass case, and milkshakes or soft-serve for a playful finish. The juice bar offers a range from green power to carrot-ginger, and the twist on classics keeps brunch beyond ordinary.

Delivery is common and the open kitchens keep prep visible. The owner has embraced a plant-forward approach, offering animal-free options and courses that let you mix and match as you go.

On weekends you’ll find black-owned spots worth a stop, because the energy embraces community and local produce. Discover snacks, twist on classics, and keep an eye on the pastry case that is stocked with croissants and danishes. The open kitchens show off animal-free options and soft-serve finishes that kids and adults both enjoy. You may have seen these venues around town, which confirms their welcoming brunch culture.

In short, plan 11:30 a.m. or noon, choose avocado-based plates, and enjoy milkshakes or soft-serve for a full, satisfying weekend lunch worth the trip.

Budget-friendly options under $20 and value meals

Try Superiority Burger in the East Village: a famous veggie burger under $12 with a side, delivering fast, wallet-friendly eating for a quick downtown bite away from peak crowds. These options stay under $20 and keep you moving.

For a mediterranean option, seek a hummus or falafel platter at casual spots with multiple locations near Union Square; you’ll usually pay under $12 for a generous platter that includes salads, falafel, olives, and tahini–great fuel when you’re exploring, eating on the go, and staying within budget. These locations make it easy to pick up a meal and keep exploring.

At By CHLOE., Union Square, budget-friendly bowls and sandwiches hover around $11–$14; try the Guac Burger or a chickpea salad bowl, and add a five-dollar side salad for extra greens, or a toast with avocado for a quick, satisfying course. These options are available every day for a fast, satisfying lunch or dinner.

Peacefood Cafe offers organic salads, soups, and sandwiches under $15 at its Union Square and Upper West Side locations; choose a wild greens salad, a bagel with vegan spread, or warm rolls with hummus or toast for a light lunch, with bagels that show up on different days and rolls that round out a cheap meal.

Other tips: these arent last-minute deals; many options live in the city’s chic neighborhoods and are available for either locals or visitors who want value. union-friendly spots keep prices low, with parm-topped pastas, organic greens, and rolls that satisfy without overspending. If you’re eating with friends, share a platter and try several smaller dishes to maximize taste and value, since these choices really shine for many budgets and tastes.