Planning a visit to New York City? Here are 35 of New York City’s best vegan restaurants, from Michelin-starred dining to casual street food.
Are you planning a visit to New York City? The good news is there are plenty of vegan restaurants to visit, so you won’t go hungry!
The ‘Big Apple’ is renowned for its culinary diversity and innovation, and has seen an extraordinary rise in the popularity of veganism in recent years. The city’s mayor even advocates a plant-based lifestyle.
As the demand for vegan dining options continues to soar, the city has embraced this dietary revolution with open arms, offering an astonishing array of vegan restaurants that cater to every taste and preference for New York visitors and residents alike.
With an abundance of dining options ranging from comforting American classics to exotic international cuisines, and even upscale fine dining establishments, the range of vegan restaurants in New York City are as diverse as the city itself.
Prepare to journey from the tippity-top to tippity-bottom of this vegan foodies’ paradise, and discover an array of exciting vegan eateries.
1. Dirt Candy
Having originally opened in 2008 before moving to its current location in 2015, Dirt Candy is considered New York City’s first ‘vegetable-focused’ restaurant.
This vegan-friendly Michelin starred restaurant is headed up by award winning chef Amanda Cohen, a plant-powered pioneer of the veg-forward movement.
Despite showing a clear passion for all things plant-based, Dirt Candy is not a fully vegan restaurant, so some animal products are used in its kitchen. However, everything on the menu can be made completely plant-based, so there’s nothing vegans have to miss out on.
Dirt Candy’s five-course tasting menu changes regularly, presenting a stunning array of vegetable-based dishes that have been crafted to be as delicious as possible.
86 Allen St., NY, 10002 | dirtcandynyc.com
2. Bodhi Kosher
Bodhi Kosher (previously Buddha Bodai) serves up a vast menu of fully vegan Chinese dishes.
With a variety of dim sum, appetisers, and entrées there’s plenty to choose from, and dishes can be served with a variety of vegan proteins, including tofu, ‘chicken’, ‘beef’ and ‘duck.
More adventurous diners can even try a plant-based jellyfish or shark fin congee.
There’s no lack of sweet treats, either, as diners who still have a bit of room left can try Bodhi’s specialty tofu cheesecake, or select from a menu of sweet drinks including bubble tea and a plant-based piña colada.
77 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013 | veganbodhi.com
3. Uptown Veg
This humble eatery and juice bar in Harlem serves up a range of vegan soul food and pastries, along with natural fruit juices.
Uptown veg boasts a well-stocked salad bar serving up a generous soul food buffet for lunch and dinner.
Diners can enjoy dishes made with fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, filled with Caribbean flavours and spice.
In addition to the salad bar, which features a range of proteins, veggies, and starches, guests can order from a range of wraps, burgers, and sweet tarts.
52 E. 125th Street, New York, NY 10035 | Uptown veg on Facebook
4. Beyond Sushi
Beyond Sushi is a local chain serving up fully plant-based ‘unconventional’ sushi across multiple New York locations.
The menu features a range of Japanese-inspired dishes with extra added flair from globally-inspired flavours.
Alongside the extensive range of sushi (including ‘tuna’ maki, eggplant unagi, and spicy ‘salmon’ rolls) diners can dig into such dishes as Chick’n Yakitori, or Smoked Oyster Mushroom Bao.
And you won’t want to skip dessert. Beyond Sushi’s hot matcha twist on Italian affogato is not to be missed!
Locations in Upper East Side, 37th Street, and 56th Street | beyondsushi.com
5. Jajaja Mexicana
For a variety of modern Latin and Mexican vegan meals, this is the place to be. And the best part? There are four New York locations to choose from, so you’re never too far from a signature smothered burrito.
Jajaja’s extensive menu offers tacos, enchiladas, nachos and more. It also offers a massive drink selection with curated tequilas and Mezcal.
Jajaja Mexicana also offers good vibes and good times, with a fun selection of cocktails and mocktails, and beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces in which to enjoy them.
Locations in Lower East Side, West Village, Williamsburg, and Hudson Yards | jajajamexicana.com
6. Vegan on the Fly
Vegan on the Fly is a bright and bold vegan restaurant in Midtown. The eatery is small, but it has a big personality with even bigger flavours.
It offers a range of fast food favourites including burgers, ‘wings’, gyros, and loaded fries.
For sweet-toothed herbivores, Vegan on the Fly also makes thick and creamy plant-based milkshakes, with mouth-watering flavours like peanut butter and jelly, birthday cake, and cookies & cream.
24 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036 | veganontf.com
7. P.S. Kitchen
This bustling New York bistro boasts an extensive artisanal menu of small and large plates, desserts, and drinks.
With vegan crab cakes, ‘chicken’ pot pie, pasta dishes, burgers, and brownies, there’s something for everyone.
P.S. Kitchen also opens for brunch, with tofu scramble, french toast, and vegan biscuits and gravy featuring on the menu.
If you’re feeling thirsty, choose from a range of hot drinks (served with oat, almond or soy milk), soft drinks, and tipples. Non-alcoholic cocktails and beers are also available.
246 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036 | ps-kitchen.com
8. PLANTA QUEEN
PLANTA is a chain of plant-based restaurants with multiple locations across the US and Canada. The New York City branch has been operating since 2021.
It offers a mixed menu of Eastern and Western dishes for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
On the menu, guests will find a selection of sushi, dim sum, and noodles, alongside various sandwiches and salads.
The chain takes a ‘local’ approach, sourcing both ingredients and staff from the local area, and working to support the surrounding communities.
15 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001 | plantarestaurants.com
9. Le Botaniste
This plant-based cafe and wine bar has multiple locations in both NYC and Belgium.
Its massive menu offers a range of different cuisines in small plates, sharers, and bowl foods.
Diners can choose from a range including mezze, sushi, chilli ‘sin’ carne, and even a selection of naughty-but-nice raw desserts.
When it comes to wine, Le Botaniste’s motto is “Vino Therhappy” – and it’s not just a portmanteau of “therapy” and “happy”. It’s also a play on the French ford “terre” for earth, meaning its natural wines are earth-happy too!
Multiple locations including Soho, Upper East Side, and Bryant Park | lebotaniste.us
10. Spicy Moon
Spicy Moon is a Szechuan-themed vegan restaurant with two locations in New York City. It serves up a range of plant-based Asian dishes, including noodle dishes, mapo tofu, and bao buns.
Don’t let the name fool you, it’s not all spicy, so diners who prefer a milder dish are well-catered for too.
The food at Spicy Moon is colourful and fresh, and is available for home delivery as well as to eat-in.
Locations in East Village and West Village | spicymoonnyc.com
11. Avant Garden
This modern vegan fine-dining restaurant serves vegetable-based meals that “taste like vegetables”. In other words, you’re not likely to find fake meats here! Instead, guests can enjoy dishes from a colourful menu of plant-based meals where veggies take centre stage.
Meals like scorched cauliflower and cremini mushroom are served with an artistic flair, offering diners a dish that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Avant Garden is part of the Overthrow Hospitality group, a group of restaurants and bars which is passionate about animal rights, workers’ rights, and guests’ rights.
30 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009 | overthrowhospitality.com/venues/avantgarden
12. HanGawi
HanGawi offers high-end Korean food, and it’s all vegan! HanGawi’s philosophy centres around healthy eating, and it aims to bring balanced, plant-based meals from Eastern cuisine to the West.
The menu boasts a wide range of dishes, including bibimbap, tofu kimchi hotpot, and Korean pancakes.
Diners are transported to HanGawi’s roots, with a peaceful atmosphere filled with zen music, beautiful antiques, and traditional teas.
2 E 32nd St, New York, NY 10016 | hangawirestaurant.com
13. May Kaidee
Many of the dishes served at this Thai restaurant were developed by the founder, May, while running the original iteration of May Kaidee – a street cart in an alley of old Bangkok in 1988.
Since then, the recipes have remained largely unchanged and are full of bold flavours, inspired by centuries-old recipes from North-East Thailand.
The menu is extensive, and offers a wide variety of plant-based dishes, rooted in traditional Thai cuisine. Favourites include glass noodle salad, pumpkin hummus, and curry fried tofu.
The restaurant focuses on sourcing ingredients locally where possible, and also places great importance in choosing both organic and gluten-free ingredients.
May Kaidee also offers cookery courses and a cookbook.
215 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002 | maykaidee.com
14. Jerrell’s Betr Brgr
This fully plant-based burger joint is open late into the night, serving up a range of tasty burgers, fries, chilli, shakes, and soft-serve ice cream.
Jerrell’s Betr Brgr’s motto is to “live betr, eat betr, do betr, be betr” and the restaurant was born from the idea that small actions (like swapping beef burgers for plant-based alternatives) can make a big difference for our world.
Owner Jerrell Obee loves burgers, but he loves our planet more, so you can be sure that every delicious burger will be as environmentally-friendly as it is tasty.
117 6th Ave, New York, NY 10013 | jerrellsbetrbrgr.com
15. NY Dosas
While it’s not strictly a restaurant, we can’t not give a mention to NY Dosas, a vegan food cart operating out of Washington Square Park.
The cart offers gluten-free and vegan lunches featuring traditional South-Indian dishes. The main draw, dosas, are lentil and rice-based pancakes which are served with a variety of flavourful toppings. NY Dosas also serves up roti, samosa, and vegan soy drumsticks, along with a large variety of refreshing drinks.
If you fancy a quick lunch in the park, you won’t want to miss out on the ‘best dosa in New York’ from this bustling food cart. And if you’re lucky, you might even nab a selfie with owner Thiru ‘Dosa Man’ Kumar, too!
50 Washington Square S, New York, NY 10012 | nydosas.com
16. Franchia Vegan Cafe
Franchia Vegan Cafe is a sister restaurant to Hangawi, and offers a more casual dining experience while still serving up exquisite Korean vegan food.
Guests in the contemporary dining area can enjoy a quick bite to eat or a relaxing evening of dining out, with menu items ranging from light lunch salads to a decadent fixed menu for groups of ten or more.
The extensive menu offers a range of Asian fusion dishes, including ‘duck’ bibimbap, yakitori ‘galore’, and kimchi ramen.
12 Park Ave, New York, NY 10016 | franchia.com
17. SHŌSH
This Mediterranean wine bar In West Village is vegetarian, but offers plentiful vegan options. SHŌSH emphasises its ‘seed to table’ vegetable dishes, which are served alongside a selection of fine wines and handcrafted cocktails.
SHŌSH is inspired by Executive Chef Anat Sror’s mother, Shoshana, whose widely popular dishes are reflected in Chef Anat’s unique seasoning, charring, and marinating techniques that bring the restaurant’s handpicked ingredients to life.
The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday to Sunday, and serves brunch at weekends. Crafted with carefully-sourced, seasonal ingredients, the menus change frequently.
For dinner, expect dishes like spiced chickpea caesar salad, mixed mushroom risotto, or lentil ragu. After your meal, choose from a selection of sweet treats ranging from traditional halva to adaptogenic cake made with medicinal mushrooms. Brunch options include oyster mushroom-based ‘chicken’ and waffles, breakfast burrito stuffed with scrambled tofu and black beans, and fruity oat pancakes.
41 Greenwich Ave, NY 10014 | shosh.nyc
18. Willow
This vegan bistro in Chelsea offers elevated versions of American comfort food classics, made with high-quality plant-based ingredients.
The restaurant is kosher-certified as well as fully vegan, and offers a warm and inviting dining area. Dishes on the menu include truffle mac and ‘cheese’ with ‘bac’n’, seitan and oyster mushroom Philly cheesesteak, and avocado toast complete with a vegan poached egg.
199 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011 | willownewyork.com
19. Spring Cafe
Tucked away in Chinatown, Spring Cafe is a charming spot offering nutritious and flavourful vegan dishes with an Asian-American twist.
Spring Cafe was founded to fill a gap in inspiring vegan options within its community, delivering delicious, planet-friendly plant-based food.
The diverse menu features wholesome dishes, from hearty burgers to refreshing salads, with options for combo meals that include sides and drinks. Standout items include steamed bao buns with braised tofu skin, a vegan BBQ pork burger, and the Zhajiang noodle salad topped with braised vegan minced pork and tofu.
Spring Cafe also serves convenient bento boxes, available with tofu skin, salt-and-pepper vegan chicken, vegan fish fillet, or Beyond Meat, making for a filling and easy lunch.
Entirely vegan and free from onions and garlic to align with Buddhist dietary practices, Spring Cafe’s menu is as thoughtful as it is delicious.
Although this tiny cafe can get crowded, it’s worth a visit for the vibrant atmosphere and fresh, flavourful food.
153D Centre St New York, NY 10013 | springcafenyc.com
20. Coletta
For fresh and flavourful Italian vegan food look no further than Coletta.
This intimate dining room offers a wide menu of plant-based kosher meals, including all the Italian classics you’d expect to see, along with some you wouldn’t.
As well as a range of meat-free and veg-led pizzas and pasta dishes, diners can also enjoy ‘steak’ tartare, king oyster mushroom ‘calamari’, and sunchoke and ‘scallop’ risotto. Dessert-lovers won’t be disappointed either, as the menu features plenty of sweet treats, like Coletta tiramisu, strawberry panna cotta, and pistachio ice cream.
365 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016 | colettanyc.com
21. Double Zero
Double Zero is an international pizza chain, headed by plant-based chef Matthew Kenney.
Featuring pizzas made in a custom-built wood-burning oven, Double Zero aims to bring a healthy perspective to this popular fast food. Along with an extensive menu of pizzas, the restaurant also offers traditional Italian salads and pasta dishes, and a small selection of desserts.
65 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003 | doublezeronewyork.com
22. Ginger Root
Ginger root is a fully vegan restaurant in Manhattan, offering a range of Pan-Asian cuisine. Dishes include tofu pad Thai, ‘General T’ soy protein, smoked teriyaki seitan, and curry samosas.
The restaurant is a little out of the way, but offers friendly service and meals to takeaway as well as eat in.
1164 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10065 | gingerrootvegan.com
23. Urban Vegan Kitchen
Urban Vegan Kitchen is located in the West Village and serves up a range of American comfort food.
Along with its sister location, Urban Vegan Roots in Queens, Urban Vegan Kitchen offers plant-based versions of burgers, wings, quesadillas, and more.
It also offers a range of desserts, cocktails, mocktails, and even some gluten-free options.
265 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011 | urbanvegankitchen.com
24. PLNT Burger
This US chain offers indulgent and uplifting plant-based fast food. Its menu boasts plenty of burger options, including a kid’s meal, plus chilli bowls, sides and soft-serve ice cream, all served up in fun, vibrant fast food packaging.
In New York, PLNT Burger has vegan restaurants in Union Square, Broadway, and Bryant Park.
Multiple NY Locations | plntburger.com
25. Candle
Candle is the latest in the long-standing Candle group of restaurants, with its chefs combining decades of experience into its finely honed vegan dishes. Over 30 years ago, Candle Cafe East first began serving healthy, cruelty food to the people of New York City.
This was followed by the opening of upscale Candle 79 in 2003 and, eventually, Candle Cafe West on the Upper West Side. However, the chain ultimately dissolved after Candle Cafe West shut down in 2019, followed by Candle 79’s closure later that same year due to soaring Manhattan rents. Candle Cafe East soldiered on through much of the COVID 19 pandemic in 2020, offering takeout and delivery services until it, too, eventually closed.
Fortunately, Candle returned to New York’s East Side in 2024, and is now a bustling, plant-powered pillar of the local community, serving brunch, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. On the menu, find sweet and savoury brunch items, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and more.
386 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016 | candlecafe.nyc
26. LuAnne’s Wild Ginger
With four vegan restaurants in New York, this pan-Asian eatery has a lot to offer!
With an extensive menu inspired by all Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese, there’s sure to be something to please all tastes.
LuAnne’s Wild Ginger also offers a plentiful gluten-free menu and a range of hot and cold drinks.
Multiple New York Locations | luanneswildginger.com
27. Caravan of Dreams
With an extensive menu of all organic, all vegan, kosher verified food options, this Bohemian restaurant is the place to be for healthy, wholesome vegan fayre.
Head over for brunch, lunch, or dinner, or even take away tasty options like the polenta platter, cashew lemon pasta, or raw California tostada.
With a fully stocked bar and regular live music events, you’re sure to have fun here.
405 E 6th St, New York, NY 10009 | caravanofdreams.net
28. Sen Saigon
Centrally located in New York City’s Lower East Side, Sen Saigon is the city’s premier location for vegan and kosher Vietnamese food. After starting out as a series of pop-ups across New York, the cosy, bustling restaurant serves a variety of all-vegan dishes to eat in, take away, or for delivery.
Vegan chef An Nguyen Hawks and her husband Eric are the masterminds behind Sen Saigon, sharing the vibrant, soulful flavours of Vietnam with a plant-based twist.
On the menu, expect to findlassic Vietnamese dishes like pho, bahn mi, and summer rolls. For dessert, choose from a vegan custard flan with caramel, or a traditional Vietnamese sticky rice dessert with tapioca and corn.
150 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002 | sensaigon.com
29. Next Level Veggie Grill (currently Next Level Burger)
Next Level Veggie Grill is the new name for all Next Level Burger restaurants, with the new name rolling out throughout summer 2026. The Brooklyn location is still Next Level Burger at time of writing, serving mainly burgers, along with a range of sides, snacks, and desserts.
The chain’s new Veggie Grill menu truly brings its food to the ‘next level’, offering a pared-back version of its classic burger menu with a variety of ‘All-American vegan’ dishes. Choose from tacos, burritos, buddha bowls and more, all loaded with delicious plant-based ingredients from crispy glazed tofu to juicy vegan ‘steak’.
Sweet-toothed vegans won’t leave disappointed either, as they’ll be spoiled for choice with cake, cookies, sundaes, and more on the dessert menu, and plenty of shakes and smoothies to drink.
292 Ashland Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11217 | nextlevelvg.com
30. Next Stop Vegan
ll aboard for 100% vegan comfort food! Next Stop Vegan is making it easy to eat ‘like a vegan’.
This Dominican- and Latin-inspired restaurant offers kosher-certified plant-based food from an extensive menu. With burgers, burritos, and mofonguitos, there’s something to suit all tastes at NSV.
88 Livingston Street, NY 11201 or 1636 Saint Nicholas Avenue, NY 10040 | nextstopvegan.com
31. Slutty Vegan
This black-owned burger joint is bursting with attitude – and great-tasting vegan food.
Its menu sports naughtily named meals like the ‘ménage à trois’ burger – with vegan bacon and vegan shrimp – or the ‘Hollywood hooker’ Philly cheesesteak sub, all served with a side of ‘slutty fries’.
With its bold, tongue-in-cheek marketing and infamously tasty food, Slutty Vegan has become a global sensation and with two New York locations, there’s plenty of opportunity to check it out.
690 Fulton St NY 11217 or 300 West 135th St, NY 10027 | sluttyveganatl.com
32. Ladybird
This ‘vegetable bar’ offers innovative vegan tapas dishes in which vegetables take centre stage.
Ladybird offers a seasonally rotating menu, so there’s plenty to enjoy whenever you visit. With menu items like Tempura Avocado, Eggplant Tonkatsu Sandwiches, and Matcha Tres Leches for dessert, it can be hard to choose a favourite.
But, the bar’s Mac and Cheese shouldn’t be missed – some say it’s ‘the best they’ve ever had’!
111 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009 | ladybirdny.com
33. Anixi
Anixi means ‘spring’ in Greek, and the fresh and abundant ingredients of the season inspired the name of this vegan Mediterranean restaurant.
Serving aesthetically pleasing meals inspired by Greek, Turkish, Syrian and Lebanese cuisine, this classy joint is popular amongst New York foodies.
With dishes including Wild Mushroom Kabobs, Kachapuri flatbread pizza, and a startlingly realistic Arak Cured ‘Salmon’, the menu is full of vibrant flavours.
290 8th Ave, New York, NY 10001 | anixinyc.com
34. Ras Plant Based
This pioneering Ethiopian eatery serves vibrant, innovative dishes through its ever-evolving menu. By blending classic recipes with seasonal ingredients and modern techniques, Ras Plant Based creates a captivating dining experience every time.
The menu showcases an array of traditional Ethiopian dishes alongside creative twists, like the Timatim Fitfit Salad, a refreshing mix of diced tomato, onion, jalapeño, and shredded injera in a zesty lime vinaigrette.
Beyond more traditional lentil, yellow split pea, and chickpea-based dishes, diners can enjoy Ethiopian-inspired creations made with tofu, seitan, and pea protein crumbles, offering a fresh take on plant-based dining.
Owners Chef Romeo and Milka Regalli are deeply committed to community, and their Brooklyn and West Village locations are much more than restaurants. They are vibrant community spaces rooted in care, connection, and the joy of shared, plant-based nourishment.
Ras is, as they describe, not just a place to eat; it’s a testament to family love, resilience, and an unshakeable belief in food’s power to transform lives.
739 Franklin Ave Brooklyn, NY 11238 | rasplantbased.com
35. Orchard Grocer
More than just a grocery store, Orchard Grocer is also a popular vegan eatery that specialises in hearty, wholesome sandwiches.
Though the cosy space has limited seating, the takeaway options are top-notch, ensuring a tasty meal on the go. You can also easily order takeout or local delivery online.
Orchard’s menu is impressive, with vegan takes on classic sandwiches that are even better than the originals. Try the ‘Rocko’ BLT, featuring house-made tempeh bacon and fresh mixed greens, with an optional avocado boost for extra nourishment.
And the sandwiches aren’t limited to regular bread here – you’ll find tasty creations served on bagels and even flaky croissants.
Orchard Grocer’s offerings extend beyond sandwiches, with a selection of salads, sides, sweet treats, and delicious soft serve ice cream.
Perfect for New Yorkers and visitors alike, this one-stop spot is ideal for a filling lunch and a quick stock-up on vegan essentials.
78 Orchard St New York, NY 10002 | orchardgrocer.com
Original source: https://www.veganfoodandliving.com
